Page 1 Sample Paper 1

Sample Paper 1
Class - 12th Exam - 2024 - 25
History (027)
Time : 3 Hours Max. Marks : 80
General Instructions :
1. Question paper comprises five Sections – A, B, C, D and E. There are 34 questions in the question
paper. All questions are compulsory.
2. Section A – Question 1 to 21 are MCQs of 1 mark each.
3. Section B – Question no. 22 to 27 are Short Answer Type Questions, carrying 3 marks each. Answer
to each question should not exceed 60-80 words.
4. Section C – Question no. 28 to 30 are Long Answer Type Questions, carrying 8 marks each. Answer
to each question should not exceed 300-350 words.
5. Section D – Question no. 31 to 33 are Source based questions with three sub questions and are of 4
marks each.
6. Section E – Question no. 34 is Map based, carrying 5 marks that includes the identification and location
of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book.
7. There is no overall choice in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in few
questions. Only one of the choices in such questions have to be attempted.
8. In addition to this, separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.

SECTION - A

Objective Type Questions 21 ´ 1 = 21

1. Which of the following statements correctly explains the historical significance of the Great Bath found
at Mohenjodaro in the context of the Harappan Civilization?
(A) The Great Bath at Mohenjodaro was a ceremonial platform primarily used for royal coronations
and festivals.
(B) The Great Bath at Mohenjodaro functioned as a large storage space where grains were kept during
times of famine.
(C) The Great Bath at Mohenjodaro was used as a place for ritual bathing and social gatherings,
indicating the importance of water in religious practices.
(D) The Great Bath at Mohenjodaro served as a military training ground for soldiers to practice
underwater combat techniques.

2. To which of the following dynasties did King Ashoka belong?

(A) Kushan
(B) Maurya
(C) Gupta
(D) Shunga

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Page 2 Sample Paper 1 CBSE 12th History

3. Assertion (A): The Manusmriti is considered one of the most important texts for understanding the
Hindu social order and its norms.
Reason (R): It provides a clear depiction of the varna system and assigns specific duties associated with
each varna to maintain social order.
Options:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
(B) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(C) (A) is correct, but (R) is not correct
(D) (R) is correct, but (A) is not correct

4. Consider the following statements regarding Buddhism and choose the correct option.
I. The Bodhisattva is a central concept in Mahayana Buddhism.
II. Bodhisattvas seek nirvana only for personal salvation.
III. The Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who delays nirvana to help others.
Options:
(A) I and II
(B) II and III
(C) I and III
(D) I, II and III

5. Match the traveler with their account or description of Indian society.

Column I Column II

(a) Ibn Battuta (i) Described Vijayanagara Empire

(b) Al-Biruni (ii) Wrote ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’ on Indian culture

(c) Francois Bernier (iii) Described Indian caste system

(d) Domingo Paes (iv) Wrote about Delhi Sultanate society

Option :
(A) (a) (iii), (b) (ii), (c) (iv), (d) (i)
(B) (a) (ii), (b) (iii), (c) (i), (d) (iv)
(C) (a) (iv), (b) (ii), (c) (iii), (d) (i)
(D) (a) (ii), (b) (i), (c) (iii), (d) (iv)

6. Identify the Bhakti saint with the help of the following information:
• He composed hymns in praise of Vitthala, a form of Vishnu.
• He was a saint-poet from Maharashtra.
• His teachings promoted devotion to God over rituals and caste distinctions.
Options:
(A) Namdev (B) Kabir
(C) Tulsidas (D) Mirabai

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Page 3 Sample Paper 1

7. Identify the Vijayanagara architectural feature shown in the image below, known for its musical pillars.

(A) Lotus Mahal (B) Mahanavami Dibba

(C) Vittala Temple (D) Hazara Rama Temple

8. Which of the following best describes the role of a zamindar in the Mughal Empire?
(A) Zamindars served as local governors with military duties
(B) They were village artisans who were paid through taxes
(C) They collected land revenue from peasants on behalf of the state
(D) Zamindars were responsible for conducting religious rituals for the community

9. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the Ryotwari system?

(A) The British collected revenue directly from the individual ryots (peasants).
(B) The Ryotwari system was implemented primarily in the Madras and Bombay Presidencies.
(C) Revenue was fixed and did not vary according to crop yield or production levels.
(D) Under the Ryotwari system, the peasants were considered the proprietors of the land.

10. To gain insights into the personal perspectives, motivations, and experiences of Indian soldiers involved
in the 1857 Revolt, which of the following sources would be most valuable?
(A) Official British military records detailing suppression efforts
(B) Diaries or letters written by Indian soldiers during the revolt
(C) British trade records discussing Indian exports
(D) Local administrative decrees unrelated to the revolt

11. Match the following event with its associated year.

Column I Column II
(a) Champaran Movement (i) 1917
(b) Civil Disobedience Movement (ii) 1930
(c) Quit India Movement (iii) 1942
(d) Khilafat Movement (iv) 1920


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Page 4 Sample Paper 1 CBSE 12th History

Option :
(A) (a) (ii), (b) (iii), (c) (i), (d) (iv)
(B) (a) (i), (b) (ii), (c) (iii), (d) (iv)
(C) (a) (iii), (b) (i), (c) (iv), (d) (ii)
(D) (a) (ii), (b) (i), (c) (iv), (d) (iii)

12. Which of the following influences had a major impact on the framing of the Indian Constitution,
especially in its commitment to democracy, secularism, and social justice?
(A) Study of Western democratic principles by Indian leaders
(B) Colonial administrative policies under British rule
(C) Contributions of Indian merchants in British trade
(D) Writings of 19th-century Indian spiritual leaders

13. How did the discovery of Harappan seals enhance our understanding of Harappan trade practices?
Choose the most suitable option.
(A) By revealing the military alliances with Mesopotamia
(B) By providing insights into their religious beliefs
(C) By showing evidence of standardized symbols for trade
(D) By depicting the lifestyles of Harappan artisans

14. What does Ashoka’s concept of Dhamma tell us about his approach to governance in the Mauryan
Empire? Select the option that best describes its significance.
(A) Ashoka’s Dhamma emphasized military conquest above all else.
(B) Dhamma exclusively focused on enforcing Buddhist rituals among citizens.
(C) Dhamma prioritized regional autonomy and local governance over unity.
(D) Dhamma promoted social harmony and compassion through non-violence.

15. Compare the status and roles of women in the family structures of ancient Indian society and ancient
Greek society. Choose the most accurate option.
(A) Women in both societies had equal rights to property ownership and inheritance.
(B) Greek women had more autonomy in social and family matters compared to Indian women.
(C) In both societies, women’s roles were largely domestic, with limited public influence.
(D) Indian women held military roles, unlike Greek women who focused on trade.

16. Why are the Buddhist stupas at Sanchi considered valuable sources for understanding early Indian art
and architecture? Choose the best suitable option from the following.
(A) They represent a combination of Buddhist teachings with Greek architectural styles.
(B) They serve as the only religious structures in ancient India.
(C) They illustrate a complex form of art that conveys Buddhist stories and symbols.
(D) They were built exclusively by the Gupta emperors.

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Page 5 Sample Paper 1

17. Arrange the following travelers in the correct chronological order of their visits to India.
I. Al-Biruni
II. Ibn Battuta
III. Megasthenes
IV. Francois Bernier
Options:
(A) III, I, II, IV
(B) II, III, I, IV
(C) I, IV, II, III
(D) IV, I, III, II

18. Which one of the following was a central teaching of Kabir in the Bhakti movement?
(A) Adherence to strict religious rituals and caste boundaries
(B) Emphasis on personal devotion and unity beyond caste divisions
(C) Promotion of regional languages exclusively for religious texts
(D) Worship only through temple ceremonies

19. Complete the following with the correct option regarding famous rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Krishnadeva Raya: Tuluva Dynasty, Harihara and Bukka: ________
Options:
(A) Hoysala Dynasty
(B) Sangama Dynasty
(C) Saluva Dynasty
(D) Rashtrakuta Dynasty

20. Identify the official term with the following information:

• This official was responsible for assessing and collecting land revenue under the Mughals.
• They held a rank called “mansab” and were appointed based on loyalty and military strength.
• This system helped establish a strong centralized administration under Akbar.
Options:
(A) Diwan
(B) Mansabdar
(C) Zamindar
(D) Jagirdar

21. Which of the following policies was a significant feature of the British Permanent Settlement in Bengal?
(A) Establishment of zamindars with hereditary land rights and fixed revenue payment to the British
(B) Establishment of free trade zones in rural areas
(C) Complete elimination of taxes for peasants
(D) Rotation of land rights every five years among villagers

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Page 6 Sample Paper 1 CBSE 12th History

SECTION - B

Short Answer Type Questions 3 ´ 6 = 18

22. How did the message about the revolt spread?

O
Briefly discuss about the participation of taluqdars of Awadh in the Revolt of 1857.

23. How did Mahatma Gandhi want to celebrate 26 January 1930?

24. Visual images and literature as much as the writing of history have helped in keeping alive the memory
of the revolt of 1857.” Assess this statement.

25. Mention the factors that accounted for the constant expansion of agriculture during the 16th and 17th
centuries.

26. Give a brief life sketch of Al-Biruni.

O
Why travellers who came to India did, sometimes took social inequalities for granted as a natural state
of affairs?

27. Why sixth century BCE is considered to be a major turning point in ancient history?

SECTION - C

Long Answer Type Questions 8 ´ 3 = 24

28. Discuss the special sets of demands that the linguistic minorities, religious minorities and the Dalits put
forward in front of the Constituent Assembly.
O
What was the contribution of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the formation of the Constitution of India?

29. Discuss the occupations of the four castes in ancient society.

O
What kind of treatment was received by the untouchables like the Chandalas?

30. Why do Alvars and Nayanars travel to different parts of the country? What did they use to do during
their journey?
O
Why Buddhism and Jainism were opposed by the Tamil saints?

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SECTION - D

Source Based Questions 4 ´ 3 = 12

31. Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
There were several pre-existing traditions of thought, religious belief and practice, including the early
Vedic tradition, known from the Rigveda, compiled between c.1500 and 1000 BCE. The Rigveda consists
of hymns in praise of a variety of deities, especially Agni, Indra and Soma. Many of these hymns were
chanted when sacrifices were performed, where people prayed for cattle, sons, good health, long life,
etc. At first, sacrifices were performed collectively. Later (c. 1000 BCE-500 BCE onwards) some were
performed by the heads of households for the wellbeing of the domestic unit. More elaborate sacrifices,
such as the rajasuya and ashvamedha, were performed by chiefs and kings who depended on Brahmana
priests to conduct the ritual.
(i) What is the significance of Rigveda?
(ii) On what occasions the hymns were chanted?
(iii) What is meant by elaborate sacrifices?

32. Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
A Sprawling City
This is an excerpt from Domingo Paes’s description of Vijayanagara:
The size of this city I do not write here, because it cannot all be seen from any one spot, but I climbed a
hill whence I could see a great part of it; I could not see it all because it lies between several ranges of
hills. What I saw from thence seemed to me as large as Rome, and very beautiful to the sight; there are
many groves of trees within it, in the gardens of the houses, and many conduits of water which flow into
the midst of it, and in places there are lakes; and the king has close to his palace a palm-grove and other
rich fruit-bearing trees.
(i) Which city is called a sprawling city?
(ii) How is the size of the city described here?
(iii) How is the beauty of the city described in the extract?

33. Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
When the estates of the zamindars were auctioned for failure to make revenue payments, jotedars were
often amongst the purchasers. The jotedars were the most powerful in North Bengal, although rich
peasants and village headmen were emerging as commanding figure in the countryside in other parts of
Bengal as well. In some places they were called haoladars, elsewhere they were known as gantidars or
mandals. Their rise inevitably weakened zamindari authority.
(i) Why the estates of the zamindars were often auctioned?
(ii) Whose rise weakened the authority of the zamindars?
(iii) How did the jotedars assert their control over the estates of the zamindars?

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Page 8 Sample Paper 1 CBSE 12th History

SECTION - E

Map Based Questions 1´5=5

34. A. On the given political map of India, locate and label the following with appropriate symbols:
(i) Ajanta - A Major Buddhist Site
(ii) Lucknow - A Main Centre of the Revolt of 1857
(iii) Kabul - A Territory Under the Control of Mughals
O
Puhar - An Important Town during Chola Period
B. On the same outline map, two places have been marked as ‘1’ and ‘2’, as the Centres of the
National Movements. Identify them and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them.

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