Class XI – History Paper – 1

Ans. (A) Tigris and Euphrates.

Explanation: Mesopotamia, which means “between rivers” in Greek, is located in the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. The two rivers were the major sources of water and fertile land for the people of Mesopotamia, and they played a vital role in the development of the region’s economy.

Ans. (B) Military

Explanation: Public baths were a striking feature of Roman urban life. They were not just places to get clean, but also served as social hubs where people could relax, exercise, and socialize. The Romans built some of the most impressive public baths in the ancient world, and they were a source of great pride for the empire.

Ans. (A) Bronze

Explanation: The Mesopotamians began using bronze around 3000 BCE. They imported tin from Afghanistan and Iran, and they mined copper in their own region. Bronze tools and weapons were used by the Mesopotamians for centuries, and they played a vital role in their development as a civilization.

Ans. (A) Borjigin

Explanation: Genghis Khan belonged to the Borjigin tribe.

Ans. (D) Both (A) and (B) are correct

Explanation: In 630 BCE, the two most powerful empires in Europe were the Roman Empire and the Achaemenid Empire of Persia (Iran). The Roman Empire controlled most of the Italian Peninsula, southern France, and parts of Spain. The Achaemenid Empire controlled most of the Middle East, including modern-day Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and parts of Egypt, Greece, and Afghanistan.

Ans. (C) Nicolaus Copernicus

Explanation: Nicolaus Copernicus was a mathematician, astronomer, and Catholic canon. He proposed the heliocentric model in the 16th century, which was a revolutionary idea at the time. The heliocentric model is a model of the solar system in which the Sun is at the center and the planets orbit around it.

Ans. (C) Romans and Iranians

Ans. (B) Dutch

Explanation: The Dutch were the first Europeans to settle in South Africa. They established a colony at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652, and they were the dominant European power in South Africa for over 150 years. The Dutch settlers were called “settlers”.

Ans. (A) Asia

Explanation: The earliest inhabitants of North America came from Asia, most likely by crossing the Bering land bridge, which connected Asia and North America during the last ice age. This land bridge was exposed when sea levels were lower, and it allowed people to walk from Asia to North America.

Ans. (B) Natives of Australia

Explanation: Aborigines are the indigenous people of Australia.

Ans. (A) Both A and R is true but R is not the correct explanation of A

Explanation: There are over 165 indigenous languages spoken in North America today, and many more were spoken before the arrival of Europeans. The fact that the languages were not written down does not mean that there were not numerous languages spoken in North America.

Ans. (A) Han

Explanation: The Han Chinese are the dominant ethnic group in China, making up about 92% of the population. They are descendants of the ancient Huaxia people, who lived in the Yellow River Valley.

Ans. (A) State centered nationalism

Explanation: The nature of nationalism in Japan during the 1930s-1940s was primarily a state-centred nationalism. During this period, Japan experienced a form of nationalism that was closely tied to the state and its expansionist policies, leading to militarisation and imperialistic ambitions in Asia.

Ans. (A) A republican revolutionary of China

Explanation: Sun Yat-sen was a republican revolutionary of China. He played a pivotal role in the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China, and he is often referred to as the “Father of Modern China” for his contributions to the Chinese revolution and the founding of the Republic.

Ans. (A) Manchu

Explanation: Sun Yat-sen played a key role in overthrowing the Manchu Empire, also known as the Qing Dynasty, and establishing the Republic of China in its place.

Ans. (A) Mirandola

Explanation: The work on the “Dignity of Man” is associated with Mirandola. Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, an Italian Renaissance philosopher, wrote a famous work titled “Oration on the Dignity of Man” (Oratione sulla dignità dell’uomo), which expounds on the idea of human dignity and the potential of humanity.

Ans. (A) A-(ii), B-(1), C-(iv), D-(iii)

Explanation: The Middle Ages is a period in European history from the 5th to the 14th century. It is later divided into three periods: the Dark Age (5th to 9th centuries), the Early Middle Ages (9th to 11th centuries), and the Late Middle Ages (11th to 14th centuries).

Ans. (B) Frank

Explanation: The Franks were a Germanic tribe that migrated to Gaul (modern-day France) in the 5th century. They eventually conquered Gaul and established the Frankish Kingdom, which was the predecessor to the modern French state. The name “France” is derived from the Latin word “Francia”, which means “land of the Franks”.

Ans. (A) The French priest

Explanation: French priests believed in the concept that people were members of one of the three ‘orders’, depending on their work.

Ans. (D) All of the above

Explanation: The term “middle age” is used to describe the period of European history from the 5th to the 15th century. It is often used interchangeably with the term “medieval period”. The Middle Ages was a time of great change and upheaval in Europe, as the Roman Empire collapsed and new political and social structures emerged. The Church was a powerful force in the Middle Ages, and it played a major role in shaping European society.

Ans. (A) An Arab physician and philosopher of Bukhara in Central Asia

Explanation: Among the Muslim writers who were regarded as men of wisdom in the Italian world were Ibn Sina (Avicenna’ in Latin, 980-1037), an Arab physician and philosopher of Bukhara in Central Asia, and al-Razi (Rhazes), author of a medical encyclopaedia.

Ans. The signs used in Mesopotamian language were not vowel or consonant but syllables. The system of writing in Mesopotamia was known as cuneiform. Cuneiform is one of the earliest known writing systems in human history, and it was developed in ancient Mesopotamia, particularly in Sumer (southern Mesopotamia), around 3500-3200 BCE. Cuneiform was written on clay tablets using wedge-shaped marks made by a stylus. It was initially used for accounting and record-keeping purposes but later evolved to encompass a wide range of subjects, including literature, law, religion, and science. This writing system played a crucial role in documenting and preserving the history and culture of Mesopotamia and the civilisations that thrived in the region, such as the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.

Ans. After 2000 BCE the capital of Mari flourished and was exceptionally prosperous. The main reasons were:

(i) The southern plain, where it was situated, was agriculturally highly productive.

(ii) Animal rearing was another profitable occupation.

(iii) It occupied an advantageous position on the Euphrates as it profited from trade both upstream and downstream between Turkey, Syria and Lebanon.

Clay tablets refer to the exchange of agricultural produce for metals like tin which is essential to make bronze. Therefore, the exchange was of great importance and a source of prosperity for Mari.

Ans. The city of Rome did indeed revive in a spectacular way in the 15th century. This period, known as the Roman Renaissance, was a time of great cultural and artistic innovation, and Rome became the center of the Renaissance world.

There were a number of factors that contributed to the revival of Rome in the 15th century. One was the return of the papacy to Rome in 1420, after a long period of exile in Avignon. This brought a new influx of wealth and power to the city, and the popes were major patrons of the arts.

Another factor was the rediscovery of ancient Rome. In the early 15th century, scholars began to study the ruins of ancient Rome and to excavate them. This led to a renewed interest in classical art and architecture, which had a profound impact on the Renaissance artists.

Finally, the city of Rome itself was a major inspiration for the Renaissance artists. Its ancient ruins, its magnificent churches and palaces, and its vibrant culture all provided a rich source of inspiration.

The Roman Renaissance produced some of the greatest artists of all time, including Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. These artists created works of art that are still admired today, and they helped to shape the course of Western art.

Ans. The term Feudalism is derived from the term ‘Feud’, which means a piece of land. In this system the land was the source of power, it refers to the socio-economic, political and legal relationships that developed in Medieval France, England and Southern Italy. In the economic sphere, feudalism refers to agricultural production based on relationship between lord and the peasants. The peasants cultivated their own land and that of the lords. The peasants performed labour services for lords in return for military protection. The lord had judicial control over the peasants; he held his own court of justice and could even coin his own money.

Ans. The first phase of Industrial Revolution is taken during 1780s and the other during 1850s. The difference between the two is:

In the first phase, Britain was the first country to experience modern industrialisation. The far reaching changes were in cotton, iron and coal mining industries. The use of steam power led to faster means of transportation by ships and railways.

In the second phase Britain fell behind and lost its position as the world’s leading industrial power. It was overtaken by Germany and the USA. In this phase, new areas like the chemical and electrical industries expanded.

Ans. The two important requirements of Industrialisation are; Constant supply of raw materials and Markets for the finished goods. To fulfill these two conditions, the industrialised countries like Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and Japan made a scramble for colonies in Asia, Africa and Latin America. These colonies served both their purposes i.e., suppliers of raw materials and easy markets for their finished goods. Thus, Industrialisation gave birth to Imperialism. Moreover, availability of cheap labour in these colonised nations made it possible for imperialism to grow further.

Ans. The effects of Japanese defeat in World War II were:

(i) Japan’s attempt to become a colonial power ended.

(ii) Japan was demilitarised and new constitution was introduced. A no war clause was introduced as an instrument of state policy.

(iii) Agrarian reforms were carried out and trade unions were re-established.

(iv) The Zaibatsu or the large monopolistic business houses were dismantled.

(v) Political parties were revived and the first post war elections were held in 1946 in which women voted for the first time.

(vi) The social cohesion was strengthened, allowing for a close working of the government, bureaucracy and industry.

Ans. The natives and the Europeans had different views on the goods they exchanged.

The natives saw the goods they exchanged with the Europeans as gifts, given in friendship. They did not have a concept of trade or commerce, and they saw the exchange of goods as a way to cement relationships and build goodwill. They were also willing to trade goods that were considered sacred or important to them, such as tobacco, because they did not understand the European concept of private property.

The Europeans saw the goods they exchanged with the natives as commodities, which could be bought and sold for a profit. They were interested in acquiring furs, timber, and other natural resources from the Americas, and they were willing to trade manufactured goods, such as guns, alcohol, and metal tools, in exchange. The Europeans also had a different understanding of the value of goods, and they often undervalued the goods that the natives offered in trade.

Ans. The 3rd century was a period of great turmoil for the Roman Empire. The empire was facing a number of internal challenges, including:

Invasions from barbarian tribes: In the early 3rd century, the Roman Empire was invaded by a number of barbarian tribes, including the Goths, the Franks, and the Alemanni. These tribes were able to penetrate deep into Roman territory, and they caused widespread damage and disruption. Civil wars: The 3rd century was also marked by a number of civil wars. There were over 50 claimants to the throne during this period, and many of these claimants fought each other in bloody battles. This constant instability weakened the empire and made it more vulnerable to attack.

Economic problems: The Roman economy was also in decline during the 3rd century. There was a shortage of coinage, and inflation was rampant. This made it difficult for the government to pay its soldiers and officials, and it also led to widespread poverty.

Plague: The Plague of Cyprian, a major outbreak of bubonic plague, struck the Roman Empire in the mid-3rd century. The plague killed millions of people and caused widespread social disruption.

These internal challenges weakened the Roman Empire and made it more vulnerable to collapse. The empire eventually recovered from this crisis, but it never regained its former strength.

Ans. The Roman Empire was a vast empire which needs to be properly administered.

(a) The territories of the Empire was organised into a province. These provinces were subject to the taxation.

(b) During the peak of the rule of the Empire, it extended its control from the lands of Scotland to the borders of Armenia and from the desert of the Sahara to the river Euphrates.

(c) Some of the cities became the bedrock of administration of the Roman provinces. Cities like Carthage, Alexandria and Antiochus were important urban centres. These cities allowed the Roman government to collect taxes from the countryside. The Roman government gave the responsibility to collect the taxes to the local upper classes.

(d) The local upper classes of the provinces soon became very powerful and they used to decide the people who will administer the provinces and commanded the armies.

(e) These upper classes became the new elite section of administrators and military commanders and much more powerful than the people in the Roman Senate.

Ans. Political condition: Japan was ruled by an emperor

from Kyoto while the actual powers were in the hands of the Shoguns. From 1603 to 1867, the members of the Tokugawa family held the position of the Shogun, the country was divided into 250 domains each ruled by a daimyo. The Daimyos was given a large degree of autonomy and was ordered to live in the capitals of their domains.

Social condition: Edo was the most populated city in the world by the mid-17th century. Osaka and Kyoto were the other large cities in Japan. There were about half a dozen castle-towns with population over 50,000. A person’s merit was valued more than his status. A vibrant culture grew around the towns. Habit of reading increased among the people and many writers could earn their living solely by writing.

Ans. The earliest inhabitants of North America are said to have come from Asia over 30,000 years ago through a land bridge across the Bering Straits. During the last Ice Age, 10,000 years ago, they moved further South, as is evidenced by the oldest artefact found here.

Only after the climate became stable 5000 years ago, the population started to increase. These people lived in bands in villages along the river valleys, ate fish and cultivated vegetables and maize.

They searched for meat, chiefly of the bison that roamed the grasslands. However, they killed only as many animals as they needed for food. They practiced subsistence level agriculture and did not produce surplus. There were some instances of quarrels between tribes over territory but by and large they were content with food and shelter they got from the land and did not feel the need to own it.

An important feature of their tradition was of making formal alliances friendships and exchange of gifts. They exchanged ‘wampum belts after the treaty was agreed to. They did not believe in commodifying goods but obtained them as ‘gifts’. They spoke numerous languages but these were not written down. They believed time moved in cycles and each tribe had accounts about their origins which were passed from one generation to another by word of mouth.

They could understand the climatic changes and different landscapes. They were extremely superstitious but simple people, who loved and lived close to nature. E.g. when the Europeans slaughtered hundreds of beavers for fur, the natives were not only puzzled by their greed, but feared the animals would take revenge on them for their destruction.

Ans. A major aspect observed in Meiji Reform was the modernising the economy of Japan. The first major reformative measure undertaken by the Meiji government was levying agricultural taxes. In between 1870-72 Japan witnessed her first railway track from Tokyo to the port of Yokohama. To train the workers in Japan the government employed foreign technicians and imported textile machineries from Europe. They also brought foreign teacher to teach in schools and universities in Japan and also students from Japan were also sent abroad to enhance their skills and knowledge. Modern banking institutions emerged after 1872 and companies like Mitsubishi and Sumitomo helped in Japanese trade which was carried by the Japanese’s own ships. The large business organization like zaibatsu controlled the economy of Japan till Second World War. To control the emerging population he Meiji government began to migrate the people northern island of Hokkaido and then to Hawaii and Brazil. These populations were even shifted to the colonial empire of Japan. Industries developed and it brought massive surge in population and growth of towns.

Ans. Military: An army based on the European model was established. Military service declared universal and obligatory, soldiers were recruited at the age of twenty. They served for three years in the active army and four years in the reserve. A national army thus came into existence. European officers were called to train them. In addition, dockyards and arsenals were constructed. Military was put under the direct command of the emperor.

Economic: The first railway line was built in 1870-72 between Tokyo and Yokohama. Textile machinery was imported from Europe and foreign technicians were employed to train the workers. Japanese students were sent abroad to study. In 1872 modern banking institutions were established. Companies like Mitsubishi and Sumitomo were given subsidies and tax benefits to become major ship-builders so that the Japanese trade was from now on carried in Japanese ships.

Ans. Archaeologist found plant and animal remains, and in the process identified many species of plants and animals and found large quantities of charred fish bones that had been swept out on to the streets.

Ans. Abu Salabikh was a small town, about 10 hectares in area in 2500 BCE with a population less than 10,000. The outlines of walls were at first traced by scraping surfaces.

Ans. Abu Salabikh was situated in Mesopotamia. It was an ancient Sumerian city in Iraq that dates back to the mid third millennium BC.

Ans. Women and girls had shorter lifespans compared to men because the latter ate better food.

Ans. The three other factors that emerged with agricultural expansion are:

Population growth: As agriculture became more productive, it was able to support a larger population.

Trade: The growth of agriculture also led to an increase in trade. Farmers needed to sell their surplus crops, and merchants needed to find new markets for their goods.

Towns: The growth of trade led to the growth of towns. Towns were centers of commerce and industry, and they attracted people from all over Europe.

Ans. The overall lifespan of Europeans in the Middle Ages was about 35 years. Europeans have longer lifespan that is 10 years longer than the usual.

Ans. Earlier the Europeans thought world revolves around the Mediterranean region. The Europeans in the 14th to 17th centuries began to see the world in a new way. They began to believe that the Mediterranean Sea was not the center of the world, and that there were other cultures and civilizations just as advanced as their own.

Ans. Towns – particularly Florence, Venice and Rome became centers of art and learning.

Ans. The invention of printing at the same time made books and prints available to many people, including those living in distant towns countries. A sense of history also developed in Europe, and people contrasted their ‘modern’ world with the ‘ancient one of the Greeks and Romans. Religion came to be seen as something which each individual should choose for himself.

Ans.