CBSE Class 12 –History Question Paper 2022

SECTION A

1. How has the art helped in keeping alive the memory of Rani of Jhansi? Explain.

Answer: Art has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the memory of Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, who became a symbol of bravery and resistance during the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. Paintings, sculptures, and memorials depict her heroic fight against the British forces and her courage in leading the defense of Jhansi. Many artworks portray her on horseback, sword in hand, showcasing her role as a warrior queen. Through these art forms, her legacy has been immortalized, keeping her memory alive for future generations and inspiring national pride.

2. (a) Explain the reasons for initiating the Non-Cooperation Movement by Gandhiji.

Answer: The Non-Cooperation Movement was initiated by Gandhiji in 1920 as a response to the British colonial rule. The reasons for this movement include:

  1. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919): The brutal massacre of hundreds of unarmed Indian civilians by General Dyer in Amritsar deeply shocked the nation and galvanized widespread resentment against British rule.

  2. Khilafat Movement: Gandhiji supported the Khilafat Movement to unite Hindus and Muslims against British policies, especially their mistreatment of the Ottoman Empire, thus fostering a sense of unity for the larger national cause.

  3. British Repression: The British government’s repressive policies, such as the Rowlatt Act (1919), which allowed for the arrest of political leaders without trial, led to increased anger and resentment among the Indian population.

  4. Self-Rule Demand: Gandhiji’s core goal was to attain self-rule (Swaraj) for Indians. The Non-Cooperation Movement was a way to boycott British goods, institutions, and services to challenge colonial rule peacefully.

2. (b) Explain the reasons that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930.

Answer: The Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930, led by Gandhiji, was initiated due to the following reasons:

  1. Salt Tax: One of the main reasons was the British monopoly on salt production and the imposition of a heavy salt tax. Gandhiji saw this as an injustice to the common people, particularly the poor, who were burdened by this tax.

  2. Failure of Simon Commission: The Simon Commission (1928), set up by the British government, was seen as unfair because it did not include any Indian members. This sparked widespread protests and calls for constitutional reforms and self-governance.

  3. Frustration with the Simon Commission’s Recommendations: The British government’s failure to grant India self-rule, despite promises, led to growing frustration among Indian leaders and the public. The demand for more significant political rights and freedoms intensified.

  4. Gandhi’s Leadership: Gandhiji’s strategy of non-violent resistance became a powerful tool for challenging British authority. His call for a mass civil disobedience campaign aimed at peacefully breaking colonial laws, especially the salt tax, rallied the masses.

3. Examine the role of Gobind Ballabh Pant in the Constituent Assembly.

Answer: Gobind Ballabh Pant was a prominent leader and a key figure in the Indian freedom struggle. In the Constituent Assembly, his role was significant in shaping the political and constitutional framework of post-independence India.

  1. Chairman of the Provincial Constitution Committee: Pant was an important member of the committee responsible for discussing the constitutional issues related to the governance of provinces. He played a crucial role in the debates over the federal structure of India.

  2. Support for National Integration: Pant strongly advocated for national unity and integration, emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of India’s diverse cultural, linguistic, and regional identities within the framework of a united nation.

  3. Contribution to the Drafting of the Constitution: Pant contributed to the debates and deliberations on various aspects of the Constitution, including the protection of minority rights and the centralization of power. He emphasized the need for a strong central government to ensure unity and stability.

  4. Role in the Post-Independence Period: After independence, Pant played a vital role in strengthening the democratic and federal systems in India. He became the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and continued his commitment to national development and integration.

4. Why did the British introduce the Permanent Settlement in Bengal? Explain.

Answer: The British introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal in 1793 under Lord Cornwallis to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Revenue Collection System: The primary objective of the Permanent Settlement was to create a more stable and predictable system for collecting revenue from land. By fixing the amount of land revenue to be paid by landowners (zamindars), the British hoped to ensure a steady income for the colonial administration.

  2. Creation of a Landowning Class: The British aimed to create a class of loyal landowners who would be invested in the success of British rule. By making zamindars permanent owners of land, the British ensured that they would have a vested interest in supporting the colonial government and its policies.

  3. Minimize Administrative Costs: The British government sought to reduce the administrative burden of revenue collection. By making zamindars responsible for paying the fixed revenue, they shifted the responsibility for local administration to them, which reduced the need for direct British involvement in rural areas.

  4. Profit from Land Taxation: The British hoped to extract a higher level of revenue from Bengal’s rich agricultural land, which was seen as an important source of wealth. The Permanent Settlement system allowed them to extract large sums of money from the land, benefiting the British colonial treasury.

SECTION B

5. Explain the stages of conquest of Awadh by the British from 1801 onwards.

Answer:

The conquest of Awadh (also known as Oudh) by the British was a gradual process that took place over several years, beginning in the early 19th century:

  1. Treaty of 1801: The British first moved towards consolidating control over Awadh through the Treaty of 1801. The Nawab of Awadh, Saadat Ali Khan, was forced to accept the British as protectors of his state. In return, the Nawab agreed to cede key territories to the British and maintain a subsidiary alliance with them, which meant that the British could station their troops in Awadh at the Nawab’s expense.

  2. Annexation of Awadh (1856): By 1856, the British East India Company, under the leadership of Lord Dalhousie, annexed Awadh outright. The British claimed that the Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah, was incompetent in administering the state and had failed to maintain law and order. The British removed him from power, deposed him, and exiled him to Calcutta. This marked the formal annexation of Awadh into British India.

  3. Revolt of 1857: The annexation of Awadh, along with the ousting of the popular Nawab, led to widespread discontent and resentment among the people of the region. This anger played a significant role in sparking the Indian Rebellion of 1857 (also known as the Sepoy Mutiny), which began in Meerut and spread throughout northern India, including Awadh.

6. (a) “In the Constituent Assembly, issues over ‘national language’ were intensely debated.” Explain the statement with examples.

Answer:

In the Constituent Assembly of India, the issue of the national language was a topic of intense debate. The main points of contention were:

  1. Hindi vs. English: There were debates about whether Hindi should be declared the sole national language of India or if English should continue as an official language. Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, was seen as a symbol of national unity, but many representatives from non-Hindi-speaking regions (like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, etc.) felt that imposing Hindi would undermine regional languages and create divisions.

  2. Linguistic Diversity: India is a linguistically diverse country with several languages spoken in different regions. Some members of the Assembly argued for the recognition of multiple languages to ensure inclusivity, leading to the decision to make Hindi the official language but allowing for English to be used for official purposes for a specified period (first 15 years) after independence.

  3. Constitutional Provision: As a result of the debates, the Constitution of India declared Hindi as the official language of the Union, with English continuing as an associate official language for administrative purposes until 1965, and a provision was made for the use of regional languages in state matters.

6. (b) “Issues of ‘division of power of the government’ at the Centre and State level were intensely debated in the Constituent Assembly.” Explain the statement with examples.

Answer:

The issue of the division of power between the Centre and the States was a critical aspect of the debates in the Constituent Assembly. The members debated how powers should be distributed to ensure a balance between a strong central government and the autonomy of states.

  1. Federal vs. Unitary System: One of the key debates was whether India should have a federal system (where states would have significant autonomy) or a unitary system (where power would primarily rest with the central government). Some members, particularly from large states like Punjab and Maharashtra, advocated for more autonomy for states, while others supported a strong central government to maintain unity and stability.

  2. Distribution of Powers: The assembly decided on a federal system with a strong central government. The Constitution defines the division of powers through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, as laid out in Schedule VII. The Union List consists of subjects on which only the Centre can legislate, the State List contains subjects on which only the states can legislate, and the Concurrent List includes subjects on which both the Centre and States can legislate.

  3. Residuary Powers: The Constituent Assembly also debated the issue of residuary powers, i.e., the powers to legislate on matters not specified in any of the three lists. It was decided that the Union Government would have the authority to legislate on such matters.

  4. Emergency Provisions: The debate also extended to the powers of the central government during times of emergency. The Constituent Assembly granted the Centre wide powers to assume control over states during national emergencies (as seen in Article 356 of the Constitution), which ensured the unity and integrity of the nation.

7. (a) Who was Abul Fazal? Why is Akbarnama considered one of his important contributions? Explain.

Answer:

Abul Fazl was one of the most prominent scholars, historians, and courtiers in the Mughal Empire, particularly during the reign of Emperor Akbar. He was a close confidant of Akbar and was part of the emperor’s intellectual circle.

Akbarnama, his most famous work, is considered one of the most important historical records of the Mughal period. It provides an in-depth account of Emperor Akbar’s reign, his policies, his conquests, and the organization of his administration. The key reasons for its importance are:

  1. Detailed History: The Akbarnama is a detailed, comprehensive chronicle of Akbar’s life, from his early childhood to his achievements as an emperor. It includes significant events, royal decisions, and insights into Akbar’s governance.

  2. Cultural and Administrative Insights: Abul Fazl’s work also sheds light on Akbar’s policies of religious tolerance, the establishment of a centralized administration, and his efforts to consolidate power across a vast and diverse empire.

  3. Language and Style: The Akbarnama was written in Persian, which was the court language at the time, and is known for its literary quality and precision. It is considered an important document for understanding the political and cultural dynamics of the Mughal Empire.

7. (b) Why were the imperial officers in the Mughal Empire described by court historians as a ‘bouquet of flowers’? Explain.

Answer:

The imperial officers in the Mughal Empire were described as a “bouquet of flowers” by court historians due to their diverse backgrounds and contributions to the empire’s administration. This metaphor illustrates the idea that the officers, despite coming from different ethnic, cultural, and regional backgrounds, worked together to form a harmonious and efficient administration under the Mughal Empire.

  1. Diversity of Officers: The Mughal Empire employed people from various ethnic and religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims, and even foreigners like Persians and Central Asians. These officers held important positions in the administration, military, and civil services.

  2. Unity in Diversity: Despite their diverse origins, these officers worked collectively to maintain the empire’s stability, prosperity, and administrative efficiency. The “bouquet of flowers” symbolizes how each officer, like a unique flower, contributed to the beauty and strength of the empire.

  3. Cultural Tolerance: The Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar, promoted religious tolerance and cultural integration, which allowed individuals from different backgrounds to rise to important positions in the imperial administration. This inclusive policy is reflected in the metaphor of a “bouquet of flowers.”

SECTION C

8.1 Explain the diplomatic practice of Mughals.

The diplomatic practice of the Mughals included gift-giving as a means of establishing and maintaining friendly relations with other rulers and foreign powers. The Mughals often exchanged precious and symbolic gifts like manuscripts, artworks, and luxury items. These gifts served as gestures of goodwill and were used to demonstrate the strength, culture, and wealth of the Mughal Empire. This tradition was an essential part of diplomacy to forge alliances, resolve conflicts, or show respect.

8.2 Why did the Nawab of Awadh share a common ground of diplomatic gift-giving practice with King George III?

The Nawab of Awadh shared the diplomatic gift-giving practice with King George III because gift exchange was a common custom in diplomatic relations, especially between rulers. Gifting valuable and culturally significant items, such as the Badshah Nama, helped strengthen ties and foster mutual respect. It was a way to show the Nawab’s cultural sophistication, political alliance, and recognition of the British monarch’s importance. By gifting the Badshah Nama, the Nawab of Awadh also acknowledged the growing influence of the British in India.

8.3 How have the precious works of the Mughals been preserved?

The precious works of the Mughals, such as the Badshah Nama, have been preserved in several ways:

  1. Royal Collections: Many Mughal manuscripts, artworks, and documents were preserved in royal collections, such as those of King George III, who received the Badshah Nama. These collections were maintained in museums or archives, which helped protect them over time.

  2. Conservation and Restoration: In the 1990s, conservation work was done on the Badshah Nama. The manuscript was carefully disbound and restored, making it possible to preserve the paintings and exhibit them for public viewing.

  3. Exhibitions: The paintings of the Badshah Nama were exhibited in major cities like New Delhi, London, and Washington in 1997. This not only helped to preserve them but also made them accessible to a global audience, ensuring their continued recognition and care.

SECTION D

10. (I) On the given political outline Map of India, locate and label any one of the following with the appropriate symbol:

(a) The State where Gandhiji withdrew Non-Cooperation Movement.

  • Answer: Gandhiji withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement in Chauri Chaura, which is located in the State of Uttar Pradesh. The incident at Chauri Chaura (1922) where a police station was set on fire, leading to the deaths of several policemen, led Gandhiji to call off the movement.

(b) The State where Gandhiji started Satyagraha for the Kheda peasants.

  • Answer: Gandhiji started the Kheda Satyagraha in Gujarat in 1918. It was a struggle for the rights of peasants who were unable to pay the high taxes due to crop failure and famine.

(II) On the same outline Map of India, a place related to the Capital city of the Mughal Empire is marked as A. Identify it and write its name on the lines drawn near them.

  • Answer: The capital city of the Mughal Empire was Delhi. The place marked as A is likely to be Delhi.

For Visually Impaired Candidates Only:

10. (I) Name any one capital city of the Mughal Empire.

  • Answer: One of the capital cities of the Mughal Empire was Delhi. Other capitals included Agra at different times during the Mughal rule.

(II) (a) Mention any one centre related to the Revolt of 1857.

  • Answer: One major centre related to the Revolt of 1857 was Meerut. It was from Meerut that the rebellion spread to other parts of northern India.

OR

(b) Name the State where the Jallianwala Bagh event took place.

  • Answer: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place in the state of Punjab, specifically in Amritsar, in 1919.