CBSE Class 12 History Important Questions 2027 (Repeated in Board Exams)

Examine the major contribution of John Marshall as Director General of Archaeological Survey of India.

Source-based ('The most ancient system yet discovered'): extract from Ernest Mackay, Early Indus Civilisation (1948) on Harappan drainage - houses connected to street drains, brick channels covered with loose bricks, sumps for cleaning, and drains of burnt brick at Lothal. Sub-questions: (31.1) Analyse the possible reason behind the uniformity in the drainage systems across the Harappan cities. (1) (31.2) Analyse the implications of finding little heaps of material, mostly sand, alongside drainage channels. (1) (31.3) Assess the impact of Harappan drainage system. (2)

(OR alternative) Prove that Harappans had access to different parts of the world.

Match the Column-I (Harappan Sites) with Column-II (Present Location): a. Manda b. Kalibangan c. Rakhigarhi d. Lothal with 1. Haryana 2. Gujarat 3. Rajasthan 4. Jammu. Options A-D

(OR alternative) 'Historians have used a variety of sources to reconstruct the history of the Mauryan empire and also explained the ways of their administration.' Justify the statement with suitable arguments. (5+3)

Which one of the following is NOT a correct statement about Mahajanapadas? A. Most mahajanapadas were ruled by kings. B. Some known as ganas or sanghas, were oligarchies. C. Each mahajanapada had a capital city, which was often fortified. D. Panchala became the most powerful mahajanapada between 6-4 BCE.

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched? (Ancient Dynasties - Lineage): (A) Kanvas - Successors of Mauryas (B) Mauryas - Successors of Mahapadmananda (C) Satvahanas - Successors of Kushanas (D) Shakas - Successors of Chalukyas

(OR alternative) How do modern historians explain the development and rise of Magadhan power? Explain briefly.

Identify the ruler of the ancient India with the help of following information: He was a prominent Shaka ruler; He rebuilt Sudarshana Lake in the second century CE; He showcased his engagement with Sanskritic traditions. A. Vikramaditya II B. Bhaskaravarman C. Bimbisara D. Rudradaman

Identify the ruler of ancient India with the help of the given information: He got the title of Devanampiya; he distributed a portion of Buddha's relics for stupas; he was the first ruler who inscribed messages on rocks and pillars. Options: (A) Samudragupta (B) Harshavardhana (C) Rudradaman (D) Asoka

Match the following (List I - List II): 1. Endogamy 2. Exogamy 3. Polygyny 4. Polyandry with a. practice of a woman having several husbands b. marriage within a unit (kin group, caste or locality) c. marriage outside the unit d. practice of a man having several wives. Options A-D

Describe the various stages through which Mahabharata was compiled in the 20th century. Discuss any three points.

Prabhavati Gupta is best known for which of the following roles? (A) Wife of Ashoka and Promoter of Buddhist Sangha (B) Queen of Mauryan Empire and Promoter of Buddhism (C) Wife of Samudragupta and Poet of the Gupta Era (D) Daughter of Chandragupta-II and Wife of Vakataka King

'The mid-first millennium BCE is considered as a significant turning point in the course of World History.' Justify the statement.

Which of the following statements regarding Jainism is correct? I. Vardhaman Mahavira was born in 5th Century CE. II. Mahavira was the 24th Tirathankar. III. Jains worship Lord Shiva as Mahavira. IV. The principle of Ahimsa is emphasised in Jainism. Options: (A) Only I and II (B) Only II and III (C) Only III and IV (D) Only II and IV

Identify the following structure (image of a stupa) from the options: (A) Amravati Stupa (B) Sanchi Stupa (C) Barhut Stupa (D) Sarnath Stupa. [VI alternative: In which modern state of India is Sanchi Stupa located? (A) Maharashtra (B) Madhya Pradesh (C) Tamil Nadu (D) Uttar Pradesh]

(OR alternative) Explain the significance of Pauranic Hinduism of the ancient India.

Source-based ('A warning for Europe'): extract where Francois Bernier warns that if European kings followed the Mughal model their kingdoms would become kingdoms of deserts, beggars and barbarians, and great cities would fall to ruin. Sub-questions: (32.1) Mention any one prominent contribution of Bernier. (1) (32.2) How did Bernier describe the difference between European kingdom and the Mughal territories? (1) (32.3) Explain Bernier's views on the socio-economic status of people under Mughal rule. (2)

Which of the following skills can be identified from Al-Biruni's writings? A. Proficiency in diplomacy and political negotiation. B. Fluency in multiple languages and a broad intellectual curiosity. C. Expertise in military strategy and warfare tactics. D. Exceptional talent for storytelling and vivid descriptions.

Who among the following is the author of the book of travels called 'Travels in the Mughal Empire'? (A) Francois Bernier (B) Roberto Nobile (C) Duarte Barbosa (D) Marco Polo

Identify the foreign traveller with the help of the following information: He was Moroccan traveller of the 14th century; He had the expertise of Islamic religion law; He was appointed Qazi of Delhi by Muhammad bin Tughlaq. (A) Al-Biruni (B) Seydi Ali Reis (C) Ibn Batuta (D) Mahmud Ali Balkhi

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? (A) Promote Islamic teaching (B) Map geographical locations (C) Critique culture and traditions (D) Document Indian culture

Assertion (A): Baba Guru Nanak Devji advocated Nirguna Bhakti. Reason (R): For Baba Guru Nanak, the absolute or 'rab' had no gender or form. Choose the correct option (A-D).

Which of the following statements is incorrect about Andal? A. Andal was a woman Alvar, the most striking features of her compositions were widely sung. B. Andal was a woman Nayanar, she incorporated the prevailing caste system in the society. C. Andal saw herself as the beloved of Vishnu; her verses express her love for the deity. D. Andal saw herself as the beloved of Krishna; her verses express her love for the deity.

(OR alternative) Examine how music and devotional songs in Bhakti and Sufi traditions serve spiritual expression and community unity.

Find the odd one out from the following (Sufi Teachers - Location of Dargah): (A) Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti - Ajmer (B) Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki - Delhi (C) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya - Agra (D) Shaikh Fariduddin Ganj-i-Shakar - Ajodhan

The battle at Talikota (Rakshasi Tangri) was fought between which two of the following groups? (A) Krishnadeva Raya and rulers of Madurai, Ikkeri and Mysore (B) Rama Raya and rulers of Bijapur, Gingee and Bidar (C) Krishnadeva Raya and rulers of Golconda, Kolar and Chandragiri (D) Ram Raya and rulers of Bijapur, Golconda and Ahmednagar

Match Column-I (Foreign Travellers) with Column-II (Countries): a. Afanasi Nikitin b. Domingo Paes c. Abdur-Razzak d. Nicolo de Conti with I. Persia II. Russia III. Portugal IV. Italy. Options A-D

Which of the following was the first dynasty to rule over the Vijayanagara Empire? A. Suluva dynasty B. Aravidu dynasty C. Tuluva dynasty D. Sangama dynasty

(OR alternative) 'Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador sent by the ruler of Persia to Calicut (present-day Kozhikode) in the fifteenth century, was greatly impressed by the fortifications, and mentioned seven lines of forts.' Substantiate the statement with suitable examples.

(OR alternative) 'The establishment of the Vijayanagar Empire considered significant in the history of the Indian subcontinent.' Justify the statement.

Which of the following temples at Vijayanagara was meant to be used only by the king and his family? (A) Vitthala temple (B) Chidambaram temple (C) Hazara Ram temple (D) Virupaksha temple

(OR alternative) Describe the views of Domingo Paes on the city of Vijayanagara.

Examine the role of Panchayat in advocating for the rights of common people during the Mughal era.

Consider the following statements regarding the criteria of classification of lands under Akbar: 1. Polaj is land which is annually cultivated for each crop in succession and is never allowed to lie fallow. 2. Parauti is land left out of cultivation for a time that it may recover its strength. 3. Chachar is land that has lain fallow for three or four years. 4. Banjar land was also called jins-i-kamil. Which is/are correct? A. 1,2,3,4 B. 1,2,3 C. 1,2,4 D. 2,3,4

'Revenue from the land was the economic mainstay of the Mughal empire.' Support the statement with examples.

Choose the correct option: The book deals with the fiscal side of the empire and provides rich quantitative information on revenue rates. A. Manzil-abadi B. Sipah-abadi C. Mulk-abadi D. Aam-abadi

Identify the major long-term consequence of the permanent settlement for the Indian peasantry from the following: (A) Increased ownership of land among farmers. (B) Investment in agricultural technology. (C) Increased exploitation and indebtness. (D) Abolition of all kinds of landlordism.

Discuss the policies adopted by the British towards the Paharias during the early 18th century in Bengal.

The __________ were most powerful in North Bengal, although rich peasants and village headmen were emerging as commanding figures in the countryside in other parts of Bengal as well. A. Zamindars B. Jotedars C. Taluqdars D. Ryots

Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of events related to agrarian developments in India during the 19th century? I. The Permanent Settlement in Bengal II. The Deccan Riots Commission III. The Santhal Rebellion IV. The Fifth Report by a Select Committee. Options: A. I,II,III & IV B. II,III,IV & I C. III,II,I & IV D. I,IV,III & II

Compare and contrast the impacts of the American Civil War on cotton production in India and the United States. A. Both countries experienced a decline in cotton production due to the war. B. India's cotton production increased while the United States experienced a decline. C. The United States saw increased cotton production while India's remained stagnant. D. Both countries saw a surge in cotton exports during the war period.

Source-based ('On clearance and settled cultivation'): extract where Buchanan, passing through a village in the lower Rajmahal hills, describes the cultivation of rice valleys and proposes clearing woods for plantations of Asan and Palas (Tassar silk, Lac), palmyra and mahua. Sub-questions: (33.1) How did Buchanan describe the view of the lower Rajmahal hills? (1) (33.2) Why did Buchanan believe that the area had high potential for improved cultivation? (1) (33.3) How did Buchanan propose utilising the land for economic benefits? (2)

Source-based ('What taluqdars thought'): extract expressing the attitude of Hanwant Singh, Raja of Kalakankar near Rae Bareli, who sheltered a British officer during the mutiny but resolved to march to Lucknow to drive the British out. Sub-questions: (33.1) Explain the anguish of Hanwant Singh for the British officer. (1) (33.2) How were Taluqdars facilitated by the rulers? (1) (33.3) Explain any two causes of dissatisfaction of Taluqdars from British rule. (2)

Choose the correct pair regarding the local leaders during the Revolt of 1857 (Local Leader - Region): (A) Gonoa - Chotanagpur (B) Shahmal - Hyderabad (C) Kunwar Singh - Kanpur (D) Maulavi Ahmadullah Shah - Arrah

'The rebellion of 1857 was seen as a war in which both Hindus and Muslims had equally to lose or gain.' Analyse the statement.

Which one of the following was a key feature of the 'Subsidiary Alliance' introduced by Lord Wellesley in 1798? (A) Free Trade Policy brought by British (B) Maintenance of native army by British (C) Imposition of Western Customs by British (D) Protection of native territory by British

(OR alternative) Explain why many scholars believe that the months after Independence were Gandhiji's 'finest hour.'

Match the column I with column II: (i) Mahatma Gandhi returns from South Africa (ii) Champaran movement (iii) Peasant movements in Kheda (Gujarat) and workers' movement in Ahmedabad (iv) Rowlatt Satyagraha with (a) 1917 (b) 1918 (c) 1919 (d) 1915. Options A-D

(OR alternative) 'Gandhiji started the Salt March for various reasons and it resulted in a significant movement.' Explain the statement with examples. (4+4)

Source-based ('Why was salt the symbol of protest?'): extract of Mahatma Gandhi on the salt tax as a 'fourfold curse' that deprives people of a village industry and destroys national property. Sub-questions: (33.1) What does Gandhi's reference to the 'power of peace and non-violence' suggest about his strategic approach to resistance against British colonial rule? (1) (33.2) What parallels can be drawn between Gandhi's critique of the salt tax and broader movements for social justice and human rights? (1) (33.3) How does Gandhi's reference to the destruction of salt by the government shed light on the broader implications of colonial policies on India's natural resources? (2)

Identify the Indian Political Leader with the help of the following information: I. He moved the 'Objectives resolution' in the Constituent Assembly. II. He moved the resolution proposing that the National flag be a horizontal tricolor of saffron, white and dark green in equal proportions with a wheel of navy blue colour in the centre. (A) Sardar Patel (B) Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru (C) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (D) Dr. Radhakrishnan

Source-based (countering separate electorates): passage where Govind Ballabh Pant, countering the demand for separate electorates, argues that success of democracy is judged by the confidence it generates amongst different sections and that separate electorates are a suicidal demand that would isolate minorities (Source - page 329, Chapter 4, Themes in Indian History-III, NCERT). Sub-questions: (33.1) Why were the national leaders countering demand for separate electorates? (1) (33.2) Imagine you were a member of the Constituent Assembly. Would you have supported the idea of separate electorates? Give reasons. (2) (33.3) What was the argument given by B. Pocker Bahadur to which Govind Ballabh Pant agreed? (1)

(OR alternative) Explain the distribution of powers between the Centre and the States, as debated in the Constituent Assembly, highlighting differing viewpoints and concerns.

Explain the main provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935.

Match Column-I (Women member) with Column-II (Constituency) - List of Women members in the Constituent Assembly: I. Sarojini Naidu II. Hansa Mehta III. Vijayalakshmi Pandit IV. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur with a. Central Province b. Uttar Pradesh c. Bihar d. Bombay. Options A-D

Describe the role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Constituent Assembly.

Map: On the political outline map of India (34.1) locate and label with appropriate signs/symbols: (i) Nageshwar, a mature Harappan site; (ii) Kashi, an early state; (iii)(a) Goa, an area under Aurangzeb OR (iii)(b) Thanjavur, a medieval town. (34.2) Two places marked A and B as centres of the Indian national movement - identify and write their names. [VI alternative: name two capitals of early states; one area under Aurangzeb OR capital of Vijayanagara; two main centres of Indian National Movement.]