CBSE EXAMINATION PAPER-2025

Archaeogenetic Research

As you can see, a careful re-examination of the data can sometimes lead to a reversal of earlier interpretations. In this respect, it is necessary to mention the recent archaeogenetic research carried out at the site of Rakhigarhi. The site, located in Hisar district of Haryana, is the biggest Harappan city, spread over an area of 550 Hectare. In order to study the genetic history of the Harappans, DNA was extracted from the skeletal remains excavated at Rakhigarhi. This research was carried out by The Deccan College Deemed University, Pune in collaboration with Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad and The Harvard Medical College. The analysis of the data indicates that the Harappans are the indigenous people of this region. The genetic roots of the Harappans go back to 10,000 BCE. The DNA of the Harappans has continued till today and a majority of the South Asian population appears to be their descendants. Due to trade and cultural contacts of the Harappans with distant regions there is a mixture of genes in small quantity. The continuity without any break in genetic history as well as cultural history rules out large scale immigration of the so-called Aryans. This research also indicates that the people coming from bordering areas and distant regions were absorbed in the Indian society. At no stage, the genetic history of the Indians was either discontinued or broken. As the Harappans started moving towards Iran and Central Asia, their genes also gradually spread in these regions. The same team of researchers reconstructed 3D features of the Harappan people. The reconstructed facial features of the Harappans, male and female, show remarkable similarity with the modern population of Haryana. Thus, this study has indicated unbroken continuity for 5000 years in this region.

A language with an enormous range

Al-Biruni described Sanskrit as follows:

If you want to conquer this difficulty (i.e. to learn Sanskrit), you will not find it easy, because the language is of an enormous range, both in words and inflections, something like the Arabic, calling one and the same thing by various names, both original and derivative, and using one and the same word for a variety of subjects, which, in order to be properly understood, must be distinguished from each other by various qualifying epithets.

Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah

Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah was one of the many maulvis who played an important part in the revolt of 1857. Educated in Hyderabad, he became a preacher when young. In 1856, he was seen moving from village to village preaching jehad (religious war) against the British and urging people to rebel. He moved in a palanquin, with drumbeaters in front and followers at the rear. He was therefore popularly called Danka Shah – the maulvi with the drum (danka). British officials panicked as thousands began following the maulvi and many Muslims began seeing him as an inspired prophet. When he reached Lucknow in 1856, he was stopped by the police from preaching in the city. Subsequently, in 1857, he was jailed in Faizabad. When released, he was elected by the mutinous 22nd Native Infantry as their leader. He fought in the famous Battle of Chinhat in which the British forces under Henry Lawrence were defeated. He came to be known for his courage and power. Many people in fact believed that he was invincible, had magical powers, and could not be killed by the British. It was this belief that partly formed the basis of his authority.

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

Identify the ancient rulers of India from the given options using the provided information:

• They belonged to important ruling lineage.

• They were the immediate successors of the Mauryas.

• They were Brahmanas.

How did Ashoka spread the principle of dhamma across his empire?

Choose the correct option from the following.

Two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and select the correct option :

Assertion (A): The Tipitaka written in Pali is one of the primary collections of Buddhist scriptures. Reason (R): The Tipitaka consists of three collections, which include the Vinaya Pitaka, the Sutta Pitaka and the Abhidhamma Pitaka.

Which of the following statements accurately describe Harappan seals?

I. Harappan seals often feature animal motifs.

II. Harappan seals were made of terracotta with symbols.

III. Harappan seals were known for military victories.

IV. Harappan seals were predominantly used in burials.

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

Which of the following informations were included in the tables of the sarkars in the Ain-i-Akbari?

I. Grants of revenue in charity

II. Total area measured

III. Number of forts

IV. Biographies of officials

How did David Ricardo’s ideas influence British revenue policies in India?

Arrange the following events in chronological order and choose the correct option:

I. Peasant Movement in Kheda

II. Gandhi-Irwin Pact

III. Champaran Movement

IV. Noakhali Visit of Gandhiji

Which of the following pairs of Committees and their Presidents is correct regarding the Constituent Assembly?

Two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below.

Read them carefully and select the correct option :

Assertion (A): India was considered a suitable country for cotton cultivation due to its soil, climate and cheap labour, by the Britishers. Reason (R): The American Civil War (1861 – 65) caused a significant drop in raw cotton imports from America, leading Britain to seek alternative sources.

Refer to the given image of the sandstone sculpture. Which one of the following dynasties does this sculpture of the King represent ?