CBSE Class 12 History Question Paper 2026 Solved Code 61-1-3

SECTION A

1. Fill in the blank with the appropriate option given below : [1 Mark]
In the ancient period, each city had a history of its own, _________ began as a village but in fifth century B.C.E the Magadhan rulers shifted their capital from Rajagaha to this settlement.
(A) Vidisha
(B) Taxila
(C) Ujjain
(D) Patliputra

Answer: (D) Patliputra

Teacher's Note:
a) Remember Patliputra grew from the village Pataligrama.
b) Magadhan rulers shifted capital from Rajagaha to Patliputra for strategic reasons.

2. Which of the following statements regarding Jainism is correct ? [1 Mark]
I. Vardhaman Mahavira was born in 5th Century CE.
II. Mahavira was the 24th Tirathankar.
III. Jains worship Lord Shiva as Mahavira.
IV. The principle of Ahimsa is emphasised in Jainism. (A) Only I and II are correct.
(B) Only II and III are correct.
(C) Only III and IV are correct.
(D) Only II and IV are correct.

Answer: (D) Only II and IV are correct.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mahavira was born in 6th century BCE, not 5th century CE, so statement I is wrong.
b) Jains do not worship Shiva; they revere Tirthankaras, so statement III is wrong.

3. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched ? [1 Mark]
(Ancient Dynasties) (Lineage)
(A) Kanvas - Successors of Mauryas
(B) Mauryas - Successors of Mahapadmananda
(C) Satvahanas - Successors of Kushanas
(D) Shakas - Successors of Chalukyas

Answer: (B) Mauryas - Successors of Mahapadmananda

Teacher's Note:
a) Mauryas succeeded the Nanda dynasty founded by Mahapadmananda.
b) Do not confuse dynastic succession order in such matching questions.

4. Arrange the following in correct chronological order and choose the correct option : [1 Mark]
I. Chalcolithic Age
II. Mesolithic Age
III. Neolithic Age
IV. Paleolithic Age (A) I, IV, III, II
(B) IV, II, III, I
(C) II, III, I, IV
(D) III, I, IV, II

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

Teacher's Note:
a) Remember the sequence: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic.
b) This order is based on tool technology development over time.

5. Match the Column - I with Column - II and choose the correct option : [1 Mark]
Column - I (Harappan Sites)
Column - II (Present Location)
a. Manda 1. Haryana
b. Kalibangan 2. Gujarat
c. Rakhigarhi 3. Rajasthan
d. Lothal 4. Jammu (A) 1 2 3 4
(B) 3 4 2 1
(C) 2 3 4 1
(D) 4 3 1 2

Answer: (D) 4, 3, 1, 2

Teacher's Note:
a) Manda is in Jammu, Kalibangan in Rajasthan, Rakhigarhi in Haryana, Lothal in Gujarat.
b) Memorise present-day locations of major Harappan sites for such matching questions.

6. Which one of the following is a work of Panini on Sanskrit grammar ? [1 Mark]
(A) Sushrut Samhita
(B) Natyashastra
(C) Ashtadhyayi
(D) Abhigyanshakuntlam

Answer: (C) Ashtadhyayi

Teacher's Note:
a) Ashtadhyayi is Panini's famous work on Sanskrit grammar.
b) Do not confuse it with Natyashastra (by Bharata) or Abhigyanshakuntlam (by Kalidasa).

7. Identify the following structure from the options given below : [1 Mark]
(A) Amravati Stupa
(B) Sanchi Stupa
(C) Barhut Stupa
(D) Sarnath Stupa

[Figure: A photograph of a large hemispherical stone stupa on a raised platform, with a stone staircase leading up, surrounded by railings and gateways with carvings, and trees near the mound.]

Answer: (B) Sanchi Stupa

Teacher's Note:
a) Sanchi Stupa is recognised by its dome shape, railings and gateways (toranas).
b) It is located in Madhya Pradesh and is one of the best-preserved stupas.

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

In which of the following modern states of India is Sanchi Stupa located ? [1 Mark]
(A) Maharashtra
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Uttar Pradesh

Answer: (B) Madhya Pradesh

Teacher's Note:
a) Sanchi is located near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.
b) It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for Buddhist stupas.

8. Which of the following temples at Vijayanagara was meant to be used only by the king and his family ? [1 Mark]
(A) Vitthala temple
(B) Chidambaram temple
(C) Hazara Ram temple
(D) Virupaksha temple

Answer: (C) Hazara Ram temple

Teacher's Note:
a) Hazara Ram temple was a private royal shrine within the palace complex.
b) Virupaksha temple was the more public and prominent state temple.

9. Which of the following chronicles was authored by Abul-Fazl ? [1 Mark]
(A) Babur-Nama
(B) Humayun-Nama
(C) Akbar-Nama
(D) Padshah-Nama

Answer: (C) Akbar-Nama

Teacher's Note:
a) Abul-Fazl wrote Akbar-Nama, a three-volume account of Akbar's reign.
b) Babur-Nama was written by Babur himself, not Abul-Fazl.

10. The battle at Talikota (Rakshasi Tangri) was fought between which two of the following groups ? [1 Mark]
(A) Between Krishnadeva Raya and rulers of Madurai, Ikkeri and Mysore
(B) Between Rama Raya and rulers of Bijapur, Gingee and Bidar
(C) Between Krishnadeva Raya and rulers of Golconda, Kolar, and Chandragiri
(D) Between Ram Raya and rulers of Bijapur, Golconda and Ahmednagar

Answer: (D) Between Ram Raya and rulers of Bijapur, Golconda and Ahmednagar

Teacher's Note:
a) This battle led to the defeat and decline of the Vijayanagara empire.
b) Remember Rama Raya was the Vijayanagara ruler defeated in this battle.

11. Why was the Revolt of 1857 viewed as a serious threat by the British ? Choose the most appropriate option : [1 Mark]
(A) It has hurt their global trade.
(B) It shook the entire colonial system of the world.
(C) It united all the sections of Indian Society.
(D) It led to their defeat in South India.

Answer: (C) It united all the sections of Indian Society.

Teacher's Note:
a) The unity of soldiers, peasants and rulers made the revolt dangerous for British rule.
b) This wide participation is why the British saw it as unprecedented.

12. Two statements as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and choose the correct option : [1 Mark]
Assertion (A) : Baba Guru Nanak Devji advocated Nirguna Bhakti.
Reason (R) : For Baba Guru Nanak, the absolute or 'rab' had no gender or form. (A) Assertion (A) is correct and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(B) Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect.
(D) Assertion (A) is incorrect, but Reason (R) is correct.

Answer: (A) Assertion (A) is correct and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) Guru Nanak's concept of 'rab' was formless and genderless, which supports Nirguna Bhakti.
b) Check that Reason logically explains Assertion before choosing option (A).

13. Who among the following is the author of the book of travels called 'Travels in the Mughal Empire' ? [1 Mark]
(A) Francois Bernier
(B) Roberto Nobile
(C) Duarte Barbosa
(D) Marco Polo

Answer: (A) Francois Bernier

Teacher's Note:
a) Bernier was a French traveller who visited the Mughal court under Aurangzeb.
b) His account gives valuable details of Mughal cities and society.

14. Find the odd one out from the following : [1 Mark]
(Sufi Teachers) (Location of Dargah)
(A) Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti - Ajmer
(B) Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki - Delhi
(C) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya - Agra
(D) Shaikh Fariduddin Ganj-i-Shakar - Ajodhan

Answer: (C) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya - Agra

Teacher's Note:
a) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya's dargah is actually located in Delhi, not Agra.
b) This mismatch makes option (C) the odd one out.

15. Who amongst the following American Presidents played a decisive role in the American War of Independence ? [1 Mark]
(A) Abraham Lincoln
(B) Thomas Jefferson
(C) John F. Kennedy
(D) George Washington

Answer: (D) George Washington

Teacher's Note:
a) George Washington led the American forces in the War of Independence.
b) He later became the first President of the United States.

16. Which of the following statements accurately describe the conditions of Bombay-Deccan from 1840 to 1850 ? [1 Mark]
I. There was significant agrarian expansion during this period.
II. Prices of the agricultural products were rising steadily.
III. There were frequent peasant uprisings due to economic distress.
IV. The agrarian landscape largely remained progressive. (A) Only I and III are correct.
(B) Only II and IV are correct.
(C) Only I and II are correct.
(D) Only III and IV are correct.

Answer: (C) Only I and II are correct.

Teacher's Note:
a) During 1840-1850, agriculture expanded and crop prices rose steadily.
b) Peasant distress and uprisings in Deccan came later, so III and IV do not fit this period.

17. Identify the major long-term consequence of the permanent settlement for the Indian peasantry from the following : [1 Mark]
(A) Increased ownership of land among farmers.
(B) Investment in agricultural technology.
(C) Increased exploitation and indebtness.
(D) Abolition of all kinds of landlordism.

Answer: (C) Increased exploitation and indebtness.

Teacher's Note:
a) Permanent settlement made zamindars powerful revenue collectors, leading to peasant exploitation.
b) Debt and dependency on moneylenders increased under this system.

18. Identify the foreign traveller with the help of the following information : [1 Mark]
He was Moroccan traveller of the 14th century.
He had the expertise of Islamic religion law.
He was appointed Qazi of Delhi by Muhammad bin Tughlaq (A) Al-Biruni
(B) Seydi Ali Reis
(C) Ibn Batuta
(D) Mahmud Ali Balkhi

Answer: (C) Ibn Batuta

Teacher's Note:
a) Ibn Batuta was a Moroccan scholar of Islamic law appointed as Qazi of Delhi.
b) His travelogue gives rich details about Delhi Sultanate society.

19. Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option : [1 Mark]
List of Women members in the Constituent Assembly
Column - I (Women member)
Column - II (Constituency)
I. Sarojini Naidu a. Central Province
II. Hansa Mehta b. Uttar Pradesh
III. Vijayalakshmi Pandit c. Bihar
IV. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur d. Bombay (A) a c b d
(B) c d b a
(C) b a c d
(D) d b a c

Answer: (B) c, d, b, a

Teacher's Note:
a) Sarojini Naidu represented Bihar, Hansa Mehta represented Bombay.
b) Vijayalakshmi Pandit represented Uttar Pradesh, and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur represented Central Province.

20. Choose the correct pair regarding the local leaders during the Revolt of 1857. [1 Mark]
List - I (Local Leader)
List - II (Region)
(A) Gonoo - Chotanagpur
(B) Shahmal - Hyderabad
(C) Kunwar Singh - Kanpur
(D) Maulavi Ahmadullah Shah - Arrah

Answer: (A) Gonoo - Chotanagpur

Teacher's Note:
a) Gonoo was a tribal leader from Chotanagpur who led local uprisings during 1857.
b) Kunwar Singh was actually from Arrah/Bihar, not Kanpur, so that pairing is wrong.

21. Identify the Indian Political Leader with the help of the following information : [1 Mark]
I. He moved the 'Objectives resolution' in the Constituent Assembly.
II. He moved the resolution proposing that the National flag be a horizontal tricolor of saffron, white and dark green in equal proportions with a wheel of navy blue colour in the centre. (A) Sardar Patel
(B) Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
(C) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(D) Dr. Radhakrishnan

Answer: (B) Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru

Teacher's Note:
a) Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution which laid down India's constitutional ideals.
b) He also proposed the design of the national tricolour flag in the Assembly.

SECTION B

22. Explain the subsistence strategies of the Harappan culture. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Harappans consumed a wide range of plant and animal products, as shown by charred grains and seeds found by archaeologists.
2. Common food grains included wheat, barley, lentil, chickpea, sesame and millets.
3. They ate meat of goat, sheep, cattle, buffalo, pig, and also hunted wild animals like boar, deer and gharial, besides eating fish and fowl.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention both plant-based and animal-based food sources for full marks.
b) Charred grains found at sites are key archaeological evidence.

23. (a) Explain the causes of the ruin of Stupa at Amravati. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Amravati was discovered before scholars understood the value of such finds, so its remains were not protected.
2. A local raja used the stupa's stones to build a temple, and Walter Elliot removed sculptures to Madras.
3. Slabs were later sent to Calcutta and London, and British officials continued removing sculptures for their gardens.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasise lack of scholarly awareness as the root cause.
b) Note the role of local rulers and British officials in the destruction.

OR

(b) Explain the significance of Pauranic Hinduism of the ancient India. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Puranas were compiled by Brahmanas but contained material composed and circulated for centuries earlier.
2. They included stories of gods and goddesses written in simple Sanskrit verse.
3. They were meant to be read aloud to everybody, including women and Shudras, who had no access to Vedic learning.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight accessibility to all sections of society as the key significance.
b) Puranas evolved through interaction of priests, merchants and common people.

24. 'Bernier described Mughal cities as camp towns.' Explain the statement with examples. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Camp towns were towns whose existence depended on the presence of the Mughal Imperial camp nearby.
2. When the court moved to a new location, people quickly set up camps around it for trade and services.
3. These towns declined rapidly once the court moved out, as they lacked stable social and economic foundations and depended on imperial patronage.

Teacher's Note:
a) Camp towns are different from permanent cities with independent economies.
b) Bernier's account highlights the temporary nature of Mughal urban centres.

25. (a) Describe the features of fortification of the Vijayanagara empire. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Abdur Razzaq described seven lines of forts that enclosed the city, agricultural land and forests.
2. The outermost wall linked surrounding hills, and no mortar was used; wedge-shaped stones held blocks in place with earth-packed interiors.
3. A second line surrounded the urban core and a third line enclosed the royal centre with high walls around major buildings.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note that fortification also enclosed agricultural tracts irrigated by canals from the Tungabhadra.
b) Remember the three concentric lines of defence structure.

OR

(b) Describe the trade relations of the Vijayanagara empire with near regions and beyond. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Vijayanagara imported horses from Arabia and Central Asia, initially controlled by Arab traders.
2. Local merchant communities called kudirai chettis also participated, and from the 15th century Portuguese began controlling this trade.
3. The empire also traded in spices, textiles and precious stones, with trade regarded as a status symbol among the wealthy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Horse trade was crucial for maintaining Vijayanagara's cavalry.
b) Remember the shift of control from Arabs to Portuguese over time.

26. How did Britishers interfere in the life of paharias of Rajmahal towards the end of 19th century ? Clarify. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Paharias were hunters, shifting cultivators and forest-dependent people, but the British encouraged settled agriculture to raise land revenue and exports.
2. When Paharias resisted, the British adopted a brutal policy of extermination, hunting and killing them.
3. Later the British tried a pacification policy, giving Paharia chiefs allowances to maintain order, but Paharias withdrew deeper into the mountains to resist outsiders.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention both the violent and pacification approaches used by the British.
b) The forest-based lifestyle of Paharias explains their resistance to settled farming.

27. Explain the plea made by Jaipal Singh in the Constituent Assembly to protect the tribal communities. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Jaipal Singh argued for conditions that would help tribals reach the level of the general population, noting they were not a numerical minority but still needed protection.
2. He explained tribals had been dispossessed of land, forests and pastures, forcing them to search for new homes.
3. He made an emotional appeal to bridge the distance between tribals and mainstream society, asking for reserved legislative seats rather than separate electorates.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note he asked for reservation of seats, not separate electorates.
b) His speech highlighted historical injustice done to tribal communities.

SECTION C

28. (a) "The landgrants which were made in the early states (C. 600 B.C.E to 600 C.E.) provide some insight into the relationship between cultivators and the state." Substantiate the statement. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. In the early centuries CE, land grants were recorded on stone and copper plates as proof of transaction for those receiving land.
2. Although Sanskrit legal texts denied women independent access to land, inscriptions show Queen Prabhavati Gupta had land which she granted to others.
3. Land grants have been found across the country, with regional variations in the size of land donated.
4. These grants give insight into rural populations and the produce cultivators were expected to give.
5. Land granted to Brahmanas was exempted from paying revenue to the king.
6. The donee received the right to collect dues directly from local people.
7. Cultivators had to obey the new lord of the village and pay him all dues previously owed to the king.
8. Some historians see land grants as a strategy to extend agriculture, while others view them as signs of weakening royal control over samantas.

Teacher's Note:
a) Use the Prabhavati Gupta example to show women's exceptional access to land.
b) Discuss both interpretations - agricultural expansion and weakening political power.

OR

(b) "The sixth century B.C.E. is often regarded as the major turning point in early Indian history." Elaborate the statement. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. Sixth century BCE was a major turning point as it saw the development of early states and cities.
2. This period witnessed growing use of iron and the development of coinage.
3. New methods of agricultural production were organised, boosting the economy.
4. Diverse systems of thought grew, including the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism.
5. Sixteen large states called Mahajanapadas came into existence, each with its own fortified capital city.
6. Some Mahajanapadas were ruled by kings while others called ganas or sanghas were oligarchies with collective control over resources.
7. Some states developed standing armies and regular bureaucracies while others depended on militia recruited from peasants.
8. Raids on neighbouring states were considered a legitimate way to acquire wealth and power.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mahajanapadas and iron technology are the key markers of this transformation.
b) Distinguish clearly between monarchies and gana-sanghas for full marks.

29. (a) "Non-Cooperation Movement became an epoch in the life of Mahatma Gandhi and that of India." Explain the statement of Louis Fisher with examples. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. Gandhiji gained valuable experience from earlier local struggles like Champaran, Kheda and Ahmedabad.
2. After World War I, the British imposed press censorship and permitted detention without trial through the Rowlatt Act of 1919.
3. Gandhiji called for a nationwide campaign against this act; shops shut down and schools closed, with intense protests in Punjab.
4. Gandhiji was detained while proceeding to Punjab, and the working class went on strike while lawyers boycotted courts.
5. Students left schools and colleges, farmers in Awadh refused taxes, and hill tribes in Andhra violated forest laws.
6. Peasants in Kumaun refused to carry loads for colonial officials as part of the protest.
7. Gandhiji believed effective non-cooperation could win swaraj within a year.
8. The movement shook British rule for the first time since 1857 and transformed the freedom struggle into a mass movement, making Gandhiji a popular leader.

Teacher's Note:
a) Link Rowlatt Act protests directly to the launch of Non-Cooperation Movement.
b) Mention its role in converting the movement into a truly mass movement.

OR

(b) 'Gandhiji started the Salt March for various reasons and it resulted in a significant movement.' Explain the statement with examples. [4 + 4 = 8 Marks]

Answer:
Reasons for the Salt March:
1. It followed the failure of the Simon Commission and the Congress's 1929 Lahore resolution demanding Purna Swaraj.
2. Salt was chosen as it was a common household necessity needed by everyone, yet its manufacture was under state monopoly.
3. People were forbidden from even making salt for domestic use and had to buy it at high prices from shops.
4. This deprived people of an easy village industry and wasted a resource freely available in nature. Significance of the Salt Movement:
1. It brought Gandhiji to world attention through wide coverage in the European and American press.
2. It was the first nationalist activity where women participated in large numbers.
3. It convinced the British that their rule could not last much longer.
4. It made the British realise they would eventually have to share power with Indians.

Teacher's Note:
a) Structure the answer clearly into reasons and significance for the 4+4 marks split.
b) Women's participation is a key point often asked separately in exams.

30. (a) Explain the development of agriculture during Mughal period. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. Agriculture was constantly expanding, based on the principle of individual peasant ownership of land.
2. Abundance of land, availability of labour and mobility of peasants accounted for this constant expansion.
3. Staple crops like rice, wheat, barley and millets were grown, with monsoon as the backbone of agriculture.
4. Artificial irrigation systems received state support to supplement rainfall.
5. Agriculture was labour intensive, but simple technologies like hoe, spade and ploughshare, along with cattle energy, were used.
6. Farming was organised around two seasonal cycles - kharif (autumn) and rabi (spring).
7. The state encouraged commercial crops like cotton, sugarcane and oilseeds since they brought higher revenue.
8. New crops like potatoes, tomatoes, maize and chillies reached India in the 17th century, and many regions produced two or three crops a year with adequate irrigation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Kharif and rabi cycles are important terms to remember.
b) Mention new World crops introduced during this period as an interesting fact.

OR

(b) Explain the role of women in the Agrarian society during 16th and 17th centuries. [8 Marks]

Answer:
1. Women performed specified roles in agrarian society; men tilled and ploughed while women sowed, weeded, threshed and winnowed.
2. Biases related to women's biological functions continued, such as restrictions during menstruation on touching the plough or potter's wheel.
3. Artisanal tasks like spinning yarn, kneading clay for pottery and embroidery were commonly done by women.
4. Women's labour was in high demand and they also performed all household work.
5. Women were considered important resources in agrarian society because of their role as child bearers.
6. They were kept under strict control by male family members and community, facing harsh punishment on suspicion of infidelity.
7. Amongst landed gentry, women had the right to inherit property.
8. Both Hindu and Muslim women could inherit zamindaris, which they were free to sell or mortgage.

Teacher's Note:
a) Balance both the contribution of women's labour and the restrictions they faced.
b) Property inheritance rights of women is a frequently tested point.

SECTION D

31. Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions :

What taluqdars thought
The attitude of the taluqdars was best expressed by Hanwant Singh, the Raja of Kalakankar, near Rae Bareli. During the mutiny, Hanwant Singh had given shelter to a British officer, and conveyed him to safety. While taking leave of the officer, Hanwant Singh told him :
Sahib, your countrymen came into this country. You sent your officers round the districts to examine the titles to the estates. At one blow you took from me lands which from time immemorial had been in my family. I submitted. Suddenly misfortune fell upon you. The people of the land rose against you. You came to me whom you had despoiled. I have saved you. But now - now I march at the head of my retainers to Lucknow to try and drive you from the country.

31.1 Explain the anguish of Hanwant Singh for the British officer. [1 Mark]

Answer: Hanwant Singh was pained because the British had taken away his ancestral land and driven away Indian rulers, yet he had saved the officer as a true Indian; now he had to lead his men to drive the British out.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the contrast between his personal kindness and his political anger.
b) His words show conflict between personal gratitude and national duty.

31.2 How were Taluqdars facilitated by the rulers ? [1 Mark]

Answer: Taluqdars were given control over land, allowed to maintain armed retainers, built forts, and enjoyed considerable autonomy in their territories.

Teacher's Note:
a) Land control and armed retainers were the key privileges of taluqdars.
b) Their autonomy made them powerful local rulers before British annexation.

31.3 Explain any two causes of dissatisfaction of Taluqdars from British rule. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. British land revenue policy undermined the position and authority of the taluqdars, removing them wherever possible.
2. Taluqdars lost more than half of the villages they had previously held under British settlement policies.

Teacher's Note:
a) Loss of land and authority are the two main grievances to mention.
b) This explains why many taluqdars supported the Revolt of 1857.

32. Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow :

A Mother's Advice
The Mahabharata describes how, when war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas became almost inevitable, Gandhari made one last appeal to her eldest son Duryodhana.
By making peace you honour your father and me, as well as your well-wishers... it is the wise man in control of his senses who guards his kingdom. Greed and anger drag a man away from his profits; by defeating these two enemies a king conquers the earth... You will happily enjoy the earth, my son, along with the wise and heroic Pandavas.... There is no good in a war, no law (dharma) and profit (artha), let alone happiness; nor is there (necessarily) victory in the end - don't set your mind on war...
Duryodhana did not listen to this advice and fought and lost the war.

32.1 Explain the main cause of conflict between Kauravas and Pandavas. [1 Mark]

Answer: The basic cause was the struggle for supremacy over land and power, as the Kauravas were a dominant group wanting to rule at any cost.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on land and power as the core reasons for conflict.
b) This reflects a common theme of succession disputes in ancient India.

32.2 Why did Gandhari advice Duryodhana not to fight ? [1 Mark]

Answer: Gandhari said peace would honour his parents and well-wishers, and warned that greed and anger take a man away from his true profit, with war bringing neither dharma nor happiness.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note her emphasis on dharma and artha as reasons against war.
b) She warned that victory in war is never guaranteed.

32.3 Why did Duryodhana not listen to the advice of his mother, Gandhari ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Duryodhana wanted to become the ruler and was unwilling to share power.
2. He was jealous and greedy, and did not want to make peace with the Pandavas.

Teacher's Note:
a) Greed and jealousy are the key personal traits to mention.
b) His refusal to compromise led to war and his eventual defeat.

33. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follows :

Declining a Royal Gift
This excerpt from a Sufi text describes the proceedings at Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya's hospice in 1313 :
I (the author, Amir Hasan Sijzi) has the good fortune of kissing his (Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya's) feet... At this time a local ruler had sent him the deed of ownership to two gardens and much land, along with the provisions and tools for their maintenance. The ruler had also made it clear that he was relinquishing all his rights to both the gardens and land. The master...had not accepted that gift. Instead, he had lamented : "What have I to do with gardens and fields and lands ?... None of .... our spiritual masters had engaged in such activity."
Then he told an appropriate story : ".... Sultan Ghiyasuddhin, who at that time was still known as Ulugh Khan, came to visit Shaikh Fariduddin (and) offered some money and ownership deeds for four villages to the Shaikh, the money being for the benefit of the dervishes (Sufis), and the land of his use. Smiling, Shaikh al Islam (Fariduddin) said : Give me the money. I will dispense it to the dervishes. But as for those land deeds, keep them. There are many who long for them. Give them away to such persons."

33.1 Mention the offering by the local ruler to Sufi saint. [1 Mark]

Answer: The local ruler sent the deed of ownership of two gardens and much land, along with provisions and tools for their maintenance, relinquishing all his rights to them.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note that the ruler gave up all his rights over the land completely.
b) The gift included both land and maintenance provisions.

33.2 What was the reaction of Sufi saint on the offerings ? [1 Mark]

Answer: Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya refused the gift, lamenting that gardens and lands were of no use to him since none of his spiritual masters had ever engaged in such activity.

Teacher's Note:
a) His refusal reflects the Sufi ideal of detachment from worldly wealth.
b) He justified his refusal with the tradition of earlier Sufi masters.

33.3 Why did Sufi saint accept money ? Explain. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. In the story he narrated, Shaikh Fariduddin accepted money because it could be distributed to the dervishes for their benefit.
2. The dervishes could use this money to buy food and clothes, unlike land which brought worldly attachment.

Teacher's Note:
a) Money for dervishes was seen as charity, unlike land which meant ownership.
b) This distinction shows the Sufi preference for simple sustenance over property.

SECTION E

34. 34.1 On the given political outline map of India, locate and label the following with appropriate signs or symbols : [3 x 1 = 3 Marks]
(i) Nageshwar - a mature Harappan site
(ii) Kashi - early state.
(iii) (a) Goa - an area under Aurangzeb

[Figure: Outline political map of India with marked locations for Nageshwar (Gujarat coast), Kashi (near Uttar Pradesh/modern Varanasi), and Goa (western coast) to be labelled by the candidate.]

Answer:
1. Nageshwar - located on the coast of Gujarat.
2. Kashi - located near modern Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
3. Goa - located on the western coast of India, marked as area under Aurangzeb.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mark each location with a clear dot and correct label as per map key.
b) Practise identifying these locations on a blank outline map beforehand.

OR

(iii) (b) Thanjavur - a medieval town. [1 Mark]

[Figure: Outline political map of India with Thanjavur to be marked in Tamil Nadu, southern India.]

Answer: Thanjavur - located in the modern state of Tamil Nadu, marked as a medieval town.

Teacher's Note:
a) Thanjavur was an important Chola and later Vijayanagara-period town.
b) Mark it accurately in southern Tamil Nadu region.

34.2 On the same map two places have been marked as centres of Indian national movement as A and B. Identify them and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them. [2 Marks]

[Figure: Outline map of India with point A marked near central-northern India and point B marked on the western coast near Gujarat.]

Answer:
1. A - Chauri Chaura.
2. B - Dandi.

Teacher's Note:
a) Chauri Chaura is linked to the Non-Cooperation Movement, and Dandi to the Salt March.
b) Double-check spelling of these place names in the answer sheet.

For Visually Impaired Candidates (in lieu of Q. 34)

34.1 Name any two important capitals of the early states. [2 Marks]

Answer: Any two of: Ujjaini, Kaushambi, Varanasi, Rajagriha, Vaishali, Kusinagara, Shravasti, Champa, Mathura, Indraprastha, Taxila, Pushkalavati.

Teacher's Note:
a) These were capitals of the sixteen Mahajanapadas.
b) Rajagriha was the early capital of Magadha, an important Mahajanapada.

34.2 (a) Name one area which was under the rule of Aurangzeb. [1 Mark]

Answer: Any one of: Delhi, Agra, Ajmer, Goa.

Teacher's Note:
a) These were core regions under the Mughal empire during Aurangzeb's reign.
b) Delhi and Agra were major Mughal administrative centres.

OR

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

Answer: Hampi.

Teacher's Note:
a) Hampi is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Vijayanagara ruins.
b) It is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river.

34.3 Mention any two main centres of Indian National Movement. [2 Marks]

Answer: Any two of: Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Chauri-Chaura, Dandi, Bardoli.

Teacher's Note:
a) Champaran and Kheda were Gandhiji's earliest satyagraha movements.
b) Dandi is linked with the famous Salt March of 1930.

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