CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 History Set 7 with Solutions

Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 History with Solutions Set 7 are designed as per the revised syllabus.

CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 History Set 7 with Solutions

Time Allowed: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

Question paper comprises five Sections – A, B, C, D and E. There are 34 questions in the question paper. All questions are compulsory.

Section A – Question 1 to 21 are MCQs of 1 mark each.
Section B – Question no. 22 to 27 are Short Answer Type Questions, carrying 3 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 60-80 words.
Section C – Question no 28 to 30 are Long Answer Type Questions, carrying 8 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 300-350 words
Section D – Question no.31 to 33 are Source based questions with three sub questions and are of 4 marks each
Section E – Question no. 34 is Map based, carrying 5 marks that includes the identification and location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book.

Section – A (21 Marks)

Question 1.
Which of these Buddhist texts dealt with political matters? [1]
(A) Vinaya Pitaka
(B) Sutta Pitaka
(C) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(D) Tipitaka
Answer:
(C) Abhidhamma Pitaka

Explanation: The famous AbhidhammaPitaka dealt with the political matters.

Question 2.
Identify the given image: [1]

$C:\Users\user 123\Downloads\CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 History Set 7 with Solutions Q 2.png$

(A) Manikkavachakar
(B) Karaikkal Ammaiyar
(C) Kannagi
(D) Draupadi
Answer:
(A) Manikkavachakar

Explanation: The given image is of Manikkavachkar.

Question 3.
Consider the following statements about Salt Satyagraha: [1]
(i) It was launched as a protest to a disliked law of British rule.
(ii) It started on March 12,1930.
(iii) It started from Surat Ashram.
(iv) It turned out to be unsuccessful as Gandhi was arrested before reaching the sea.
State which of the above statements are correct:
(A) Only (i)
(B) (i) and (ii)
(C) (i), (ii) and (iv)
(D) None of these
Answer:
(B) (i) and (ii)

Question 4.
____________ is the title of the story which is a dialogue between Avantiputta and Kachchana. [1]
(A) Majjhima Nikaya
(B) Mudrarakshasa
(C) Silappadikaran
(D) Manimegalai
Answer:
(A) Majjhima Nikaya

Explanation: The title of the story which had the conversation between Avantiputta and Kachchana was MajjhimaNikaya.

Question 5.
Where did Mahatma Gandhi originally start the Satyagraha movement? [1]
(A) Champaran
(B) South Africa
(C) Banaras
(D) Gujarat
Answer:
(B) South Africa

Explanation: It was in South Africa, that Gandhi started the Non-Violence protest known as Satyagraha.

Question 6.
Which of these in a temple have a single doorway for the worshipper to enter and offer worship to the image? [1]
(A) Garbagriha
(B) Vimana
(C) Mandapa
(D) Shikhara
Answer:
(A) Garbagriha

Explanation: The Garbagriha is that part of the temple where the main deity is located.

Question 7.
From the given pairs, which one is NOT correctly matched? [1]
(A) Karaikkal: Shaiva
(B) Basavanna: Virashaiva
(C) Mirabai: Sufi
(D) Khwaja Chishti: Sufi
Answer:
(C) Mirabai: Sufi

Explanation: Mirabai was not a Sufi saint. She belonged to the Bhakti tradition and was devotee of Lord Krishna.

Question 8.
Who wrote Rihla? [1]
(A) Ibn Batuta
(B) Abdur Razzaq
(C) Bernier
(D) FaHien
Answer:
(A) Ibn Batuta

Explanation: Rihla was the travel account of IbnBatuta

Question 9.
Why the land bought by the Santhals was slipping away from their hands? [1]
(A) Bad cultivation of crops
(B) Exorbitantly high taxes imposed by British
(C) Due to internal conflicts
(D) Due to fighting with other tribes
Answer:
(B) Exorbitantly high taxes imposed by British

Explanation: The Santhals were losing the lands due to the high rents/taxes imposed by the Zamindars on them.

Question 10.
Why did Mahatma Gandhi support the Khilafat issue? [1]
(A) To protest against Jallianwala Bagh incident
(B) To protest against Salt law
(C) To unite Hindu-Muslim
(D) None of these
Answer:
(C) To unite Hindu-Muslim

Explanation: Gandhiji planned that by combining Non-Cooperation with Khilafat Movements, India’s two major religious groups Hindus and Muslims could collectively bring an end to colonial rule.

Question 11.
Which of these statements is correct? [1]
(A) The Early Harappan culture has no evidences of agriculture and was primarily nomadic.
(B) Some of the settlements were large than some of the present day modern towns.
(C) There is evidence of large scale burning at some sites.
(D) None of the settlements were abandoned by Harappans.
Answer:
(C) There is evidence of large scale burning at some sites.

Explanation: Many of the sites of the Harappan Civilisation has evidence of large scale burning.

Question 12.
Which of these statements is correct? [1]
(A) Mohenjodaro was the first discovered site of Indus Valley civilisation.
(B) Mohenjodaro is the most well-known site of Indus Valley civilisation.
(C) Mohenjodaro was divided into Citadel, Upper Town and Lower Town.
(D) Upper Town was larger than Lower Town.
Answer:
(A) Mohenjodaro was the first discovered site of Indus Valley civilisation.

Explanation: The most well known site of the Indus Valley Civilisation is the Mohenjo-Daro.

Question 13.
Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other labelled as Reason (R). [1]
Assertion (A): Early texts suggest that there were sixteen states known as Mahajanapadas.
Reason (R): The lists are same as per Buddhists and Jaina texts
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false but R is true.
Answer:
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation: As per the Buddhist and Jain scriptures there was the existence of sixteen Mahajanapadas.

Question 14.
Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other labelled as Reason (R). [1]
Assertion (A): The Brahamanas used to recite hymns from the Rigveda known as ” Purusha Sukta.”
Reason (R): These hymns establishe the supremacy of the Brahmins based on divinity.
Choose the correct answer from the following:
(A) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are correct, and R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
(D) A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Answer:
(A) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation: The Brahmins recited the hymns from the Rigveda to establish their supremacy.

Question 15.
Consider the following events: [1]
(i) Cabinet Mission
(ii) Cripps Mission
(iii) Khilafat Movement
(iv) Pakistan Resolution
The correct chronological order of these events is:
(A) (iv), (iii), (ii), (i)
(B) (iv), (iii), (i), (ii)
(C) (iii), (iv), (i), (ii)
(D) (iii), (iv), (ii), (i)
Answer:
(D) (iii), (iv), (ii), (i)

Question 16.
Consider the following statements: [1]
(i) Lord Jagannath has been depicted here with his sister Subhadra and brother Balaram.
(ii) Lord Jagannath has been depicted here with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. Choose the correct option:
(A) Only (i) is correct
(B) Both (i) and (ii) are correct.
(C) Only (ii) is correct.
(D) Neither (i) nor (ii) is correct
Answer:
(D) Neither (i) nor (ii) is correct

Question 17.
Which of these statements is correct? [1]
(A) Early Bhakti movements were led by Alvars and Nayanars.
(B) The Alvars were devotees of Shakti.
(C) The Nayanars were devotees of Vishnu.
(D) Sufis were not a part of the Islamic world.
Answer:
(A) Early Bhakti movements were led by Alvars and Nayanars.

Question 18.
Who introduced the Permanent Settlement Act? [1]
(A) Lord Munro
(B) Lord Cornwallis
(C) Francis Buchanan
(D) Charles Reed
Answer:
(B) Lord Cornwallis

Question 19.
Where did the early Bhakti movements originate from? [1]
(A) South India
(B) North India
(C) The West
(D) Both (A) and (C)
Answer:
(A) South India

Question 20.
Which of these conferences was organized by Congress to discuss the provisions of the Wavell Plan? [1]
(A) Shimla Conference
(B) Lahore Conference
(C) Bengal Conference
(D) Bombay Conference
Answer:
(A) Shimla Conference
Explanation: The Shimla Conference was organised to discuss the provisions put forwarded in the Wavell Plan.

Question 21.
Which one of the following townships was founded by Krishnadeva Raya near Vijayanagara? [1]
(A) Negapattnam
(B) Naglapuram
(C) Raichur
(D) Kannanur Kupam
Answer:
(B) Naglapuram

Explanation: Krishnadeva Raya founded a suburban township called Naglapuram near Vijayanagar.

Section – B (18 Marks)

Question 22.
Examine the evidences found by the archaeologist B. B. Lai after excavation at a village named Hastinapur in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. [3]
OR
“The Mahabharata is a dynamic book.” Explain.
Answer:
Lal found evidence of five occupational levels.
(1) The houses in the second phase had no definite plan (c. 12th century-7th century BCE).
(2) Walls of mud and mud bricks were duly encountered in the second phase.
(3) The mud plaster with prominent reed marks suggested that some houses had reed walls plastered with mud.
(4) For the third phase, houses were built of mud bricks as well as burnt bricks (c. 6th century-3rd century BCE).
(5) Brick drains were used for draining out refuse water while terracotta ring-wells may have been used both as wells and as drainage pits.

(1) The Mahabharata is a great dynamic epic. It contains vivid descriptions of battles, forests, palaces and settlements. Its growth was not hindered by its language, that is, Sanskrit. Over the centuries, it has been written in many languages of the world. It depicts an on-going dialogue between the people and communities on the one hand and the authors on the other hand.
(2) As it incorporated many stories that originated in different regions, the Mahabharata became an epic text. At the same time, the main story of the epic was often retold in different ways. Many episodes of this text had been depicted in sculptures and paintings.
(3) They also provide a wide range of themes and performing arts like plays, dances and narratives.

Question 23.
Mention the two rules about the classification of people in terms of ‘Gotra’ under Brahmanical practice around 1000 BCE onwards. [3]
Answer:
(1) Each Gotra was named after a Vedic seer. For example, Vishwamitra, Gautama.
(2) Women were expected to give up their father’s gotra and adopt their husband’s Gotra after marriage.
(3) Members of the same Gotra cannot marry.

Question 24.
Examine the repressive measures adopted by the British to subdue the rebels of 1857. [3]
Answer:
The British did not have an easy time against the rebellion. To reconquer North India, the British passed a number of laws to help them kill the insurgency. They passed Material Law by which the ordinary processes of law and trial were suspended and the rebellions were sentenced to death only as punishment. The military officers and ordinary British were given the power to punish the suspected Indians. The British also recognised the symbolic value of Delhi and mounted a two-pronged attack.

One force moved from Calcutta into North India and the other from Punjab to reconquer Delhi. By September 1857, the city was finally captured. In the Gangetic plains, the British forces had to reconquer the area, village by village and the British used military power on a large scale. In large parts of the present day Uttar Pradesh, the British dispossessed the rebel landowners and the loyal landowners were rewarded. Many landowners died fighting the British or they escaped into Nepal, where they died of starvation or illness.

Question 25.
Why is Al-Biruni’s text Kitab-ul-Hind considered as a voluminous text? [3]
Answer:
Al-Biruni’s text Kitab-ul-Hind was considered a voluminous text because:
It was divided into 80 chapters. It included subjects like philosophy, festivals, astronomy, archery, manners, customs, social life, etc. Al-Biruni adopted a distinctive structure in each chapter starting with question, then a description on Sanskrit traditions and finally a comparison with other cultures.

Question 26.
Point out one similarity and one dissimilarity between Lingayats and Nayanars. [3]
Answer:
Similarity: Both of them worshipped Lord Shiva and both were against caste system.
Dissimilarity: Nayanars were not confined to any particular region while the Lingayats were majorly based in Karnataka. Lingayats communicated in Kannada and Nayanars in Tamil.

Question 27.
During the independence movement what was the opinion of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi on the subject of separate electorates for the depressed classes? [3]
OR
What were the three different lists that were envisaged in the constitution for the separation of powers?
Answer:
The two leaders have varying opinions on this subject:
• Dr B.R. Ambedkar was in the support of separate electorates for the depressed classes as he felt they are discriminated against by the upper caste people.
• Gandhiji on the other hand was against the separate electorates as he felt that it will further the gap between the upper castes and the depressed classes.

The draft of the Constitution created three lists Central List, State List and the Concurrent List.
• The subjects in the Central List were to be managed by the Central government and the subjects in the State List were to be managed by the State government.
• The subjects of the Concurrent List were to be managed by both the state and the central governments.

Section – C (24 Marks)

Question 28.
What are the shortcomings of evidences collected about the past from the inscriptions of that period? Discuss with particular reference to inscriptions of the Mauryan period. [8]
OR
Explain the development of Mahayana Buddhism. How did Buddha teach the path of righteous living or Dhamma to society? Elaborate.
Answer:
The Ashoka’s inscriptions give the following information about the Mauryas:
(1) King Ashoka had used the inscriptions to proclaim what he understood to be Dhamma.
(2) It included respecting elders, being generous towards Brahmans and those who had renounced worldly life.
(3) To treat slaves and servants kingly and respect for religions and traditions other than one’s own.
Limitations of inscriptions as evidences:

Sometimes, the letters are very faintly engraved and therefore, there is uncertainty of reconstructions, the inscriptions may be damaged or may be even letters missing. It is not always easy to be sure about the exact meaning of the words used in the inscriptions, some may be specific to a particular place or time. This kept scholars constantly debating and discussing.

Although several thousand inscriptions had been discovered, not all had been deciphered, published and translated. Besides many more inscriptions must have existed, which have not survived the ravages of time. Hence, whatever is available at the present is just a fraction of what was inscribed.

Everything that was considered politically and economically significant was not recorded in inscription. This is one of the major issues like, the joys and sorrows of the common man are not mentioned. Besides, the content of the inscription project the perspective of the commissioning person. Thus, epigraphy does not provide a full understanding of political and economic history for which historians have often questioned, both old and new evidences.

Mahayana Buddhism:
The idea of a saviour emerged. Buddha was regarded as God, the one who could ensure salvation.
Those who adopted these beliefs were described as Mahayana or the “greater vehicle”. In Mahayana, it was the savior who could ensure salvation. Simultaneously, the concept of the Boddhisattas (Buddha in the previous birth), also developed.

Mahayana worshipped Buddha as God. Mahayana worshipped the images of Buddha and Boddhisattas. Boddhisattas were perceived as deeply compassionate beings who accumulated merit through their efforts not to attain nirvana but to help others. Boddhisattas were those kind personalities who had accumulated Dharma by their Dharma for achieving nibbana but to help others.

The worship of images of Buddha and Boddhisattas became an important part of Mahayana tradition. Buddha’s teachings were very simple. Anybody could attain Nirvana by following the eightfold path. Buddha did not believe in the caste system and royal patronage made a remarkable contribution in spread of Buddhism.

Question 29.
How had Al-Biruni described the caste system prevalent in India in his book? Did he approve or disapprove the then prevalent caste system? [8]
OR
Identify the rituals and practices associated with the Mahanavami Dibba, a structure in the Royal Centre of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Answer:
Al-Biruni’s creation was Kitab-ul-Hind also known as Tahrik-e-Hind and it was written in Arabic language. He disapproved the notion of the Indian caste system. He accepted the Brahmanical description of caste system and his views were deeply influenced by his study of Sanskrit books and the views of Brahmanas. He did not accept the notion of pollution and said that state of impurity does not stay forever. His views were against the caste system as God considers everyone equally.

Al-Biruni described the Caste System in the following manner :
(1) Al-Biruni compared the caste system in India to social system in other places and said it was not unique in India.
(2) Accepted the Brahmanical description of the caste system in detail.
(3) Disapproved the notion of pollution and called it contrary to the law of nature.
(4) He observed that in real the different Varnas lived together and mixed with each other in towns and villages.
(5) He noted that in ancient Persia, four categories were recognised, i.e., Knights and princes, monks, priests, and lawyers, physicians, astronomers, artisans and scientists.
(6) In Islam, all men were considered equal differing only in their piety.

Located in one of the highest points on the city, the “Mahanavami Dibba” is a massive platform rising from a base of about 11000 sq. ft. to a height of 40 ft. It was supported by the wooden structure and with relief carvings. Rituals associated with the structure probably coincided with Mahanavami (literally the great ninth day) on the ten-day of the Hindu festival during the autumn month of September and October, known variously as Dushhera (northern India), Durga Puja (in Bengal) and Navaratri or Mahanavami (in Peninsular India).

The Vijayanagara kings displayed their prestige, power and superiority on this occasion. The ceremonies performed on the occasion included worship of the image, worship of the state house, and the sacrifice of buffaloes and other animals. Dancers, wrestling matches, and processions of horses, elephants, chariots and soldiers, as well as ritual presentations before the king and his guests by the chief nayakas and subordinate kings marked the occasion.

These ceremonies were imbibed with deep symbolic meanings. On the last day of the festival, the king inspected his army and the armies of the nayakas in a grand ceremony in an open field. On this occasion, the nayakas brought rich gifts to the kings. However, scholars point out that the space surrounding the structure does not have adequate space for elaborate processions of men, women and animals. It remains an enigma, like the other structures of the royal palace.

Question 30.
What were the main styles of architecture used by the colonial rule for construction of public buildings? [8]
OR
Explain how the Constitution of India protects the rights of the Central and the State Governments.
Answer:
For Public buildings, three architectural styles were used by the British in India :
The Neo-Classical Style: The Neo-Classical or the new classical style had several features. It comprised constructions of geometrical structures fronted with raised pillars. This style was adopted from the buildings of Ancient Rome. The British wanted to display Grandeur of Imperial Rome. This architectural style was found suitable for tropical weather of India. The Town Hall in Bombay was built in this style.

The New-Gothic Style: The building constructed in the Neo-Gothic architectural style had high pitched roofs, pointed arches and extensive decoration. This style was adopted in the construction of the churches in northern Europe during the medieval period. It was again revived in England in the mid 19th century. It was the time when the Bombay Government was building important Government buildings like the Secretariat, the High Court and the University of Bombay. Few Indians also gave money for construction.

For example, Sir CowasjeeJehnagir donated to build the University Hall. He was a rich Parsi merchant. In the same way, Premchand Roychand funded the making of the University Library Clock Tower. This tower was named after his mother as Rajabai Tower. Indian Merchants also liked the Neo-Gothic Style because they believed that the building styles of British were also progressive, like their ideas and it would help convert Bombay into a modern city.

The most spectacular and bewitching example of the Neo-Gothic Style is the Victoria Terminus, the Station and Headquarters of the Railway Stations in city because they were proud of themselves that they had built an All-India Railway Network. Central Bombay was a group of these buildings. Their uniform Neo-Gothic Style gave a special character to the city.

Indo-Saracenic Style: A new hybrid architectural style was developed in the beginning of the 20th century, which was a mixture of the Indo European style. This style was given the name of Indo-Saracenic style. The word ‘Indo’ was a short form of ‘Hindu’ and the word ‘Saracen’ was used by Europeans to designate Muslims.

This style was inspired by the medieval buildings in India with their domes, chhatris, jalis, arches, etc. By integrating Indian Style with European style, British wanted to express that they are the legitimate and natural rulers of India. In 1911, the Gateway of India was built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary to India. It is the most famous example of the traditional Gujarati style. The famous Industrialist Jamsedji Tata built the hotel TajMahal in a similar style.

The Constitution of India protects the rights of the Central Government and the State :

The rights of the Central and State Governments were debated vigorously in the Constituent Assembly.
J. L. Nehru argued for a strong centre.
The draft Constitution provided for three lists of subjects: Union, State and Concurrent.
The subjects in the first list were to be the power of the Central Government, the second list for the State Government and the Third list was for Centre and State.
Article 356 gave the powers to the Centre to take over a state administration on the basis of there commendation of the Governor.
The Constitution mandated for a complex system of Fiscal Federalism.
K. Santhanam defended the rights of the states and demanded a real-location of powers.
His argument was that if the centre was overburdened with responsibilities, it could not function effectively.
Several other arguments were put forward for the effective functioning of the federation.
The argument for greater power to the provinces provoked a strong reaction in the Assembly. It was felt that the powers of the Centre had to be greatly strengthened to enable it to stop the communal frenzy.
Balakrishna Sharma reasoned that a strong Centre could plan for the well-being of the country, mobilise the available economic resources, establish a proper administration and defend the country against foreign aggression.
Ambedkar also wanted a strong united Centre.
Gopalaswamilyenger wanted the same.

Section – D (12 Marks)

Question 31.
Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]
The system of varnas
This is Al-Biruni’s account of the system of varnas:
The highest caste are the Brahmana, of whom the books of the Hindus tell us that they were created from the head of Brahman. And as the Brahmana is only another name for the force called nature, and the head is the highest part of the body, the Brahmana are the choice part of the whole genus. Therefore the Hindus consider them as the very best of mankind.

The next caste are the Kshatriya, who were created, as they say, from the shoulders and hands of Brahmana. Their degree is not much below that of the Brahmana. After them follow the Vaishya, who were created from the thigh of Brahman. The Shudra, who were created from his feet Between the latter two classed there is so very great distance. Much, however, as these classes differ from each other, they live together in the same towns and villages, mixed together in the same houses and lodgings.

(1) Why Brahmanas were considered superior?
(2) How did Al-Biruni disapprove the notion of caste pollution?
(3) Who lived together yet segregated? What impact did they have on the society?
Answer:
(1) Brahmanas and their superior status:
They were considered as the highest caste. The normative Sanskrit texts of the Hindus described that they were created from the head of Brahman. The Brahman is only another name for the force called nature, and the head is the highest part of the body, the Brahmanas are the source of the whole genus. Therefore, the Hindus consider them as the very best of mankind.

(2) Al-Biruni disapproved the notion of caste pollution:
He considered every caste as equal. Explanation of caste hierarchy was against the law of nature. He considered this system as social pollution as it was based on social apprehension.

(3)They lived together yet segregated. Brahmanas and Kshatriyas had strong bonding as Brahmanas were the teacher to the Kshatriyas, whereas, Vaishyas were the merchant class and Shudras were considered as untouchables who were discriminated by all the Vedas.

First three classes followed the Vedic rituals and Brahmanical practices, there was no great distance. However, all the classes differed from each other. They all lived in the same towns and villages and mixed together for providing services. Shudras were ill-treated and were not allowed to mix in the society.

Question 32.
Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]
The child sati
This is perhaps one of the most poignant descriptions by Bernier:
At Lahore I saw a most beautiful young window sacrificed, who could not, I think, have been more than twelve years of age. The poor little creature appeared more dead than alive when she approached the dreadful pit: the agony of her mind cannot be described: she trembled and wept bitterly; but three or four of the Brahmanas, assisted by an old woman who held her under the arm, forced the unwilling victim towards the fatal spot, seated her on the wood, tied her hands and feet, lest she should run away, and in that situation the innocent creature was burnt alive. I found it difficult to repress my feeling and to prevent their
(1) Why did Bernier consider the treatment as a crucial marker of the difference between Western and Eastern societies?
(2) What role did the Indian patriarchal society play towards this social evil?
(3) Compare the condition of the women of that era with today’s situation.
Answer:
(1) Bernier considered this treatment as a crucial marker of difference between Western and Eastern societies :
In the Western societies, women took part in administration but in the Eastern societies, women were exploited boldly. Women enjoyed rights in the Western society while no rights were given to them in the Eastern society. Women received education in the West but in the Eastern society, there was no education and many social evils like sati, purdah system and child marriage existed.

Eastern societies are male centric while Western societies are free from gender bias. It was male-dominated society where women had no rights and were ill-treated, discriminated and confined to the house. Social inequalities were prominent and thus led to these social evils.

(2) It was male-dominated society where women had no rights and were ill-treated, discriminated and confined to the house. Social inequalities were prominent and thus led to these social evils.

(3) Comparison of the conditions of women: In the medieval era, women had no rights but today sati and slavery have been abolished. Today’s women are well educated and assertive. In this era, there is women empowerment. She has economic, social and political rights.

Gandhiji was disappointed to see the communal violence on the eve of Partition of India city unchallenged and unchecked. He appealed to the political parties for communal harmony.

Question 33.
Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]
“A voice in the wilderness”
Mahatma Gandhi knew that his was “a voice in the wilderness” but he nevertheless continued to oppose the idea of Partition:
But what a tragic change we see today. I wish the day may come again when Hindus and Muslims will do nothing without mutual consultation. I am day and night tormented by the question what I can do to hasten the coming of that day. I appeal to the League not to regard any Indian as its enemy. Hindus and Muslims are born of the same soil.

They have the same blood, eat the same food, drink the same water and speak the same language. firmly convinced that the Pakistan demand as put forward by the Muslim League is un-Islamic and I have not hesitated to call it sinful. Islam stands for the unity and brotherhood of mankind, not for disrupting the oneness of the human family. Therefore, those who want to divide India into possible warring groups are enemies alike of Islam and India. They may cut me to pieces but they cannot make me subscribe to something which I consider to be wrong.

(1) Highlight the concern of Mahatma Gandhi on the idea eve of Partition.
(2) “Mahatma Gandhi knew that his voice was a voice in the wilderness.” Analyse the reasons behind it.
(3) How did Gandhiji try to restore communal harmony amongst the masses of India?
Answer:
(1) Gandhiji was disappointed to see the communal violence on the eve of Partition of India city unchallenged and unchecked. He appealed to the political parties for communal harmony.
(2) He knew that political parties and communal fundamentalist will not listen to his plea for unity but then also he tried to bring harmony.
He wanted peace and integration but the condition was miserable.
(3) Gandhiji combined religiosity with reason. He gave importance to tolerance, love and non-violence which would totally negate religious nationalism and exclusivity approach. Appeal to the League not to regard any Indian as its enemy. Hindus and Muslims are born of the same soil. They have the same blood, eat the same food, drink the same water and speak the same language.

Section – E (5 Marks)

Question 34.
(i) On the given political outline map of India, locate and label the following appropriately : [5]
(a) Lothal – a Mature Harappan site.
(b) Cheras – a kingdom during 600 BCE to 600 CE.
(c) Maharashtra – a region of Maratha Empire.
OR
Bodh Gaya: A famous site for Buddhists.
(ii) On the same political outline map of India, two places which are major Buddhist sites have been marked as A and B. Identify them and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them.
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Answer: