CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 History Set 9 with Solutions

Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 History with Solutions Set 9 are designed as per the revised syllabus.

CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 History Set 9 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.

1. Section A – Question no. 1 to 21 are MCQs of 1 mark each.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Section D – Question no. 31 to 33 are Source based questions with three sub questions and are of 4 marks each.
5. 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.
Under the Permanent Settlement Act the rent taken from the peasants was fixed by the ______. [1]
(A) Company officials
(B) Zamindars
(C) Peasants themselves
(D) Village Headmen
Answer:
(B) Zamindars

Explanation: Under the Permanent Settlement Act the rents were fixed by the Zamindars.

Question 2.
Identify the following character from the given image: [1]

(A) Lord Cornwallis
(B) Lord William Bentinck
(C) Lord Dalhousie
(D) Lord Minto
Answer:
(A) Lord Cornwallis

Explanation: The given image is of the British Governor General Lord Cornwallis.

Question 3.
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 4.
Who founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal? [1]
(A) Alexander Cunningham
(B) William Jones
(C) R.D. Banerjee
(D) Warren Hastings
Answer:
(B) William Jones

Explanation: The famous Asiatic Society of Bengal was founded by the William Jones.

Question 5.
Which of these Buddhist texts has been written in Sri Lanka? [1]
(A) SuttaPitaka
(B) Dipavamsa
(C) Vinaya Pitaka
(D) Abhidhamma Pitaka
Answer:
(B) Dipavamsa

Explanation: The famous Buddhist text that was written in Sri Lanka was Dipavamsa.

Question 6.
When did the Jallianwala Bagh incident occur? [1]
(A) April 1909
(B) April 1929
(C) April 1939
(D) April 1919
Answer:
(D) April 1919

Question 7.
The first gold coins were issued by?
(A) Kushanas
(B) Mauryans
(C) Guptas
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(A) Kushanas

Explanation: The earliest gold coins in the ancient India was issued by the Kushanas.

Question 8.
Ashtadhyayi is a work on Sanskrit grammar written by ______. [1]
(A) Panini
(B) Sudraka
(C) Varahamira
(D) Vishakhadutta
Answer:
(A) Panini

Explanation: The famous grammar book Ashtadhyayi was written by Panini.

Question 9.
Consider the following statements about foreign travellers to India: [1]
(i) A1 Biruni came from Morocco
(ii) IbnBatuta came from Uzbekistan
(iii) Francois Bernier came from France.
(iv) Duarte Barbosa came from Great Britain.
State which of the above statements are correct:
(A) Only (i)
(B) Only (iii)
(C) (i) and (ii)
(D) (i), (ii) and (iv)
Answer:
(B) Only (iii)

Question 10.
Which of the following rumours spread concerning Gandhiji? [1]
I. He had been sent by the King to address the grievances of the farmers.
II. People believed that the powers of the Gandhiji were superior to the Monarch.
III. People started believing that the colonial administrators will flee the districts.
Choose the correct statements:
(A) I and II
(B) I, II and III
(C) I and III
(D) II and III
Answer:
(B) I, II and III

Question 11.
Al-Biruni studied the works of which of these Greek philosophers? [1]
(A) Solon
(B) Archimedes
(C) Plato
(D) None of these
Answer:
(C) Plato

Question 12.
Which of these inscriptions belonged to the famous Saka ruler “Rudramana”? [1]
(A) Allahabad Rock Inscription
(B) Junagadh Rock Inscription
(C) Mehrauli Rock Inscription
(D) Amaravati Rock Inscription
Answer:
(B) Junagadh Rock Inscription

Explanation: The Junagadh Rock inscription is dedicated to the famous Saka ruler Rudramana.

Question 13.
Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion(A) and the other labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion(A): TheAmara-NayakaSystemwasoneofthemajorpoliticalinnovationsof the Vijayanagara kingdom.
Reason (R): Many features of this system were derived from the Iqta system of Delhi Sultanate. [1]
(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:
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Explanation: The Vijayanagara Kingdom had several political influences of the Delhi Sultanate.

Question 14.
Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
Reason (R): Megasthenes wrote a famous book called “Indica.” [1]
Choose the correct statements:
(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.
(Q A is correct, but R is incorrect.
(D) A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Answer:
(B) Both A and R are correct, and R is not the correct explanation of A.

Explanation: Meghasthenes was the Greek ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya who wrote the famous book Indica.

Question 15.
Consider the following statements and select the correct from the following option: [1]
Consider the following statements about the Civil Disobedience movement in India?
I. Lawyers boycotted the British courts.
II. The peasants breached the colonial laws.
III. The factory workers went on strikes
Which of the following statements are correct?
(A) I, II and III
(B) II and III
(C) I and II
(D) I and III
Answer:
(A) I, II and III

Question 16.
What aspect of India did Al-Biruni want to understand? [1]
(A) Religion
(B) Caste system
(C) Language Diversity
(D) Vedas
Answer:
(B) Caste system

Question 17.
Which of these items were not found in the graves of the Harappan? [1]
(A) Jewellery
(B) Copper mirrors
(C) Pottery
(D) Books
Answer:
(D) Books

Explanation: The books were not discovered from the grave sites of the Harappan Civilisation.

Question 18.
Krishnadeva Raya defeated the Sultan of ______ in 1520 CE. [1]
(A) Golconda
(B) Bijapur
(C) Alwar
(D) Mewar
Answer:
(B) Bijapur

Explanation: The Sultan of Bijapur was defeated by Krishnadeva Raya, the famous Vijayanagara ruler.

Question 19.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Ibn Battuta’s book, Rihla? [1]
(A) This book is written in Persian.
(B) It provides rich and interesting details of the social and cultural life in the subcontinent.
(C) This book contains the travel experiences of the author.
(D) This book is an important source of knowledge.
Answer:
(B) It provides rich and interesting details of the social and cultural life in the subcontinent.

Explanation: Rihla is written in Arabic.

Question 20.
When did Ibn Battuta return home? [1]
(A) 1347 CE
(B) 1437 CE
(C) 1534 CE
(D) 1575 CE
Answer:
(A) 1347 CE

Question 21.
______ was the name given to the strongman of Zamindar and the person who wields the stick. [1]
(A) Lathyal
(B) Lathidar
(C) Lathait
(D) Lathinath
Answer:
(A) Lathyal

Explanation: Lathyals were the strongmen of the zamindars who showed their influence.

Section- B (18 Marks)

Question 22.
Examine the causes that made Al-Biruni visit India.
OR
Examine why Bernier was against the idea of crown ownership of land in Mughal India. [3]
Answer:
When Al-Biruni was held by Ghazni as a hostage, he disliked it but slowly he developed a liking for the city and it was in Ghazni that he developed an interest in India, which was not unusual. He had read Arabic translations of Indian work. Sanskrit works on astronomy, mathematics and medicine had been translated into Arabic eighth century onwards. He came to Punjab when it was part of Ghazni and contacted the local population to create an environment of mutual trust and understanding. Al- Biruni spent his time with the Brahmana priests and scholars learning Sanskrit and studying religious and philosophical texts.

OR

Bernier felt that Mughal India had crown ownership of land. He regarded crown ownership of land that was harmful to both the State and the people. The landowners could not pass their land to their children and also could not make a long-term investment to increase production. It also brought a decline in the living standard of the society, which is why Bernier considered crown ownership of land as disastrous.

Question 23.
Describe how Buddha’s teachings have been reconstructed from the stories of SuttaPitaka. [3]
Answer:
The Buddha’s teachings have been reconstructed from stories, found mainly in the Sutta Pitaka. According to Buddhist philosophy, the world is transient (anicca) and constantly changing. It is also soulless (anatta) as there is nothing permanent or eternal in it. Within this transient world, sorrow (dukkha) is intrinsic to human existence. By following the path of moderation between severe penance and self-indulgence that human beings can come out of these worldly troubles.

Buddha regarded the social world as the creation of humans rather than of divine origin. He advised kings and grahapatis to be human and ethical towards common people. The stories of Buddha describe his miraculous powers and reason rather than the display of supernatural power.

Question 24.
Why was Salt March noticed? Mention two reasons. [3]
Answer:
Salt March was notable for three reasons. The Salt tax was doubled in 1923 which fell heavily on the poor. It was illegal to prepare salt even from the sea water. So, Gandhi decided to break the salt law and this was the first non-violent civil disobedience movement in India. It was this event that first brought Mahatma Gandhi to world attention.

The March was widely covered by the European and American Press. Second, many women participated in large numbers and third, it made the British realise that they would not last forever and they have to devolve some powers to the Indians.

Question 25.
Describe the beliefs of Virashaiva tradition in Karnataka. [3]
Answer:
Virashaiva tradition in Karnataka:
The 12th century witnessed the emergence of a new movement in Karnataka, led by a Brahman, Basavanna, whose followers were known as Virashaiva or Lingayats. Lingayats believed that on death, the devotee will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world. They therefore did not practice funerary rites such as cremation but ceremonially buried by Brahman.

The Lingayats challenged the idea of caste and questioned the theory of rebirth. The Lingayats encouraged certain practices disapproved in the Dharmashastras such as post puberty marriages and the remarriage of the widows.

Question 26.
How have the prashastis drawn the factual information about the Gupta rulers? [3]
Answer:
Factual information from prashastis about the Gupta rulers could be drawn by: Various sources of information about the Gupta rulers can be reconstructed from literature, coins and inscriptions, including prashastis composed in praise of kings by poets while historians often attempt to draw.

Those who composed and read them, consider them as works of poetry rather than as accounts. The Prayaga Prashasti, also known as Allahabad Pillar Inscription was composed by Harishena in Sanskrit, For Example – The court poet of Samudragupta.

Question 27.
Discuss the special sets of demands that the linguistic minorities, religious minorities and the Dalits put forward in front of the Constituent Assembly?
OR
Explain the ideals introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru in the ‘Objectives Resolution’ that were kept in mind while framing the Constitution of India. [3]
Answer:
There were separate demands from the Constituent Assembly from every section of the country:
The Linguistic minorities wanted the protection of their mother tongue. The religious minorities wanted the right to freely follow their religion without any interference in their faith. The Dalits demanded an end to the discriminatory system of caste-based oppression. The demands for social and cultural rights were raised in almost every section of the country. There was a demand for equal political rights from every section such as the Universal Adult Franchise.

OR

The ‘Objectives Resolution’ proclaimed India to be Independent Sovereign Republic. Ultimate power was to be vested in Indian People. The Head of State or President was to be elected through an electoral college and his post will not be hereditary. Citizens were to be guaranteed Justice, Equality and Liberty. Citizens would not be discriminated on grounds of religion, caste or sex.

All will be equal before law and have equal opportunities to progress. Citizens have freedom of speech, expression and action. unreasonable restrictions were not be placed on them. Adequate provisions were provided for the welfare of the minorities, depressed classes and the tribals.

Section – C (24 Marks)

Question 28.
Describe in detail some of the most prominent reasons that led to the rise of the Magadha as the most powerful Mahajanapada?
OR
What are some of the most famous sources that helped in the reconstruction of Mauryan history? Mention the name of famous texts. [8]
Answer:
Some of the reasons for the rise of Magadha as a powerful Mahajanapada are:
The region of Magadha was very productive for the agricultural activities that ensured food sufficiency in the region. The iron mines were located at small distances in the present day Jharkhand. This ensured the supply of efficient tools and weapons. Elephants were the main components of the army that were available in the nearby forests. The tributaries of Ganga and the river itself helped in establishing effective communication for the kingdoms. Some of the most powerful rulers of those times like Ajatshastru, and Bimbisara controlled the region of Magadha.

OR

There are several inscriptions and books that tell us about the history of the Mauryans:
The sculptures excavated from various places provide deep insights into the Mauryan rule. The written accounts of Megasthenes who served as the ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya provide insights about the political and social life of the people. One of the most important sources of information was “Arthashastra” which was written by Chanakya. Buddhist, Jainas and Puranic literature provides lot of critical information about the Mauryans. The inscriptions of the Ashoka on the rock edicts and pillars are the most valuable sources for Mauryan history.

Question 29.
The rulers of Vijayanagara innovated and developed new traditions in the Virupaksha temple. Elaborate.
OR
How did India become a part of the Islamic world? How rulers who had faith in Islam, maintained a balance with their subjects? [8]
Answer:
The new traditions developed by the rulers of Vijayanagara in the Virupakshatemple :

1. The Virupaksha temple is an old temple dedicated to Shiva.
2. It was enlarged with the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire.
3. The hall in front of the main shrine was built by Krishnadeva Raya to mark his accession.
4. This was decorated with delicately carved pillars.
5. Gopurams, royal gateways that often dwarfed the towers on the central shrines and signalled presence of the temple.
6. Central shrine (garbhagriha)
7. There were Mandapas or pillared corridors in the temple.
8. Social Importance—Images of God were placed to witness special programmes of music, dance and dramas. These were used to celebrate the marriage of deities. Vijayanagara rulers/kings ruled on behalf of Lord Virupaksha.
9. Orders were signed in the name of Sri Virupaksha.
10. Rulers indicated close links with God using the title “Hindu Suratrana”.
11. Royal portraits and sculptures were also displayed in temples.
12. King’s visit to temples along with amaranayakas was an important occasion.
13. Chariot street.

OR

Arab merchants frequently came along the parts of the western coast in the first millennium C.E. During the same period, people from Central Asia came to the sub-continent and settled in the north-western parts. With the advent of Islam and from the 7th century onwards, these regions became a part of that world which is often termed as the Islamic world.

Establishment of Islamic Authority: In 711 C.E., an Arab General Muhammad Bin Qasim conquered Sindh and annexed to the domains of Caliph. Later on (around the 13th century) Turks and Afghans established the Delhi Sultanate. Gradually, Sultanate spread in Deccan and other parts of the subcontinent. The religion of most of the rulers in most of the regions was Islam. This situation remained till the establishment of the Mughal empire in the 16th century. Many regional kingdoms emerged in the 18th century and most of them had faith in Islam.

Maintaining balance with Subjects: Theoretically, Muslim rulers were supposed to be guided by the Ulemas. It was expected from Ulemas that they could ensure that they ruled according to the Shari’a. But the situation in the subcontinent was complicated because a large section of the population did not subscribe to Islam.

In this context, Zimmi, which means protected category, was developed. Zimmi word was used for the people who followed revealed scriptures like Jews and Christians living in the regions of Islamic rulers. These people paid a tax called Jizya. In lieu of that, they gained the right of protection by Muslim rulers. Hindus in India were also included among Zimmis. That is why rulers like Mughals regarded themselves as emperors of Muslims and of all peoples.

Actually, rulers generally adopted a fairly flexible policy towards their subjects. For example, many rulers gave land grants and tax exemptions to Jainas, Hindus, Zoroastrians, Christians, and Jewish religious institutions. They also expressed their respect toward non-Muslim religious leaders. These grants were given by many Mughal rulers including Akbar, Aurangzeb, etc.

Question 30.
“Partition of India had made nationalists fervently opposed to the idea of separate electorates.” Examine the statement.
OR
“Different groups expressed their desires in different ways and made different demands.” Support the statement with reference to the problem of separate electorate. [8]
Answer:
Opposition to the Idea of Separate Electorate

1. Nationalists were haunted by the continued civil war and riots during Partition days.
2. B. PockerBahadur made a strong plea for separate electorates for Muslims in the Constituent Assembly.
3. The idea of separate electorate provoked anger and dismay amongst most nationalists in the Constituent Assembly.
4. This was considered as a poison that entered into the body of politics.
5. It was seen as a measure introduced by the British to divide Indians.
6. This was the demand, which turned one community against other.
7. It divided people on communal levels. It strained relations and cause bloodshed.
8. This was harmful for the nation.
9. It was against the principle of democracy.
10. It was suicidal for the nation according to G. B. Pant.
11. To build political unity each group had to be assimilated within the nation.
12. Separate electorate could lead to divide loyalties and difficult to forge a strong nation and a strong state.
13. Isolating the minorities would deprive them of any effective say within the Government.

OR

On 27th August, 1947, B. Pocker Bahadur from Madras made a speech for continuing separate electorates where he mentioned that separate electorates for Muslims would ensure their electorates’ meaningful views be heard in the governance of the country. But many nationalists were angry on acceptance of demand.

Nationalist leaders severely opposed the idea of separate electorates. They were haunted by the possibility of riots, violence and civil war. Sardar Patel declared that the separate electorates will act as a poison that will enter the politics of our country. Govind Vallabh Pant also felt that the resolution was harmful not only for the nation but also for minorities and it would permanently isolate the minorities.

Even among the Muslims, not all supported the demand for separate electorates. For instance, Begam Aizaz Rasul, felt that separate electorates were self destructive, as they isolate the minorities from the majority. N.G. Ranga, a socialist leader of the peasant movement, while welcoming the Objective Resolution, urged that the word minority must be interpreted in economic terms. N.G. Ranga urged that the real minorities are the poor and the downtrodden and they need protection.

He also counted the tribals among minorities. Avatar Jaipal Singh was their representative in the Assembly. He didn’t ask for separate electorates but felt that the system of reservation of seats in Legislature was necessary to represent the tribals so that their voice is heard. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during the National Movement, demanded separate electorates for the depressed castes and Mahatma Gandhi opposed it, saying it would permanently segregate them from rest of the society.

Nagappa pointed out that numerically the depressed castes were not a minority and they formed 20% to 25% of the population. They were isolated as they had no education and no share in administration. After the partition violence, Ambedkar no longer argued for separate electorates and Assembly recommended that Untouchability should be abolished. Hindu temples were opened to all castes, while seats in legislature and jobs in government offices were reserved for lower castes. Many felt that law alone cannot solve all problems and social discrimination can change only if the attitudes of people change.

Section- D (12 Marks)

Question 31.
Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Fatalists and materialists?
Here is an excerpt from the Sutta Pitaka, describing a conversation between king Ajatasuttu, the ruler of Magadha, and the Buddha:
On one occasion King Ajatasattu visited the Buddha and described what another teacher, named Makkhali Gosala, had told him.
“Though the wise should hope, by this virtue by this penance I will gain karma and the fool should by the same means hope to gradually rid himself of his karma, neither of them can do it. Pleasure and pain, measured out as it were, cannot be altered in the course of samsara (transmigration). It can neither be lessened or increased just as a ball of string will when thrown unwind to its full length, so fool and wise alike will take their course and make an end of sorrow”.

And this is what a philosopher named Ajits Kesakambalin taught:
There is no such thing, O king, as alms or sacrifice, or offerings there is no such thing as this world or the next
(i) Explain what had Makkhali Gosala told the King Ajatasatru?
(ii) Explain what did the philosopher named Ajita Kesakambalin teach?
(iii) Describe the beliefs of fatalists [4]
Answer:
(i) Makkhali Gosala told the king, “Though the wise should hope by this virtue, by this penance & will gain Karma. Pleasure and pain measured out, as it were, cannot be altered in the course of samsara. It can neither be lessened nor increased to its full length, so fool and wise alike will take their course and make an end of sorrow.”

(ii) Ajita Kesakambaliln, a philosopher taught, “There is no such thing, O king, as alms or sacrifice or offerings. There is no such thing as this world or the next. The talk of gifts is a doctrine of fools. They do not survive after death”.

(iii) Fatalists believe that everything is predetermined and belongs to the tradition of the Ajivikas. Pleasure and pain, measured out as it were, cannot be altered in the course of samsara. It can neither be lessened nor increased.

Question 32.
Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Rituals and the real world
Here is a vachana composed by Basavanna:
When they see a serpent carved in stone they pour milk on it.
If a real serpent comes they say: “Kill. Kill.”
To the servant of the god who could eat if served they say: “Go away! Go away!”
But to the image of the god which cannot eat they offer dishes of food.
(i) Who was Basavanna?
(ii) Which cult and region did he belong to?
(iii) Describe Basavanna’s attitude towards rituals. [4]
Answer:
(i) Basavanna was a Brahmana (1106-68), initially a Jaina and a Minister in the Court of a Chalukya king.

(ii) He was from the Karnataka region and the cult that he started was known as Lingayats (Wearers of Linga) or Virashaivas (heroes of Lord Shiva).

(iii) Lingayats believed that after death, the devotee will be united with Shiva. So, they do not practice funeral rites like cremation, instead, they bury their dead. They were against the caste system and approved post puberty marriage and widow remarriage.

Question 33.
Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
A newspaper report
The following report, titled The ryot and the moneylender’, appeared in the Native Opinion (6 June, 1876), and was quoted in Report of the Native Newspapers of Bombay:
They (the ryots) first place spies on the boundaries of their villages to see if any Government officers come, and to give timely intimation of their arrival to the offenders. They then assemble in a body and go to the houses of their creditors, and demand from them a surrender to their bonds and other documents, and threaten them in case of refusal with assault and plunder. If any Government officer happens to approach the villages where the above is taking place, the spies give intimation to the offenders and the latter disperse in time.
(i) Describe how Ryots took control over the moneylenders?
(ii) Explain the measures taken by the Ryots to save themselves.
(iii) Explain why Ryots resorted to robbing the moneylenders? [4]
Answer:
(i) Since the Ryots were more in number, they took control over moneylenders by the representation of larger numbers. They used to demand the moneylenders to surrender the bonds and threatened them with assault and plunder.

(ii) The Ryots had their spies stationed at the outskirts of a village who would inform the Ryots of The arrival of any British officials. In case the officials were approaching the place where the agitation against moneylenders was taking place, the spies would inform them beforehand and the Ryots would disperse before the official’s arrival.

(iii) Ryots resorted to robbing the moneylenders because they were under extreme pressure to pay the rent, even though the price of cotton was very low. Since they were not paying the dues, the moneylenders refused to give them further loans and even if they gave, moneylenders charged high-interest rates and resorted to fraudulent practices.

Section – E (5 Marks)

Question 34.
(i) On the given political outline map of India, locate and label the following appropriately :
(a) Rajgiri- capital of Magadha
(b) Jabalpur- a Principal Center of the Revolt of 1857
(c) Amaravaii- Ruled by Mauryas. [5]
OR
Kolar: Gold mines in Karnataka
(ii) On the same political outline map of India, two places which are towns of South India during 14th to 18th century have been marked as A and B. Identify them and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them.

Answer: