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Class 12 AHSEC 2024 History Question Paper Solved English Medium
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HISTORY
2024
HISTORY OLD QUESTION PAPER SOLVED
Answer the following question:
(i) Where was the Indus valley civilization discovered first?
Ans: Harappa (in present-day Pakistan).
(ii) Who authored the book,’’The story of Indian Archaeology’’?
Ans: Sourindranath Roy.
(iii) Which Greek traveller visited the court of Chandragupta Mauryan?
Ans: Megasthenes.
(iv) Which famous Indian writer wrote the short story, “Kunti O Nishadi”?
Ans: Mahasweta Devi.
(v) Where did the Ahoms first establish their capital?
Ans: Charaideo.
(vi) In which year Mir Jumla invaded Assam?
Ans: 1662.
(vii) Which traveller is known as the ‘Bird leaves its nest’?
Ans: Ibn Battuta.
(viii) Name one dynasty that ruled the Vijaynagar Empire.
Ans: Sangama dynasty.
(ix) Who led the Bhakti Movement in Assam.
Ans: Srimanta Sankardeva.
(x) What is ‘Jins-i-Kamil’?
Ans: Jins-i-Kamil refers to superior quality goods, especially fine varieties of textiles during the medieval period.
(xi) In which year was the Battle of Plassey fought?
Ans: 1757.
(xii) Who was the first martyr of the Revolt of 1857?
Ans: Mangal Pandey.
(xiii) Who was the Viceroy of India at the time of India’s Independence?
Ans: Lord Mountbatten.
(xiv) Which was the commercial capital of British India?
Ans: Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).
(xv) In which year was the capital of India shifted from Kolkata to Delhi?
Ans: 1911.
2. Answer the following questions in brief: (any twelve)
(i) Name two types of marriage.
Ans: Two types of marriage are mentioned below:
(a) Civil marriage.
(b) Religious marriage.
(ii) Name two elaborate sacrifices.
Ans: Two claborate sacrifices are mentioned below:
(a) Ashvamedha Yajna.
(b) Rajasuya Yajna.
(iii) Mention any two political centres of the Mauryan Empire.
Ans: Two political centres of the Mauryan Empire:
(a) Pataliputra.
(b) Taxila.
(iv) Name two posts created by Swargadeo Pratap Singha.
Ans: Two posts created by Swargadeo Pratap Singha are mentioned below:
(a) Borbarua.
(b) Borphukan.
(v) Name two Peasant Uprisings of Assam during the British period.
Ans: Two Peasant Uprisings of Assam during the British period:
(a) Phulaguri Dhawa.
(b) Patharughat Uprising.
(vi) Give two characteristics of the writings of Alberuni.
Ans: Two characteristics of the writings of Alberuni are mentioned below:
(a) His writings provide a detailed account of Indian society, culture, and religion during his time.
(b) Alberuni’s works are considered objective and analytical, often comparing Indian customs with Islamic practices.
(vii) Name two famous Sufi saints.
Ans: Two famous Sufi saints are mentioned below:
(a) Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
(b) Nizamuddin Auliya.
(viii) What were the two types of farmers in the Mughal period?
Ans: The two types of farmers in the Mughal period are mentioned below:
(a) Khud Kashta (resident cultivators).
(b) Pahi Kashta (non-resident or migratory cultivators).
(ix) Name two biographies written during the Mughal period.
Ans: Two biographies written during the Mughal period are mentioned below:
(a) Baburnama by Babur.
(b) Akbarnama by Abul Fazl.
(x) Kitab-ul-Hind’ was written in which language and how many chapters were there?
Ans: Kitab-ul-Hind was written in Arabic and is divided into 80 chapters.
(xi) Mention two Colonial architectural styles seen in Bombay city.
Ans: Two Colonial architectural styles seen in Bobe city:
(a) Gothic Revival Style.
(b) Indo-Saracenic Style.
(xii) Mention two social reforms introduced by the British in India before the Revolt of 1857.
Ans: Two social reforms introduced by the British in India before the Revolt of 1857 are mentioned below:
(a) Abolition of Sati (1829)
(b) Legalization of Widow Remarriage (1856)
(xiii) When was the Second Round Table Conference held? Who represented the Indian National Congress there?
Ans: The Second Round Table Conference (1931) Mahatma Gandhi, along with Sarojini Naidu, was the sole Congress representative at the Second Round Table Conference, which was held from September to December 1931. Gandhi’s participation followed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact of March 1931.
(xiv) Give two effects of American Civil War on cotton cultivation.
Ans: Two effects of American Civil War on cotton cultivation are mentioned below:
(a) Increased demand for Indian cotton in European markets.
(b) Rise in cotton prices and prosperity among Indian cotton traders.
(xv) Write any two programmes of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Ans: Two programmes of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
3. Answer the following questions: (any ten).
(i) Discuss the causes of downfall of the Harappan Civilization.
Ans: Two causes that led to the decline of the Harappan Civilisation:
(a) Deforestation: Enormous quantity of wood was used in the first civilization to produce bronze. Jewelry was also made of wood. Wood was needed to bake bricks, pottery, stoneware and to make boats and furniture. These activities lead to deforestation resulting in changes in the climate.
(b) Earthquake: Earthquakes caused changes in the course of the Indus river which led to the inundation of the hinterland of Mohenjo-daro.
(c) Socio-Political Decline: The absence of strong central authority or a cohesive political system might have resulted in internal strife and weakened the cities.
(d) Economic Decline: A decline in trade with Mesopotamia and other regions may have severely impacted the economy. Harappans relied on trade for resources like metals and luxury goods.
(ii) Write a note on the sources of the history of the Mauryans.
Ans: The Mauryan Empire was not just known for its illustrious emperors. It was also known for its exceptional expansion in the fields of art, architecture, and literature, among other things. During this time, literacy underwent a significant transformation. Kautilya’s Arthashastra is the major literary source of the Mauryan period. As we know, Kautilya or Chanakya was Chandragupta’s mentor and advisor. This book contains detailed information on the administrative functions and state policies of the Mauryan empire during Chandragupta’s time.
(iii) Discuss how and why the stupas were built.
Ans: Stupas were built as sacred monuments in ancient India, primarily associated with Buddhism, to enshrine relics of the Buddha or other revered figures and to serve as centers for meditation and worship. Their construction involved meticulous planning, starting with selecting an auspicious location, often on elevated ground, and laying a solid foundation. The stupa’s design typically featured a dome-shaped structure (anda) symbolizing the universe, with a square base (medhi) for circumambulation (pradakshina). At the core of the stupa was a relic chamber, housing sacred objects such as bones, ashes, or personal belongings of spiritual leaders. Constructed using materials like bricks, stone, and earth, stupas were often decorated with intricate carvings and surrounded by gateways (toranas) illustrating scenes from the Buddha’s life and teachings. Built under the patronage of kings, monks, and lay devotees, stupas not only reflected spiritual devotion but also served as a means of spreading Buddhist teachings across regions.
(iv) Discuss briefly the early British Uprisings of Assam.
Ans: The farmer uprising in the Phulaguri area of middle Assam in October 1861 AD was one of the early peasant movements of the Indian freedom movement. It was also the first marker of a significant non-cooperation style movement of the Indian freedom movement wherein the farmers of the Phulaguri region had stopped payment of taxes to the British administration in open defiance of foreign tyranny.
Last year marked the 160th anniversary of the first peasant uprising on 18th October 2021. A memorial wall has been constructed in Raha, Nagaon, to remember the sacrifice of these sons of the soil and also so that the citizens can revisit and restore the glories of the peasant movement.
A local committee headed by Prabin Hazarika maintains the wall and takes care of its upkeep in a manner that future generations may be able to see and relate to the just fight against tyranny that their ancestors waged at a huge cost to their immediate well-being.
(v) Write a brief note on the reign of Suhungmung Dihingia Raja.
Ans: The reign of Suhungmung Dihingiya Raja broke from the early Ahom rule and established a multi-ethnic polity in his kingdom. Under him the Ahom Kingdom expanded greatly for the first time since Sukaphaa, at the cost of the Sutiya and the Kachari kingdoms. He also successfully defended his kingdom against the first Muslim invasions under Turbak Khan. During his time, the Khen dynasty collapsed and the Koch dynasty ascended in the Kamata kingdom.Suhungmung had to resist an invasion led by some Muslim Generals from Bengal. His contemporaries ruling in Bengal were Alauddin Hussain Shah and Nusrat Shah. It was during the rule of Nusrat Shah, Assam was invaded by an army under a General called Bar Ujir. The Ahom army led by Koncheng Barpatra Gohain defeated the Bar Ujir in 1527.Another General, Turbak Khan , invaded Assam in 1532. He was a very efficient general and the Ahomd took 3 years to defeat him finally. The victorious Ahom army pursued after the retreating Muslim soldiers as far as the Karatoya river.
(vi) Discuss about Alberuni’s description of caste system of India.
Ans: Alberuni, a Persian scholar, visited India during the reign of Mahmud of Ghazni. In his book Kitab-ul-Hind, he described the caste system as a rigid social structure that divided people into distinct hereditary groups. He noted the hierarchical nature of the system, with Brahmins at the top and Shudras at the bottom. Alberuni observed that caste distinctions were deeply entrenched in Indian society, influencing every aspect of life, including occupation, marriage, and social interactions. He also criticized the exclusivity of the system, which, according to him, hindered social mobility and integration.
(vii) Discuss about the Bhakti Movements led by the Alvars and Nayanars.
Ans: The Alvars and Nayanars were saint-poets who initiated the Bhakti Movement in South India between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. The Alvars were devoted to Lord Vishnu, while the Nayanars worshipped Lord Shiva. They composed devotional hymns in Tamil and emphasized personal devotion (bhakti) over ritualistic practices. Their teachings rejected caste barriers and promoted equality in the worship of God. The Bhakti Movement of the Alvars and Nayanars laid the foundation for similar movements in other parts of India, influencing social reform and religious practices.
(viii) How was land classified under Emperor Akbar? How was land revenue assessed?
Ans: Cultivable land in the empire was classified into four types – Polaj, Parauti, Chachar, and Banjar. The share of the produce that belonged to the state was fixed at one-third of the total produce of the land. The peasants or the cultivators could pay land revenue in cash or kind.
Land revenue was assessed through the Todar Mal Bandobast system, where the average produce of land over ten years was calculated, and one-third of the produce’s value was fixed as revenue. This revenue was paid in cash or kind, ensuring fairness and efficiency in taxation.
(ix) Describe the process of manuscript production in the Mughal Court.
Ans: In the Mughal Court, the production of manuscripts was a highly sophisticated and meticulous process, reflecting the artistic and intellectual excellence of the empire. The process began with the preparation of high-quality paper, which was treated with starch, burnished for smoothness, and sometimes dyed for aesthetic appeal. Skilled calligraphers then inscribed the text in elegant scripts, such as Persian or Arabic, using precision and artistry. Once the writing was complete, talented artists adorned the manuscript with miniature paintings, decorative borders, and intricate designs, often employing gold and vibrant colors for embellishment. These illustrations not only enhanced the visual appeal but also depicted themes and narratives related to the text. The final step involved binding the manuscript with leather covers, often embossed or inlaid with intricate patterns. This labor-intensive process required collaboration among various artisans and reflected the Mughal emperors’ patronage of literature and the arts.
(x) Discuss the causes of failure of the Revolt of 1857.
Ans: The causes of failure of the Revolt of 1857 are mentioned below:
(i) Lack of organisation, discipline, common plan of action, centralised leadership, modern weapons and techniques.
(ii) The rebel leaders were no match to the British Generals. Rani Lakshmi Bai, Tantia Tope and Nana Saheb were courageous but they were not good generals.
(iii) Non-participation of Bengal, Bombay, Madras, western Punjab and Rajputana.
(iv) The modern educated Indians did not support the Revolts as they believed that only British rule could reform Indian society and modernize it.
(xi) Discuss the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi towards th Freedom Struggle of India.
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi played a transformative role in India’s freedom struggle by introducing non-violence and civil disobedience as powerful tools against British rule. He led several significant movements that mobilized people across the nation, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), the Salt March (1930), and the Quit India Movement (1942). Gandhi emphasized self-reliance through initiatives like promoting khadi and boycotting foreign goods, which not only hurt the colonial economy but also united Indians. He worked tirelessly to eradicate social evils such as untouchability and fostered communal harmony, advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity. His leadership inspired millions, transforming the freedom struggle into a mass movement and drawing international attention to India’s quest for independence. Gandhi’s commitment to truth and non-violence became a guiding philosophy that eventually led to India’s liberation in 1947, making him a symbol of peace and resistance worldwide.
(xii) What do you mean by oral sources? Discuss the limitations of oral sources.
Ans: Oral sources are information that is passed down through spoken word, rather than being written down.
(i) Fragmentation of Information: Oral sources may provide incomplete accounts, as the narratives often focus on specific events or details rather than presenting a comprehensive picture.
(ii) Influence of Present Context: The narrator’s current circumstances and worldview can influence how past events are described, introducing contemporary biases into historical narratives.
(iii) Dependence on Memory: Oral sources rely on human memory, which is prone to fading and distortion over time, affecting the accuracy of the information.
(iv) Cultural and Linguistic Barriers: Changes in language and cultural practices can result in misinterpretation or loss of meaning in oral traditions.
(xii) Mention the arguments raised by some members in the debates of Constituent Assembly against seperate electorate system.
Ans: Some members of the Constituent Assembly opposed the separate electorate system with arguments such as:
(i) Divisiveness: It would promote communal divisions and undermine national unity.
(ii) Encouraging Isolation: Separate electorates could alienate minority groups from the mainstream.
(iii) Contradicting Democracy: It would violate the principle of universal adult suffrage.
(iv) Historical Experience: The system had previously led to tensions, as seen during British rule.
4. Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions below:
(a) “The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. Non- injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects is central to Jaina philosophy. In fact the principle ahimsa, emphasized within Jainism, has left its mark on Indian thinking as a whole. According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through Karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of Karma. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore, monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation. Jaina monks and nuns took five vows: to abstain from killing, stealing and lying, to observe celibacy, and to abstain from possessing property.”
(i) What is the most important idea in Jainism?
Ans: The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated, meaning that everything, including stones, rocks, and water, has life.
(ii) Mention two vows taken by Jaina monks and nuns.
Ans: Two vows taken by Jaina monks and nuns are mentioned below:
(a) To abstain from killing.
(b) To abstain from stealing.
(iii) How Karma and salvation are related to each other?
Ans: According to Jainism, Karma shapes the cycle of birth and rebirth. To achieve salvation and free oneself from this cycle, one must practice asceticism and penance, which can only be accomplished by renouncing the world and leading a monastic life.
(b) Krishnadeva Raya, the most famous ruler of Vijaynagare composed a work on state-craft known as the Amuktamalyada. About the traders he wrote-
“A king should improve the harbours of his country and so encourage its commerce that horses, elephants, precious gems, sandalwood, pearls and other articles are freely imported… He should arrange that the foreign sailors who land in his country on account of storms, illness and exhaustion are looked after in a suitable manner… Make the merchants of distant foreign countries who import elephants and good horses be attached to yourself by providing them with daily audience, presents and allowing decent profits. Then those articles will never go to your enemies.”
(i) Who was the famous king of Vijayanagar? Name his work.
Ans: The famous king of Vijayanagar was Krishnadeva Raya. His work is called Amuktamalyada.
(ii) How and why should the king interested in encouraging trade?
Ans: The king should encourage trade by improving the harbors, facilitating the import of valuable goods such as horses, elephants, precious gems, and pearls, and ensuring that foreign sailors are well-treated during their stay in the country. By offering foreign merchants daily audiences, gifts, and fair profits, the king can build strong relationships with them. This approach strengthens the economy, ensures the steady availability of valuable goods, and prevents such resources from reaching enemy territories.
(c) What maps reveal and conceal:
The development of survey methods, accurate scientific instruments and British imperial needs meant that maps here prepared with great care. The Survey of India was established in 1878. While the maps that were prepared give us a lot of information, they also reflect the bias of the British rulers. Large settlements of the poor in towns went unmarked on maps because they seemed unimportant to the rulers. As a result it was assumed that these blank spaces on the map were available for other development schemes. When these schemes were undertaken, the poor were evicted?
(i) When was the department of Survey of India established?
Ans: The department of Survey of India was established in 1878.
(ii) To which source do the survey reports and maps belong?
Ans: The survey reports and maps belong to the category of primary sources.
(iii) How do the maps prepared by the British reflect their biasness?
Ans: The maps prepared by the British reflect their bias as they often ignored large settlements of the poor in towns, marking these areas as blank spaces because they were deemed unimportant to the rulers. This omission led to the assumption that these areas were available for development schemes, resulting in the eviction of poor communities when such schemes were undertaken.
5. Draw a map of India and place capitals of any three states?
Ans:
Or
How did the annexation of Oudh to the British Empire affect the Taluqdars there?
Ans: The annexation of Oudh (Awadh) by the British East India Company in 1856 had profound consequences for the Taluqdars, who were local landowners. One of the most significant outcomes was the erosion of the traditional authority wielded by the Taluqdars over their lands. The British administration implemented extensive land reforms aimed at restructuring the existing land tenure system. These reforms not only curtailed the privileges and autonomy of the Taluqdars but also led to a redistribution of land. This redistribution, coupled with changes in land ownership patterns, had a direct impact on the size and composition of the Taluqdars’ estates. Consequently, the economic standing of the Taluqdars was altered, as they grappled with the effects of these reforms on their financial resources. Beyond the economic realm, the social dynamics within Oudh underwent a transformation, reflecting the shifts in land ownership and authority. The annexation marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Taluqdars, signaling a significant restructuring of their roles and influence within the region.
(i) Loss of Authority: Taluqdars experienced a decline in their traditional authority and control over land.
(ii) Land Reforms: The British implemented reforms that altered the land tenure system, diminishing the privileges of Taluqdars.
(iii) Redistribution of Land: Land was redistributed as part of the reforms, affecting the size and composition of Taluqdars’ estates.
(iv) Economic Changes: The reforms impacted the economic standing of Taluqdars, potentially leading to financial challenges.
(v) Social Dynamics: Changes in land ownership and authority influenced the social structure and relationships within Oudh.
