Class XII - History - Paper - 2 - Practice for Everyone

SECTION –A

(Objective Type Questions)

1. Which of the following options accurately describes the right occupation during Mahabharata?

(a) It is described in the Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras.

(b) Kshatriyas were supposed to study and teach the vedas.

(d) Vaishy as were to serve the other varnas.

Ans. (a) It is described in the Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras.

2. What was the name of Buddha’s foster mother who became the first woman to be ordained as a Bhikkhuni?

(a) Bhikkhuni Kusuma

(b) Ayya Khema

(d) Mahapajapati Gotami

Ans. (d) Mahapajapati Gotami

3. Two statements are given in the question below as Assertion A and Reason R. Read the statements and choose the appropriate option.

Assertion(R): In Harappa, representations on seals and terracotta sculpture indicate that the bull was known.

Reason (R): Archaeologists concluded from this that oxen were used for ploughing.

Options:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R)is the correct explanation of (A).

(b) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(d) (R) is correct, but (A) is not correct.

Ans. (b) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

4.Consider the following statements regarding the Message of Mahavira and choose the correct option.

(I) Non-injury to living beings is central to Jaina philosophy.

(II) To free oneself from the cycle of Karma, asceticism and penance are required.

(III) The world is transient (anicca) and constantly changing and it is also soulless (anatta).

Options:

(a) Statements (II) and (III) only

(b) Statements (I), (II) and (III)

(d) Statements (I) and (III) only

Ans. (c) Statements (I) and (II) only

5. Match the column (I) with column (II) regarding the landmarks in the Discovery and Preservation of Early Monuments and Sculpture in 20^th Century and choose the correct option

Options:

(a) (A)-(I), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(IV)

(b) (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II)

(d) (A)-(II), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(III)

Ans. (d) (A)-(II), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(III)

6. ldentify the foreign travellers who visited India during medieval period with the help of following information:

(I) He received the best education available during his time.

(II) In the eleventh century, he travelled to India.

(III) He spent years in the company of Brahmana priests and scholars.

(a) lbn Battuta

(b) Abdur Razzaq

(d) Francois

Ans. (c) Al-Biruni

7. ldentify the material used for the given seal of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

(a) Iron

(b) Copper

(d) Steatite

Ans. (d) Steatite

8. Which of the following factors shows new devotional paths in northern India?

(a) Kabir’s poetry was collected in three different ways.

(b) The Chishtis were the most important group of Sufis.

(d) In the twelfth century, a Brahmana by the name of Basavanna launched a new movement.

Ans. (a) Kabir’s poetry was collected in three different ways.

9. Which of the following statements is incorrect about Islam?

(a) Islam was founded by Prophet Muhammad in 7th century.

(b) The pillars of Islam are shahada, namaz/salat, zakat,sawm, and Haj.

(d) According to Muslim tradition, Quran is the compilation of those message which god (Allah) had sent to Prophet Muhammad.

Ans. (c) The holy book of Islam is Din-i-llahi which have been written in Persian.

10. Imagine you are an archaeologist analyzing the Virupaksha Temple from the Vijayanagar Empire. Which of the following options would be the most useful for interpreting the temple’s gopuram?

(a) The halls in the temple were used for meetings only

(b) It was substantially enlarged with the establishment of the Chola Empire.

(d) It was decorated with several precious stones.

Ans. (c) Krishna deva Raya constructed the hall that stands in front of the main temple.

11. Match the column (I) with column (II) regarding the travellers who visited India during 7th to 10th century with the country they belonged to and choose the correct option:

Options

(a) (A) – (I), (B) – (II), (C) – (III), (D) – (IV)

(b) (A) – (III), (B) – (I), (C) – (IV), (D) – (II)

(d) (A) – (II), (B) – (IV), (C) – (I), (D) – (III)

Ans. (b) (A) – (III), (B) – (I), (C) – (IV), (D) – (II)

12. What does the term “great tradition” refer to in the context of peasant societies?

(a) Local customs and practices of the peasants.

(b) Rituals and customs from dominant social categories, including priests and rulers.

(d) The practices of small, isolated communities.

Ans. (b) Rituals and customs from dominant social categories, including priests and rulers.

13. How did the Ain was called a part of a larger project of history writing commissioned by Akbar? Choose the best suitable option from the following.

(a) It was the culmination of a large historical and administrative project.

(b) It concentrated only on Akbar’s military campaigns.

(d) It contained fictional stories about Akbar’s empire.

Ans. (a) It was the culmination of a large historical and administrative project.

14. Why did the name of Mahanavamidibba in the Royal centre of Vijayanagara has been assigned? Choose the best suitable option from the following.

(a) It was located on one of the highest points in the city.

(b) The Vijayanagara rulers showed their prestige and power here.

(d) The structure’s rituals most likely corresponded with Mahanavami.

Ans. (d) The structure’s rituals most likely corresponded with Mahanavami.

15. Compare and contrast the livelihood of Paharias with that of Santhals. Choose the best suitable option from the following.

(a) Both were wanderers but later on they started practicing shifting cultivation.

(b) Paharias cultivated many commercial crops while Santhals reared silk-worms.

(d) Both accepted toll from the traders and in return protected the traders to ensure that their goods were not plundered by anyone.

Ans. (c) Paharias hunted wild animals while Santhals cleared forests and cut down timber.

16. What led the Taluqdars and Sepoys of Awadh to participate in the 1857 Rebellion? Choose the best suitable option from the following.

(a) Due to taluqdars and sepoy slack of interest in their jobs.

(b) Due to annexation of Awadh by the British.

(d) Due to sepoy’s low levels of pay and the difficulty of getting a leave.

Ans. (b) Due to annexation of Awadh by the British.

17. Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of events related to establishing of control over India till the 19th century?

(I) Permanent Settlement in Bengal.

(II) English East India Company acquires Diwani of Bengal.

(III) Cotton boom begins.

(IV) Agricultural prices begin to fall.

Options:

(a) (I)-(II)-(III)-(IV)

(b) (II)-(I)-(IV)-(III)

(d) (IV)-(II)-(III)-(I)

Ans. (b) (II)-(I)-(IV)-(III)

18. Which one of the following was the main reason that the salt laws became an important issue of struggle?

(a) Salt was an important export product for India.

(b) The British had imposed high taxes on salt, which was a basic necessity for all.

(d) The British banned the use of Indian salt in international markets.

Ans. (b) The British had imposed high taxes on salt, which was a basic necessity for all.

19. Complete the following with the correct option regarding the support of national language during the formation of the Constitution.

RV. Dhulekar : Hindi :: Shri Shankarrao Deo: ______________

(a) English

(b) Hindustani

(d) Language from South

Ans. (b) Hindustani

20. ldentify the ruler of India in the 185Os from the given options, using the provided information.

(I) This ruler was forced by the popular pressure to lead the uprising.

(II) The Kingdom of this ruler was annexed due to a refusal to recognise adoption.

Options:

(a) Nana Sahib

(b) Kunwar Singh

(d) Bahadur Shah

Ans. (c) Rani Lakshmi Bai

21. Who among the following was the President of the Constituent Assembly?

(a) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

(d) Jawahar Lal Nehru

Ans. (b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

SECTION –B

(Short Answer Type Questions)

22. Analyse the different phases of the Harappan Civilisation and mention the significance of the Mature Harappan phase.

Ans. There are three stages to the Harappan Civilisation:

(1) The Early Harappan (6000 BCE-2600 BCE), which was the formative phase.

(2) The second stage was the Mature Harappan (2600–1900 BCE), the most lavish and urban period.

(3) The Late Harappan, which marks its demise, lasted from 1900 to 1300 BCE.

Advances in metallurgy, pottery, seals, and urban planning were made during the Mature Harappan phase. The civilisation’s impact expanded across territories like as Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Sind, Punjab, and parts of India (Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra)

Examine the major strategies employed by the Harappans to acquire raw materials for craft production.

Ans. The Harappans employed several strategies to procure raw materials for craft production:

(1) They established trade networks that spanned vast distances, allowing them to acquire materials not available locally.

(2) The Harappans also practiced local extraction and processing of resources. They mined and processed carnelian, agate, and other semi-precious stones in regions like Gujarat.

(3) The Harappans’ effective use of river and sea routes for transportation further facilitated the movement of materials across regions. Coastal settlements facilitated the collection of shell and pearls.

23. What qualities distinguished the Mahajanapadas? Explain with example.

Ans. Characteristics of Mahajanpadas are as follows:

(1) Most Mahajanapadas were ruled by kings.

(2) Some Mahajanapadas were oligarchies known as ganas or sanghas, where power was shared among a group of men collectively called rajas.

(3) Both Mahavira and Buddha were associated with such ganas.

(4) The capital city of each Mahajanapada was frequently fortified.

(5) Brahmins established norms for rulers in texts known as Dharmasutras.

(6) Cultivators, businessmen, and artisans were instructed to pay taxes and tribute to the rulers.

(7) Some kingdoms established organised bureaucracies and standing armies.

(8) Others relied on militias, often recruited from the peasantry. (Any three)

24. Examine the about the description given by lbn Battuta system of communication in India.

Ans. The system of communication in India was described by Ibu Battuta in the following ways:

(1) The communication system was distinct.

(2) Extra efforts were made to support retailers.

(3) There were guest homes and inns along the roads.

(4) The postal system operated quickly and efficiently as well.

(5) It would take five days for the Sultan to get news bulletins on spies from Sind to Delhi via the mail service.

(6) The postal system, made it possible for businesses to convey credit and information over great distances. (Any three)

Why did Bernier refer to the Mughal colonies as “camp towns”?

Ans. Bernier referred to the Mughal towns as “camp towns” because:

(1) Camp towns were settlements whose existence was dependent upon the imperial court.

(2) These towns emerged when the imperial court was present in the area.

(3) They quickly lost their significance when the court moved out.

(4) The towns’ rise to prominence was solely facilitated by royal support.

(5) According to Bernier, 15 percent of the population lived in these ‘camp towns’ during the Mughal period. (Any three)

25. Examine the implications of James Prinsep’s 1830 Brahmi and Kharosthi script deciphering. What impact did this finding have on the process of reconstructing early Indian political history?

Ans. An important development in Indian epigraphy occurred in the 1830s with James Prinsep’s decipherment of the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts. As a result, King Piyadassi was recognised as Ashoka, a significant monarch from Buddhist writings. His discovery allowed historians to utilise inscriptions to recreate the political history of ancient India, tracking the lineages of significant kingdoms. It also contributed to a shift in emphasis towards comprehending the interrelationships between social, political, and economic developments in early Indian history.

26. Describe the ways by which the East India Company subdued the authority of zamindars in Bengal during 18th century?

Ans. To limit the authority of zamindars, the East India Company took the following measures:

(1) The Company disbanded troops organised by zamindars, abolished custom duties, and brought zamindar-organised ‘cutcheries’ (local courts) under its supervision.

(2) A collector was appointed to oversee these courts, and over time, the collectorate emerged as the centre of authority.

(3) Furthermore, the zamindars’ authority over local justice and court systems was eliminated.

(4) The Permanent Settlement system was restricted, reducing the zamindars’ authority to collect rent from the ryots and manage their zamindari. (Any three)

27. “The life was gone out of the body”. About whom this statement was made. Explain the series that happened as a result of this event.

Ans. This statement was made about Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh. He was dethroned and exiled to Calcutta on the plea that the region was being misgoverned. Lord Dalhousie’s annexations caused widespread discontent, particularly in Awadh. His departure led to an outpouring of grief, with many following him to Kanpur, singing mournful songs. The dissolution of the Nawab’s court resulted in significant material losses for musicians, poets, artisans, and other workers, leaving Lucknow’s vibrant culture in ruins.

SECTION –C

(Long Answer Type Questions)

28. “The Mahabharata provides us with an insight into the most profound parts of the Indian people’s souls, simply because it is so comprehensive and encompasses so many different kinds of things.” Justify the statement.

Ans. (1) The Mahabharata, a seminal epic of ancient India, serves as a crucial literary and historical source for reconstructing the region’s history. Maurice Winternitzhas emphasised its importance as a historical document. Written in Sanskrit, the Mahabharata is accessible and influential in understanding ancient Indian society.

(2) Historians typically divide the Mahabharata into two main sections: the narrative and the didactic. The narrative portion contains stories and dramatic elements, while the didactic section offers social standards and recommendations. Many scholars believe that the didactic parts were added later, with the original narrative being a dramatic and emotional tale.

(3) There are various theories about the authorship of the Mahabharata. Traditionally, it was believed that Sutas, or charioteer bards, composed the original stories. These poets celebrated the victories and feats of Kshatriya warriors, often reciting their compositions on the battlefield. These early compositions were shared orally.

(4) By the fifth century BCE, Brahmanas, who were scholars and priests, began to take over the narrative. They expanded the stories to include detailed accounts of wars, forests, castles, and villages. This period saw significant developments in the epic’s content and structure.

(5) The Mahabharata provides insight into the kinship structures, political climate, and societal priorities of its time. It reflects the intricacies of Indian family life, including patriliny, marriage practices, women’s status, and social distinctions. These aspects were formative in shaping the social and cultural norms of ancient India.

(6) Overall, the Mahabharata not only serves as a grand narrative of epic proportions but also as a valuable document for understanding the socio-political and cultural dynamics of ancient Indian civilisation.

(7) Its layered composition, combining dramatic storytelling with didactic instruction, offers a comprehensive view of the era’s values and societal norms.

“The rules of gotra in Brahmanical tradition varied and not followed by most of the groups”. Justify the statement.

Ans. (1) Gotra Classification in Brahmanical Practice (1000 BCE Onwards):

(i) From 1000 BCE onwards, Brahmanical tradition classified people based on gotra, which was a system of lineage tracing

(ii) Each gotra was named after a Vedic seer, and individuals belonging to the same gotra were considered descendants of that particular seer.

(2) Key Rules of Gotra:

(i) Marriage Rule for Women: Upon marriage, women were expected to give up their father’s gotra and adopt their husband’s gotra.

(ii) Endogamy Restriction: Members of the same gotra were prohibited from marrying each other, as this was seen as a form of exogamy (marrying outside the family unit).

(3) Deviations from Gotra Rules: Despite these strict guidelines, there were notable instances where these rules were not followed, especially among the Satavahana rulers.

(4) Examples from Satavahana Dynasty:

(i) Satavahana rulers were often identified by their mother’s name, rather than their father’s or husband’s gotra.

(ii) Examples include rulers like Gotamiputra Siri-Satakani and Vasithi-putra (Sami) Siri-Pulumayi, where the mother’s name was retained, showing a rejection of the Brahmanical practice of adopting the husband’s gotra.

(5) Same Gotra Marriages:

(i) Some of these women were from the same gotra as their husbands, which was against the Brahmanical rule that prohibited marriages within the same gotra.

(ii) This practice contradicted the recommended exogamy rules in Brahmanical scriptures, highlighting that these rules were not universally followed.

(6) Implications:

(i) These deviations suggest that social practices varied, and the rigid rules of gotra were sometimes ignored, even among the elite ruling class.

(ii) It reflects the complexity of societal norms and the flexibility in following religious prescriptions in ancient India.

29. According to Abdur Razzak, how Vijayanagara Empire had a well-developed fortification? Explain with examples.

Ans. Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador sent by the Persian ruler to Calicut (present-day Kozhikode) in the 15th century, was deeply impressed by the city’s fortifications. His observations of Calicut’s fortifications highlighted their impressive construction, the strategic integration of agricultural land within the defensive walls, and the distinctive architectural features that defined the region’s evolving Indo-Islamic architectural style.

(1) He described seven lines of forts that not only encircled the city but also extended around its agricultural hinterland and nearby forests.

(2) The outermost wall was linked to the surrounding hills, providing a comprehensive defense system. The fortifications featured massive masonry construction, slightly tapered, without the use of mortar or any cementing agent.

(3) The stone blocks used in the walls were wedge-shaped, which helped secure them in place, while the inner sections of the walls were filled with earth packed with rubble.

(4) Strong defensive fortifications protruded from the walls, known as square or rectangular bastions. A unique feature of this fortification was that it enclosed agricultural areas within its boundaries.

(5) Abdur Razzaq emphasised the integration of agricultural tracts within the fortified districts by noting that “between the first, second, and third walls there are cultivated fields, gardens, and houses.”

(6) The fort could be entered through wellguarded gates, which connected the city to major roads and served as critical points of access. These gateways were architecturally significant, often defining the character of the fortifications and regulating entry.

(7) The gateway leading into the fortified settlement had a distinctive arch and dome, architectural features associated with the Turkish Sultans. These elements, including the arch and dome, are considered hallmarks of Indo-Islamic architecture, a style that evolved through interaction with local building practices across different regions.

(8) This Indo-Islamic style grew and adapted, blending local traditions with architectural innovations introduced by the Turkish rulers.

How did Al-Biruni explain about his experiences during his visit to the Indian Subcontinent? Explain with examples.

Ans. Al Biruni experienced many difficulties that he felt obstructed in the Indian subcontinent. Some of these were:

(1) Barriers to Understanding: Al Biruni identified several challenges in understanding the Indian subcontinent, including differences in language, religion, and social practices.

(2) Language Barrier: The first barrier was language. Sanskrit, the language of knowledge in India was vastly different from Arabic and Persian, making translation of ideas difficult.

(3) Religious Differences: The second barrier he mentioned was the difference in religious beliefs and practices between Indian society and his own.

(4) Cultural Insularity: He noted that the absorption and insularity of the local population was the third barrier, making it harder for outsiders to fully grasp Indian customs.

(5) Dependence on Brahmanical Texts: Despite these barriers, Al-Biruni relied heavily on the works of Brahmans, such as the Vedas and Puranas, to understand Indian society.

(6) Explanation of the Caste System: He attempted to explain India’s caste system by drawing parallels to other societies, notably ancient Persia, where four social categories were also recognised.

(7) Social Divisions in Other Societies: Al Biruni suggested that social divisions were not unique to India, noting similar distinctions in ancient Persia.

(8) Equality in Islam: He pointed out that within Islam, all men were considered equal, differing only in their observance of piety.

(9) Natural Purity: He believed that everything impure eventually returns to its original state of purity, citing examples like the sun cleansing the air and salt preventing water from becoming polluted.

(10) Laws of Nature vs. Social Pollution: Al Biruni argued that the concept of social pollution, intrinsic to the caste system, was contrary to natural laws, stating that without such laws, life on earth would be impossible.

(11) Influence of Brahmanical View: AlBiruni’s description of the caste system was deeply influenced by Brahmanical texts, though he recognised that in practice, the system might not have been as rigid.

(i) Varna System: Al-Biruni described the four Varnas (castes) according to Hindu texts:

(ii) Brahmans: The highest caste, created from the head of Brahma, seen as the embodiment of nature.

(iii) Kshatriyas: Warriors and rulers, created from the shoulders and hands of Brahma.

(iv) Vaishyas: Merchants and traders, created from the thighs of Brahma.

(v) Shudras: Servants and labourers, created from the feet of Brahma.

30. Explain how autobiographies and private letters differ from official records in providing us with insight into the life of the individual.

Ans. Private letters and autobiographies tell us about an individual and these sources are different from official accounts. The differences are given below:

(1) Autobiographies and letters provide a window into the personal lives, thoughts, and ideologies of individuals. They offer a closer look at their interests, passions, and world views, often revealing personal reflections that are not captured in official documents.

(2) The personal writings give valuable insights into an individual’s views on various subjects.

(3) Unlike official documents, autobiographies and letters allow individuals to express their personal opinions and beliefs.

(4) Personal writings also offer a rich depiction of the social life and customs of their time. Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s autobiography provides vivid descriptions of village life during his childhood, offering a glimpse into the social fabric of that period.

(5) These personal documents serve as critical historical sources. They sheds light on important historical events.

(6) Autobiographies allow for unrestricted expression, as they are not bound by the limitations or censorship that often come with official accounts.

(7) Individuals have the freedom to delve into personal experiences, which gives readers a more intimate understanding of their lives.

(8) Letters and autobiographies reveal the personal experiences that shaped the ideologies of prominent figures. In contrast to the often constrained narratives in official accounts, autobiographies and letters offer unique perspectives

Explain the importance of the Salt March of 1930, which brought Mahatma Gandhi to world attention.

Ans. (1) Start of the Salt March: On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi commenced the Salt March from Sabarmati Ashram with 78 followers to challenge the British imposed salt law. He strategically chose the salt tax issue, as it impacted all sections of society, especially the poor.

(2) Route and Journey: Gandhi and his followers marched 387 km to the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat, completing the journey in 24 days. Along the way, they were greeted by thousands of villagers, and Gandhi addressed many gatherings to explain the goals of the movement.

(3) Breaking the Salt Law: On April 5, 1930, the Salt March reached Dandi. The next morning, on April 6, Gandhi symbolically broke the salt law by collecting salt from the beach. This act initiated the nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement against British rule.

(4) Significance of the Salt Law: The salt law gave the British a monopoly on the production and sale of salt, forcing Indians to buy salt at high prices. This law was widely resented, particularly by the poor, as salt was an essential commodity in every household. Gandhi’s decision to target this law was a masterstroke, as it unified Indians against British exploitation.

Impact of the Salt March

The Salt March drew global attention to Gandhi and India’s struggle for independence, with extensive coverage in European and American media.

(1) Women participated in large numbers for the first time in a nationalist movement.

(2) The British came to the realisation that their authority over India was in jeopardy.

(3) India saw a surge of civil disobedience following the Salt March.

(4) Peasants broke colonial laws, factory workers went on strike, lawyers boycotted British courts, and students refused to attend government schools.

British Government’s Reaction

In response, the British convened a series of Round Table Conferences in London. Gandhi attended the second conference in 1931, but his claim that the Congress represented all of India was contested. Gandhi returned to resume the Civil Disobedience Movement when the conference ended without a resolution.

SECTION –D

(Source Based Questions)

31. Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

What the king’s officials did

Here is an excerpt from the account of Megasthenes:

Of the great officers of state, Some … superintend the rivers, measure the land, as is done in Egypt, and inspect the sluices by which water is let out from the main canals into their branches, so that everyone may have an equal supply of it. The same person shave charge also of the huntsmen, and are entrusted with the power of rewarding or punishing them according to their deserts. They collect the taxes, and superintend the occupations connected with land as those of the woodcutters, the carpenters, the blacksmiths, and the miners.

(A) ldentify the reason of appointing king’s official?

Ans. The king’s officials were appointed to superintend or look after variety of jobs to serve the people and for administrative control on the people.

(B) Mention the different types jobs king’s official carried out.

Ans. The different types jobs king’s official carried out were:

(1) Superintended rivers.

(2) Measured the land.

(3) Inspected the sluices by which water is let out from the canals.

(4) Incharges of huntsmen.

(5) Collected taxes.

(6) Superintended occupations connected with land. (Any two)

Ans. According to Megasthenes the need was due to:

(1) To keep control over them.

(2) To regulate their work.

32. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

Villagers as rebels

An officer reporting from rural Awadh (spelt as Oude in the following account) noted:

The Oude people are gradually pressing down on the line of communication from the North. the Oude people are villagers. these villagers are nearly intangible to Europeans melting away before them and collecting again. The Civil Authorities report these villagers to amount to a very large number of men, with o number of guns.

(A) Examine the difficulties the British encountered when interacting with these villagers.

Ans. The British encountered many difficulties while interacting with the Oude locals.

(1) When British officials were spotted, they used to flee.

(2) They gathered again in large numbers with guns.

(B) Analyse the reason why people of Oude (Awadh) were hostile against the British?

Ans. The people of Oude were hostile as Oude was annexed by the British and the popular king Wajid Ali Shah was dethroned and exiled to Calcutta. Many people lost their jobs as a result of the court’s dissolution.

Ans. To put an end to the rebellion, the British fully implemented punitive measures. North India was placed under martial law, and rebel landlords were evicted and loyal landlords were rewarded.

33. Read the following source and answer the questions that follow:

Classification of lands under Akbar

The following is a listing of criteria of classification excerpted from the Ain:

The Emperor Akbar in his profound sagacity classified the land sand fixed a different revenue to be paid by each. Polaj is land which is annually cultivated for each crop in succession and is never allowed to lie fallow. Parautiis land left out of cultivation fora time that it may recover its strength. Chachar IS land that has Lain fallow for three or four years. Banjar is land uncultivated for five years and more. Of the first two kinds of land, there are three classes, good, middling, and bad. They add together the produce of each sort and the third of this represents the medium produce, one-third part of which is exacted o the Royal dues.

(A) Why was the land in Chachar left follow for three or four years?

Ans. Chachar land was left fallow for three to four years in order for it to become fertile again during that time to get recover its strength.

(B) Explain the basis of the classification discussed in the source.

Ans. The basis of the classification was based on the fertility of the land and ability of the soil to be grown each year or not.

Ans. (1) Given that it was established based on the kind and productivity of the land, this categorisation appears to be a reliable foundation for evaluating the revenue.

(2) It simplified revenue payments for the growers.

SECTION –E

(Map Based Questions)

14. A) On the given political map of India, locate and label the following with appropriate symbols:

(I) Topra-Ashokaninscripition

(II) Bharhut-An important Buddhist site

(III) Maysore- An empire

(IV) Panipat- A territory under the control of Mughals

(B) On the same outline mop, two places have been marked as (I) and (II), as two centres related to the Revolt of 1857. ldentify them and write their correct names on the lines.

Ans. (B)

(I) Delhi

(II) Jhansi

Class XII – History – Paper – 2