SOLUTIONS
2023 BOARD EXAM
CBSE Class 12 Humanities History Board Paper 2023 — Set 3 Solutions
2023
History
Class 12 Humanities
CBSE EXAMINATION PAPER-2023
HISTORY
(Solved)
General Instructions :
Read the following instructions carefully and follow them :
- This question paper contains 40 questions. All questions are compulsory.
- This question paper is divided into 4 sections.
- Section A – questions number 1 to 4 are case based questions
- Section B – questions number 5 to 26 are multiple choice questions
- Section C – questions number 27 to 34 are short answer
- Section D – questions number 35 to 40 are long answer
- There is no overall choice given in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in few questions.
- Use of calculator is NOT allowed.
Section A
Read the given source and answer the questions that follow :
How artefacts are identified
Processing of food required grinding equipment as well as vessels for mixing, blending and cooking. These were made of stone, metal and terracotta. This is an excerpt from one of the earliest reports on excavations at Mohenjodaro, the best-known Harappan site : Saddle querns ... are found in considerable numbers ... and they seem to have been the only means in use for grinding cereals. As a rule, they were roughly made of hard, gritty, igneous rock or sandstone and mostly show signs of hard usage. As their bases are usually convex, they must have been set in the earth or in mud to prevent their rocking. Two main types have been found: those on which another smaller stone was pushed or rolled to and fro, and others with which a second stone was used as a pounder, eventually making a large cavity in the nether stone. Querns of the former type were probably used solely for grain; the second type possibly only for pounding herbs and spices for making curries. In fact stones of this latter type are dubbed "curry stones" by our workman and our cook asked for the loan of one from the museum for use in the kitchen.
(From Ernest Mackay, Further Excavations at Mohenjodaro)
(1) How do archaeologists classify their finds?
[1 Mark](2) How has Ernest Mackay described 'Saddle quern' in his book?
(3) How do archaeologists use present day analogies to understand ancient artefacts?
[1 Mark]Read the given source and answer the questions that follow :
Irrigating trees and fields
This is an excerpt from the Babur Nama that describes the irrigation devices the emperor observed in northern India :
The greater part of Hindustan country is situated on level land. Many though its towns and cultivated lands are, it nowhere has running waters ... For ... water is not at all a necessity in cultivating crops and orchards. Autumn crops grow by the downpour of the rains themselves; and strange it is that spring crops grow even when no rains fall. (However) to young trees water is made to flow by means of buckets or wheels ...
In Lahore, Dipalpur (both in present-day Pakistan) and those other parts, people water by means of a wheel. They make two circles of rope long enough to suit the depths of the well, fix strips of wood between them, and on these fasten pitchers. The ropes with the wood and attached pitchers are put over the wheelwell. At one end of the wheel-axle a second wheel is fixed, and close to it another on an upright axle. The last wheel the bullock turns; its teeth catch in the teeth of the second (wheel), and thus the wheel with the pitchers is turned. A trough is set where the water empties from the pitchers and from this the water is conveyed everywhere.
In Agra, Chandwar, Bayana (all in present-day Uttar Pradesh) and those parts again, people water with a bucket ... At the well-edge they set up a fork of wood, having a roller adjusted between the forks, tie a rope to a large bucket, put the rope over a roller, and tie its other end to the bullock. One person must drive the bullock, another empty the bucket.
(1) How did the expansion of irrigation facilities increase the participation of farmers?
[1 Mark](2) Examine the factor that accounted for the expansion of agriculture in Mughal Period.
[1 Mark](3) Examine the irrigation devices used in agrarian culture.
[2 Marks]Read the given source and answer the questions that follow :
The jotedars of Dinajpur
Buchanan described the ways in which the jotedars of Dinajpur in North Bengal resisted being disciplined by the zamindar and undermined his power : Landlords do not like this class of men, but it is evident that they are absolutely necessary, unless the landlords themselves would advance money to their necessitous tenantry ...
The jotedars who cultivate large portions of lands are very refractory, and know that the zamindars have no power over them. They pay only a few rupees on account of their revenue and then fall in balance almost every kist (instalment), they hold more lands than they are entitled to by their pottahs (deeds of contract). should be zamindar's officers in consequence, summon them to the cutcherry, and detain them for one or two hours with a view to reprimand them, they immediately go and complain at the Fouzdarry Thanna (police station) for imprisonment and at the munsiff's (a judicial officers at the lower court) cutcherry for being dishonoured and whilst the causes continue unsettled, they instigate the petty ryots not to pay their revenue consequently ...
(1) Why did jotedars resist the Zamindars of Dinajpur?
[1 Mark](2) How did Jotedars instigate the ryots?
[1 Mark](3) How did jotedars gain power in the village?
[2 Marks]On the given political outline map of India (on page 27), locate and label the following with appropriate symbols :
(1) Kannauj Ashokan Inscription
(2) Rakhigarhi Mature Harappan site
(3) Ajmer Territory under control of Mughals
(4) Mysore An empire
(5) On the same political outline map of India, two places related to British control in 1857 are marked as A and B. Identify them and write their names on the lines drawn near them.
(6) Name any two Buddhist sites in India.
(7) Name any one capital city of the Mughal Empire.
(8) Name any one territory under Mughal empire.
(9) Name any two centres of the Revolt of 1857.
Section B
Read the following statements about the Indus Valley Civilization:
(i) Early and mature Harappan culture shared subsistence strategies.
(ii) Millets have been found from one of the Indus Valley Civilization sites.
(iii) Archaeologists have found evidences of a ploughed field at Kalibangan.
(iv) Archaeo-zoologists reconstructed dietary practices from charred grains. Choose the correct option:
Correct option: (i), (ii), and (iii) ,(i) Early and mature Harappan culture shared subsistence strategies.
(ii) Millets have been found from one of the Indus Valley Civilization sites.
(iii) Archaeologists have found evidences of a ploughed field at Kalibangan.
Which of the following statements are correct about the Bhakti saint, Karaikkal Ammaiyar?
(i) She was a woman devotee from Karnataka.
(ii) She was a woman Nayanar.
(iii) She was a devotee of Shiva.
(iv) She composed Nalayira Divyaprabandham.
The correct options are (ii) and (iii). Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a renowned woman Nayanar and a devotee of Shiva, recognized for her deep devotion in the Tamil Bhakti tradition. However, she was not from Karnataka; she hailed from Tamil Nadu, and she did not compose the Nalayira Divyaprabandham, which was authored by other Vaishnava Saints.
Which of the following are correct about Mughal Land Revenue Collection?
(i) Kankut: Estimation of crops as good, middle and inferior.
(ii) Batai: Crops were reaped, sacked and divided by agreement.
(iii) Khet Batai: Division of fields before they were sown.
(iv) Lang Batai: Division of crops among Kings and Zamindars.
Which of the following options is correct about the water resources of the Vijayanagara Empire ?
The capital of the Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi had an advanced water management system.
The Kamalapuram tank supplied water through carefully constructed channels to the Royal Centre.
Identify the leader of the Revolt of 1857 with the help of the following information:
The correct answer is Bahadur Shah Zafar. He was the last Mughal Emperor and ruled from Delhi during the Revolt of 1857. His leadership provided a symbolic legitimacy to the uprising, as many rebels rallied under his authority in their fight against British colonial rule.
Assertion (A): The Jallianwala Bagh massacre marked a turning point in India's struggle for independence.
Reason (R): The massacre spoiled the relations with the British and was the opening of Gandhiji's commitment to Indian nationalism.
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). The Jallianwala Bagh massacre indeed marked a significant turning point in Indian history as it intensified anti-British sentiments among Indians. This event was pivotal in shaping Mahatma Gandhi's approach to Indian nationalism, leading to his increased involvement in the struggle against British rule.
Which of the following is the correct chronology of the rulers of ancient India?
(i) Chandragupta Maurya
(ii) Ajatashatru
(iii) Mahapadma Nanda
(iv) Ashoka
Fill in the blank: In the __________, the executives were made entirely responsible to the Provincial Legislature.
Read the following statements:
(i) Bernier's description influenced Western theorists from the fifteenth century onwards.
(ii) Montesquieu used this account to develop the idea of oriental despotism.
(iii) Bernier's idea was developed as the Asiatic mode of production by Karl Marx.
(iv) According to Bernier, the Mughal Imperial Court presided over village communities.
Choose the correct options:
The correct option is (i), (ii) and (iv). Bernier's account indeed influenced Western theorists and is acknowledged in the works of Montesquieu regarding oriental despotism. Furthermore, one of Bernier's observations was about the Mughal Imperial Court's control over village communities, providing insight into the administrative structure of the Mughal Empire.
Two statements as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and select the correct option :
Assertion (A) : Harappan Civilization had developed a precise system of weights and measures.
Reason (R) : Metal scale-pans have been found.
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A) because the existence of metal scale-pans indicates the advanced measuring techniques used by the Harappan Civilization, thereby supporting the assertion regarding their precise system of weights and measures.
Which of the following statements are correct about the central purpose of the Ain-i-Akbari?
(i) Ain-i-Akbari was authored by Abu'l Fazal.
(ii) Ain-i-Akbari presented the vision of Akbar's empire.
(iii) Ain-i-Akbari highlighted the strength of the Mughal Army.
(iv) Ain-i-Akbari mentions the Iqta system of Mughals.
Choose the correct option:
The correct option is (i), (ii) and (iv). The Ain-i-Akbari primarily served to document the structure of Mughal administration, record fiscal data related to revenue and land management, and describe the Iqta system utilized during Akbar's reign. It does not significantly focus on the strength of the Mughal Army, therefore statement (iii) is not correct.
With which of the following aspect was the ' Ricardian theory ' related?
The 'Ricardian theory' is primarily related to the economic aspect as it deals with the principles of comparative advantage and trade between nations, focusing on how different countries can benefit from specializing in the production of goods in which they have a relative efficiency. This clearly indicates its foundations in economic theory.
Identify the theme of "Sushruta Samhita" from the following options:
Identify the given image of a temple from the following options :
The Hazara Rama Temple is known for its sculpted panels on the walls that depict scenes from the Ramayana, and it was probably meant for use only by the king and his family. The provided context specifically describes this temple, distinguishing it from the others listed in the options.
Section C
Several urban centres emerged in the sub-continent from the sixth century BCE. Explain the staement with examples.
From the 6th century BCE, many urban centres (cities) emerged in the Indian subcontinent. This period is often called the Second Urbanisation (the first being the Harappan Civilization).
Why did urban centres emerge?
Growth of Agriculture
Use of iron tools helped clear forests.
Increased agricultural production led to surplus food.
Development of Trade
Trade expanded through land and river routes.
Use of punch-marked coins encouraged commerce.
Rise of Kingdoms (Mahajanapadas)
Large states required administrative centres.
Capitals developed into cities Cities like Rajagriha, Vaishali, Ujjain, and Kashi became important centres of administration, trade, and culture.
Between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE, Magadha became the most powerful Mahajan pada .Explain the statement with examples.
Between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE, Magadha became the most powerful Mahajanapada due to its geographical advantages, availability of resources, and capable rulers. It was located in the fertile plains of the Ganga valley, which ensured abundant agricultural production and surplus revenue. Rivers such as the Ganga River and Son facilitated trade and transport. Magadha also had rich deposits of iron ore in nearby regions, which helped in making better weapons and tools, and forests that supplied elephants for the army. Powerful rulers like Bimbisara expanded the kingdom through alliances and conquests, while Ajatashatru strengthened it by defeating rivals such as the Lichchhavis and fortifying the capital at Pataliputra. Later, under Mahapadma Nanda, Magadha further expanded and developed a large standing army. These factors together made Magadha the most powerful Mahajanapada during this period.
Due to its fertile land, rich resources, strong rulers, and powerful army, Magadha became the most powerful Mahajanapada between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE and later laid the foundation for the Mauryan Empire.
Virupaksa Temple was significant in Vijayanagar Empire substantiate the statement .
he Virupaksha Temple was highly significant in the Vijayanagara Empire because it was not only a major religious centre but also closely associated with royal authority and state ceremonies. Located at Hampi, the capital of the empire, the temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (Virupaksha) and had been an important sacred site even before the rise of Vijayanagara. The rulers of the empire patronised and expanded the temple complex, constructing grand gopurams, pillared halls, and richly carved structures. Important festivals and royal rituals were conducted here, symbolising the close relationship between religion and kingship. The temple also stood along the main market street, showing its connection with the economic and social life of the city. Thus, the Virupaksha Temple was not only a place of worship but also a centre of political, cultural, and economic significance in the Vijayanagara Empire
The temple was not only a place of worship but also a political, cultural, and economic centre of the empire.
The architecture of Vitthal temple was unique . substantiate the statement .
The Vittala Temple is considered unique for its remarkable architectural features during the Vijayanagara Empire. Located at Hampi, the temple is famous for its beautifully carved stone chariot, which resembles a wooden temple car and has become a symbol of Vijayanagara art. The temple complex also contains the celebrated musical pillars in the Ranga Mandapa, which produce musical notes when gently tapped. Its grand gopurams, spacious courtyards, and intricately carved pillars display the advanced craftsmanship and artistic excellence of the period. The combination of artistic decoration, innovative construction techniques, and religious significance makes the architecture of the Vittala Temple truly unique.
Its artistic excellence, innovative construction, and unique features make the architecture of the Vittala Temple truly outstanding.
How did the British control the powers of Talukdars in the 1850's? Explain .
In the 1850s, the British controlled the powers of the Taluqdars mainly in the region of Awadh, which they annexed in 1856. After annexation, the British introduced new land revenue policies that directly affected the authority of the taluqdars (large landholders).
First, they carried out detailed land surveys and revenue settlements. Instead of collecting revenue through taluqdars, the British tried to collect revenue directly from peasants. This reduced the political and economic power of the taluqdars.
Second, many taluqdars were dispossessed of their estates if they failed to provide proper land documents or if the British considered their claims invalid. Their lands were confiscated and given to peasants or loyal supporters of the British administration.
Third, the British imposed strict administrative and legal controls, weakening the taluqdars’ traditional rights over revenue collection, policing, and local administration.
As a result, the taluqdars lost their influence and privileges, which later contributed to widespread resentment and played a role in the Revolt of 1857.
The British weakened taluqdars by reducing their land, authority, and political influence through new revenue and administrative policies.
Section D
By 1922 Gandhi had transformed Indian nationalism .Examine the statement
By 1922, Mahatma Gandhi had fundamentally transformed Indian nationalism by turning it from an elite, limited political movement into a broad-based mass struggle. Before Gandhi, the national movement was largely confined to educated middle-class leaders and urban areas. Gandhi introduced new methods such as non-cooperation, satyagraha (truth and non-violence), and peaceful protest, which enabled ordinary people to participate. Through movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement, he encouraged boycott of British institutions, foreign goods, law courts, and schools. He also promoted the use of khadi and the spinning wheel to encourage self-reliance and economic independence.
Gandhi brought peasants, workers, women, and students into the nationalist movement, making it a true mass movement. His emphasis on Hindu-Muslim unity and moral discipline further broadened its appeal. By 1922, Indian nationalism had shifted from petitions and constitutional reforms to active mass participation and non-violent resistance against British rule. Thus, Gandhi transformed both the methods and the social base of Indian nationalism.
By 1922, Gandhi transformed Indian nationalism into a broad-based, mass, non-violent movement involving people from all sections of society.
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