CBSE Pre-board Exam 2024-25

Class 12th History Most Important Question

1. Which of the following options accurately describes the significance of the
Sangam Age in the context of literature?
A. It marked the introduction of Sanskrit literature in South India.
B. It was a period of decline in literary activities in Tamil Nadu.
C. It witnessed the flourishing collection of ancient Tamil literature.
D. It was characterized by the dominance of Greek literature in India.
Answer. C- It witnessed the flourishing collection of ancient Tamil literature.
2. To which one of the following dynasties did raja Gotami-puta Siri-Satakani
belong?
A. Vakataka
B. Satvahana
C. Kushan
D. Gupta
Answer. B-Satvahana
3. Two statements are given in the question below as Assertion A and Reason
R. Read the statements and choose the appropriate option.
Assertion(R): Recovering artefacts is merely the initial step in the
archaeological process.
Reason(R): Archaeologists employ various methods such as classification
based on material and function, analysis of contextual clues, and reliance on
indirect evidence to understand the significance and purpose of artefacts.
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.
Answer. A- Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R)is the correct explanation of
(A)
4. Consider the following statements regarding Buddhism and choose the
correct option.
I. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
II. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
III. Bodhisattva achieve nibbana for personal salvation.
Options
A. II & III
B. II &III
C. I & II
D. I & III
Answer. C-I&II
5. Match the column I with column II regarding the archaeologist who worked
in the exploration of Indus valley and choose the correct option.

Options :

Answer. D. a- (ii) b- (iii) c- (i) d- (iv)

6. Identify the ruler of the ancient India with the help of following
information:
He was a prominent Shaka ruler.
He rebuilt Sudarshana Lake in the second century CE.
He showcased his engagement with Sanskritic traditions.
A. Vikramaditya II
B. Bhaskaravarman
C. Bimbisara
D. Rudradaman
Answer. D -Rudradaman
7. Identify which of the following options refers to the ancient cave painting
given below?

A. Ajanta Cave Paintings

B. Bagh Cave Paintings
C. Sittanavasal Cave Paintings
D. Ellora Cave Paintings
Answer. A- Ajanta Cave Paintings
8. Which of the following skills can be identified from Al-Biruni's writings?
A. Proficiency in diplomacy and political negotiation.
B. Fluency in multiple languages and a broad intellectual curiosity.
C. Expertise in military strategy and warfare tactics.
D. Exceptional talent for storytelling and vivid descriptions.
Answer. B-Fluency in multiple languages and a broad intellectual curiosity.
9. Which of the following statements is incorrect about Andal?
A. Andal was a woman Alvar, the most striking features of her compositions
were widely sung.
B. Andal was a woman Nayanar, she incorporated the prevailing caste system
in the society.
C. Andal saw herself as the beloved of Vishnu; her verses express her love for
the deity.
D. Andal saw herself as the beloved of Krishna; her verses express her love for
the deity.
Answer. Andal was a woman Nayanar, she incorporated the prevailing caste
system in the society.
10. Imagine you are analysing a historical document from the Vijayanagar
Empire. Which of the following documents would be most helpful in
understanding the relationship between the empire and religious institutions?
A. A military chronicle detailing the conquests of a Vijayanagar rulers.
B. A record of diplomatic exchanges with traders and foreign ambassadors.
C. A legal code outlining the rights and responsibilities of urban classes.
D. An imperial decree granting land or privileges to a sacred organization.
Answer. D. An imperial decree granting land or privileges to a sacred
organization.
11. Match the column I with column II regarding the travellers who visited the
Vijayanagar empire and choose the correct option.:

Answer. D. a-(ii) b- (i) c- (iv) d- (iii)

12. Which of the following developments significantly contributed to the
increased flow of silver bullion into India through trade with Europe during
the 16th-18th centuries?
A. The rise of the Ottoman Empire in Asia
B. The opening of the new world through voyages
C. The Ming Dynasty's expansion into Southeast Asia
D. The decline of the Safavid Empire in Asia
Answer. B- The opening of the new world through voyages.
13. How did the compilation of the Ain-i Akbari contribute to Emperor Akbar's
vision of governance? Choose the best suitable option from the following.
A. By emphasizing military strategies for territorial expansion.
B. By documenting religious rituals and practices across the empire.
C. By providing information on administrative and cultural traditions.
D. By focusing on trade routes and economic policies.
Answer. B-By providing information on administrative and cultural traditions.
14. What insights did Francois Bernier provide about the economic structure
of Mughal India? Choose the best suitable option from the following.
A. The prevalence of private land ownership and equitable distribution of
wealth.
B. The dominance of state-controlled resources and limitations on private
property.
C. The absence of trade networks and economic isolation from global markets.
D. The reliance on foreign investments and the absence of indigenous
industries.
Answer. B- The dominance of state-controlled resources and limitations on
private property.
15. Compare and contrast the impacts of the American Civil War on cotton
production in India and the United States. Choose the best suitable option
from the following.
A. Both countries experienced a decline in cotton production due to the war.
B. India's cotton production increased while the United States experienced a
decline.
C. The United States saw increased cotton production while India's remained
stagnant.
D. Both countries saw a surge in cotton exports during the war period.
Answer. B- India's cotton production increased while the United States
experienced a decline.
16. Why did the rebellion in Awadh become a symbol of resistance against
British rule? Choose the best suitable option from the following.
A. Due to the region's economic prosperity under native rule
B. Due to the displacement of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and taluqdars
C. Due to favourable land revenue policies towards the peasantry
D. Due to Awadh ‘s central position for organizing rebel forces.
Answer. B- Due to the displacement of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and taluqdars
17. Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of
events related to agrarian developments in India during the 19th century?
I. The Permanent Settlement in Bengal
II. The Deccan Riots Commission
III. The Santhal Rebellion
IV. The Fifth Report by a Select Committee.
Options:
A. I, II, III & IV
B. II, III, IV & I
C. III, II, I & IV
D. I,IV,III & II
Answer. D. I, IV,III & II
18. Which one of the following was the Gandhi’s main demands for the
peasants in Champaran?
A. Increase in minimum wages of workers
B. Freedom to cultivate the crops of their choice.
C. Reduction in government taxes for social classes
D. Indian education for all farmers' children
Answer. B-Freedom to cultivate the crops of their choice
19. Complete the following with the correct option regarding the role of
leaders in the history of nationalism of their respective countries.
Ho Chi Minh: Vietnam, George Washington: --------------------
A. USA
B. UK
C. France
D. Canada
Answer. A-USA
20. Identify the ruler of India in the 1850s from the given options using the
provided information.
I. He was the successor to Peshwa Baji Rao II
II. He was compelled by sepoys and the towns people to join
the revolt as their leader from Kanpur.
A. Nana Sahib
B. Kunwar Singh
C. Birjis Qadr
D. Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah
Answer. A.Nana Sahib
21. Analyse the layout of Harappan cities to identify features that promoted
cleanliness and public health.
Answer. Every house was connected to the street drains.
i. The main channels were made of bricks set in mortar were covered with
loose bricks that could be removed for cleaning.
ii. In some cases, limestone was used for the covers.
iii. House drains first emptied into a sump or cesspit into which solid matter
settled while wastewater flowed out into the street drains.
iv. Very long drainage channels were provided at intervals with sumps for
cleaning.
v. Any other relevant point
Any three points to be explained.
22. How does the Mahabharata show the multicultural nature of ancient
Indian society? Explain with examples.
Answer.
i.The Mahabharata incorporates stories, customs, and beliefs from various
regions of the Indian subcontinent, reflecting the multicultural aspects of
ancient Indian society where different communities coexisted and interacted.
ii.Variations in social practices, such as marriage and rituals, as depicted in the
Mahabharata, highlight the dynamic nature of Indian society like polyandry,
polygamy, exogamy, endogamy, etc.
iii.The epic illustrates the ongoing exchange between diverse communities,
including Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, as well as
interactions with tribal groups and other cultures. Ex – Hidimba, mlechchas,
etc
iv.These interactions enriched Indian society through the exchange of ideas
and cultural practices.
v.The Mahabharata portrays conflicts and consensus among different social
groups and ideologies.
vi.Communities adapted the epic to their cultural contexts, leading to diverse
versions and interpretations. Like V S Suthankar’s preparation of critical
edition. vii.Any other relevant point Any three points to be explained.
23. A. Examine the impact of Bhakti and Sufi poetry on the development of
regional languages and literature.
Answer. i. Bhakti and Sufi poets composed their verses in vernacular
languages.
ii. This helped in the standardization and development of various regional
languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Urdu, and others.
iii. Both Bhakti and Sufi movements emphasized the universality of love,
devotion, and spiritual experience, transcending linguistic, cultural, and
religious boundaries.
iv. Nayanar Alvars , Tamil Bhakti Tradition composed hymns praising Lord
Shiva in Tamil. Their poems, Tevaram, and Naliyaradivyaprabhandham are
revered for their devotional fervor and literary excellence.
v. Sufi Poetry, wrote verses expressing the depths of mystical love and spiritual
longing.
vi. the Chishtis, particularly in Delhi, embraced the use of local languages like
Hindavi to communicate with the common people, fostering a deeper
connection with the masses.
vii. Sufi saints like Baba Farid expressed their spiritual insights through verses
composed in the local language, some of which were included in the Guru
Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
viii. Others, like Malik Muhammad Jayasi, utilized local languages to create
allegorical love stories such as the Padmavat, symbolizing the journey of the
soul towards divine love.
ix. In Bijapur, Karnataka, Chishti Sufis crafted short poems in Dakhani.
x. The lingayat vachanas of Kannada and the abhangs of Marathi saints from
Pandharpur.
xi. Guru Nanak Dev, Sikhism, composed hymns known as "Shabads" that are
included in the Guru Granth Sahib. His verses convey messages of universal
love, equality, and devotion to the divine.
xii. Kabir, a mystic poet and saint, challenged social norms and religious
dogmas through his verses in sant bhasha
xiii. Mirabai composed bhajans and poems expressing her unconditional love
and longing for the divine. xiv. Any other relevant point
Any three points to be explained.
24. Explain the term "Little Republics" as applied to villages during the
Mughal period.
Answer. i. There was individual ownership of assets and deep inequities based
on caste and gender distinctions.
ii. A group of powerful individuals decided the affairs of the village, exploited
the weaker sections and had the authority to dispense justice.
iii. More importantly, a cash nexus had already developed through trade
between villages and towns.
iv. In the Mughal heartland too, revenue was assessed and collected in cash.
Artisans producing for the export market (for example, weavers) received
their advances or wages in cash, as did producers of commercial products like
cotton, silk or indigo.
v. Any other relevant point Any three points to be explained.
25. Describe the aspirations and objectives of the rebels during the Indian
Rebellion of 1857, as reflected in their proclamations and actions.
Answer. i. The proclamations condemned the British for the annexations they
had carried out and the treaties they had broken.
ii. Condemned British land revenue settlements.
iii. Every aspect of British rule was attacked and the firangi accused of
destroying a way of life that was familiar and cherished.
iv. The rebels wanted to restore that world.
v. The proclamations expressed the widespread fear that the British were bent
on destroying the caste and religions of Hindus and Muslims and converting
them to Christianity.
vi. People were urged to come together and fight to save their livelihood, their
faith, their honour, their identity – a fight which was for the “greater public
good”.
vii. The proclamations sought to unify all social groups in the fight against
firangi raj.
viii. Azamgarh proclamation
ix. Sepoy grievances like religious objections to the Enfield rifle cartridges,
poor service conditions, and racial discrimination by British officers
x. Any other relevant point Any three points to be explained.