CBSE EXAMINATION PAPER-2025

The most ancient system yet discovered

About the drains, Mackay noted: "It is certainly the most complete ancient system as yet discovered." Every house was connected to the street drains. The main channels were made of bricks set in mortar and were covered with loose bricks that could be removed for cleaning. In some cases, limestone was used for the covers. House drains first emptied into a sump or cesspit into which solid matter settled while waste water flowed out into the street drains. Very long drainage channels were provided at intervals with sumps for cleaning. It is a wonder of archaeology that "little heaps of material, mostly sand, have frequently been found lying alongside drainage channels, which shows... that the debris was not always carted away when the drain was cleared". From Ernest Mackay, Early Indus Civilisation, 1948. Drainage systems were not unique to the larger cities, but were found in smaller settlements as well. At Lothal for example, while houses were built of mud bricks, drains were made of burnt bricks.

A warning for Europe

Bernier warned that if European kings followed the Mughal model: Their kingdoms would be very far from being well-cultivated and peopled, so well built, so rich, so polite and flourishing as we see them. Our kings are otherwise rich and powerful; and we must avow that they are much better and more royally served. They would soon be kings of deserts and solitudes, of beggars and barbarians, such as those are whom I have been representing. (the Mughals) ... We should find the great Cities and the great Burroughs (boroughs) rendered uninhabitable because of ill air, and to fall to ruine (ruin) without anybodies (anybody) taking care of repairing them; the hillocks abandon’d, and the fields overspread with bushes, or fill’d with pestilential marishes (marshes), as hath been already intimated.

On clearance and settled cultivation

Passing through one village in the lower Rajmahal hills, Buchanan wrote: The view of the country is exceedingly fine, the cultivation, especially the narrow valleys of rice winding in all directions, the cleared lands with scattered trees, and the rocky hills are in perfection; all that is wanted is some appearance of progress in the area and a vastly extended and improved cultivation, of which the country is highly susceptible. Plantations of Asan and Palas, for Tessar (Tassar silk worms) and Lac, should occupy the place of woods to as great an extent as the demand will admit; the remainder might be all cleared, and the greater part cultivated, while what is not fit for the purpose, might rear Plamira (palmyra) and Mowa (mahua).

On the given political outline map of India, locate and label the following with appropriate symbols :

Two statements have been given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the appropriate answer :

Assertion (A): Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime and after the death of Buddha.

Reason (R): Many people were dissatisfied with existing religious practices and confused by the rapid social changes taking place around them.

Consider the following statements regarding Jainism and choose the correct option:

I. The cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through Karma.

II. There is a need to renounce the world.

III. Worldly existence is a necessary condition for attaining salvation.

IV. Principle of Ahimsa is important.

The following picture shows the structure of a temple carved out of single piece of rock. Identify this temple correctly from the given options :

In which of the following states Kailashnatha Temple is located ?

Al-Biruni’s major work ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’ is significant for its comprehensive study of India. Which of the following was the primary aim of this work ?

Throughout his extensive travels, Ibn Batuta was able to explore unfamiliar cultures and societies. Which of the following competencies did he most likely develop ?

Which of the following statements regarding Colonel Colin Mackenzie are correct ? Choose the correct option :

I. The ruins of Hampi were brought to light in 1800 by him.

II. He was an official of East India Company.

III. He prepared the first survey maps of the site.

IV. He received information of Vijayanagara empire from the Duarte Barbosa.

Which of the following is a major source to understand agrarian history of 16th and 17th century India ?

In a modern city, a group of friends discusses the relevance of Kabir’s teachings in today’s society. Some believe these are outdated, while others

see their significance in promoting equality and love. Which of the following scenario best reflects Kabir’s relevance today ?

Which one of the following was the main cause of the Santhal Rebellion of 1855 ?

Find the odd one out regarding the Permanent Settlement of 1793.

Match the Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option :

Identify the member of the Constituent Assembly with the help of the following information :

He was the President of the Constituent Assembly.

He was the first President of the Independent India.

Which one of the following statement is most appropriate regarding the zamindars of 16th and 17th century India?