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CBSE Board exam practice paper of History

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SECTION A — MCQs

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Q1. Identify the character of the Mahabharata:

Ο Was a Nishad
Ο Considered Dronacharya as Guru
Ο Gave his right thumb as Guru Dakshina

Options:
(a) Ghatotkatch
(b) Eklavya
(c) Nakul
(d) Sahdeva

✔ Correct Answer: (b) Eklavya
Explanation: Eklavya was a Nishad prince who considered Dronacharya his Guru and cut his right thumb as Guru Dakshina.

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Q2. Who said: “Work out your own salvation with diligence”?

Options:
(a) Mahavira
(b) Buddha
(c) Sigala
(d) Ananda

✔ Correct Answer: (b) Buddha
Explanation: These were Buddha’s last words, encouraging self-effort and discipline.

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Q3. Correct statement about Prabhavati Gupta:

Options:
(a) She was a Gupta Queen.
(b) She had no access to resources.
(c) She donated land to elites.
(d) She was the daughter of Chandragupta II.

✔ Correct Answer: (d) She was the daughter of Chandragupta II.
Explanation: Prabhavati Gupta, daughter of Chandragupta II, ruled as regent in the Vakataka kingdom.

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Q4. True statements about Buddha:

(i) Son of the Sakya chief
(ii) Sheltered upbringing in Sangha
(iii) Informed about harsh realities of life
(iv) Anguished seeing old and sick man

Options:
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (ii) and (iii)
(c) (i) and (iv)
(d) (ii) and (iv)

✔ Correct Answer: (c) (i) and (iv)
Explanation:

• (i) True — Buddha was born to Suddhodana, the Sakya chief.
• (ii) False — upbringing was at home, not in Sangha.
• (iv) True — he was moved by suffering he witnessed.

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Q5. Banawali (Harappan site) is in which state?

Options:
(a) Punjab
(b) Haryana
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Uttarakhand

✔ Correct Answer: (b) Haryana
Explanation: Banawali is located in Fatehabad district, Haryana.

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Q6. First Director General of ASI?

Options:
(a) John Marshall
(b) R.E.M. Wheeler
(c) Daya Ram Sahni
(d) Alexander Cunningham

✔ Correct Answer: (d) Alexander Cunningham
Explanation: Cunningham founded and became the first DG of ASI in 1861.

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Q7. Who deciphered the Brahmi script?

Options:
(a) Harisena
(b) Megasthenes
(c) James Prinsep
(d) Kautilya

✔ Correct Answer: (c) James Prinsep
Explanation: In 1837, Prinsep deciphered Brahmi, helping read Ashokan inscriptions.

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Q8. The apex Mughal military-cum-bureaucratic system was the —

Options:
(a) Iqta
(b) Mansabdari system
(c) Amara-nayaka system
(d) Ijaredari system

✔ Correct Answer: (b) Mansabdari system
Explanation: The Mansabdari system ranked Mughal officials and organized civil–military administration.

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Q9. Which traveller never returned to Europe and settled in India?

Options:
(a) Bernier
(b) Manucci
(c) Duarte Barbosa
(d) Roberto Nobili

✔ Correct Answer: (b) Manucci
Explanation: Niccolao Manucci lived in India until death.

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Q10. Chronological order:

(i) Saluvas replaced by Tuluvas
(ii) Krishnadeva Raya subdued Orissa
(iii) Battle of Talikota
(iv) Foundation of Vijayanagara

Options:
(a) (iv), (i), (iii), (ii)
(b) (iv), (i), (ii), (iii)
(c) (iv), (iii), (ii), (i)
(d) (iv), (ii), (i), (iii)

✔ Correct Answer: (b) (iv), (i), (ii), (iii)
Explanation:

1. Vijayanagara founded – 1336
2. Saluvas replaced by Tuluvas
3. Orissa subdued by Krishnadeva Raya
4. Talikota – 1565

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Q11. Brihadishvara Temple is located at —

Options:
(a) Bijapur
(b) Belur
(c) Vijayanagara
(d) Thanjavur

✔ Correct Answer: (d) Thanjavur
Explanation: Built by Rajaraja Chola I at Thanjavur.

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Q12. Assertion–Reason: Ain-i-Akbari is major agrarian source.

Options:
(a) Both A & R true, R explains A
(b) Both A & R true, R doesn’t explain A
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true

✔ Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation: Ain-i-Akbari describes cultivation, revenue, and zamindars—directly explaining the assertion.

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Q13. Leader in Lucknow during 1857 Revolt?

Options:
(a) Birjis Qadr
(b) Aurangzeb
(c) Bahadur Shah Zafar
(d) Nana Saheb

✔ Correct Answer: (a) Birjis Qadr
Explanation: Begum Hazrat Mahal proclaimed Birjis Qadr as ruler of Awadh.

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Q14. Match the following:

(i) Fifth Report →
(ii) Deccan Riot Commission →
(iii) Damin-i-koh →
(iv) American Civil War →

Options:
(a) i-2, ii-1, iii-3, iv-4
(b) i-3, ii-2, iii-1, iv-4
(c) i-1, ii-4, iii-2, iv-3
(d) i-4, ii-3, iii-1, iv-2

✔ Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:

• Fifth Report → Ryotwari
• Deccan Riot Commission → Zamindari
• Damin-i-koh → Santhal settlement
• Civil War → Cotton boom

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Q15. Gandhiji’s political guru?

Options:
(a) Dadabhai Naoroji
(b) Lala Lajpat Rai
(c) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
(d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

✔ Correct Answer: (c) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Explanation: Gandhi regarded Gokhale as his political mentor.

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Q16. Who introduced the ‘Objective Resolution’?

Options:
(a) W.C. Bannerjee
(b) G.B. Pant
(c) K.M. Munshi
(d) Jawaharlal Nehru

✔ Correct Answer: (d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Introduced in December 1946, foundation of Preamble.

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Q17. On whose advice did Gandhi travel a year across India?

Options:
(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(b) Bipin Chandra Pal
(c) Lala Lajpat Rai
(d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale

✔ Correct Answer: (d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Explanation: Gokhale advised Gandhi to study India before entering politics.

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Q18. Why did Gandhiji choose the Charkha as a symbol?

Options:
(a) Symbol of truth
(b) Symbol of poor
(c) Symbol of human society
(d) Symbol of self-reliance

✔ Correct Answer: (d) Symbol of self-reliance
Explanation: Charkha represented self-sufficiency, swadeshi, and economic independence.

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Q19. Identify the leader of the Revolt of 1857: Ruler of Delhi, last Mughal, gave legitimacy.

Options:
(a) Bahadur Shah Zafar
(b) Shah Alam
(c) Muhammad Shah
(d) Wajid Ali Shah

✔ Correct Answer: (a) Bahadur Shah Zafar
Explanation: Rebels declared him their symbolic leader.

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Q20. Chairman of Drafting Committee?

Options:
(a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Sardar Patel
(d) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

✔ Correct Answer: (a) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: Ambedkar headed the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.

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Q21. Identify the image: Reservoir at?

Options:
(a) Dholavira
(b) Lothal
(c) Harappa
(d) Balakot

✔ Correct Answer: (a) Reservoir at Dholavira
Explanation: Dholavira is famous for its massive water reservoirs built with stone masonry.

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SECTION B – SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (3 × 6 = 18)

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Q22. Describe any three sources to know about Harappan Civilization.

Answer :

1. Archaeological Excavations: Sites like Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Dholavira, Kalibangan, Lothal etc. provide information through buildings, streets, seals, pottery, tools, ornaments and other material remains.
2. Seals and Sealings: Harappan seals with pictographic script, animal motifs and symbols provide clues about trade, administration, religious beliefs and writing system.
3. Weights, Measures and Tools: Standardized weights, measures and uniform tools reveal their scientific approach, trade efficiency and technological advancement.

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OR

Describe any three features of the Harappan drainage system.

Answer:

1. Highly Planned System: Every house had access to a private or public drain; drains were laid out in straight lines following a grid pattern.
2. Covered Drains: Drains were covered with stone slabs; inspection holes were provided for cleaning and maintenance.
3. Interlocking Bricks: Drains were constructed with well-baked bricks fitted in interlocking fashion to prevent leakage, showing engineering skill.

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Q23. “Magadha was the most powerful Mahajanapada.” Examine the statement.

Answer:

1. Fertile Land and Resources: Located in the Gangetic plains, Magadha had fertile soil, abundant iron ore and timber—helpful for agriculture and military expansion.
2. Strong Rulers and Administration: Kings like Bimbisara, Ajatashatru and later the Nandas built strong armies, roads and fortified capitals like Rajagriha and Pataliputra.
3. Strategic Location: Situated near important trade routes and rivers (Ganga and Son), Magadha could control trade and transportation efficiently.

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Q24. Analyze the concept of the Asiatic Mode of Production as stated by Karl Marx.

Answer:

1. State-Controlled Land: Marx stated that in Asian societies, land was owned by the state, not by individuals; peasants worked on state land and paid taxes.
2. Centralized Authority: The state controlled irrigation, water resources and large public works, leading to a strong centralized political structure.
3. Lack of Private Property: Absence of private ownership of land created limited social mobility and prevented the rise of independent landed classes.

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Q25. Describe the features of water resources of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Answer:

1. Large Tanks and Reservoirs: Kings constructed big tanks such as Kamalapuram Tank and Bukkasagara Tank to store rainwater for agriculture.
2. Sophisticated Irrigation Channels: Channels were dug from the Tungabhadra River to irrigate fields; dams and embankments were built for water regulation.
3. Community Participation: Local chiefs and temple authorities helped maintain irrigation works, showing joint state-community management.

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Q26. “The power of the Jotedars was more effective than that of the Zamindars.” Justify.

Answer:

1. Control Over Local Peasants: Jotedars controlled village society; peasants depended on them for loans, seeds and protection, giving them practical authority.
2. Large Land Control: Many jotedars owned extensive land holdings and leased them out to sharecroppers (bargadars), increasing their economic control.
3. Influence on Colonial Officials: Jotedars often acted as intermediaries between peasants and British revenue officials; their local influence exceeded that of distant zamindars.

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Q27. “Art and literature helped in keeping alive the memory of 1857.” Explain.

Answer:

1. Paintings and Visuals: Artists depicted heroes like Rani Lakshmibai, Nana Saheb and Kunwar Singh, portraying them as symbols of bravery.
2. Poetry and Folk Songs: Vernacular poems and folk traditions celebrated the sacrifices of rebels, keeping their memory alive among common people.
3. Novels and Writings: Literary works such as “Jhansi Ki Rani” and other regional writings created patriotic feelings and preserved stories of resistance.

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OR

“Rumours and prophecies played an important role in the Revolt of 1857.” Explain.

Answer:

1. Cartridge Rumour: Rumour that new Enfield rifle cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat created fear among Hindu and Muslim soldiers, sparking rebellion.
2. Prophecy of British Decline: A belief spread that British rule would collapse after 100 years (1757–1857), raising hopes of native kingdoms returning.
3. Circulation of Messages: Chapatis, lotus flowers and secret signals circulated among villages, creating an atmosphere of unity and uprising.

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SECTION C – LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (3 × 8 = 24)

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Q28. The Mahabharata is an invaluable source to study early social practices and norms. Justify.

Answer :

1. Describes Social Structure: Provides details of varna system, duties of Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.
2. Kinship Relations: Explains lineage, rules of marriage, inheritance and family relationships such as patriliny.
3. Status of Women: Provides information about women’s roles, practices like swayamvara, polyandry (Pandavas and Draupadi) and widow remarriage.
4. Political Practices: Describes kingship, royal rituals, coronations, diplomacy and warfare strategies.
5. Economic Life: Mentions agriculture, cattle rearing, craft production and gift-giving (dana).
6. Religious Ideas: Highlights dharma, karma, rituals, sacrifices and philosophical debates.
7. Conflict and Law: Narrates rules of war, justice and moral dilemmas faced by characters like Arjuna and Yudhishthira.
8. Cultural Values: Reflects ideals of duty, honour, loyalty, hospitality and social ethics of early Indian society.

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OR

What elements do historians consider while analysing texts? Explain with reference to Mahabharata.

Answer :

1. Authorship: Historians examine who wrote the text and whether it had multiple authors like in the case of Mahabharata (Vyasa + later additions).
2. Date and Period: They determine when different parts were composed; Mahabharata grew between 5th century BCE and 5th century CE.
3. Language and Style: Study of Sanskrit vocabulary, grammar and poetic form helps understand the time and purpose of composition.
4. Content and Themes: Analysis of battles, rituals, kinship, dharma and political ideals found in the text.
5. Audience: Historians consider for whom the text was written — kings, Brahmanas or common people.
6. Purpose of Writing: Whether the text was to teach moral values, record history or legitimise social order.
7. Interpolation/Additions: Mahabharata contains many later additions; historians identify old and new layers.
8. Comparison With Other Sources: Cross-checking with archaeology, inscriptions and other literature to understand society accurately.

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29. Examine the evidence that suggests land revenue was important for the Mughal fiscal system.

Answer :

1. Primary Source – Ain-i-Akbari: Abul Fazl’s Ain gives detailed description of the land revenue system under Akbar.
2. Assessment Based on Measurement: Lands were measured using bigha and gaz; productivity decided revenue.
3. Zabti System: Under this system revenue was collected as one-third of the average produce, showing its central role.
4. Cash Demand: Revenue was often collected in cash, enabling a strong central treasury.
5. Role of Amils and Qanungos: These officials supervised land records, confirming the administrative importance of revenue.
6. Jagir System: Most mansabdars were paid through revenue assignments (jagirs), showing dependence on land income.
7. Agriculture as Main Economy: Since most people were peasants, land was the chief source of wealth for the empire.
8. State Intervention: The state invested in irrigation and protection to ensure high agricultural output, proving revenue was the backbone of the empire.

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OR

Explain the condition of Zamindars in Mughal agrarian society.

Answer :

1. Hereditary Holders: Zamindars had hereditary rights over land and enjoyed social prestige.
2. Collection of Revenue: They collected revenue from peasants and retained a share for themselves.
3. Military Support: Many zamindars maintained armed followers and served as the local military force.
4. Intermediaries Between State and Peasants: Acted as a link between imperial officials and villagers.
5. Controlled Local Resources: Managed forests, grazing lands and village commons.
6. Conflicts With State: Sometimes refused to pay revenue or rebelled, causing instability.
7. Varied Categories: Included powerful chieftains, village headmen and local dominant castes.
8. Social Authority: They influenced local customs, controlled labour and resolved disputes.

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30. “The Quit India Movement was genuinely a mass movement.” Justify.

Answer :

1. Nationwide Participation: Spread across cities, villages and princely states involving people from all regions.
2. Leaderless Struggle: After arrest of top leaders, common people led the movement, showing mass initiative.
3. Workers and Peasants Active: Railway workers, mill workers and peasants attacked symbols of colonial rule.
4. Youth and Students: Students boycotted schools and colleges, formed underground networks.
5. Women Participation: Women like Aruna Asaf Ali and Usha Mehta played leading roles (e.g., Congress Radio).
6. Sabotage and Parallel Governments: Establishment of parallel governments in Ballia, Tamluk and Satara.
7. Widespread Strikes: Strikes, hartals, no-tax campaigns showed collective resistance.
8. British Repression: Intense repression revealed the movement’s strength and mass involvement.

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OR

Sources to reconstruct Gandhiji’s political career and the National Movement.

Answer :

1. Autobiographical Writings: “My Experiments with Truth” provides personal insights into Gandhi’s ideas.
2. Official Records: British government reports, intelligence files and administrative letters document his activities.
3. Contemporary Newspapers: Young India, Harijan, Indian Opinion and other papers provide his speeches, ideas and reactions.
4. Private Correspondence: Letters between Gandhi, Nehru, Patel and others reveal internal debates.
5. Memoirs and Biographies: Writings by freedom fighters such as Nehru, Rajaji and others provide perspectives.
6. Photographs and Visuals: Images of marches, protests and meetings show public mobilisation.
7. Oral Traditions: Interviews and memories of participants help reconstruct events.
8. Archival Documents: Records of Congress sessions, resolutions and proceedings provide factual evidence.

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SECTION D

(Source-Based Questions) 3X4-12

31. Read the given source and answer the questions that follow:

Why kinfolk quarrelled

This is an excerpt from the Adi Parvan (literally, the first section) of the Sanskrit Mahabharata, describing why conflicts arose amongst the Kauravas and Pandavas:

The Kauravas were the… sons of Dhritarashtra, and the Pandavas… were their cousins. Since Dhritarashtra was blind, his younger brother Pandu ascended the throne of Hastinapura (see Map 1)… However, after the premature death of Pandu, Dhritarashtra became king, as the royal princes were still very young. As the princes grew up together, the citizens of Hastinapura began to express their preference for the Pandavas, for they were more capable and virtuous than the Kauravas. This made Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas, jealous. He approached his father and said, “You yourself did not receive the throne, although it fell to you, because of your defect. If the Pandava receives the patrimony from Pandu, his son will surely inherit it in turn, and so will his son, and his. We ourselves with our sons shall be excluded from the royal succession and become of slight regard in the eyes of the world, lord of the earth!”

Passages such as these may not have been literally true, but they give us an idea about what those who wrote the text thought. Sometimes, as in this case, they contain conflicting ideas.

31.1 What made Duryodhana jealous of the Pandavas as they grew up together in Hastinapura?

Answer: The citizens of Hastinapura preferred the Pandavas because they were more capable and virtuous, which made Duryodhana jealous.

31.2 According to Duryodhana, what would happen to him and his descendants if the Pandavas inherited the throne? 1

Answer: Duryodhana believed that he and his descendants would be excluded from royal succession and lose respect in the eyes of the world.

31.3 What does this excerpt tell us about how the authors of the Mahabharata viewed power, inheritance, and jealousy within royal families? 2

Answer:

1. Inheritance Was Crucial for Power: The authors show that royal authority depended heavily on rightful succession and inheritance of the throne.
2. Jealousy and Rivalry Were Common: The text reflects that jealousy among kin, especially regarding succession, often led to conflicts within royal families.

32. Read the given source and answer the questions that follow:

How tanks were built

About a tank constructed by Krishnadeva Raya, Paes wrote:

The king made a tank… at the mouth of two hills so that all the water which comes from either one side or the other collects there; and, besides this, water comes to it from more than three leagues (approximately 15 kilometres) by pipes which run along the lower parts of the range outside. This water is brought from a lake which itself overflows into a little river. The tank has three large pillars handsomely carved with figures; these connect above with certain pipes by which they get water when they have to irrigate their gardens and rice-fields. In order to make this tank the said king broke down a hill… In the tank I saw so many people at work that there must have been fifteen or twenty thousand men, looking like ants…

32.1 Where did Krishnadeva Raya construct the tank, according to Paes? (1)

Answer: Krishnadeva Raya constructed the tank at the mouth of two hills, where water from both sides could collect.

32.2 From how far was water brought to the tank through pipes? (1)

Answer:Water was brought from more than three leagues (approximately 15 kilometres) through pipes.

32.3 How many people were involved in the construction of the tank? How did they look like?

(2)

Answer:

1. Fifteen to twenty thousand people were involved in constructing the tank.
2. Paes describes them as looking “like ants” because of their huge numbers.

33. Read the given source and answer the questions that follow:

“The real minorities are the masses of this country”

Welcoming the Objectives Resolution introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru, N.G. Ranga said:

Sir, there is a lot of talk about minorities. Who are the real minorities? Not the Hindus in the so-called Pakistan provinces, not the Sikhs, not even the Muslims. No, the real minorities are the masses of this country. These people are so depressed and oppressed and suppressed till now that they are not able to take advantage of the ordinary civil rights. What is the position? You go to the tribal areas. According to law, their own traditional law, their tribal law, their lands cannot be alienated. Yet our merchants go there, and in the so-called free market they are able to snatch their lands. Thus, even though the law goes against this snatching away of their lands, still the merchants are able to turn the tribal people into veritable slaves by various kinds of bonds, and make them hereditary bond-slaves. Let us go to the ordinary villagers. There goes the money-lender with his money and he is able to get the villagers in his pocket. There is the landlord himself, the zamindar, and the malguzar and there are the various other people who are able to exploit these poor villagers. There is no elementary education even among these people. These are the real minorities that need protection and assurances of protection. In order to give them the necessary protection, we will need much more than this Resolution …

CAD, VOL.II

33.1 According to N.G. Ranga, who were the real minorities in India? (1)

Answer: The real minorities were the masses of India—the poor, depressed, oppressed, tribal people, and landless villagers who lacked basic rights and education.

33.2 According to Ranga, how were ordinary villagers exploited? (1)

Answer: Ordinary villagers were exploited by moneylenders, landlords, zamindars and malguzars, who trapped them in debt and controlled their livelihoods.

33.3 What did Ranga suggest was needed to protect the real minorities? (2)

Answer:

1. He suggested that the real minorities required strong protection and guarantees of rights beyond what the Resolution offered.
2. He argued that greater safeguards and effective measures were necessary to prevent exploitation and ensure their economic and social upliftment.

SECTION E

Map Based Question:

5X1-5

3 34.1 On the given political map of India, locate and label the following with appropriate

symbols:

a. Lothal- A Harappan Site

b. Bodh Gaya- A Buddhist Site

c. Lucknow-Centre of the Revolt of 1857

Or

Kolkata- Centre of the Revolt of 1857

34.2 On the same outline map, two places have been marked as A and B, which are the centres of Indian National movement. Identify them and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them. 2

Note: The following questions are for the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q.No.34

34.1. (a) Name any two major Buddhist sites.

Answer:

1. Sarnath
2. Bodh Gaya

(Any two correct Buddhist sites such as Sanchi, Kushinagar, Lumbini may also be accepted.)

34.2. Name any one Territory under Ashokan empire.

Answer:
Kalinga
(Other acceptable answers: Taxila, Ujjain, Pataliputra, Gandhara, Karnataka region, etc.)

34.3. Name any two Mahajanpadas of ancient India.

Answer:

1. Magadha
2. Kosala

(Any two Mahajanapadas such as Vatsa, Avanti, Vajji, Kuru, Panchala may also be accepted.)

______________The End ___________________________

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