CBSE Class 12 – History Question Paper 2023

SECTION A

(Multiple Choice Type Questions)

Here are the questions and answers you provided:

  1. In which of the modern Indian states is Rakhigarhi, an ancient site of Harappan culture, located?
    (a) Himachal Pradesh
    (b) Uttar Pradesh
    (c) Haryana
    (d) Rajasthan
    Answer: (c) Haryana
  2. The Story of Indian Archaeology is written by?
    (a) R.D. Banerjee
    (b) D.R. Sahni
    (c) S.N. Roy
    (d) B.B. La
    Answer: (b) D.R. Sahni

    3. Which one of the following is not a structural feature of Stupa?
    (a) Harmika
    (b) Chhatri
    (c) Garbhagriha
    (d) Gateways
    Answer: (b) Chhatri

    4. Identify the character of Mahabharata with the help of the following information:
    She belonged to the Rakshasa clan. She was married to Bheema. She was the mother of Ghatotkacha.
    (a) Bhilni
    (b) Subhadra
    (c) Draupadi
    (d) Hidimba
    Answer: (d) Hidimba

    5. Who among the following rulers rebuilt the ‘Sudarshan Lake’?
    (a) Siri Satakarni
    (b) Sakasena Rudradaman
    (c) Siri Vijaya Satakarni
    (d) None of the above
    Answer: (b) Sakasena Rudradaman

    6. In which state of India is the fifth-century temple, Devgarh, situated?
    (a) Bihar
    (b) West Bengal
    (c) Uttar Pradesh
    (d) Orissa
    Answer: (d) Orissa

    7. Who among the following was the first ruler to inscribe messages to his subjects and officials?
    (a) Chandragupta
    (b) Samudragupta
    (c) Ashoka
    (d) Bindusara
    Answer: (c) Ashoka

    8. Which of the following statements is not true regarding Ibn Battuta?
    (a) He was a Moroccan traveller to India.
    (b) His book of travels is known as ‘Badshahnama’.
    (c) He had expertise in the Islamic religious law Sharia.
    (d) He had made a pilgrimage to Mecca.
    Answer: (b) His book of travels is known as ‘Badshahnama’.

    Let me know if you need anything else!

9. Two statements as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Assertion (A): Francois Bernier has called the Mughal king as the ‘king of barbarians’.
Reason (R): Crown ownership of land was its reason.

(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
(c) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are not correct.
(d) Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect.
Answer: (b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).

10. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
(a) Ibn Battuta – Portuguese
(b) Francois Bernier – Frenchman
(c) Duarte Barbosa – Moroccan
(d) Manucci – Spanish
Answer: (b) Francois Bernier – Frenchman

11. Two statements as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Assertion (A): Mirabai was the woman poet of Nirguna Bhakti tradition.
Reason (R): She has been recognized as a source of inspiration for centuries.

(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect.
(d) Assertion (A) is incorrect, but Reason (R) is correct.
Answer: (a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).

12. Arrange the following in chronological order and select the correct option from the given options.
(i) Guru Gobind Singh
(ii) Guru Arjan Dev
(iii) Guru Har Kishan Dev
(iv) Guru Nanak Dev

Options:
(a) (i), (iv), (iii), (ii)
(b) (ii), (iii), (iv), (i)
(c) (iii), (i), (ii), (iv)
(d) (iv), (ii), (iii), (i)
Answer: (d) (iv), (ii), (iii), (i)

**13. Identify the dynasty of Vijayanagara with the help of the following information:

  • Harihara and Bukka belonged to this dynasty.
  • They built the Hiriya canal.
  • It was the first dynasty of the Vijayanagara empire.**

Options:
(a) Sangama
(b) Saluva
(c) Tuluva
(d) Aravidu
Answer: (a) Sangama

14. The land was classified into four categories under the rule of Akbar. Which of these four categories was considered the best?

Options:
(a) Polaj
(b) Parauti
(c) Chachar
(d) Banjar
Answer: (a) Polaj

15. Who among the following introduced ‘Permanent Settlement in Bengal’?

Options:
(a) Thomas Munro
(b) Charles Cornwallis
(c) William Bentinck
(d) Henry Hardinge
Answer: (b) Charles Cornwallis

16. Which of the following statements are correct?
(i) The English introduced western education in India. They set up English-medium schools and colleges.
(ii) They established laws to abolish the sati system.
(iii) They did not permit widow remarriage.

Options:
(a) (i), (ii) and (iii)
(b) (ii), (iii) and (iv)
(c) (i), (iii) and (iv)
(d) (i), (ii) and (iv)
Answer: (a) (i), (ii) and (iii)

  1. Who among the following was called as ‘Frontier Gandhi’?
    (a) Maulana Azad
    (b) Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
    (c) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
    (d) Dadabhai Naoroji
    Answer: (b) Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan

  2. Who among the following demanded justice for women in the Constituent Assembly?
    (a) H.J. Khandekar
    (b) T.A. Ramalingam Chettiar
    (c) Hansa Mehta
    (d) Jaipal Singh
    Answer: (c) Hansa Mehta

  3. Select the correct pair from the following options:
    (a) Mahatma Gandhi – President of Constituent Assembly
    (b) Jawaharlal Nehru – Lawyer of Constituent Assembly
    (c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad – Passed Objectives Resolution
    (d) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar – Chairman of Drafting Committee
    Answer: (d) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar – Chairman of Drafting Committee

  4. Which of the following option is correctly matched?
    (a) Jhansi – Lakshmi Bai
    (b) Arrah – Kunwar Singh
    (c) Delhi – Bahadur Shah
    (d) Awadh – Wajid Ali Shah
    Answer: (b) Arrah – Kunwar Singh

  5. Identify the East India Company’s officer with the help of the following information:

  • Was a physician of Lord Wellesley
  • He surveyed Bengal
  • He established zoo in Bengal
    (a) Colin Mackenzie
    (b) John Marshall
    (c) Marco Polo
    (d) Francis Buchanan
    Answer: (d) Francis Buchanan

SECTION B

(Short-Answer Type Questions)

22. Explain how the drainage system of Harappan cities indicate town planning.
The Harappan drainage system is a clear reflection of advanced town planning. The cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were laid out with well-planned streets, which were often laid out in a grid pattern. The drainage system was well-structured, with drains made of baked bricks, which were covered and had proper slopes for water flow. Every house had its own private drain that connected to the main street drain, demonstrating that the Harappans had knowledge of sanitation and urban planning, indicating their concern for public health.

OR

Explain why the seals and sealings were used by the Harappans.
Seals and sealings were used by the Harappans primarily for trade and administrative purposes. They were made of steatite and often depicted animals, deities, or symbols. The seals likely served as a form of identification for goods and merchants, ensuring the authenticity of trade transactions. They may have also been used as a stamp of authority, marking ownership or origin of goods, and could have served as a form of written communication in a society that lacked large-scale literacy.

23. How is Mahabharata a dynamic text? Explain with examples.
The Mahabharata is considered a dynamic text because it evolves with time, with different versions and interpretations being added over centuries. It has been retold in various languages and forms, like in dance, drama, and regional folk traditions. For example, in the Tamil tradition, the Mahabharata is seen from a more devotional and ethical perspective, while in the North, it focuses more on the military and political aspects. Additionally, new episodes and characters were introduced over time, and its philosophical teachings, particularly in the Bhagavad Gita, continue to be relevant in contemporary discussions on duty, righteousness, and the complexities of human life.

24. Explain the role of women devotees in the traditions of Alvars and Nayanars.
The traditions of the Alvars and Nayanars, two major groups of Bhakti saints in South India, had an important role for women devotees, even though these traditions were predominantly male. Women participated in the Bhakti movement by composing devotional hymns and engaging in religious practices, showing the spiritual and intellectual contributions of women. For instance, Andal, one of the Alvar saints, is famous for her hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the few women saints in the early Bhakti movement. Her poems and devotion have made her a key figure in the tradition.

25. How did the Chishtis adopt the local languages of India during the Medieval period? Explain.
The Chishti Sufis, during the Medieval period, made significant efforts to adapt to the local languages of India, thus promoting deeper spiritual connections with the common people. They often spoke and wrote in vernacular languages such as Hindi, Bengali, and other regional dialects. This helped bridge the gap between Persian, the language of the elite, and the common people. By adopting local languages, they made Sufi teachings more accessible to the masses, promoting the message of love, devotion, and equality. This inclusion of regional languages also facilitated the spread of Sufism across India.

OR

Explain the distinctive features of Al-Biruni’s Kitab-Ul-Hind.
Al-Biruni’s Kitab-ul-Hind is one of the most significant works on India written by a foreign scholar. It contains a detailed study of Indian culture, religion, and sciences. Al-Biruni systematically described the geography, people, customs, and religious practices of India. The book was written in Arabic and was based on his firsthand experiences during his stay in India. One distinctive feature of the book is its objectivity; Al-Biruni often compares Indian practices with those of other cultures, showcasing both admiration and critique. It also highlights the Indian advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.

26. How did the American Civil War of 1861 affect the lives of Ryots of India? Explain.
The American Civil War (1861–1865) had a significant impact on the lives of ryots (peasants) in India. The war caused a disruption in the supply of cotton from the southern United States, which had been the major source for the British textile industry. As a result, the British turned to India for cotton. This led to an increased demand for cotton, and the British government encouraged the cultivation of cotton in India, especially in regions like the Deccan and Gujarat. However, this shift led to the exploitation of ryots, as they were forced to grow cotton instead of food crops. The increased pressure on ryots, coupled with higher land taxes, contributed to the agrarian distress and famine conditions in India.

SECTION C

(Long-Answer Type Questions)

27. “Art and literature highlighted the importance of Lakshmi Bai.” Support the statement with suitable examples.
Art and literature have often celebrated the valor and heroism of Rani Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi. She is remembered as a symbol of resistance during the First War of Indian Independence (1857). Many contemporary writers and poets, such as Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, wrote ballads and poems that immortalized her courage and leadership. Paintings and sculptures were created to depict her as a warrior queen, especially during and after the 1857 revolt. Lakshmi Bai’s role as a leader in the face of British colonial oppression became an inspiring symbol for future generations, and her story continues to be celebrated in various art forms today.

28. “The Stupa at Sanchi is among the best-preserved monuments of the earliest times.” Explain the statement.
The Stupa at Sanchi is one of the best-preserved monuments from ancient India, showcasing early Buddhist architecture. Built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, the Stupa served as a religious monument for housing relics of the Buddha. It is notable for its intricate carvings and inscriptions, which provide insight into the cultural and religious life of the time. The Sanchi Stupa’s well-preserved condition allows historians and archaeologists to study early Indian art, architecture, and religious symbolism. Its structure and decoration highlight the evolution of Buddhist art and its spread across India.

OR

Explain the growth of Puranic Hinduism.
Puranic Hinduism grew during the early centuries of the Common Era as a response to the increasing popularity of local and regional deities, as well as the need for more accessible religious practices. The Puranas, a genre of texts that narrate the stories of gods, goddesses, and heroes, became central to this development. The texts, which included stories about the creation of the universe, genealogies of gods, and detailed accounts of rituals, helped make Hinduism more popular and relatable to the masses. Key deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi became more prominent, and temples dedicated to these gods became focal points of worship and social life.

29. Examine the reasons for the apogee and fall of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The Vijayanagara Empire reached its peak under rulers like Krishnadevaraya, thanks to its strong military, flourishing economy, and cultural achievements. The empire was a hub for trade, especially in spices, and it benefited from the prosperity of the region. However, the decline of the empire can be attributed to multiple factors. Internal conflict between the ruling elite and administrative mismanagement weakened the empire, while external invasions, especially the defeat at the Battle of Talikota in 1565, marked the empire’s downfall. The sacking of Hampi and the weakening of royal authority contributed to the collapse of the once-prosperous empire.

OR

Explain the distinctive features of the Royal Centre of Vijayanagara Empire.
The Royal Centre of the Vijayanagara Empire, located in Hampi, is known for its distinct architectural features and urban planning. It contains grand monuments like the Virupaksha Temple, the Royal Enclosure, and the Lotus Mahal. The layout of the royal centre shows advanced planning with a mix of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, reflecting the empire’s cultural syncretism. The centre also had elaborate water management systems, including tanks and aqueducts, to support the royal palaces and temples. The Royal Centre was a symbol of the empire’s power, wealth, and artistic achievements.

30. Examine the reasons and outcomes of the Salt Satyagraha.
The Salt Satyagraha, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a direct action campaign against the British salt monopoly. The British imposed a salt tax that severely affected the poor, as salt was a basic necessity. Gandhi’s march from Sabarmati to Dandi to produce salt was a symbolic act of defiance against British rule. The movement mobilized millions of Indians across the country, gaining widespread support and drawing global attention to the Indian independence struggle. The outcome of the Salt Satyagraha was significant in terms of uniting the masses, demonstrating the power of nonviolent resistance, and strengthening the Indian nationalist movement.

OR

Examine the causes and events of the Quit India Movement.
The Quit India Movement of 1942 was the culmination of years of growing discontent against British rule. The main cause was the failure of the Cripps Mission to offer India substantial autonomy during World War II. Additionally, the ongoing economic hardships, World War II’s impact on India, and the demand for immediate independence led to widespread dissatisfaction. On August 8, 1942, Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement with the call for “Do or Die,” demanding an immediate end to British rule. The British responded by arresting all major leaders, and the movement saw mass protests and demonstrations. While it was crushed by the British, it marked a turning point in the Indian struggle for independence.

SECTION D

(Source-Based Questions)

Passage: Capturing elephants for the army
The Arthashastra lays down minute details of administrative and military organization. This is what it says about how to capture elephants:
“Guards of elephant forests, assisted by those who rear elephants, those who enchain the legs of elephants, those who guard the boundaries, those who live in forests, as well as by those who nurse elephants, shall, with the help of five or seven female elephants to help in tethering wild ones, trace the whereabouts of herds of elephants by following the course of urine and dung left by elephants.
According to Greek sources, the Mauryan ruler had a standing army of 600,000 foot-soldiers, 30,000 cavalry, and 9,000 elephants. Some historians consider these accounts to be exaggerated.”

Questions and Answers:

(31.1) Who is the author of Arthashastra?
Answer: The author of Arthashastra is Kautilya, also known as Chanakya.

(31.2) How were the elephants traced in the forests?
Answer: The elephants were traced in the forests by following the course of urine and dung left by them. The guards, along with those who rear and nurse elephants, would use female elephants to help tether the wild ones and trace their whereabouts.

(31.3) Why were the elephants captured by the Mauryan rulers?
Answer: The elephants were captured by the Mauryan rulers for use in the army, as elephants were an essential part of military organization, likely used in battles and to demonstrate the power of the ruler.

32. Read the given source and answer the questions that follow:
Cash or Kind?

Cash or Kind?
The Ain on land revenue collection:
“Let him (the amil-guzar) not make it a practice of taking only in cash but also in kind. The latter is effected in several ways. First, kankut: in the Hindi language kan signifies grain, and kut, estimates… If any doubts arise, the crops should be cut and estimated in three lots, the good, the middling, and the inferior, and the hesitation removed. Often, too, the land taken by appraisement, gives a sufficiently accurate return. Secondly, batai, also called bhaoli, the crops are reaped and stacked and divided by agreement in the presence of the parties. But in this case several intelligent inspectors are required; otherwise, the evil-minded and false are given to deception. Thirdly, khet-batai, when they divide the fields after they are sown. Fourthly, lang batai, after cutting the grain, they form it in heaps and divide it among themselves, and each takes his share home and turns it to profit.”

Questions and Answers:

(32.1) Explain the meaning of cash.
Answer: In this context, “cash” refers to money or currency used as payment for land revenue. The amil-guzar is advised not to collect land revenue solely in cash but also in kind (like crops).

(32.2) Explain the role of Amil-Guzar.
Answer: The amil-guzar is an official responsible for the collection of land revenue. He oversees the collection process and ensures it is done properly, following various methods such as cash or kind. His role includes managing the estimation of crops, division of produce, and ensuring fairness in the process.

(32.3) Explain the system of lang batai.
Answer: Lang batai is a system of crop division in which, after the grain is cut, it is formed into heaps and then divided among the parties involved. Each party takes their share home and profits from it. This system allows for a direct division of the crops after harvest, ensuring each person receives their agreed portion.

33. Read the given source and answer the questions that follow :

Passage: “The British element is gone, but they have left the mischief behind”
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel said:
“It is no use saying that we ask for separate electorates, because it is good for us. We have heard it long enough. We have heard it for years, and as a result of this agitation we are now a separate nation… Can you show me one free country where there are separate electorates? If so, I shall be prepared to accept it. But in this unfortunate country if this separate electorate is going to be persisted in, even after the division of the country, woe betide the country; it is not worth living in. Therefore, I say, it is not for my good alone, it is for your own good that I say it, forget the past. One day, we may be united… The British element is gone, but they have left the mischief behind. We do not want to perpetuate that mischief. (Hear, hear). When the British introduced this element they had not expected that they will have to go so soon. They wanted it for their easy administration. That is all right. But they have left the legacy behind. Are we to get out of it or not?”

Questions and Answers:

(33.1) Mention the meaning of separate electorates.
Answer: Separate electorates refer to a system where different communities, such as Hindus, Muslims, and others, elect their own representatives separately, rather than electing them together in a common electorate. This practice was introduced by the British to divide and rule, and it led to the creation of divisions between different religious or social groups.

(33.2) Why did Sardar Patel insist on unity?
Answer: Sardar Patel insisted on unity because he believed that maintaining separate electorates would lead to further division and weaken the nation. He emphasized that the continuation of separate electorates would perpetuate the British-created divisions, which were harmful to the country’s future. He argued that unity was essential for the progress and well-being of the nation.

(33.3) Why was separate electorate considered a mischief by the British?
Answer: Separate electorates were considered a mischief by Sardar Patel because they were introduced by the British to divide Indian society along communal lines for their own convenience and ease of administration. This practice created lasting divisions between communities and sowed discord, which Patel believed would harm the nation’s unity and future stability.

SECTION E
(Map-Based Questions)

(34.1) On the given political outline map of India, locate and label the following with appropriate symbols:

(i) Mathura: Mathura is a place where Ashokan inscriptions were found.
(ii) Rajgir: Rajgir was the capital of the early state of Magadha.
(iii) (a) Chandragiri: This is the place where the Aravidu dynasty ruled.
OR
(iii) (b) Delhi: Delhi was the capital of the Mughal Empire.

(34.2) On the same map, two centres related to the Revolt of 1857 are marked as A and B. Identify them and write their names on the lines drawn near them.

  • Answer: The two centres related to the Revolt of 1857 marked on the map are:

    • A: Meerut
    • B: Delhi

Note: The following questions are for the Visually Impaired Candidates, only in lieu of Q. No. 34:

(34.1) Name one place where Ashokan inscription is found.
Answer: One place where Ashokan inscriptions are found is Mathura.

(34.2) Which was the capital town of the State of Magadha?
Answer: The capital town of the State of Magadha was Rajgir.

(34.3) (a) Name the place where the Sangam dynasty ruled.
Answer: The Sangam dynasty ruled in Madurai.

OR

(34.3) (b) Name the capital of the Mughal Empire in Uttar Pradesh.
Answer: The capital of the Mughal Empire in Uttar Pradesh was Agra.

(34.4) Mention any two centres of the Revolt of 1857.
Answer: Two centres of the Revolt of 1857 are:

  1. Meerut
  2. Delhi