history/
previous-year-question-paper-2025-set-6

QUESTION PAPER

2025 BOARD EXAM

CBSE CLASS 12-HUMANITIES HISTORY Board Paper 2025 — Set 6

2025

HISTORY

CLASS 12-HUMANITIES

CBSE EXAMINATION PAPER-2025 HISTORY

CBSE EXAMINATION PAPER-2025

HISTORY

(Solved)

Time allowed : 3 hours

Maximum Marks : 94

General Instructions :

Read the following instructions carefully and follow them :

  1. This question paper contains 40 questions. All questions are compulsory.
  2. This question paper is divided into 4 sections.
  3. Section A – questions number 1 to 4 are case based questions
  4. Section B – questions number 5 to 26 are multiple choice questions
  5. Section C – questions number 27 to 34 are short answer
  6. Section D – questions number 35 to 40 are long answer
  7. There is no overall choice given in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in few questions.
  8. Use of calculator is NOT allowed.

Section A

Question 1. The History of Pataliputra Each city had a history of its own. Pataliputra, for instance, began as a village known as Pataligrama. Then, in the fifth century BCE, the Magadhan rulers decided to shift their capital from Rajagaha to this settlement and renamed it. By the fourth century BCE, it was the capital of the Mauryan Empire and one of the largest cities in Asia. Subsequently, its importance apparently declined. When the Chinese pilgrim Xuan Zang visited the city in the seventh century CE, he found it in ruins, and with a very small population.

(1) Examine the main impact of the shift from Rajagaha to Pataliputra on the Magadhan empire.

[1 Marks]

(2) What message did Xuan Zang wish to convey about Pataliputra?

[1 Marks]

(3) What role did Pataliputra play in the history of the Magadhan empire?

[2 Marks]
Question 2. The imperial karkhanas Bernier is perhaps the only historian who provides a detailed account of the working of the imperial karkhanas or workshops: Large halls are seen at many places, called karkhanas or workshops for the artisans. In one hall, embroiderers are busily employed, superintended by a master. In another, you see the goldsmiths; in a third, painters; in a fourth, varnishers in lacquer-work; in a fifth, joiners, turners, tailors and shoe-makers; in a sixth, manufacturers of silk, brocade and fine muslins ... The artisans come every morning to their karkhanas where they remain employed the whole day; and in the evening return to their homes. In this quiet regular manner, their time glides away; no one aspiring for any improvement in the condition of life wherein he happens to be born.

(1) How did Bernier’s description reflect the economic significance of the karkhanas in the Mughal empire?

[1 Marks]

(2) Analyse the relationship between the Mughal empire and its artisans.

[2 Marks]

(3) How did the crafts in the karkhanas reflect the cultural diversity of the Mughal empire?

[1 Marks]
Question 3.

We say that it is our firm and solemn resolve to have an independent sovereign republic. India is bound to be sovereign, it is bound to be independent and it is bound to be a republic ... Now, some friends have raised the question: 'Why have you not put in the word ‘democratic’ here?' Well, I told them that it is conceivable, of course, that a republic may not be democratic but the whole of our past is witness to this fact that we stand for democratic institutions. Obviously we are aiming at democracy and nothing less than a democracy. What form of democracy, what shape it might take is another matter. The democracies of the present day, many of them in Europe and elsewhere, have played a great part in the world’s progress. Yet it may be doubtful if those democracies may not have to change their shape somewhat before long if they have to remain completely democratic. We are not going just to copy, I hope, a certain democratic procedure or an institution of a so-called democratic country. We may improve upon it. In any event whatever system of government we may establish here must fit in with the temper of our people and be acceptable to them. We stand for democracy. It will be for this House to determine what shape to give to that democracy, the fullest democracy, I hope. The House will notice that in this Resolution, although we have not used the word “democratic” because we thought it is obvious that the word “republic” contains that word and we did not want to use unnecessary words and redundant words, but we have done something much more than using the word. We have given the content of democracy in this Resolution and not only the content of democracy but the content, if I may say so, of economic democracy in this Resolution. Others might take objection to this Resolution on the ground that we have not said that it should be a Socialist State. Well, I stand for Socialism and, I hope, India will stand for Socialism and that India will go towards the constitution of a Socialist State and I do believe that the whole world will have to go that way.

(1) How did defining India as a ‘republic’ enhance democratic governance?

[1 Marks]

(2) How does economic democracy promote social equality within a republican framework?

[1 Marks]

(3) How did Jawaharlal Nehru view the role of the Constituent Assembly in shaping democracy in India?

[2 Marks]
Question 4.

On the given political outline map of India (on page 27), locate and label the following with appropriate symbols :

(1)

Bodh Gaya − An ancient Buddhist site

[1 Marks]

(2)

Goa − Territory under Mughal Empire

[1 Marks]

(3)

Lothal − A mature Harappan site

[1 Marks]

(4)

Name any one territory under the Mughal empire in Northern India.

[1 Marks]

(5)

Vijayanagara − Capital of Vijayanagara empire

[1 Marks]

(6)

Mention any two pillar inscriptions of Ashoka.

[1 Marks]

(7)

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

[2 Marks]

(8)

Name any one neighbouring state of the Vijayanagara empire.

(9)

Name any one neighbouring state of the Vijayanagara empire.

[2 Marks]

Section B

Question 5. The presence of granaries at Harappan sites most likely implies which of the following about their agricultural practices?
[1 Marks]
  • (A) Surplus Production
  • (B) Shifting Cultivation
  • (C) Nomadic Lifestyle
  • (D) Plantation Farming
Question 6. Which of the following statement is correct about the Shungas and Kanvas?
[1 Marks]
  • (A) The Shungas and the Kanvas were the immediate successors of the Mauryas.
  • (B) The Shungas and the Kanvas ruled after the Gupta rulers.
  • (C) The Shungas supported Buddhism and the Kanvas supported Hinduism.
  • (D) The Shungas succeeded the Mauryas and the Kanvas succeeded the Gupta rulers.
Question 7.

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

Read them carefully and select the correct option :

Assertion (A): Shahjehan Begum was a patron of art and architecture in the 19th century, known for her contribution for Sanchi’s preservation. Reason (R): Sanchi Stupa is a classical example of early Buddhist architecture.

[1 Marks]
  • (A) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
  • (B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • (C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  • (D) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Question 8.

Which of the following was the role of the Dhamma Mahamattas during Ashoka’s reign ?

[1 Marks]
  • (A) To administer justice to people
  • (B) To oversee military operations
  • (C) To manage trade and commerce
  • (D) To promote the principles of Dhamma
Question 9.

Which of the following statements accurately describes the coinage of ancient India ?

I. Ancient Parthian gold coins showed extensive trade in north India.

II. Ancient Roman coins in South India indicated trade beyond borders.

III. Ancient Yaudheyas issued copper coins that highlighted their economic activity.

IV. Ancient Gupta rulers issued silver coins that facilitated trade.

[1 Marks]
  • (A) I, II and III are correct.
  • (B) I, II and IV are correct
  • (C) II, III and IV are correct.
  • (D) I, III and IV are correct
Question 10.

Fill in the blank with the appropriate word from the given options. In Jaina philosophy, the cycle of birth and rebirth is influenced by ______.

[1 Marks]
  • (A) Moksha
  • (B) Ahimsa
  • (C) Dharma
  • (D) Karma
Question 11.

Identify the ancient ruler of India with the help of following information and choose the correct option :

Was the best known ruler of the Satavahana dynasty.

• Claimed to be a unique Brahmana.

• Was the son of Rishi Vashistha

[1 Marks]
  • (A) Bhaskaravarman
  • (B) Vikramaditya II
  • (C) Gotami-puta Siri-Satakani
  • (D) Rudradaman
Question 12.

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

[1 Marks]
  • (A) a-iii, b-iv, c-ii, d-i
  • (B) a-iv, b-iii, c-i, d-ii
  • (C) a-i, b-iii, c-ii, d-iv
  • (D) a-ii, b-iii, c-i, d-iv
Question 13.

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched ?

[1 Marks]
  • (A) Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki – Delhi
  • (B) Shaikh Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Dehli – Jaipur
  • (C) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya – Ajmer
  • (D) Shaikh Muinuddin Sijzi – Agra
Question 14.

Which of the following temple’s priest provided memories that were crucial for the initial survey of Hampi ?

[1 Marks]
  • (A) The Virupaksha Temple
  • (B) The Vitthala Temple
  • (C) The Brihadiswara Temple
  • (D) The Hazara Rama Temple
Question 15.

Which of the following features of ‘Mulk Abadi’ of Ain-i-Akbari helps historians to understand the administrative structure of the Mughal Empire ?

[1 Marks]
  • (A) Fiscal records
  • (B) Poetic descriptions
  • (C) Architectural designs
  • (D) Traveller’s accounts
Question 16.

Fill in the blank : Karl Marx’s concept of ‘Asiatic mode of production’ depicted rural society as _________.

[1 Marks]
  • (A) Independent from Imperial Court
  • (B) Constantly evolving
  • (C) Egalitarian
  • (D) Socio-economic disparities
Question 17.

Why are Chola temples at places like Thanjavur significant in ancient history ?

[1 Marks]
  • (A) They are known as the very first temples in India.
  • (B) They served as forts during festivals.
  • (C) They were constructed with the help of the Pandya rulers
  • (D) They mark the peak of Chola patronage in architecture.
Question 18.

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched regarding the Vijayanagara empire ?

[1 Marks]
  • (A) Decline of Vijayanagara – Increased military control of Mackenzie
  • (B) Battle of Talikota – Expansion of Hampi over Orissa
  • (C) Defeat of Sultan of Bijapur – Start of Aravidu dynasty
  • (D) Founding of Nagalapuram – Township named after King’s mother
Question 19.

Why did the British prefer the ‘Ryotwari system’ in Bombay over the ‘Permanent Settlement’ ?

[1 Marks]
  • (A) For simplifying revenue collection
  • (B) For bringing decentralized control
  • (C) For maximising their revenue
  • (D) For empowering the zamindars
Question 20.

Which of the following options shows the correct chronological order of events related to Indian National Movement ?

I. Second Round Table Conference

II. Peasant Movement in Bardoli

III. Champaran Satyagraha

IV. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

[1 Marks]
  • (A) III, II, IV, I
  • (B) III, I, II, IV
  • (C) III, IV, II, I
  • (D) III, IV, I, II
Question 21.

Why was Awadh referred to as the ‘Nursery of the Bengal Army’ during the 1850s ? Choose the correct option from the following.

[1 Marks]
  • (A) Major recruiting ground for the Bengal Army
  • (B) Base for British military leaders
  • (C) Known for strong resistance to British rule
  • (D) Centre for British military training
Question 22.

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

(Committees of Constituent Assembly) (Presidents)

[1 Marks]
  • (A) Flag Committee – Bhimrao Ambedkar
  • (B) States Committee – J.B. Kripalani
  • (C) Steering Committee – Jawaharlal Nehru
  • (D) Advisory Committee – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Question 23.

On whose advice did Gandhiji spend a year travelling around British India upon his return in 1915 ?

[1 Marks]
  • (A) Bipin Chandra Pal
  • (B) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
  • (C) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  • (D) Lala Lajpat Rai
Question 24.

Choose the correct option from the following to fill in the blank regarding the leaders of the Revolt of 1857. Arrah (Bihar) : Kunwar Singh; ____________ : Birjis Qadr

[1 Marks]
  • (A) Awadh
  • (B) kanpur
  • (C) Gwalior
  • (D) Lucknow
Question 25.

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

Assertion (A) : The American Civil War created a panic in the cotton circles in Britain.

Reason (R) : American cotton supplies had dropped drastically which increased the demand for Indian cotton.

[1 Marks]
  • (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (B) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false
  • (C) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true
Question 26.

Look at the image given below and identify the historical artefact :

[1 Marks]
  • (A) Ashoka’s Lion Capital
  • (B) Cholas’ Lion Capital
  • (C) Guptas’ Lion Capital
  • (D) Shungas’ Lion Capital

Section C

Question 27.

How did different types of marriages reflect the social systems of ancient India during the Mahabharata Period ? Explain with examples.

[3 Marks]
Question 28.

How did familial relations impact the social systems of India during the Mahabharata Period ? Explain with examples.

[3 Marks]
Question 29.

How has Puranic Hinduism contributed to the development of Vaishnavism and Shaivism ? Explain with examples.

[3 Marks]
Question 30.

“Panchayats played a crucial role in the Mughal rural society.” Justify the statement with suitable arguments.

[3 Marks]
Question 31.

“Many forest-dwelling communities maintained a significant level of political independence.” Examine the statement in the context of Mughal empire.

[3 Marks]
Question 32.

Analyse the role of Jotedars in the Permanent Settlement system.

[3 Marks]
Question 33.

How has Indian imagery preserved Rani Laxmibai’s contribution during the Revolt of 1857 ? Explain.

[3 Marks]
Question 34.

Imagine you are creating a project on Mirabai’s life. How would you explain the emotions of devotion in her poetry ?

[3 Marks]

Section D

Question 35. How do the archaeological discoveries at Harappa explain urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization? Explain with examples.
[8 Marks]
Question 36. How have the roles and methodologies of archaeologists contributed to the understanding of Harappan Civilization over time? Explain with examples.
[8 Marks]
Question 37. The Virupaksha Temple is a historic temple located in Hampi. What features make it a key architectural and cultural landmark of the Vijayanagara Empire? Explain.
[8 Marks]
Question 38. The Royal Centre in Vijayanagara was significant. Which architectural features make it an important cultural landmark? Explain.
[8 Marks]
Question 39. "Various sources are essential for a complete understanding of Gandhiji’s contributions in the Indian National Movement." Justify the statement.
[8 Marks]
Question 40. "Gandhiji’s leadership in the ‘Salt March’ of 1930 became a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule." Justify the statement.
[8 Marks]

Paper Details

CBSE Board Exam 2025

Class

CLASS 12-HUMANITIES

Subject

HISTORY

Year

2025

Set

Set 6

Other Years — HISTORY

2022 Set-1

2022 Set-2

2022 Set-3

2022 Set-4

2022 Set-5

2023 Set-1

2023 Set-3

2023 Set-4

2023 Set-5

2024 Set-1

2024 Set-2

2024 Set-3

2024 Set-4

2024 Set-5

2025 Set-1

2025 Set-2

2025 Set-3

2025 Set-4

2025 Set-5

2025 Set-6