CBSE Class 12 History Question Paper 2024 (Set 1- 61/1/1) is Available- Download Solution Pdf with Answer Key

Solution: Understanding Lapis Lazuli:
• Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone that was highly valued in ancient times.
• It was used for making jewelry, ornaments and seals.
• The stone was not easily available and needed to be sourced through trade.

1: Analyzing Shortughai:
• Shortughai is a Harappan site located in present-day Afghanistan.
• It was situated near the lapis lazuli mines of Badakhshan, making it the major source for this stone in the Harappan civilization.

2: Analyzing Nageshwar:
• Nageshwar is a Harappan site in Gujarat known for its shell-working industry, not for lapis lazuli.

3: Analyzing Manda:
• Manda is a Harappan site located on the banks of the Chenab River in Jammu, which is not known for the source of lapis lazuli.

4: Analyzing Rakhigarhi:
• Rakhigarhi is a large Harappan site in Haryana.
• Although it is a large site, it is not the source of lapis lazuli.

5: Conclusion
• Based on the above analysis, Shortughai was the major source of Lapis Lazuli in Harappan civilization.

Solution: Understanding Prabhavati Gupta:
• Prabhavati Gupta was an important female ruler of the Vakataka dynasty.
• She was the daughter of Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty.

1: Analyzing Statement (i):
• Statement (i) says she was the daughter of Chandragupta Maurya.
• This is incorrect as she was the daughter of Chandragupta II and not Chandragupta Maurya.

2: Analyzing Statement (ii):
• Statement (ii) is correct, as Prabhavati Gupta was married to a Vakataka ruler, Rudrasena II.

3: Analyzing Statement (iii):
• Statement (iii) is also correct, she did have independent access to resources.
• She was a powerful and independent ruler.

4: Analyzing Statement (iv):
• Statement (iv) is correct. She is known to have given land grants.
• This gave her an important political position in the region.

5: Conclusion
• Based on the analysis only (ii), (iii) and (iv) are correct.

Solution: Understanding the Clues:
• The question presents three clues about an ancient Indian ruler.
• The clues are the title "Devanampiya”, distribution of Buddha's relics for stupas, and inscription on rocks and pillars.

1: Analyzing Asoka:
• Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty was known by the title ‘Devanampiya', meaning ‘Beloved of the Gods'.

2: Analyzing his contributions to Buddhism:
• Ashoka is known for building stupas and distributing the relics of Buddha.

3: Analyzing his inscriptions:
• Ashoka was the first ruler who used inscriptions on rocks and pillars to spread his messages and policies.

4: Analyzing other options:
• Samudragupta was a ruler of the Gupta dynasty who is known for his military conquests.
• Harshavardhana was an emperor in the 7th century CE known for his patronage of learning.
• Rudradaman was a Saka ruler known for his Junagadh inscription.

5: Conclusion
• Based on the above points, Asoka is the correct answer.

Solution: Understanding Sushruta Samhita:
• The question is asking about the subject of the ancient book ‘Sushruta Samhita'.
• The 'Sushruta Samhita' is an important text in the history of Indian medicine.

1: Identifying the Theme:
• The 'Sushruta Samhita' is a comprehensive text on surgery, medicine and healthcare in ancient India.
• It is a cornerstone text of the Ayurvedic tradition of medicine.

2: Analyzing other options:
• Grammar deals with language and structure and was not the subject of this text.
• Astronomy deals with stars, space and planets and was not the subject of this text.
• Mathematics deals with numbers and calculations and was not the subject of this text.

Solution: Understanding Symbols at Sanchi:
• The question is about the symbolism of different art forms at Sanchi.
• Understanding Buddhist art and symbolism is important to correctly match the columns.

1: Matching Empty Seat:
• The empty seat in Buddhist art symbolizes the Mahaparinibbana, the final release or passing away of Buddha.
• Therefore, it is matched with (iv).

2: Matching Wheel:
• The wheel or the chakra in Buddhist art represents the first sermon of Buddha at Sarnath.
• Therefore, it is matched with (iii).

3: Matching Shalabhanjika:
• The Shalabhanjika is a yakshi that is considered an auspicious symbol representing fertility and abundance.
• Thus, it is matched with (ii).

4: Matching Gajalakshmi:
• Gajalakshmi is goddess Lakshmi with elephants, and it represents prosperity and good fortune.
• Therefore, it is matched with (i).

5: Conclusion
• Based on the analysis, the correct match is 1-(iv), 2-(iii), 3-(ii), 4-(i)

Solution: Understanding the Schools of Art:
• This question asks to identify the school of art associated with the image of Buddha.
• We need to be familiar with the different styles to answer this question.

1: Analyzing the Mathura School of Art:
• The Buddha images of the Mathura school are made from red sandstone.
• They usually have a serene look with a bald head.
• The images also have wide eyes, a prominent nose, and a simple robe over the body.

2: Analyzing the Gandhara School of Art:
• The Gandhara style of Buddha's image is influenced by Greco Roman style.
• The images usually feature detailed musculature, wavy hair, and realistic facial features.

3: Analyzing the Sarnath School of Art:
• The images of the Sarnath school have a simple design and smooth drapery of the robe, and are made with buff colored stone.
• The images show more spiritual expression compared to the Mathura style.

4: Analyzing the Amravati School of Art:
• The Amravati School of Art is characterized by intricate carvings with narrative panels of scenes from Buddha's life.
• The images were found in Andhra Pradesh.

5: Conclusion
• From the image given, the features resemble the Mathura School of art.

Solution: Understanding Buddha's Origin:
• This question for visually impaired candidates is asking about the clan to which Buddha belonged.
• Buddha was born in a clan of the Kshatriya caste.

1: Identifying the Sakya Clan:
• Buddha was born as Siddhartha Gautama in the Sakya clan in Lumbini which is in modern day Nepal.
• His father was the ruler of the Sakya clan.

2: Analyzing other options:
• Kosala was a Mahajanapada and was not related to Buddha's origin.
• Bhoja was a clan known from the ancient kingdoms of India.
• The Palas were a dynasty that came much later and had nothing to do with Buddha.

Solution: Understanding the Terms:
• The question requires matching terms related to marriage practices with their correct definition.

1: Analyzing Endogamy:
• Endogamy is the practice of marrying within a specific social group, caste, or clan, not outside.
• Thus, this option is incorrect.

2: Analyzing Exogamy:
• Exogamy is the practice of marrying outside a specific group or clan.
• Therefore, this option is also incorrect.

3: Analyzing Polygyny:
• Polygyny is the practice of a man having multiple wives, not marriage inside a group.
• Therefore, this option is also incorrect.

4: Analyzing Polyandry:
• Polyandry is the practice of a woman having multiple husbands.
• This option is correctly matched.

Solution: Understanding Al-Biruni:
• Al-Biruni was an 11th century scholar who travelled to India and studied ancient Indian texts and culture.
• He translated many ancient Indian texts into other languages.

1: Analyzing Al-Biruni's Language:
• Al-Biruni was an Arabic scholar.
• He translated the texts into Arabic to reach scholars in the Arabic speaking region.

2: Analyzing other options:
• Al-Biruni was not Persian or Urdu speaking.
• He did not translate the texts in Hindavi as he was an Arab scholar.

3: Conclusion
• Based on these facts, he translated the Indian texts into Arabic.

Solution: Understanding Amir Khusrau:
• Amir Khusrau was a 13th-14th century mystic poet and musician.
• He was also a prominent disciple of a famous Sufi Saint.

1: Identifying Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya:
• Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya was a Sufi saint of the Chishti order.
• Amir Khusrau was his beloved disciple, and was closely associated with the saint.

2: Analyzing other options:
• Shaikh Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi was a prominent Sufi saint, but not a mentor of Amir Khusrau.
• Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti was a famous Sufi saint, but he is not the mentor of Khusrau.
• Shaikh Salim Chishti was a famous Sufi saint of the Mughal era, he has no connection to Amir Khusrau.

Solution: Understanding the Temple Locations:
• The question asks to match well-known temples with their correct location.
• Knowledge of ancient and medieval sites is required for this question.

1: Matching Hazara Rama Temple:
• Hazara Rama Temple is located in Hampi, which was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• It is matched with (ii) Vijayanagara.

2: Matching Chidambaram Temple:
• Chidambaram temple is in Tamil Nadu.
• So it is matched with (i) Tamil Nadu.

3: Matching Brihadishvara Temple:
• Brihadishvara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is in Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.
• Therefore, it is matched with (iv) Thanjavur.

4: Matching Chennakeshava Temple:
• Chennakeshava Temple is located in Belur in Karnataka.
• Therefore it is matched with (iii) Belur.

5: Conclusion
• The correct match is 1-(ii), 2-(i), 3-(iv), 4-(iii)

Solution: Understanding Ain-i-Akbari:
• The question requires knowledge about Ain-i-Akbari, the important text from the Mughal era.

1: Analyzing Akbar Nama and Ain-i-Akbari:
• The Ain-i-Akbari is the third part of Akbar Nama, not the other way around.
• Thus option (A) is incorrect.

2: Analyzing the sections of Ain-i-Akbari:
• Manzil-abadi in the Ain-i-Akbari refers to the imperial household and the upkeep of the household, not the civil administration.
• Thus, option (B) is incorrect.

3: Analyzing Sipah-abadi:
• Sipah-abadi in the Ain-i-Akbari refers to the military and army and not the imperial household.
• Thus option (C) is incorrect.

4: Analyzing Mulk-abadi:
• Mulk-abadi deals with the fiscal side of the Mughal Empire.
• This part provides details of revenue collection, land measurement, and taxation.
• Therefore, this option is correct.

5: Conclusion
• Based on the analysis, Option D is correct.

Solution: Understanding Oriental Despotism:
• The question is about the concept of 'Oriental Despotism' and the traveler who provided descriptions that supported the idea.
• Oriental despotism is a term used in western discourse that refers to a form of absolute or tyrannical rule, which was associated with Asian societies.

1: Analyzing François Bernier:
• François Bernier was a French physician and traveler who visited India during the Mughal era.
• He wrote extensively about Mughal rule and portrayed it as despotic, centralized, and oppressive, which is often called Oriental Despotism.

2: Analyzing other options:
• Peter Mundy was an English traveler, but his writings are not known to be related to Oriental Despotism.
• Duarte Barbosa was a Portuguese writer but did not use the term oriental despotism.
• Marco Polo was a traveler of the earlier period, and not known to use this term.

3: Conclusion
• The descriptions provided by François Bernier have inspired the Western theorists to develop this idea.

Solution: Understanding the Decline of Vijayanagara:
• The question asks about the main reason that caused the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• The Vijayanagara Empire was one of the major empires in medieval India.

1: Analyzing the Battle of Talikota:
• The Battle of Talikota was a major battle that took place in 1565 between the Vijayanagara army and the Deccan Sultanates.
• The defeat of the Vijayanagara army in the battle was a major blow.

2: Analyzing internal conflicts:
• While internal conflicts did weaken the Vijayanagara empire, the battle of Talikota was the main reason for its downfall.

3: Analyzing decline in trade and economy:
• Although the empire may have experienced decline in trade and economy, the defeat in the battle was the immediate cause.

4: Analyzing the invasions:
• Portuguese and French presence in India was in the later period, and they were not a factor in the fall of the Vijayanagara empire.

5: Conclusion
• The defeat of the Vijayanagara Empire in the battle of Talikota was the main reason for its downfall.

Solution: Understanding Rural Occupations:
• The question requires matching the names of rural people with their occupations during the Mughal period.

1: Analyzing Muzarian:
• Muzarian refers to the peasants or cultivators who were engaged in farming activities in Mughal rural society.

2: Analyzing Mallahzadas:
• Mallahzadas were village headmen, and not boatmen.
• The headmen were important figures in the villages during the Mughal period.

3: Analyzing Muqaddam:
• Muqaddam was a village headman and not a banker.

4: Analyzing Shroff:
• Shroffs were bankers or money lenders.
• Therefore this option is incorrect.

5: Conclusion
• Therefore only option (D) is correct.

Solution: Understanding the Events:
• The question requires arranging laws and rebellions in chronological order.
• Understanding the timelines of events is important to solve this.

1: Establishing the Timeline:
• (ii) Sunset Law: This law was part of the Permanent Settlement introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793.
• (iii) Santhal Rebellion: The Santhal Rebellion was in 1855-1856.
• (i) Limitation Law: The Limitation Law was enacted in 1859.
• (iv) Bombay-Deccan Riots: The Bombay-Deccan riots occurred in 1875.

2: Creating the Correct Order:
• Based on these timelines the correct sequence is (ii), (iii), (i), (iv).

Solution: Understanding Viceroys and their Policies:
• The question is about matching the Viceroys with their policies during British Rule.

1: Matching Lord Wellesley:
• Lord Wellesley was known for introducing the policy of Subsidiary Alliance.
• Thus, he is matched with (ii).

2: Matching Lord Dalhousie:
• Lord Dalhousie was known for his policy of annexation of princely states.
• Therefore, he is matched with (i).

3: Matching Lord Bentinck:
• Lord Bentinck was known for introducing reformative policies like banning Sati and suppression of Thuggee.
• Therefore, he is matched with (iv).

4: Matching Lord Hardinge:
• Lord Hardinge was associated with the introduction of greased cartridges which were a trigger of the 1857 revolt.
• He is matched with (iii).

5: Conclusion
• The correct match is 1-(ii), 2-(i), 3-(iv), 4-(iii).

Solution: Understanding the Statements:
• The question presents an Assertion and a Reason, and we need to establish their validity and relationship.

1: Analyzing Assertion (A):
• Assertion (A) states that Gandhi joined the Khilafat movement to broaden the Non-cooperation movement.
• This is a correct statement, Gandhi did indeed join the Khilafat cause to unite Hindus and Muslims.

2: Analyzing Reason (R):
• Reason (R) states that Gandhiji thought joining Khilafat and Non-cooperation movement would lead to an end to Colonial rule.
• This is also a correct statement, as it was Gandhi's hope.

3: Establishing Connection:
• The Reason correctly explains why Gandhi joined hands with Khilafat movement, to collectively challenge colonial rule by uniting all communities.
• Therefore, the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• The question asks to identify a member of the Constituent Assembly who strongly advocated for Hindi to be the language of the constitution.

1: Analyzing R.V. Dhulekar:
• R.V. Dhulekar was a strong advocate of Hindi.
• He made a very passionate plea for using Hindi during the constitution making process.

2: Analyzing other options:
• Shankarrao Deo was a freedom fighter and politician but was not known for supporting Hindi in the constituent assembly.
• G. Durgabai was a prominent member of the assembly, who is known for her contribution to social reforms.
• N.G. Ranga was a freedom fighter from Andhra and was not known to be a supporter of Hindi in the constituent assembly.

3: Conclusion
• Based on the information R.V. Dhulekar was a strong supporter of using Hindi for the constitution-making process.

Solution: Understanding the Permanent Settlement:
• The question asks about a significant criticism of the Permanent Settlement.
• The permanent settlement was introduced by Lord Cornwallis and was a land revenue system that was implemented in Bengal and other parts of India.

1: Analyzing Zamindars' Rights:
• The Permanent Settlement gave zamindars the permanent and hereditary ownership rights over the land.
• This was a main drawback of the system because this made them owners of the land instead of the cultivators.

2: Analyzing other options:
• The British did not contact peasants directly, rather they collected the revenue through the zamindars.
• It did not increase the influence of tribal communities.
• While it did have many negative impacts, the Bombay Deccan riots were a consequence of the Ryotwari system, and not the Permanent Settlement.

3: Conclusion
• Therefore, the correct answer is that Zamindars got permanent rights on the lands.

Solution: Understanding the Revolt of 1857:
• The question is about a rebel leader of the Revolt of 1857 who established a ‘hall of justice' during the revolt.

1: Identifying Shah Mal:
• Shah Mal was a local rebel leader in Uttar Pradesh.
• He is known to have seized the British official's bungalow and turned it into a hall of justice to settle disputes.

2: Analyzing other options:
• Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah was a well-known leader in the revolt but was not known to have captured bungalows.
• Gonoo was a tribal leader and not from Uttar Pradesh.
• Kunwar Singh was a leader in Bihar, and had no relation to the event in the question.

3: Conclusion
• Therefore, the correct answer is Shah Mal.

Solution: Understanding the Government of India Act 1935:
• The question asks about the framework in which the legislatures operated under the Government of India Act 1935.

1: Analyzing the Context:
• The Government of India Act 1935 was a British act that provided the framework of the Government in India at that time.
• It established provincial and federal structures of administration under colonial rule.

2: Identifying the correct framework:
• The legislatures that were elected under this act operated under the framework of the colonial rule.
• This act was made by the British parliament and not by Indian political parties or Constituent Assembly.

3: Ruling out other options:
• The Indian National Congress was not a framework but an organisation.
• Muslim league was also an organisation and not a framework.
• The constituent assembly came into existence after independence.

4: Conclusion
• Therefore the elected legislatures worked under the framework of Colonial Rule.

Solution: Understanding Dynamic Text:
• The question asks to justify why the Mahabharata is considered a dynamic text.
• A dynamic text is one that has been interpreted and added to over time.

1: Multiple layers of stories:
• The Mahabharata consists of various interwoven stories and sub-stories.
• These have been continuously added to the original narrative, showing its flexibility and adaptability.

2: Various Languages and Versions:
• The Mahabharata has been written and translated in many different languages.
• Each version highlights the variations of the epic based on region, culture, and language.

3: Different Interpretations and Forms:
• The Mahabharata has various forms and interpretations.
• It is used in performing arts like dance, theatre, sculpting and painting.

4: Including Bhagavad Gita:
• The Bhagavad Gita is also a part of Mahabharata, which gives the text a more spiritual meaning.
• The Gita is also interpreted in many different ways.

5: Conclusion
• The Mahabharata is a dynamic text that has evolved over centuries, has many versions and multiple meanings.

Solution: Understanding the Critical Edition:
• The question is asking to analyze the role of scholars in preparing the critical edition of the Mahabharata.

1: Initiation of the Project:
• The project to create a critical edition of the Mahabharata was initiated by V.S. Sukthankar and other scholars in 1919.

2: Collection of Manuscripts:
• The scholars collected manuscripts in various languages from different regions and analyzed them.
• It was a detailed task to find the manuscripts.

3: Identification of Variations:
• The scholars identified variations in the different manuscripts and decided on the verses based on their analyses.

4: Publication of Critical Edition:
• After long years of research, they published the critical edition of Mahabharata.
• It consisted of more than 13,000 pages.

5: Conclusion
• The scholars did a massive task of gathering, analysing, and publishing the critical edition of the epic.

Solution: Understanding the Mauryan Empire:
• The question is asking about any three sources to learn about Mauryan Empire.

1: Kautilya's Arthashastra:
• The Arthashastra is a treatise on statecraft, economy, and military strategy attributed to Kautilya.
• It provides detailed insights into the administration and political life of the Mauryan period.

2: Megasthenes' Indica:
• Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
• His book 'Indica' describes social, economic and political life during the Mauryan rule, although only fragments survive today.

3: Buddhist and Jain Literature:
• Texts from Buddhism and Jainism such as the Jatakas provide valuable information on social, political, and religious conditions of that time.

4: Analyzing other options:
• Ashokan inscriptions reveal many of the key policies of the emperor.
• Punch-marked coins of the period can tell us about the economy and trade.
• The dhamma and dhamma mahamatras of Asoka provides a lot of information on his policies.

Solution: Understanding Water Management in Vijayanagara:
• The question asks to explain water management during the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Water was a key resource in this empire, and hence was managed efficiently.

1: Use of the Tungabhadra River:
• The Tungabhadra River flows in a north-easterly direction, and provided the main source of water.
• The empire utilized the river for agriculture and urban use.

2: Building of Tanks and Reservoirs:
• The Kamalapuram tank is the most important tank that collected water and was used to irrigate the land and royal center.
• They also built many other embankments to create more reservoirs.

3: Canal Systems:
• Water was taken from the tanks using channels and canals to irrigate land and provide drinking water.
• The Hiriya canal was one of the most prominent water networks.

Solution: Understanding Land Revenue:
• This question is asking to establish that land revenue was the economic mainstay of the Mughal empire.
• It is important to highlight the importance of agricultural revenue during the Mughal rule.

1: Importance of Agriculture:
• Agriculture was the primary occupation in Mughal India and it was the main source of the empire's income.

2: Administrative Apparatus:
• The Mughals established a structured administrative system to manage land revenue.
• This system collected, fixed and recorded revenue collection.

3: Classification of Land:
• Land was divided into four types Polaj, Parauti, Chachar, and Banjar based on its productivity.
• Land measurement was conducted in each province to assess the correct amount of revenue.

4: Revenue Collection:
• The revenue was collected from the peasants in both cash and kind.
• The total revenue collected is known as Jama, and the revenue that was obtained was called Hasil.

5: Ain-i-Akbari and Amir Guzar:
• The Ain-i-Akbari was a major source to know the details of the land revenue.
• Amir Guzar was the officer responsible for revenue collection.

Solution: Understanding Awadh's Situation:
• The question asks to explain why the revolt of 1857 was especially widespread in Awadh.
• The revolt was widespread in North India and Awadh was a major center.

1: Subsidiary Alliance:
• The Subsidiary Alliance was imposed in Awadh in 1801, which weakened the Nawab's power.
• This created discontent in the area.

2: Annexation of Awadh:
• The British annexed Awadh in 1856 under the pretext of misrule by the Nawab.
• This angered the local nobility and sepoys.

3: Economic Distress:
• The British policies like the Summary Settlement of 1856 led to economic hardship for the people.

4: Discontent among Sepoys:
• Many of the sepoys in the British army were from Awadh.
• They were upset by the annexation of their homeland.

5: Impact on court culture:
• The removal of the Nawab led to the destruction of court culture and the loss of livelihood of many people related to it.
• All these factors made the revolt especially widespread in Awadh.

Solution: Understanding the Appeal for Unity:
• The question asks why did the rebel proclamations of the 1857 revolt appeal for unity.

1: Appeal to all communities:
• The proclamations were aimed at uniting all communities irrespective of caste and creed.
• This was a conscious effort on the part of the rebel leaders.

2: Proclamations under Bahadur Shah's name:
• The Proclamations were issued under the name of Bahadur Shah.
• These appealed to people of all communities to join hands.

3: Attempts to incite Hindus and Muslims:
• The British tried to create a divide between Hindus and Muslims but these attempts failed.

4: Call for unity against common enemy:
• The Azamgarh proclamation described how both Hindus and Muslims were being destroyed by the British.
• It emphasized the need for unity against the common oppressor.

5: Participation of social groups:
• Many social groups joined the revolt calling for the unity of the country.

6: Conclusion
• The rebel leaders recognized the need for unity among all people against the British and hence the proclamations had a wide appeal.

Solution: Understanding the Conflict:
• The question asks for the reasons that led to the conflict between the Paharias and Santhals.
• Both were tribes that lived in the Rajmahal Hills region.

1: Paharias and Santhals:
• Paharias were the original inhabitants of the Rajmahal hills.
• The Santhals were brought in by the British and settled in the foothills.

2: Land Disputes:
• The land previously occupied by the Paharias came under the control of Santhals, which created conflict between them.

3: Damin-i-koh:
• In 1832, the British gave the land called Damin-i-koh to the Santhals.
• The Paharias had also earlier lived on this land which led to conflict between them.

4: Conflict over resources:
• The Santhals were mostly into agriculture while the Paharias preferred hunting.
• The change in the land use led to conflict over the resources between the tribes.

5: British Policies:
• The British created a divide between the two tribes by giving land to the Santhals and discriminating against the Paharias.
• This added to the conflict between the two groups.

6: Conclusion
• Due to all these factors, the relationship between the tribes deteriorated and resulted in conflict.

Solution: Understanding Harappan Urban Centers:
• The question asks to explain why the urban centers were the most unique feature of the Harappan civilization.

1: Planned Cities:
• The Harappan cities were known for their remarkable planning.
• They had a well-planned grid like system of streets, with houses built along the roads.

2: Citadel and Lower Town:
• The cities were divided into two parts; the citadel and lower town.
• The citadel was built on a higher ground and was used by the ruling class, while the lower town was meant for the common people.

3: Drainage System:
• The drainage system was one of the most sophisticated of its time, with covered drains and manholes.
• This provided proper sanitation and cleanliness.

4: Domestic Architecture:
• The cities featured well planned houses, often with multiple rooms, wells, and courtyards.
• Some houses even had stairs leading to a second level.

5: Other Key Features:
• Other key features included a Great Bath, a large warehouse, a dockyard, etc.

6: Conclusion
• The town planning, architecture, drainage system, and other unique structures make it an important civilization.

Solution: Understanding Harappan Discovery:
• The question asks to explain the role of the different archeologists in the discovery of Harappa.

1: Cunningham's Confusion:
• Alexander Cunningham, the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), visited Harappa in the 19th century.
• He did not realize its historical importance.

2: Daya Ram Sahni's Contribution:
• Daya Ram Sahni was a key archaeologist who discovered seals at Harappa in 1921, recognizing its importance.

3: Rakhal Das Banerjee's Contribution:
• Rakhal Das Banerjee discovered seals at Mohenjo-daro in 1922 and helped to discover another urban centre.

4: John Marshall's Announcement:
• John Marshall, who was the Director-General of ASI, announced the discovery of a new civilization in the Indus valley.

5: Other contributions:
• S.N. Roy noted it in his book called "The story of Indian Archeology".
• R.E.M. Wheeler suggested the following of stratigraphy for the surveys in the site.

6: Conclusion
• The discovery was made possible by the contributions of various archaeologists over a period of time.

Solution: Understanding Kabir's Contribution:
• This question asks about the contribution of Kabir to the Bhakti movement and his impact.
• Kabir was an important figure in the Bhakti tradition.

1: Kabir's life:
• Kabir was an important poet-saint of the 14th-15th centuries.
• He was a weaver by profession and his background is not clearly known.

2: Verses and traditions:
• The verses ascribed to Kabir have been compiled in many different traditions.
• These compilations include Kabir Bijak, Kabir Granthavali, and the Adi Granth.

3: Philosophical Contributions:
• Kabir's poems are a source to understand his philosophies of equality, love and devotion.
• His poems are in many languages.

4: Religious and Social Harmony:
• Kabir drew ideas from multiple traditions such as Vedantic traditions and Sufi traditions.
• He criticized idol worship, polytheism and ritualism.

5: Impact on Society:
• Kabir's teachings were against social inequality and caste system.

6: Conclusion
• Kabir's poems and teachings promoted love, devotion and harmony which have an impact on society and religion even today.

Solution: Understanding Guru Nanak's Teachings:
• The question asks about the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, emphasizing his philosophy of oneness.
• Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and his teachings emphasize the concept of one God.

1: Concept of One God:
• Guru Nanak advocated the concept of 'Ek Onkar' - one God that is formless.
• He believed in Nirguna Bhakti (devotion to a formless God).

2: Rejection of Rituals:
• Guru Nanak opposed the practices of idol worship, sacrifices, and rituals.
• He emphasized devotion and truthfulness.

3: Importance of Divine Love:
• He taught to connect with the divine.
• He expressed his ideas through hymns and Shabad.

4: Establishing a congregation:
• He set up rules for congregational worship with the establishment of Sangat, a place for community worship.
• His successor Guru Angad Dev ji compiled the teaching into Adi Granth Sahib and Gurbani.

5: Khalsa Panth:
• Guru Nanak emphasized equality, which was established by the tenth Guru, Guru Govind Singh, who started the Khalsa Panth.

6: Conclusion
• Guru Nanak's philosophy focused on the concept of one God and the importance of living a truthful, honest and compassionate life.

Solution: Understanding Sources for Gandhiji:
• The question highlights that there are many types of sources to know about Gandhi and the nationalist movement.
• Many of the sources are different from other periods because of the presence of media and large-scale documentation.

1: Private Letters and Writings:
• Gandhi's private letters and writings such as ‘Hind Swaraj' provide insight into his ideology.

2: Public Statements and Speeches:
• Gandhi's public speeches, journals, and statements provide a lot of information on his political career.

3: Journals and Newspaper:
• His journals such as 'Harijan' and the contemporary newspapers provide information on the reactions to his activities.

4: Autobiographical Sources:
• His autobiography, ‘My Experiments with Truth' provides valuable insights into his personal journey.

5: Government and Police Records:
• The government and police records provide details of his movements and activities.

6: Conclusion
• These different types of sources help to reconstruct the political life of Gandhi and the events of the National movement.

Solution: Understanding Gandhi's Role Post-Independence:
• The question asks about the contributions of Gandhi in the nation building process after independence.
• His focus was on peace, equality, and social harmony.

1: Promoting Hindu-Muslim Unity:
• Gandhi worked to bring unity between the Hindus and Muslims after the partition of the country.
• He stressed that all religions should be treated equally.

2: Advocating for Minority Rights:
• He advocated for the rights of the minorities.
• He spoke about the rights of the untouchables, who were later called Harijans.

3: Emphasis on Secular State:
• He advocated for a democratic and secular state, where all communities could live equally.

4: Importance of Citizens' Rights:
• He emphasized that the citizens should have all rights, and that they should be respected.

5: Promoting Unity and Ideology:
• He encouraged all classes to live peacefully and with equality.
• He encouraged people to use khadi and follow his path of truth and nonviolence.

6: Conclusion
• Gandhi's ideas continued to influence the nation after independence, and still do.

Solution: Understanding the Source:
• The source is an excerpt from Sutta Pitaka where Buddha is giving advice to Sigala.
• He is advising Sigala on how to deal with his servants, employees, Samanas and Brahmans.

31.1 How did Buddha highlight the significance of compassion in social hierarchy?
• Buddha highlights equality of all beings.
• He advises to treat all with respect.

31.2 Why did Buddha emphasise righteous action?
• Buddha emphasized actions such as kindness and generosity.
• He also talked about purification of the mind for achieving nibbana.

31.3 Explain any two tenets of Karma according to Buddha.
• Buddha emphasized that Karma should generate positive action and harmony.
• He believed that karma leads to peace and cohesiveness.

Solution: Understanding the Source:
• The source is from Abdur Razzaq's travelogue of 1440's.
• It describes the feelings and perceptions of the author as he traveled in different regions.

32.1 Why did Abdur Razzaq call India a ‘strange nation'?
• Abdur Razzaq called India strange as it was unfamiliar to him.
• He also found the cultural practices to be different from what he was used to.

32.2 How do emotions and perceptions reflect in this source ?
• The travelogue shows both admiration and confusion about India.
• He was astonished by what he saw at Calicut and in the temples of Mangalore.

32.3 How did Abdur Razzaq describe the temples of the Western Ghats in Mangalore ?
• Abdur Razzaq described the temples of Mangalore with awe.
• He noted the bronze entrance, and the statue made of gold with rubies for the eyes.

Solution: Understanding the Source:
• The source is an excerpt where Govind Ballabh Pant is talking about the need for loyal citizens in a democracy.
• He emphasizes the need for self discipline for citizens in a democracy.

33.1 How has Pant described the key to the success of democracy?
• Pant emphasizes that democracy requires self-discipline from its citizens.
• He believed that citizens should prioritize the community over themselves.

33.2 How has Pant defined the art of self-discipline in democracy?
• He says that self-discipline means the ability to control one's actions and desires.
• This helps in the smooth running of democracy.
• It is also suitable for a plural country.

33.3 Explain Pant's views on the relationship between democracy and equality.
• Pant emphasizes that for democracy to be a success all loyalties should be centered around the state.
• He believed that it requires all citizens to prioritize larger goals and equality for all.

Solution: Understanding Map Marking:
• The question requires locating and labeling the given sites on the map of India.

1: Locating Banawali:
• Banawali is a Harappan site located in present day Haryana.
• Mark the site with a symbol and label it "Banawali” on the map.

2: Locating Amravati Stupa:
• Amravati stupa is located in present day Andhra Pradesh.
• Mark the site with a symbol and label it as "Amravati”.

3: Locating Agra or Ajmer:
• Agra: Agra is a city in present-day Uttar Pradesh, and is a territory under the Mughals.
• Mark the site with a symbol and label it as "Agra".
• Ajmer: Ajmer is a city in Rajasthan, and is also a territory under the Mughals.
• If choosing this option then label it "Ajmer”.

Solution: Understanding the Map:
• The question requires to identify and label the given locations from the Indian National Movement on a map.

1: Identifying Center A:
• If A is marked near Gujarat then it will be the site of Ahmedabad which was an important center in the nationalist movement.
• Label this "Ahmedabad” on the map.

2: Identifying Center B:
• If B is marked near modern day Bihar then it will be the site of Champaran, which is where the Satyagraha took place.
• Label this as "Champaran".

Solution: Understanding Buddhist Sites:
• This question for visually impaired candidates asks for any two Buddhist sites in India.

1: Mentioning Buddhist Sites:
• Some of the important Buddhist sites in India are: Sanchi, Amravati, Nagarjunakonda, Lumbini, Barhut, Bodh Gaya, Ajanta, Kusinagara, Nasik.
• Mention any two of the above.

Solution: Understanding Vijayanagara:
• This question asks for the capital city of the Vijayanagara empire.

1: Capital of the empire:
• The capital city of the Vijayanagara empire was Hampi, also called Vijaynagara.

Solution: Understanding the Mughal Territories:
• This question asks to mention any one territory under the Mughal rule.

1: Naming a Mughal Territory:
• Some of the territories under the Mughal rule were Delhi, Agra, Panipat, Amber, Ajmer, Lahore, Goa.
• Choose any one territory to mention in your answer.

Solution: Understanding National Movement Centres:
• The question asks to name two centers of the Indian National Movement.

1: Naming the Centers:
• Some of the important centers of the Indian National Movement are: Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Benaras, Amritsar, Chauri Chaura, Lahore, Bardoli, Dandi, Bombay, and Karachi.
• Mention any two of the above.