CBSE Class 11 – History Question Paper 2023 

SECTION – A

Question 1: Match the following (In the context of Mesopotamian Civilization)

Options:

(i) 1-D, 2-C, 3-B, 4-A

(ii) 1-C, 2-B, 3-D, 4-A

(iii) 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A

(iv) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D

Correct Answer: (i) 1-D, 2-C, 3-B, 4-A

Explanation:

• North-east: The mountainous region in the north-east of Mesopotamia was characterized by green plains and tree-covered mountains.
• North: The northern part of Mesopotamia included the steppe region.
• East: The east was defined by the tributaries of the Tigris river.
• South: The southern part of Mesopotamia was predominantly desert.

Question 2: Inanna was known as the __________.

(a) Sun God (b) Goddess of love (c) Moon God (d) Goddess of war

Correct Answer: (b) Goddess of love

Explanation: In Sumerian mythology, Inanna was the goddess of love, beauty, sex, war, justice, and political power.

Question 3: Which of the following information is/are not correct about Mari city?

1. After 2000 BCE the royal capital of Mari flourished.
2. Mari is a good example of an urban center prospering on trade.
3. Officers of this town levy a charge of about one-twelfth the value of the goods before allowing the boat to continue downstream.
4. The kingdom of Mari was militarily strong.

Options:

A. Only 1 and 2 B. Only 3 and 4 C. Only 3 D. None of the above

Correct Answer: D. None of the above

Explanation: All the statements about Mari are correct:

1. Mari did flourish as a royal capital after 2000 BCE.
2. Its prosperity was heavily based on trade due to its strategic location on the Euphrates River.
3. Mari’s officials did levy a charge (likely a form of tax or toll) on goods passing through.
4. While not necessarily the most militarily powerful, Mari was a significant kingdom with a military. Therefore, it is not correct to say it was not militarily strong.

Question 4: Identify the name of the historian with the help of the following information:

• He was the author of a very famous book, Natural History.
• He condemned the use of slave gangs as the worst method of organizing production.

a) Tacitus

b) Pliny

c) Strabo

d) Columella

Correct Answer: b) Pliny (Pliny the Elder)

Question 5: Arrange the following Roman Emperors in chronological order:

1. Constantine
2. Augustus
3. Diocletian
4. Gallienus

a) (2), (4), (3), and (1)

b) (2), (3), (1), and (4)

c) (3), (4), (1), and (2)

d) (4), (1), (2), and (3)

Correct Answer: a) (2), (4), (3), and (1)

Explanation: The correct chronological order is: Augustus, Gallienus, Diocletian, and then Constantine.

Question 6: Which among the following is not correctly matched?

| Column A | Column B 1. Column A | Column B

Question 7: Changez Khan ne Nishapur ko lutne aur nasht karne ka aadesh kyon diya? (Why did Genghis Khan command to plunder and destroy Nishapur?)

(a) Kyunki ek Mongol rajkumar mara gaya tha. (Because a Mongol prince was killed.)

(b) Kyunki Nishapur ne krishi upaj niryat karne se inkar kar diya. (Because Nishapur refused to export agricultural produce.)

(c) Kyunki ve udyogon ko vikas kar rahe the. (Because they were developing industries.)

(d) Uparukt mein se koi nahin. (None of the above.)

Correct Answer: (a) Kyunki ek Mongol rajkumar mara gaya tha. (Because a Mongol prince was killed.)

Explanation: The destruction of Nishapur was a brutal act of revenge. A Mongol prince (reportedly Genghis Khan’s son-in-law) was killed by an arrow during the siege of Nishapur. This enraged Genghis Khan, leading to his order to destroy the city and massacre its inhabitants.

Question 8: What was the tax paid by traders for safe passage and conduct within the Mongolian territory known as?

(A) Yam (B) Baj (C) Qubcur (D) Tam

Answer: (C) Qubcur

Question 9: Consider the following statements in respect of a knight. Which of the following is not correct?

(a) The lord gave the knight a piece of land (fief) and promised to protect it. (b) The fief could not be inherited. (c) In exchange, the knight paid his lord a regular fee and promised to fight for him in war. (d) A knight might serve more than one lord, but his foremost loyalty was to his own lord.

 

Answer: (b) The fief could not be inherited.

Question 10: Match the following:

Options:

(A) (i)-d, (ii)-a, (iii)-c, (iv)-b

(B) (i)-b, (ii)-d, (iii)-a, (iv)-c

(C) (i)-b, (ii)-a, (iii)-d, (iv)-c

(D) (i)-a, (ii)-b, (iii)-c, (iv)-d

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

 11.Two statements are given below, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other labeled as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Law was a popular subject of study in the earliest universities of Italy.

Reason (R): There was an increasing demand for teachers and doctors.

i) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. ii) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. iii) A is true but R is false. iv) A is false but R is true.

Answer: ii) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

 

 SECTION – B

 

Question 1: The kingdom of Mari was not militarily strong, yet it was exceptionally prosperous. Discuss.

Answer: Mari’s prosperity stemmed from its strategic location on the Euphrates River, making it a crucial hub for trade between various Mesopotamian cities. While not a major military power, Mari maintained its wealth through shrewd diplomacy and economic alliances. Its well-organized administration facilitated trade, and its control over river traffic allowed them to levy taxes and duties, enriching the city. The absence of constant warfare allowed Mari to focus on commerce and agriculture, contributing to its economic success.

OR

“Mesopotamians valued city life in which people of many communities and cultures lived side by side.” Mention some of the facts regarding this.

Answer: Several facts support this statement:

• Diverse Population: Mesopotamian cities like Uruk and Babylon housed people from various backgrounds, including Sumerians, Akkadians, and others.
• Trade Networks: Extensive trade networks brought people and goods from distant lands, fostering cultural exchange.
• Cosmopolitan Centers: Cities were centers of innovation, with diverse professions and specialized labor.
• Religious Tolerance (Generally): While conflicts existed, different cults and deities were often worshipped side-by-side, suggesting a degree of religious coexistence.

Question 2: What were the military achievements of Genghis Khan?

Answer: Genghis Khan united disparate Mongol tribes and forged them into a fearsome fighting force. His military innovations included:

• Disciplined and Mobile Army: His army was highly disciplined and known for its speed and mobility.
• Psychological Warfare: He used terror tactics to demoralize enemies.
• Siege Warfare: The Mongols were adept at siege tactics, incorporating catapults and other siege engines.
• Adaptability: He incorporated the best military practices and technologies from conquered peoples.

Question 3: Mention the names of women intellectually creative during the period of the Renaissance in Europe.

Answer: Several women made intellectual contributions during the Renaissance, including:

• Isabella d’Este: A patron of the arts and a significant cultural figure.
• Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia: The first woman to receive a doctorate in philosophy.
• Sofonisba Anguissola: A renowned painter.
• Moderata Fonte: A Venetian writer and poet.

OR

Why would Copernicus have kept as a secret his life-long, the theory telling the true position of the earth?

Answer: Copernicus likely hesitated to publish his heliocentric theory due to fear of:

• Religious Backlash: The Church supported a geocentric (Earth-centered) view, and his ideas contradicted established doctrine.
• Scientific Opposition: His theory lacked direct observational evidence and challenged established Aristotelian physics.
• Ridicule: He risked being ridiculed by his peers for proposing a radical new model of the universe.

Question 4: Give a brief account of the new concept of human beings.

Answer: The Renaissance witnessed a shift towards humanism, emphasizing human potential and achievement. This new concept of human beings focused on:

• Individualism: The importance of individual accomplishment and self-expression.
• Human Agency: Belief in human capacity to shape their own lives and the world around them.
• Classical Ideals: Renewed interest in Greek and Roman philosophy and literature, which celebrated human virtues and capabilities.
• Secularism: A growing focus on worldly matters rather than solely on religious concerns.

Question 5: What did the natives and the Europeans think of the goods they exchanged during the colonial era? What was the reaction of the natives?

Answer:

• Europeans: Often viewed the exchange as advantageous, gaining valuable resources (furs, spices, etc.) while providing manufactured goods. They sometimes saw it as a way to “civilize” native populations.
• Natives: Views were diverse. Some saw trade as beneficial, gaining access to tools, weapons, and other goods. Others were wary of European intentions and recognized the unequal nature of the exchange, often being exploited or manipulated.

Native Reactions: Reactions varied:

• Acceptance: Some embraced trade and sought to benefit from it.
• Resistance: Others resisted European encroachment and sought to maintain their traditional ways of life.
• Adaptation: Many adapted, incorporating European goods into their societies while preserving core aspects of their culture.

Question 6: Discuss the features of the lifestyle of the native people of North America.

Answer: Native North American lifestyles were incredibly diverse due to the vastness of the continent and its varied environments. Some common features include:

• Tribal Organization: Societies were organized around tribes, each with its own distinct culture, language, and traditions.
• Subsistence Patterns: Lifestyles were shaped by how tribes obtained food, including hunting, fishing, gathering, and agriculture.
• Spiritual Connection to Land: Native cultures emphasized a deep spiritual connection to the land and nature.
• Oral Traditions: Stories, histories, and beliefs were often passed down through oral traditions.
• Variety of Dwellings: Homes ranged from teepees to longhouses to pueblos, depending on the environment and available resources.

 SECTION – C

Question 6: What social status did the slaves hold in Roman society and how were they treated in the society?

Answer: Slaves in Roman society occupied the lowest rung of the social ladder. They were considered property, not people, and had no legal rights. Their status varied somewhat depending on their role (e.g., skilled laborers vs. agricultural workers), but overall, they were subject to their owner’s will. Treatment could be harsh, including physical punishment, although some owners treated their slaves relatively well. Manumission (freeing of slaves) was possible, and freed slaves often had better lives than those still enslaved.

OR

What is meant by Late Antiquity? Which religious and administrative changes were made during 4th to 7th CE in the Roman Empire?

Answer: Late Antiquity refers to the transitional period between the classical Roman Empire and the Early Middle Ages, roughly from the 4th to 7th centuries CE. Key changes include:

• Religious: The rise of Christianity to dominance and the decline of traditional Roman paganism. This involved imperial support for the church, the development of Christian theology, and sometimes persecution of non-Christians.
• Administrative: The empire was often divided, with co-emperors ruling different regions. The bureaucracy became more centralized and elaborate. The military became increasingly reliant on barbarian recruits.

Question 7: Discuss the political changes which occurred during the 15th and 16th centuries in Europe.

Answer: The 15th and 16th centuries were a time of significant political change in Europe:

• Rise of Nation-States: Centralized monarchies consolidated power, leading to the development of modern nation-states (e.g., France, England, Spain).
• Decline of Feudalism: Feudalism weakened as monarchs gained more direct control over their territories.
• Religious Conflicts: The Protestant Reformation led to religious wars and the fragmentation of Christendom.
• Exploration and Colonization: European powers began exploring and colonizing other parts of the world, leading to competition and conflict.
• Shifting Power Dynamics: The balance of power in Europe shifted as some states grew stronger at the expense of others.

OR

By the beginning of the 14th century, the economic expansion of Europe slowed down. What were the reasons behind it?

Answer: Several factors contributed to the economic slowdown in Europe by the 14th century:

• Overpopulation: Population growth had outpaced agricultural production, leading to food shortages.
• Agricultural Crisis: A series of bad harvests and the onset of the “Little Ice Age” reduced agricultural output.
• The Black Death: The bubonic plague devastated Europe’s population, causing massive economic disruption.
• Warfare: Frequent wars disrupted trade and drained resources.
• Stagnation: Some argue that technological progress had slowed, leading to economic stagnation.

Question 8: Communists established themselves in power by defeating Guomindang. Substantiate the statement.

Answer: The statement is partially true but needs nuance. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) did ultimately take power, but it wasn’t a simple defeat of the Guomindang (GMD).

• Civil War: A long and complex civil war between the CCP and the GMD weakened both sides.
• Japanese Invasion: The Japanese invasion of China further complicated the situation and weakened the GMD.
• Popular Support: The CCP gained support through land reform promises and anti-Japanese resistance.
• GMD Weakness: The GMD was plagued by corruption and economic problems.

So, while the CCP’s victory involved military defeats of the GMD, it also involved other crucial factors like popular support, strategic alliances, and the impact of the Japanese invasion.

OR

What is meant by the Meiji Restoration? Analyze the reforms that took place in Japanese administration and economy under the Meiji Government.

Answer: The Meiji Restoration was a political revolution in Japan in 1868 that ended the Tokugawa shogunate and restored imperial rule under Emperor Meiji. Key reforms include:

• Administrative: Abolition of the feudal system and establishment of a centralized government. A new constitution was adopted, establishing a constitutional monarchy.
• Economic: Modernization of the economy through industrialization, infrastructure development, and promotion of foreign trade. Land reform was implemented.
• Military: Modernization of the military along Western lines, making Japan a major military power.

 

 SECTION – D

Paragraph:

In India, early stone seals were stamped. In Mesopotamia, until the end of the first millennium BCE, cylindrical stone seals, pierced down the center, were fitted with a stick and rolled over wet clay so that a continuous picture was created. They were carved by very skilled craftsmen and sometimes carried writing: the name of the owner, his god, his official position, etc. A seal could be rolled on clay covering the string knot of a cloth package or the mouth of a pot, keeping the contents safe. When rolled on a letter written on a clay tablet, it became a mark of authenticity. So the seal was the mark of a city dweller’s role in public life.  

 

Questions and Answers:  

 

(i) Who carved the seals during Mesopotamian civilization?

Answer: Very skilled craftsmen carved the seals during the Mesopotamian civilization.

(ii) What do you see on each of the seals?

Answer: Each seal could contain a continuous picture (created when rolled), the name of the owner, his god, his official position, and sometimes writing.

(iii) What do the inscribed signs describe?

Answer: The inscribed signs (writing) describe the name of the owner, his god, his official position, etc.

(iv) Write the name of a contemporary Indian civilization.

Answer: A contemporary Indian civilization to the Mesopotamian civilization would be the Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan Civilization).