Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 History with Solutions Set 3 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 History Set 3 with Solutions
Time : 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions
- Question paper comprises five Sections – A, B, C, D and E. There are 34 questions in the question paper. All questions are compulsory.
- Section A: Question 1 to 21 are MCQs of 1 mark each.
- 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.
- Section C: Question no 28 to 30 are Long Answer Type Questions, carrying marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 300-350 words.
- Section D: Question no. 31 to 33 are Source Based Questions with three sub-questions and are of 4 marks each.
- Section E: Question no. 34 s Map-based, carrying 5 marks that includes the identification and location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book.
- 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.
- In addition to this, separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.
Section A
Section A consists of 21 questions of 1 mark each
Question 1.
The given image of the Harappan stone statue is known as ‘Priest King’ and it is similar to the ‘Priest King’ of ……………………… .(1)
(a) Ornan
(b) Greece
(c) Mesopotamia
(d) Afghanistan
Answer:
(c) Mesopotamia
Question 2.
……………………. are the writings engraved on hard surfaces such as stone, metal or pottery. (1)
(a) Inscriptions
(b) Epigraphy
(c) Calligraphy
(d) Manuscripts
Answer:
(a) Inscriptions
Question 3.
Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other labelled as Reason (R). (1)
Assertion (A) Buddhism grew rapidly as it appealed to many people dissatisfied with existing religious practices.
Reasons (R) In Buddhism, the importance is attached to conduct and values rather than claims of superiority based on birth.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Question 4.
Choose the correct option from the following statements with reference to the Harappan Civilisation. (1)
(a) Nature worship was in vogue.
(b) Female deities were not dominant.
(c) No cult of mother goddess was found.
(d) Temple structures were unearthed.
Answer:
(a) Nature worship was in vogue.
Question 5.
Identify the text with the help of the following information. (1)
I. The text included over 100,000 verses.
II. The original story was composed by charioteer-bards known as Sutas.
III. The Sanskrit used in this text was far simpler than that of Vedas.
IV. It was one of the great epics of India.
Codes
(a) Ramayana
(b) Mahabharata
(c) Purana
(d) Manusmriti
Answer:
(b) Mahabharata
Question 6.
Match the following.
List I | List II |
A. 500-400 BCE | 1. End of the Mauryan Empire |
B. 327-325 BCE | 2. Reign of Ashoka |
C. 272/268-231 BCE | 3. Invasion of Alexander of Macedon |
D. 185 BCE | 4. Rulers of Magadha consolidate power |
Codes
(a) A-1,B-2,C-3, D-4
(b) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
(c) A-4, 13-3, C-2, D-1
(d) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
Answer:
(c) A-4, B-3. C-2, D-1
Question 7.
The followers of Basavanna came to be known as ……………………… . (1)
(a) Virashaivas
(b) Nayanars
(c) Alvars
(d) Buddhists
Answer:
(a) Virashaivas
Question 8.
Consider the following statements regarding the traveller Ibn Battuta. Choose the correct option. (1)
(i) Fie was born in Tangiei France.
(ii) His book Ribla is written in Persian language.
(iii) He arrived to India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
(iv) He travalled to different countries like Syria, Iraq, Persia, etc.
Options
(a) Only (i) is correct
(b) Only (i) and (ii) are correct
(c) Only (ii) and (iii) are correct
(d) Only (iii) and (iv) are correct
Answer:
(d) Only (iii) and (iv) are correct
Question 9.
Mahatma Gandhi, the great Indian leader, made his first public appearance from which place? (1)
(a) Champaran Satyagraha
(b) Calcutta High Court
(c) Banaras Hindu University
(d) Jansabha in Satara
Answer:
(c) Banaras Hindu University.
Question 10.
Famous King of Vijayanagara Empire, King Krishnadevaraya was from which dynasty? (1)
(a) Sangama dynasty
(b) Saluva dynasty
(c) Pandya dynasty
(d) Tuluva dynasty
Answer:
(d) Tuluva dynasty
Question 11.
Historians of religion classify bhakti traditions into two broad categories ……………………. and ……………………… . (1)
(a) Saguna and Nigun
(b) Sagun and Nirgun
(c) Nirgun and Sarvagun
(d) None of the above
Answer:
(b) Sagun and Nirgun
Question 12.
Fill in the blanks from the given options. (1)
Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the ‘Objectives Resolution’ in the Constituent Assembly on ……………………… .
(a) 9th December, 1946
(b) 11th December, 1946
(c) 13th December, 1946
(d) 15th November, 1946
Answer:
(c) 13th December, 1946
Question 13.
In which of the following temples, the scenes from Ramayana were sculpted on the inner walls of the shrine? (1)
(a) Virupaksha temple
(b) Jagannath temple
(c) Vitthala temple
(d) Hazara Rama temple
Answer:
(d) Hazara Rama temple
Question 14.
Identify the famous pilgrimage places related to the Gautama Buddha with the help of the given information. (1)
Buddha delivered his first sermon.
At the time of Buddha, it was part of Kashi Janapada.
(a) Lumbini
(b) Sarnath
(c) Bodh Gaya
(d) Kushinagar
Answer:
(b) Sarnath
Question 15.
What was the term used for village headman during Mughal period? (1)
(a) Kamil
(b) Muqaddam
(c) Shahnahr
(d) Asamis
Answer:
(b) Muqaddam
Question 16.
When and where did Al-Biruni was born?(1)
(a) 873 CE, Uzbekistan
(b) 973 CE, Uzbekistan
(c) 873 CE, Morocco
(d) 973 CE, Morocco
Answer:
(b) 973 CE, Uzbekistan
Question 17.
Read the following statements carefully and identify the person from the following information given below. (1)
(i) He had demanded separate electorates for the Depressed castes.
(ii) He served as a Chairman of Drafting Committee of the Constitution.
(a) Dr BR Ambedkar
(b) JawaharLal Nehru
(c) BN Rao
(d) Sardar Pate)
Answer:
(a) Dr BR Ambedkar
Question 18.
What was created after Santhals revolt? (1)
(a) Damin-i-koh
(b) Santhal Pargana
(c) Dikus
(d) Ryotwan
Answer:
(b) Santhal Pargana
Question 19.
At which place mutiny broke out on 10th May 1857? (1)
(a) Mee rut
(b) Barrackpore
(c) Kanpur
(d) Delhi
Answer:
(a) Meerut
Question 20.
In which year Mahatma Gandhi returned to India? (1)
(a) 1915
(b) 1914
(c) 1916
(d) 1910
Answer:
(a) 1915
Question 21.
Why did the renowned industrialists supported National Movement? Choose the correct option from the followings. (1)
(a) They wanted protection against the import of foreign goods.
(b) They wanted a socialist working class.
(c) They wanted a more government-controlled economy.
(d) They wanted protection against the export of foreign goods.
Answer:
(a) They wanted protection against the import of foreign goods.
Section B
Section B consists of 6 questions of 3 marks each
Question 22.
What was the rationale behind selection of salt as a mode of protest in Civil Disobedience Movement? (3)
Answer:
The Salt Satyagraha which was a part of Civil Disobedience Movement was started by Mahatma Gandhi on 12th March, 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi in Gujarat.
Following are the rationale behind selection of salt as a mode of protest by Mahatma Gandhi’
- Salt tax was very high, it was fourteen times of its value. It symbolised the unfair trade and economic policies of Britishers towards Indians.
- It was used by rich as well as common person hence everybody could easily be associated with it.
- Further, salt was a natural property and monopolisation of Britishers over salt manufacture and trade deprived the people from valuable and simple village industry.
Question 23.
Critically examine the Lingayat’s contribution in the social and religious fields with special reference to the caste system. (3)
Answer:
The Lingayats challenged the idea of caste and the population attributed to certain groups by Brahmanas. They also questioned the theory of rebirth. Some practices like post-puberty marriage and the remarriage of dows which were disapproved in the
Dharrnashastras were encouraged by the Lingayats. Lingayats also believed that devotees will be united with Shiva and would not return to this world after the death.
Thus, they do not practice funeral practices like cremation as per Dharmashastras and instead, they ceremonially bury their dead.
Question 24.
Describe Amara-nayaka system of administration in the Vijayanagara Empire. (3)
Answer:
- The Arnara-kayaks were military commanders who were given territories to govern by the Raya.
- The main features of Amara-nayakas system of administration were
- They helped the kings in collecting taxes and other dues from peasants, craft persons and traders in the area.
- These military chiefs who usually controlled forts and had armed supporters, provided the Vijayanagara kings with an effective lighting force.
- These Amara-nayakas sent tribute to the king annually and personally appeared in the royal court with gifts to express their loyalty. King also occasionally transferred them from one place to another.
Question 25.
Explain in brief the arguments made in Constituent Assembly in favour of strong centre. (3)
Answer:
The arguments macle in the Constituent Assembly in favour of strong centre are Jawaharlal Nehru, argued that weak central authority would be incapable of ensuring peace, of coordinating vital matters of common concern and of speaking effectively for the whole country in the international sphere.
BR Ambedkar reminded the history of communal riots in the country and argued for the strong centre for long-lasting peace and prosperity in the country.
Balakrishna Sharma reasoned that only a strong center could plan for the well-being of the country, mobilise the available economic resources, establish a proper administration, and defend the country against foreign aggression.
Question 26.
Who was REM Wheeler? Mention any one of his contributions in the field of archaeology. (1+2)
Or
Who was John Marshall? How did he mark a change in Indian archaeology? (1+2)
Answer:
REM Wheeler was an archaeologist, who was the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1944. His contributions in the field of archaeology was that he rectified the excavations done by John Marshall, so as to follow stratigraphy of the mound excavated. He classified objects according to the layer of soil where it was found. He brought military precision to the practice of archaeology. Driven by a sense of adventure, he relentlessly excavated Harappa in spite of the hot and humid weather, He also tried to correlate archaeological findings of the Harappan Civilisation with the Rig Veda.
Or
John Marshall was a famous archaeologist, who was the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1924 when the site of Harappa was excavated. He marked a change in Indian archaeology by announcing the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Thus, he brought forth 3000-year-old discoveries of civilisations. He was the first professional archaeologist to work in India.
He brought his experience of work in Greece and Crete to Indian field.
Question 27.
How were the ideas of Upanishadic thinkers different from those of fatalists and materialists? Give reasons for your answer. (3)
Or
Discuss the role of the Begum of Bhopal in preserving the stupa at Sanchi. (3)
Answer:
The idea of fatalists and materialists were not very different from those of Upanishadic thinkers. This can be elaborated in following ways Central Philosophical Concepts The Upanishads are collections of text containing some of the central philosophical concepts of Hinduism which are also shared with Buddhism and Jainism. The concepts of Brahmana (ultimate reality) and Atman (Soul) are central ideas in all the Upanishads, These are also accepted as central ideas in Jainism and Buddhism.
Ahimsa as a Universal Value Ahimsa is equally infused by Jaina texts, Buddhist texts and Upanishads. All Hindus believe in Ahimsa Parmo Dharma (i.e. Ahimsa is the supreme religion).
Theory of Karma Upanishads believes in Karma theory. Its literary meaning is that one should perform his Karma or action without caring for its result. Fatalists also believe that one should be carefree as everything is determined.
Composition of Human Body Fatalists and materialists both believed that human beings are made up of elements namely the Earth, the water, the air, the sky, and the fire. These elements pass into the space of incarnation.
Or
The Begums of Bhopal helped in preserving the stupa at Sanchi in the following ways
Both Sultan Jehan Begum and Shah Jahan Begum provided money for the preservation of the ancient site.
Shahjahan Begum funded the museum that was built there as well as the guest house where John Marshall wrote the text on a Stupa. She funded the publication of the volumes.
They have preserved the stupa from the railway contractors and builders.
Section C
Section C consists of 3 questions of 8 marks each
Question 28.
The South-Western part of Vijayanagara settlement designated as ‘royal center’. Explain. (8)
Or
Explain why Abdur Razzaq, a Persian ambassador, was greatly impressed by the fortification of Vijayanagara Empire during
the 15th century. (8)
Answer:
The royal centre of Vîjayanagara empire was located in the South-Western part of the settlement. It had more than 60 temples. The patronage of temples and cults was very important for the rulers, The rulers tried to establish and legitimate their authority through the association with deities in the temple.
The following points explain about the importance of this location
The royal centres had thirty palaces. These were Large structures and were not associated with ritual lunctions. The main difference betweeri the palaces and temples was that the temples were constructed entirely of masonry, but the super-structure of the palaces was made of perishable materials.
The kings palace was the largest complex of the royal centre. But there was no definite evidence to prove that it was a royal residence. The entire complex is surrounded by high double-layered walls, with a street running between them. It has two platforms, viz The Audience Hall It was a high platform with wooden pillars at close and regular intervals, It had a staircase, going up to the second floor, rested on closely spaced pillars. However, it was not clear for what purposes was the hail used.
The Mahanavami Dibba It was located in the highest point of the city. It was a massive platform rising from a base of about 11,000 sq ft to a height of 40 ft. It supported a wooden structure.
Main ceremonies being performed in Mahanavami Dibba included worship of the image, worship of the state horse and the sacrifice of buffaloes and other animals, dances, wrestling matches, royal processions, etc. The base of the platform was
covered with relief carvings.
There were several grand places in the royal center, viz, the Lotus Mahal, the Hazara Rama temple, etc. These were used by the kings for different purposes.
Or
Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador sent by the ruler of Persia to Calicut in the fifteenth century was impressed after looking at the fortifications due to its following features
- The fort if cations not only surrounded the city but also remote agricultural areas and forests.
- The hills surrounding the city were linked with the outermost wall. The large construction was slightly reduced in thickness at one end.
- The mortar or cementing agent was not used in the construction. The stone blocks were wedge-shaped, which held them in place.
- The inner portion of wells was packed with waste parts of Earth-like remains of stone, brick, etc, and square or rectangular fortification was projected outwards.
- The most important thing about this fortification was that it’s surrounded by agricultural lands. Between the first, second and the third walls, there were cultivated fields, gardens and houses.
- There is an evidence of an agricultural land between the sacred centre and the urban core and water was supplied to this land from a canal system which drew water from the river Tungabhadra.
- The inner core of the urban complex was surrounded by second line of fortification and the royal centre was surrounded by a third line. Within this, there were major buildings present which were surrounded by their own high walls. The well-guarded gates which were linked to major roads of the city that were used to entered the fort.
Question 29.
Discuss about the Non-Cooperation Movement and also discuss contribution of Non-Cooperation Movement to India’s freedom struggle. Why did Gandhiji couple Non-cooperation Movement with Khilafat Movement? (4+ 4)
Or
Explain the beginning of the Dandi March. What is its significance in the history of the Indian National Movement? (4+4)
Answer:
Non-cooperation Movement
The Rowlalt Satyagraha macle Gandhi ji a truly National leader. Encouraged by its success, Gandhiji called for a campaign of Non-cooperation with British rule. The Non-cooperation Movement was the first mass-based political movement under Mahatma Gandhi. Indians who wished colonialism to end were asked to stop attending schools, colleges, law courts and pay no taxes. Indians were asked to adhere to a renunciation of all voluntary associations with the British Government In 1920, at the Congress Session at Nagpur, the Non-cooperation programme was adopted.
The movement started with middle-class participation in the cities. Thousands of students left government-controlled schools, and colleges, teachers resigned and lawyers gave up their legal practices. Foreign goods were boycotted, liquor shops picketed and foreign clothes were burnt. The import of foreign clothes halved between 1921 to 1922.
As the movement spread, people began rejecting imported clothes and started wearing only Indian clothes. Contribution of Non-cooperation in Struggle of Freedom As a consequence of the Non-cooperation Movement, the British Raj was shaken to its foundations for the first time since the Revolt of 1857. By 1922, Gandhiji had transformed Indian Nationalism into a Mass movement which was the greatest contribution of this movement.
It was no longer a movement of professionals and intellectuals, now hundreds of thousands of peasants, workers, and artisans also participated in it.
The common men of India referred Gandhi as ‘Mahatma who dressed like them, lived like them and spoke their language and gradually became united against the British Raj under the leadership of Gandhi ji. In this way. the Non-cooperation Movement changed the way of Indian Nationalism.
Coupling of Non-cooperation with Khilafat
The Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) was a pan-Islamic political protest launched by Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali. Gandhi ji saw this as an opportunity to bring Muslims and Hindus under one roof i.e. the Indian National Movement Therefore, he coupled Non-Cooperation with Khilafat.
Or
Mahatma Gandhi announced in January 1930 that he would lead a march to break one of the most widely disliked laws in British India. The law which gave the state a monopoly in the manufacture and sale of salt.
This march is known as the Dandi March.
Beginning of the Dandi March The movement was started with famous Dandi March on 12th March, 1930. Gandhiji along with 78 of his followers began his foot march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, a village on a seashore in Surat district, about 375 km away from Sabarrnati Ashram.
The violation of Salt law by Gandhi ji was a signal of the beginning of Civil Disobedience Movement. Soon, this movement spread like wildfire through the length and breadth of the country.
- Significance of the Dandi March
- Significance of Dandi March in the history of the freedom struggle of India
- This march made Gandhiji a centre of attraction of the whole of the world. The European press and the American press published detailed accounts of the Salt March conducted by Gandhi ji.
- Undoubtedly, it was the first National Movement in which women participated in large numbers. Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay, the renowned socialist worker advised Gandhiji not to keep the movement limited to men-folk only.
A large number of women along with Kamala Devi violated the Salt and Liquor laws and courted arrest collectively.
As a result of the Salt Movement, the colonial rulers understood it clearly that their authority was not going to remain permanent in India and now they will have to give some participation to the Indians in power.
The Salt March, brought Mahatma Gandhi to world attention. It was widely covered by the European and American press, which brought sympathy for Indian National Movement. The Britishers were pressurized to bring Out reform in administration.
Thus, Salt March and subsequent Civil Disobedience Movement created a scenario where Britishers were compelled to being out political and administrative reform on concurrence ot the Indians.
Question 30.
Discuss whether the concept of equality was followed by the Harappan society. (8)
Or
What are the evidence found by the archaeologists which show that the Harappans had contacts with distant lands? Does it show that the contacts proved to have good trade relations with each other? (7+ 1)
Answer:
The Harappan society was not based on equalitarian setup. There existed considerable socio-economic differences. The following points will give a clear perspective of the issue
(i) Difference In the Construction of Accommodations
In every city related with the Indus Valley Civilisation, we find buildings of different designs and standard. Some of the buildings are very big, while some are very small. Definitely, the people of different economic status used to live in different homes of bigger and lower sizes.
(ii) Different Occupations as Merchants, Traders, and Farmers In Harappa, people were of different occupations. Some of them were merchants, other were small traders. farmers, artisans, and so on. The people doing different types of work and occupations did in have the same income or source of earning.
(iii) Archaeological Evidence of Different Metals and Type of Vessels Archaeological evidences prove that different metals and different types of vessels have been found from different places of the Harappan Civilisation The people of higher economic positions and status; might have used more costly vessels, tools and implements than the people of lower economic position who used less costly vessels, metals or implements.
(iv) Study of Burials The burials are also reliable sources to study social and economic differences among people living within a particular culture. At burials in Harappan sites, the dead were generally laid in pits. There was certainly a variation in these
pits which indicate the social differences prevalent among the people.
Moreover, jewellery has been found in these burials of both men and women. While some graves contain pottery and ornaments indicating that these could be used after death. In some burials, copper mirrors are found, It is clear that the Harappans did not believe in burying pricier is It terigs with the dead.
Thus, differences in their dwelling units. occupations, use of utilitarian goods in addition to their study of burials indicates that the Harappan society was not an egalitarian one.
Or
The archaeologists found much evidence which show that the Harappans had contacts with distant lands. The important evidences are:
Archaeological finds suggest that copper was probably brought from Oman, on the South-Eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.
Moreover, chemical analysis proved traces of nickel both in Omani copper and Harappan artifacts. This suggests a common origin of both A large Harappan jar coated with a thick layer of black clay was found at Omani sites. It is possible that the Harappans exchanged the contents of these vessels for Omani copper.
Mesopotamian texts of third millennium BC referred that copper came from a region called Magan. Historians thought that probably it was another name of Oman, Mesopotamian texts also mentioned contact with regions named Dilmun (probabty the island of Bahrain), Magan and Meluhha, possibly the Harappan region. Meiuhha was a land of seafarers.
Many products of Meluhha were mentioned, these were carnelian, lapis lazuli. copper, gold and varieties of wood.
Other archaeological finds suggest of ‘ong distance contacts which include Harappan seals, weights, dice and beads.
All these evidences suggest that Harappan civilisation was connected with Oman, Bahrain or Mesopotamia by sea. Depictions of ships and boats on seals indicate the trade relations between different countries.
A cylindrical seal found in Mesopotamia has humped bull motif which can be derived from the Indus region. The round-shaped ‘Persian Gulf’ seal found in Bahrain sometimes carries Harappan motifs. Local ‘Dilmun’ weights followed the Harappan
standard. All these evidences show that Harappan Civilisation had good trade r&ations with other regions.
Section D
Section D consists of 3 Source based questions of 4 marks each
Question 31.
Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Krishnadeva Raya (ruled 1509-29), the most famous ruler of Vijayanagara, composed work on statecraft in Telugu known as the Amuktamalyada. About traders he wrote: A king should improve the harbors 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 wrote ‘Amuktamalyada’? (1)
(ii) What were the responsibilities of king towards traders? (2)
(iii) What were the ways suggested in the passage to exclusively reserve import items useful in warfare? (1)
Answer:
(i) Amuktamalyada’ was written by famous ruler of Vijayanagara, Krishnadevaraya. It dealt with statecraft,
(ii) The responsibilities of king towards traders are as follows
(a) He should improve the harbour and encourage commerce in his territory.
(b) The foreign sailors who land in his territory on account of storm, illness, and exhaustion must be looked after in suitable manner.
(iii) The import items for warfare such as good horses, elephants and weapons can be exclusively reserved by making the merchants of distant foreign countries attached to the king by providing them with daily audience, presents and allowing decent profits.
Question 32.
Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Ambedkar on Separate Electorates In response to Mahatma Gandhi’s opposition to the demand for separate electorates for the Depressed Classes, Ambedkar wrote. Here is a class which is undoubtedly not in a position to sustain itself in the struggle for existence. The religion, to which they are tied; instead of providing them an honorable place, brands them as lepers, not fit for ordinary inter course. Economically, it is a class entirely dependent upon the high-caste Hindus for earning its daily bread with no independent way of living open to it. Nor are all ways closed by reason of the social prejudices of the Hindus but there is a definite attempt all through our Hindu Society to bolt every possible door so as not to allow the Depressed Classes any opportunity to rise in the scale of life. In these circumstances, it would be granted by all fair-minded persons that as the only path for a community so handicapped to succeed in the struggle for life against organised tyranny, some share of political power in order that it may protect itself is a paramount necessity.
(i) What argument was given by Mahatma Gandhi against the separate electorates? (1)
(ii) How has Dr BR Ambedkar described the social and economic condition of the Dalits? (2)
(iii) What did he want for the protection of the Dalits? For it, what did he propose? (1)
Answer:
(i) Mahatma Gandhi argued that the separate ‘electorates would permanently segregate the depressed classes.
(ii) Ambedkar described the conditions as follows
(a) Dalits or the depressed classes were not in a position to sustain themselves.
(b) They were both socially and economically handicapped
(iii) Dr BR Ambedkar sought some share in the political power for the depressed classes. It would help them get protection.
He proposed for reservations in elections for depressed classes and tribes and it was allowed by the Constitution.
Question 33.
Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow.
In Praise of Samudragupta He was without an antagonist on Earth; he, by the overflowing of the multitude of (his) many good qualities adorned by hundreds of good actions, he wiped off the fame of other kings with the soles of (his) feet (he is) Purusha (the Supreme Being), being the cause of the prosperity of the good and the destruction of the bad (he is) incomprehensible; (he is) one whose tender heart can be captured only by devotion and humility; (he is) possessed of compassion; (he is) the giver of many hundred thousands of cows; (his) mind has received ceremonial initiation for the uplift of the miserable, the poor, the forlorn and the suffering; (he is) resplendent and embodied kindness to mankind; (he is) equal to (the Gods) Kubera
(the God of wealth), Varuna (the God of the ocean), Indra (the God of rains), and Yama (the God of death).
(i) Who wrote the above Prashasti? (1)
(ii) Mention any two qualities of the ruler described in the excerpt. (2)
(iii) How far are these values shown by the rulers, relevant in the contemporary society? Explain. (1)
Answer:
(i) The Prayag Prashasti’ also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription was composed in Sanskrit by Harisena.
(ii) The qualities of the ruler described in the excerpt are
(a) The ruler should be powerful with lot of good qualities.
(b) The ruler should have compassion and should try for the upliftment of the miserable, the poor, and the forlorn.
(iii) The values in the above-mentioned passage are relevant in the contemporary society to a great extent.
The rulers ought to have positive attitude for the welfare of his countrymen. He should try incessantly to bring prosperity and equality in all walks of life.
Section E
Section E consists of Map based question of 5 marks
Question 34.
A. On the given political map of India locate and label the following with appropriate symbols. (3)
(i) Nageshwar, a mature Harrapan site
Or
(ii) Kalibangan ploughed fields
(iii) The Vijayanagara Empire
(iv) Jhansi principal centre of revolt
B. On the same map, two places related to Mahajanapada and cities are marked as 1 and 2. Identify them and write their names. (2)
Answer: