CBSE Class 12 History Question Paper 2025 Solved Code 61-1-3

SECTION A

(Multiple Choice type Questions)

1. Match Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option from the following: [1 Mark]
Column-I (Ancient Mahajanpadas): a. Magadh | b. Avanti | c. Gandhara | d. Koshala
Column-II (Present Region): I. Qandhar (Eastern Afghanistan) | II. Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) | III. Patna (Bihar) | IV. Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)
(A) a-III, b-II, c-I, d-IV
(B) a-IV, b-II, c-I, d-III
(C) a-III, b-IV, c-I, d-II
(D) a-II, b-I, c-III, d-IV

Answer: (C) a-III, b-IV, c-I, d-II (Magadh - Patna, Avanti - Ujjain, Gandhara - Qandhar, Koshala - Ayodhya)

Teacher's Note:
a) Remember Magadh was centred around Patna (Bihar).
b) Gandhara lay in the north-west, now in Afghanistan.

2. Prabhavati Gupta is best known for which of the following roles? [1 Mark]
(A) Wife of Ashoka and Promoter of Buddhist Sangha
(B) Queen of Mauryan Empire and Promoter of Buddhism
(C) Wife of Samudragupta and Poet of the Gupta Era
(D) Daughter of Chandragupta-II and Wife of Vakataka King

Answer: (D) Daughter of Chandragupta-II and Wife of Vakataka King

Teacher's Note:
a) Prabhavati Gupta is an important example of a woman inheriting power.
b) She ruled as regent for her minor sons in the Vakataka kingdom.

3. Two statements have been given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the appropriate answer: [1 Mark]
Assertion (A): Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime and after the death of Buddha.
Reason (R): Many people were dissatisfied with existing religious practices and confused by the rapid social changes taking place around them.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct reasoning of (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct reasoning of (A).
(C) (A) is true, (R) is untrue.
(D) (A) is untrue, (R) is true.

Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct reasoning of (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) Buddhism's appeal lay in addressing social discontent of the time.
b) Link social change with the spread of new religious ideas.

4. In which of the following sites of Harappan civilization, the terracotta models of plough have been discovered? [1 Mark]
(A) Kalibangan and Dholavira
(B) Shortughai and Lothal
(C) Banawali and Cholistan
(D) Sanghol and Rakhigarhi

Answer: (C) Banawali and Cholistan

Teacher's Note:
a) Terracotta plough models help understand Harappan agriculture.
b) Do not confuse Kalibangan (ploughed field) with these two sites.

5. Which of the following is correct regarding Harappan script? [1 Mark]
(A) This script was alphabetical.
(B) It was written from left to right.
(C) This script has not been deciphered so far.
(D) This script has a few signs or symbols.

Answer: (C) This script has not been deciphered so far.

Teacher's Note:
a) Harappan script remains undeciphered despite many attempts.
b) It had over 375 signs, so option (D) is incorrect.

6. Consider the following statements regarding Jainism and choose the correct option: [1 Mark]
I. The cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through Karma.
II. There is a need to renounce the world.
III. Worldly existence is a necessary condition for attaining salvation.
IV. Principle of Ahimsa is important.
(A) I, II and III
(B) II, III and IV
(C) I, II and IV
(D) I, III and IV

Answer: (C) I, II and IV

Teacher's Note:
a) Jainism holds that worldly existence is linked with sorrow, not salvation.
b) Ahimsa and renunciation are core Jain principles.

7. The following picture shows the structure of a temple carved out of single piece of rock. Identify this temple correctly from the given options: [1 Mark]
(A) Deogarh Temple
(B) Kailashnatha Temple
(C) Mahabalipuram Temple
(D) Brihideshwara Temple

[Figure: A black and white photograph showing a large rock-cut temple complex with multiple stepped towers (shikharas), pillared halls and carved gateways, all hewn out of a single hill of rock, with a rocky cliff face visible in the background.]

Answer: (B) Kailashnatha Temple

Teacher's Note:
a) Kailashnatha Temple at Ellora was carved out of a single rock.
b) It is dedicated to Shiva and built during the Rashtrakuta period.

For Visually Impaired Candidates (in lieu of Q. 7)

In which of the following states Kailashnatha Temple is located? [1 Mark]
(A) Uttar Pradesh
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Maharashtra
(D) Andhra Pradesh

Answer: (C) Maharashtra

Teacher's Note:
a) Kailashnatha Temple is located at Ellora in Maharashtra.
b) It was built under the patronage of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

8. Which of the following is a major source to understand agrarian history of 16th and 17th century India? [1 Mark]
(A) Revenue records of Agra & Delhi
(B) Relationship between peasants and zamindars
(C) Important chronicle - the Ain-e-Akbari
(D) Types of agricultural crops grown at that time

Answer: (C) Important chronicle - the Ain-e-Akbari

Teacher's Note:
a) The Ain-e-Akbari by Abul Fazl is a key source for Mughal agrarian history.
b) It gives details of crops, revenue, and administration.

9. Which of the following statements regarding Colonel Colin Mackenzie are correct? Choose the correct option: [1 Mark]
I. The ruins of Hampi were brought to light in 1800 by him.
II. He was an official of East India Company.
III. He prepared the first survey maps of the site.
IV. He received information of Vijayanagara empire from the Duarte Barbosa.
(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

Teacher's Note:
a) Mackenzie was an East India Company official who surveyed Hampi.
b) Duarte Barbosa was a separate Portuguese traveller, not Mackenzie's source.

10. In a modern city, a group of friends discusses the relevance of Kabir's teachings in today's society. Some believe these are outdated, while others see their significance in promoting equality and love. Which of the following scenario best reflects Kabir's relevance today? [1 Mark]
(A) A debate on Kabir's historical context
(B) A discussion dismissing spirituality irrelevant
(C) Focus on societal norms and traditions only
(D) Seeking simple connection with the divine

Answer: (D) Seeking simple connection with the divine

Teacher's Note:
a) Kabir emphasised a personal, direct bond with God beyond rituals.
b) His teachings promoted equality, love and rejection of empty formalism.

11. Al-Biruni's major work 'Kitab-ul-Hind' is significant for its comprehensive study of India. Which of the following was the primary aim of this work? [1 Mark]
(A) Promote Islamic teaching
(B) Map geographical locations
(C) Critique culture and traditions
(D) Document Indian culture

Answer: (D) Document Indian culture

Teacher's Note:
a) Al-Biruni aimed at an objective, detailed study of Indian society and sciences.
b) He used Sanskrit texts as his sources, avoiding hearsay.

12. Throughout his extensive travels, Ibn Batuta was able to explore unfamiliar cultures and societies. Which of the following competencies did he most likely develop? [1 Mark]
(A) Leadership and Judicial Management
(B) Cultural Competencies and Skills
(C) Knowledge of Administration and Army
(D) Scientific and Technical expertise

Answer: (B) Cultural Competencies and Skills

Teacher's Note:
a) Ibn Batuta's travels across many lands gave him deep cross-cultural understanding.
b) He also served as a qazi, but the question asks about competencies from travel.

13. Which one of the following statements is most appropriate regarding the zamindars of 16th and 17th century India? [1 Mark]
(A) The zamindars were the exploitative class for the peasants.
(B) The zamindars collected revenue on behalf of the state.
(C) They always maintained cordial relations with the villagers.
(D) The zamindars had small piece of lands for personal use.

Answer: (B) The zamindars collected revenue on behalf of the state.

Teacher's Note:
a) Zamindars acted as intermediaries between peasants and the state.
b) Relations with villagers were not always cordial, ruling out option (C).

14. Match Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option from the following: [1 Mark]
Column-I (Foreign Travellers): a. Afanasi Nikitin | b. Domingo Paes | c. Abdur-Razzak | d. Nicolo de Conti
Column-II (Countries): I. Persia | II. Russia | III. Portugal | IV. Italy
(A) a-III, b-IV, c-I, d-II
(B) a-II, b-III, c-I, d-IV
(C) a-I, b-II, c-IV, d-III
(D) a-II, b-I, c-III, d-IV

Answer: (B) a-II, b-III, c-I, d-IV (Afanasi Nikitin - Russia, Domingo Paes - Portugal, Abdur-Razzak - Persia, Nicolo de Conti - Italy)

Teacher's Note:
a) Match each traveller's home country carefully; do not confuse Paes and Nikitin.
b) These travellers' accounts are important sources for Vijayanagara history.

15. Which one of the following was the main cause of the Santhal Rebellion of 1855? [1 Mark]
(A) Imposition of the Summary Settlement
(B) Cultural suppression by the British
(C) Imposition of Western education
(D) Heavy taxes and land annexation

Answer: (D) Heavy taxes and land annexation

Teacher's Note:
a) The Santhals rebelled against moneylenders, zamindars and heavy taxation.
b) Loss of land to outsiders was a key grievance.

16. Which one of the following pair is correctly matched? [1 Mark]
(A) Flag Committee - H.C. Mookerjee
(B) Union Power Committee - Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
(C) Rules of Procedure Committee - S. Varadachariar
(D) States Committee - J.B. Kripalani

Answer: (B) Union Power Committee - Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

Teacher's Note:
a) Nehru headed the Union Powers Committee in the Constituent Assembly.
b) Remember the presidents of key Constituent Assembly committees for MCQs.

17. Identify the member of the Constituent Assembly with the help of the following information: [1 Mark]
He was the President of the Constituent Assembly.
He was the first President of the Independent India.
(A) Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
(B) Zakir Hussain
(C) V.V. Giri
(D) Rajendra Prasad

Answer: (D) Rajendra Prasad

Teacher's Note:
a) Rajendra Prasad presided over the Constituent Assembly.
b) He later became the first President of independent India.

18. Arrange the following historical events in a correct chronological order and choose the correct option: [1 Mark]
I. Making of the Constituent Assembly
II. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
III. Quit India Movement
IV. Gandhi-Irwin Pact
(A) II, III, I and IV
(B) II, IV, III and I
(C) III, II, I and IV
(D) IV, III, I and II

Answer: (B) II, IV, III and I

Teacher's Note:
a) Order: Jallianwala Bagh (1919), Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931), Quit India (1942), Constituent Assembly (1946).
b) Chronology questions need careful date recall.

19. Which one of the following was a key feature of the 'Subsidiary Alliance' introduced by Lord Wellesley in 1798? [1 Mark]
(A) Free Trade Policy brought by British
(B) Maintenance of native army by British
(C) Imposition of Western Customs by British
(D) Protection of native territory by British

Answer: (D) Protection of native territory by British

Teacher's Note:
a) Under Subsidiary Alliance, British "protected" allied states in return for control.
b) Indian rulers had to accept a British Resident and disband their own armies.

20. Match the Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option: [1 Mark]
Column-I (Leadership of the Revolt of 1857): a. Shah Mal | b. Kunwar Singh | c. Birjis Qadr | d. Nana Sahib
Column-II (Regions): I. Lucknow | II. Kanpur | III. Baraut | IV. Arrah
(A) a-II, b-III, c-IV, d-I
(B) a-III, b-IV, c-I, d-II
(C) a-III, b-II, c-I, d-IV
(D) a-IV, b-II, c-III, d-I

Answer: (B) a-III, b-IV, c-I, d-II (Shah Mal - Baraut, Kunwar Singh - Arrah, Birjis Qadr - Lucknow, Nana Sahib - Kanpur)

Teacher's Note:
a) Each leader of 1857 is associated with a specific regional centre.
b) Birjis Qadr was the symbolic ruler at Lucknow.

21. Find the odd one out regarding the Permanent Settlement of 1793. [1 Mark]
(A) The Sunset law
(B) The Burdwan's Auction
(C) The Fifth Report
(D) The Deccan Riots Commission

Answer: (D) The Deccan Riots Commission

Teacher's Note:
a) The first three are directly linked to the Permanent Settlement of Bengal.
b) The Deccan Riots Commission relates to Bombay Deccan, a different region and issue.

SECTION B

(Short Answer type Questions)

22. (a) Analyse the causes that led to the ruin of Vijayanagara empire. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. After Krishnadeva Raya's death, the empire's structure weakened due to rebellious Nayaka chiefs.
2. Rama Raya, the chief minister, provoked shifting alliances among the Deccan Sultanates by involving them in Vijayanagara's rivalries.
3. The combined Deccan Sultanates defeated Rama Raya at the Battle of Talikota, and the city of Vijayanagara was destroyed and abandoned.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the Battle of Talikota by name for full marks.
b) Link internal rebellion of Nayakas with external military defeat.

OR

(b) Analyse why was Amaranayaka system considered as a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara empire. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Amara Nayaka system borrowed features from the Iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate, where military commanders were given territories to govern.
2. Nayakas collected taxes from peasants, craftspersons and traders, retaining part of the revenue for personal use and maintaining troops for the king.
3. They sent annual tribute and personally presented gifts at the royal court to express loyalty.

Teacher's Note:
a) Compare Amara Nayaka with the Iqta system for a comparative angle.
b) Highlight both military and revenue functions of Nayakas.

23. 'Shahjahan Begum worked extensively for the protection of Sanchi Stupa.' Explain the statement. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Shahjahan Begum refused permission to the French to take away the eastern gateway of the Sanchi Stupa.
2. She provided money for the preservation of the ancient site and funded the museum built there.
3. She also funded the guesthouse where John Marshall lived and worked, and supported publication of related volumes.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note her role in refusing removal of the gateway - a key fact.
b) Her financial support to Marshall's work is often asked separately.

24. (a) "Ashokan inscriptions are the most significant sources to understand the administration of Ashoka." Explain the statement. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Ashoka's messages were inscribed on natural rock surfaces and polished pillars at major political centres, spreading the same message from the north-west to Orissa.
2. He used inscriptions to propagate his idea of Dhamma, including respect for elders, generosity to Brahmins, and kind treatment of slaves and servants.
3. Inscriptions mention appointment of officials like Pativedakas to keep the king informed, and were written mainly in Prakrit, with Greek and Kharosthi used in the north-west.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention specific scripts used in different regions for extra marks.
b) Link inscriptions directly to the concept of Dhamma.

OR

(b) 'The history of Mauryan empire has been constructed on the variety of sources.' Explain the statement. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Archaeological finds such as sculptures and monasteries, along with contemporary works like Kautilya's Arthashastra, provide information.
2. Accounts of foreign travellers like Megasthenes, along with Buddhist, Jaina and Puranic literature, add further detail.
3. Ashoka's inscriptions, the Ashokavadana, and punch-marked coins are other important sources.

Teacher's Note:
a) Classify sources into literary, archaeological and numismatic categories.
b) Name at least one text from each category to score full marks.

25. Examine the role of Panchayat in advocating for the rights of common people during the Mughal era. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Panchayats were heterogeneous assemblies of village elders whose decisions were binding on members, and community funds were used for local welfare activities.
2. They upheld caste boundaries, oversaw marriages held before the headman, and had authority to levy fines or even expel offenders.
3. Gram and jati panchayats settled land disputes and received petitions from common people, including women, and the state generally respected their decisions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention that women could also approach the panchayat, a key value point.
b) Note that panchayat verdicts were generally respected by the state authority.

26. Examine the repressive measures undertaken by the British Govt. to control the rebellion of 1857. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The British enacted special laws and put the whole of north India under martial law.
2. Ordinary Britons were empowered to try and punish suspected rebels, suspending normal legal processes, and death was declared the only punishment for rebels.
3. Reinforcements were brought from Britain, and military power was used on a massive scale to crush the revolt.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention "martial law" as a specific keyword examiners look for.
b) Highlight the suspension of normal judicial procedure.

27. Explain the role of G.B. Pant on the united approach of India. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. G.B. Pant opposed separate electorates, believing they would harm both the nation and minorities.
2. He argued for equal treatment of every citizen and emphasised self-respect for all communities without divided loyalty.
3. He urged the majority community to understand and address the concerns of minorities, favouring unity over division.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on his opposition to separate electorates as the central point.
b) Link his views to the broader idea of national unity in the Constituent Assembly.

SECTION C

(Long Answer type Questions)

28. (a) "There were specific features of the familial relationship during the Mahabharata period." Explain the statement with examples. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. Families were part of larger kinship networks, and familial ties, though seen as "natural," were defined differently across societies, such as varying views on cousins as blood relations.
2. The Mahabharata describes a feud over land and power between the Kauravas and Pandavas, cousins from a single ruling family, and the Pandavas' victory reinforced the ideal of patrilineal succession.
3. Under patriliny, sons inherited resources, including the throne, from their fathers, and most ruling dynasties from the sixth century BCE onwards claimed to follow this system.
4. There were variations in practice: sometimes brothers succeeded one another, sometimes other kinsmen claimed the throne, and in exceptional cases, women like Prabhavati Gupta inherited property or power.
5. Brahmins laid down codes of social behaviour, though these were not followed universally; many common people, however, did observe these rules.
6. Eight different kinds of marriage existed, illustrated by examples like Draupadi's marriage and Bhima's marriage to Hidimba.
7. Not all ruling dynasties followed Brahmanical gotra rules, as seen among the Satavahanas, showing regional variation.
8. Mothers held an important place in the family, as seen with Kunti and Gandhari, though their advice was not always followed, and respect was generally shown based on caste and gender hierarchy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Always give the Kaurava-Pandava example to explain patriliny.
b) Mention exceptions like Prabhavati Gupta to show variation in practice.

OR

(b) "The political power or kingship was rarely dependent on birth as Kshatriyas but also open to anyone who could muster support and resources." Explain the statement with the examples from sixth century BCE onwards. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. According to Dharmashastras and Dharmasutras, only Kshatriyas could be kings, but this prescription was not followed universally in practice.
2. Several important ruling lineages probably had different social origins, showing that people from other varnas and even "low" origins became rulers.
3. Buddhist texts describe the Mauryas as Kshatriyas, while Brahmanical texts describe them as being of "low" origin, showing conflicting traditions.
4. The Shungas and Kanvas, who succeeded the Mauryas, were Brahmanas by origin, not Kshatriyas.
5. The Shakas, who came from Central Asia, were regarded as mlechchhas (barbarians) by Brahmanical society, yet they ruled parts of India.
6. Some powerful mlechchha rulers were familiar with and adopted Sanskritic traditions to legitimise their rule.
7. The Satavahana dynasty claimed Brahmana status; for example, Gotami Puta Siri Satakani claimed to be a unique Brahmana and destroyer of Kshatriya pride.
8. These examples show that political power depended more on the ability to muster support and resources than on birth into a Kshatriya lineage.

Teacher's Note:
a) Use the Satavahana example as strong evidence against the birth-based theory.
b) Contrast Buddhist and Brahmanical descriptions of the Mauryas for depth.

29. (a) Describe the views of Meera Bai on devotionalism. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. Meera Bai is one of the best-known woman poets within the bhakti tradition, born a Rajput princess of Merta and married against her wishes into the Sisodia clan of Mewar.
2. She refused to submit to the traditional roles of wife and mother expected of a royal woman.
3. She believed in saguna bhakti, recognising Krishna as her divine lover and devoting her life to him.
4. She defied the norms of caste society and rejected the comforts of her husband's palace.
5. She adopted the white robes of a widow or the saffron robe of a renouncer as a mark of her devotion.
6. She left the palace to live as a wandering saint, composing songs marked by intense emotional expression.
7. Meera Bai has remained a source of inspiration for centuries after her lifetime.
8. Her songs continue to be sung by women and men, especially among the poor and "low caste" communities of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasise her defiance of both caste and gender norms.
b) Mention saguna bhakti and Krishna devotion as her central belief.

OR

(b) Describe the teachings and beliefs of Virshaiva tradition. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Virashaiva movement began in Karnataka, led by a Brahmana named Basavanna, and its followers are also known as Lingayats.
2. They worship Shiva in the form of a linga, with men usually wearing a small linga in a silver case on a loop over the shoulder.
3. Lingayats believe that on death the devotee unites with Shiva and do not believe in rebirth.
4. They do not practice cremation; instead they bury their dead.
5. Lingayats reject the caste system and do not support the Brahmanical idea of "pollution" attached to certain groups.
6. They support post-puberty marriage and believe in widow remarriage, both departures from orthodox Brahmanical practice.
7. Their beliefs challenged ideas of purity and pollution central to the varna order.
8. Our understanding of Virashaiva tradition comes mainly from vachanas, devotional compositions in Kannada by both women and men.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight their rejection of caste and their support for widow remarriage.
b) Mention vachanas as the key source for this tradition.

30. (a) Examine the role of Gandhiji in the Civil Disobedience Movement. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. At the 1929 Congress session, Purna Swaraj was declared as the goal, setting the stage for the Civil Disobedience Movement.
2. Gandhiji led the historic Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi.
3. He broke the salt law at Dandi, symbolically challenging British monopoly and unjust colonial laws.
4. The movement saw large-scale breaking of colonial laws and mass participation across the country.
5. Women participated actively in the movement, a distinctive feature compared to earlier movements.
6. Gandhiji's leadership earned him recognition as a world leader during this phase.
7. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact led to the suspension of the movement and Gandhiji's participation in the Round Table Conference.
8. The Second Round Table Conference proved inconclusive, and the movement was resumed before finally being called off.

Teacher's Note:
a) Always mention the Dandi March and the Salt Law as central events.
b) Link the Gandhi-Irwin Pact with the temporary suspension of the movement.

OR

(b) Examine the role of Gandhiji in the Non-Cooperation Movement. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. Gandhiji's earlier satyagraha movements in Champaran, Kheda and Ahmedabad built his reputation as a mass leader.
2. The Rowlatt Satyagraha and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre deepened popular anger against British rule.
3. Gandhiji linked the Non-Cooperation Movement with the Khilafat movement to unite Hindus and Muslims.
4. Students, lawyers, teachers, peasants and workers participated widely, and many renounced British titles and honours.
5. Gandhiji propagated the philosophy of non-violent non-cooperation with colonial institutions.
6. The Chauri Chaura incident, involving violence against policemen, led Gandhiji to call off the movement.
7. Gandhiji also worked as a social reformer, promoting Hindu-Muslim unity and the removal of untouchability.
8. Under his leadership, the national movement was transformed into a genuine mass movement involving all sections of society.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention Chauri Chaura as the reason for withdrawal of the movement.
b) Emphasise the Khilafat link as a unique feature of this movement.

SECTION D

(Source Based Questions)

31. Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

On clearance and settled cultivation
Passing through one village in the lower Rajmahal hills, Buchanan wrote:
The view of the country is exceedingly fine, the cultivation, especially the narrow valleys of rice winding in all directions, the cleared lands with scattered trees, and the rocky hills are in perfection; all that is wanted is some appearance of progress in the area and a vastly extended and improved cultivation, of which the country is highly susceptible. Plantations of Asan and Palas, for Tessar (Tassar silk worms) and Lac, should occupy the place of woods to as great an extent as the demand will admit; the remainder might be all cleared, and the greater part cultivated, while what is not fit for the purpose, might rear Plamira (palmyra) and Mowa (mahua).

31.1 How did Buchanan describe the view of the lower Rajmahal hills? [1 Mark]

Answer: Buchanan described the view as exceedingly fine, with narrow valleys of rice winding in all directions, cleared lands with scattered trees, and rocky hills.

Teacher's Note:
a) Quote key phrases like "exceedingly fine" directly from the source.
b) One-mark questions need only a direct, brief statement.

31.2 Why did Buchanan believe that the area had high potential for improved cultivation? [1 Mark]

Answer: Buchanan believed forest land could be cleared for cultivation, and the land was already fertile and well suited for agriculture.

Teacher's Note:
a) Link the fertility of land with the potential for expansion.
b) Keep the answer to a single clear reason.

31.3 How did Buchanan propose utilising the land for economic benefits? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. He proposed replacing woods with valuable plantations like Asan and Palas for silk and lac production.
2. He suggested clearing forest land for cultivation, and using land unfit for farming to grow Palmyra and Mahua trees.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention both plantation crops and land clearance as separate points.
b) Use exact plant names (Asan, Palas, Palmyra, Mahua) from the source.

32. Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

The most ancient system yet discovered
About the drains, Mackay noted: "It is certainly the most complete ancient system as yet discovered." Every house was connected to the street drains. The main channels were made of bricks set in mortar and were covered with loose bricks that could be removed for cleaning. In some cases, limestone was used for the covers. House drains first emptied into a sump or cesspit into which solid matter settled while waste water flowed out into the street drains. Very long drainage channels were provided at intervals with sumps for cleaning. It is a wonder of archaeology that "little heaps of material, mostly sand, have frequently been found lying alongside drainage channels, which shows... that the debris was not always carted away when the drain was cleared".
From Ernest Mackay, Early Indus Civilisation, 1948
Drainage systems were not unique to the larger cities, but were found in smaller settlements as well. At Lothal for example, while houses were built of mud bricks, drains were made of burnt bricks.

32.1 Analyse the possible reason behind the uniformity in the drainage systems across the Harappan cities. [1 Mark]

Answer: The uniformity likely resulted from strong urban planning and engineering skills, possibly guided by a central authority overseeing city construction.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention "urban planning" as the key concept expected here.
b) The idea of central authority is debated but accepted as a valid reason.

32.2 Analyse the implications of finding little heaps of material, mostly sand, alongside drainage channels. [1 Mark]

Answer: This shows the Harappans had regular maintenance practices for their drains, but the debris was not always fully carted away after cleaning.

Teacher's Note:
a) Link this directly to Mackay's own observation quoted in the source.
b) It shows regular but imperfect maintenance, not neglect.

32.3 Assess the impact of Harappan drainage system. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The advanced drainage system suggests a highly organised society with strong emphasis on public health and cleanliness.
2. Since every house was connected to street drains, it reflects a fairly egalitarian approach to sanitation, improving quality of life by reducing waste-related health problems.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect drainage with public health as the main impact.
b) Mention the egalitarian access point for full marks.

33. Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

A warning for Europe
Bernier warned that if European kings followed the Mughal model:
Their kingdoms would be very far from being well-cultivated and peopled, so well built, so rich, so polite and flourishing as we see them. Our kings are otherwise rich and powerful; and we must avow that they are much better and more royally served. They would soon be kings of deserts and solitudes, of beggars and barbarians, such as those are whom I have been representing. (the Mughals)
....We should find the great Cities and the great Burroughs (boroughs) rendered uninhabitable because of ill air, and to fall to ruine (ruin) without anybodies (anybody) taking care of repairing them; the hillocks abandon'd, and the fields overspread with bushes, or fill'd with pestilential marishes (marshes), as hath been already intimated.

33.1 Mention any one prominent contribution of Bernier. [1 Mark]

Answer: Bernier wrote the book 'Travels in the Mughal Empire', offering a comparative study of the East and the West.

Teacher's Note:
a) Name his book title exactly for full credit.
b) Mention his comparative approach as a distinguishing feature.

33.2 How did Bernier describe the difference between European kingdom and the Mughal territories? [1 Mark]

Answer: Bernier described European kingdoms as well cultivated, rich, populous and flourishing, in contrast to the Mughal territories which he saw as neglected and heading towards ruin.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the contrast in cultivation and prosperity mentioned in the source.
b) Bernier's account carries a strong Eurocentric bias, worth noting.

33.3 Explain Bernier's views on the socio-economic status of people under Mughal rule. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Bernier believed the absence of private property in land prevented the rise of "improving" landlords, leading to uniform decline of agriculture and heavy oppression of the peasantry.
2. He argued that living standards declined for all sections except the ruling aristocracy, reducing people to "beggars and barbarians," while artisans had no incentive to improve their craft since profits were taken by the state.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the absence of private property as Bernier's central argument.
b) Note that Bernier still acknowledged a prosperous merchant community.

SECTION E

(Map Based Question)

34. 34.1 On the given political outline map of India, locate and label the following with appropriate symbols:
(i) Kalibanga - a mature Harappan site [1 Mark]
(ii) Amravati - a Buddhist site [1 Mark]
(iii) (a) Amber - a territory under the Mughals [1 Mark]

[Figure: Outline political map of India with two places marked A and B with arrows near Delhi and near the West Bengal coast, to be identified as centres of the Revolt of 1857.]

Answer:
(i) Kalibanga - located in Rajasthan (mature Harappan site).
(ii) Amravati - located in Andhra Pradesh (Buddhist site).
(iii) (a) Amber - located in Rajasthan (territory under the Mughals).

Teacher's Note:
a) Mark each location with the correct symbol and label neatly on the line provided.
b) Practise these standard map locations from NCERT beforehand.

OR

(iii) (b) Bijapur - An important town of Medieval India [1 Mark]

Answer: Bijapur - located in Karnataka (important town of Medieval India).

Teacher's Note:
a) Bijapur was capital of the Adil Shahi Sultanate.
b) Double-check the correct state before marking.

34.2 On the same outline map, two places have been marked as A and B, as the centres of revolt of 1857. Identify them and write their names on the lines drawn near them. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. A - Delhi.
2. B - Calcutta/Barrackpore.

Teacher's Note:
a) Delhi and Barrackpore were both important centres connected to the outbreak of 1857.
b) Write names clearly on the lines drawn near the marked points.

Note: The following question is only for Visually Impaired Candidates in lieu of Question No. 34.

34.1 Mention any one mature Harappan site in India. [1 Mark]

Answer: Kalibangan (in Rajasthan) is a mature Harappan site.

Teacher's Note:
a) Other acceptable answers include Dholavira, Banawali, or Rakhigarhi.
b) Only one site name is required for full marks.

34.2 Mention any one Buddhist site in India. [1 Mark]

Answer: Amravati (in Andhra Pradesh) is a Buddhist site.

Teacher's Note:
a) Other acceptable answers include Sanchi or Sarnath.
b) Ensure the site name matches known Buddhist stupa/monastery locations.

34.3 (a) Name any one territory under the Mughals. [1 Mark]

Answer: Amber (in Rajasthan) was a territory under the Mughals.

Teacher's Note:
a) Other Mughal territories like Agra or Delhi are also acceptable.
b) Only one correct name is needed.

OR

(b) Name the capital of the Vijayanagara empire. [1 Mark]

Answer: Hampi (Vijayanagara) was the capital of the Vijayanagara empire.

Teacher's Note:
a) The capital city and the empire share a similar name, so mention "Hampi" for clarity.
b) Hampi is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river.

34.4 Write any two important centres of revolt of 1857. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Delhi was a major centre of the revolt of 1857.
2. Kanpur (or Lucknow, Barrackpore, Arrah, Jhansi) was another important centre of the revolt.

Teacher's Note:
a) Any two of Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Arrah or Barrackpore are acceptable.
b) Keep the answer to just naming two centres, as required by the marks.

Please click the link below to download pdf file of CBSE Class 12 History Question Paper 2025 Solved Code 61-1-3