CBSE Class 12th History 2023 : Important Long Answer Type Question; Check Now

CBSE Class 12th History 2023 : Important Long Answer Type Question; Check Now

The 2022-23 board exam for History,  of CBSE Board class 12 has been scheduled for the 29th of March, 2023 from 10.30 AM.

History is a common choice of subject for students from all streams. Therefore, it is an important paper for all students.

Besides, if done ther right ebay, this paper can be very scoring. Thus, for a good overall result, scoring well in CBSE Class 12 History exam is necessary. Therefore, to help students practice and revise before the exam, our subject experfsts have compiled and curated important questions for students to practice before the examination.

Long Answer Type Question

Q.1: How do archaeologists reconstruct the past?

Ans:

• • Recovering artefacts through excavation.
  • Classification of finds that finds are whether tools or weapons or ornaments or both or something meant for ritual use.
  • An understanding of the function of an artifact is often shaped by it resemblance with present day things. Beads, pots are obvious examples.
  • Archaeologists reconstruct religious beliefs and practices by examining seals, some of which seem to depict ritual scenes
  • Archaeologists often move from known to unknown that is from present to past regarding the reconstruction of religious practices.
  • Remains of crops or pits are studied to identify food.
  • By observing the different layers of sites they try to find out different things for the information of Socio-economic conditions, religious and cultural life of past people.
  • Archaeologists also try to identify the function of an artefact by investigating the context in which it was found.
  • Use of indirect evidence eg. for clothing they depend on indirect evidence like description in sculpture.

Q2. What were the main features of Mauryan Administration?

Ans:

• • Central administration -King had Control over legislative, executive and Judiciary. Actually he was the most powerful person in empire.
  • Providence Administration – the Empire was divided into many provinces governed by governor.
  • Local Government – There was a committee of 3 members to maintain rules and regulations in Patliputra.
  • Existence of cabinet to give advice and to help for running of Administration
  • Five major political centers in empire
  • Organized Army -a Committee with six subcommittees for coordinating military activity.
  • To spread Dhamma Mahamattra.
  • Officers for the land revenue, irrigation and road.
  • Strict Law and Order system was set up.
  • Institution of spies was very strong and working effectively.

Q3. Discuss whether the Mahabharata could have been the work of a single author.

Ans.

• Probably composed by charioteer-bards known as sutras.
• From the fifth century BCE Brahmanas took over the story and began to commit it to write.
• Also possible that the upheavals that often accompanied the establishment of these states.
• Where old social values were often replaced by new norms.
• Another Phase in the composition of the text between C 200 BCE and 200 C.E.
• Between 200 BCE and 400 BCE, Large didactic sections were included the manusmriti

Q4. Describe the factors that led to the growth of Puranic Hinduism in India During the 6th century BCE.

Ans.

• • Concept of Saviour was not unique to Buddhism we find similar Ideas being developed in Hinduism.
  • These included Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
  • In such worship the bond between the devotee and the god was visualized as one of love and devotion or bhakti.
  • Vaishnavism cults developed around the various avatars.
  • Recognizing each of these local deities as a form of Vishnu.
  • Shiva for instance was symbolized by the linga.
  • To understand the meanings of sculptures. Historians have to be familiar with the stories.
  • Women and shudras who did not have access to Vedic learning.
  • Much of what is contained in the puranas evolved through interaction.

Q5. Describe the extent to which Bernier’s account enables historians to reconstruct contemporary rural society.

Ans.

• In the Mughal Empire all land was owned by the emperor.
• Lack of Private property.
• Crown ownership was disastrous for both economy and society.
• Land couldn’t be inherited by their heirs.
• Land holders ignored the improvement in land.
• Resulted – decline in agricultural yields, oppression of the peasantry, decline in living standards of all sections of society.
• There were only two classes – rich ruling class and poor class – no middle class existed in India.
• Many European travellers were influenced by Bernier’s view. But this presents an erroneous picture.

Q6. Discuss Al-Baruni’s is understanding of the caste system.

Ans.

• • Caste System was influenced by Sanskrit texts.
  • There were four Vernas i.e. Brahman, Kshatriya, vaishya and shudra.
  • He pointed out about ancient Persian society which was also divided into four categories.
  • He was against the notion of pollution.
  • According to the law of nature anything which becomes impure, ultimately becomes pure again.
  • He realized that the caste system was not as rigid as portrayed in Sanskrit text.
  • Untouchables were expected to provide inexpensive labour to peasants and zamindars.

Q.7. Analyze with Illustrations, why Bhakti and Sufi thinkers adopted a variety of language to express their opinions?

Ans. Bhakti and Sufi thinkers adopted a variety of languages due to following reasons.

• • To ensure their teachings spread rapidly and gained acceptance among the local population.
  • Chishti saints conversed in Hindavi.
  • Baba Farid composed verses in the local languages.
  • Masnavis (long poems) expressing ideas of divine love using human love as an allegory were composed.
  • Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s Padmavat revolves around the romance of Padmini and Ratansen. – In Karnataka (Bijapur) short poems were written in Dakhani (a form of Urdu).
  • These poems sung by women while performing household chores. Lorinama and Shadinama were other compositions.
  • Sufis were influenced by the Kannada Vachanas and the Marathi abhangs of the saints of Pandharpur

Q.8.Describe the main causes responsible for the downfall of Vijayanagara Empire.

Ans. Weakness of the Central Government.

• Weak successor.
• Rules of the different dynasties.
• Continuos struggles against Bahamani Empire.
• Role of Army.
• Battle of Talikota.

Q9. Describe the salient features of the administration of Vijayanagara Empire.

Ans.

• The King.
• Cabinet minister.
• Provincial Government.
• Local administration.
• Judicial administration.
• Financial administration.
• Amar Nayak System.

Q10. Describe the contribution of Krishnadeva Raya the greatest King of the Vijayanagara.

Ans.

• • His period is characterized by expansion and consolidation.
  • Broad toleration prevailed in his empire.
  • After a series of battles Vijayanagara emerged as a strongest military power.
  • Preach and Prosperity.
  • Efficient administration under his sway.
  • Productive agriculture.
  • Flourished inland coastal and overseas trade.
  • He was a great builder.
  • He was a scholar of Telugu and patron of Telugu, Kannada and Tamil poets.
  • He was a man of justice.

Q11. Explain the role played by the Zamindars in Mughal India.

Ans.

• Zamindars did not directly participate in the process of agricultural production but they enjoyed high status in the society.
• They hold their personal lands. They could sell the land.
• They enjoyed many social and economic privileges.
• They belonged to the upper caste.
• They rendered certain services to the state.
• They had right to collect revenue.
• The Zamindars had kept control over the military resources.
• Important role in developing the agricultural land.
• Highest position in the society.

Q12. Write in brief about the Mansabadari system Write its merits and demerits also.

Ans.

• Introduced during Akbar’s period.
• All holders of government offices held rank (Mansabs) comprising of two numerical designations.
  • Zat (Position & Salary)
  • Sawar – Number of Horsemen he required.

Merits –

• Qualification as based of rank.
• Forceful army.
• Good on revolts.
• Ban on corruption.

Demerits –

• Luxurious life.
• Misuse of money
• The loyalty of the soldiers.

Q13. Explain why does Ain-i-Akbari remain important event today?

Ans.

• • Because it provides glimpses of Mughal Empire.
  • Valuable information about the political events of the time.
  • Information about country, people, products.
  • Information about various customs and practices, literacy, religious tradition.
  • Information about Mughal provinces.

Q14. Describe in brief about the architecture under the Mughals

Ans.

• Babar and Humayun did not get the time to construct the buildings.
• During Akbar’s period – Agra Fort, Buland Darwaja, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Birbal Palace, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti.
• Akbar’s Tomb – Sikandara.
• Jama Masjid, Taj Mahal, Moti Masjid, Lal quila Delhi-Shahjahan.
• Shahi Masjid at Lahore by Aurangzeb.

Q15. Describe in brief the elements of the Mughal ideal of Kingship.

Ans.

• The concept of divine light- In which the divine light was transmitted to the king who then became the source of spiritual guidance for his subject.
• A unifying force – Emperor was a source of all peace, stability and justice.
• Implementation of Sulh-i-Kul through state policy.
  • The Mughal nobility was a composite one comprising of Iranis, Turanis, Afghans, Rajputs, Deccan’s etc. With loyalty to the King.
• Secular religious policy.
• The idea of Just sovereignty as a social contract.

Q16. Describe the daily routine and special festivities associated with the Mughal Court.

Ans. The physical arrangement of the court focused on the sovereign and status.

• • The throne (Takht) was the center of power.
  • In court, status was determined by spatial proximity to the king.
  • Social control in court society.
  • The forms of salutation to the ruler.
  • The protocols of government diplomatic envoys at the Mughal Court were equally explicit.
  • The day began with personal religious devotions then Jharokha Darshan.
  • After that conduct of primary business of his government.
  • Discuss the confidential matters.
  • Celebration of festivals.

Q.17. In what ways was the livelihood of the Paharias different from that of Santhals?

Ans.

• The Paharias practiced shifting cultivation and lived on forest production. The Santhals practised settled-cultivation.
• The agriculture of the paharias depended on hoe. Santhals practised with plough.
• Besides agriculture the forest products too were means of livelihood of the Paharias. The Santhals gave up life of mobility and had started settled cultivation.
• The Paharias were intimately related to the forest because of their occupations. The Santhals were settled in a specific region.
• The Paharias regularly raided plains for food, power and tax. The Santhals had friendly relations with British, moneylender and traders.
• The Paharias liked to gather forest produce for selling in the market but Santhals did not like it.

Q18. What explains the anger of the Deccan ryots against the moneylenders?

Ans.

• • Ryotwari settlement of land revenue was direct revenue settlement of government with ryot.
  • The peasants were in need of money for many purposes.
  • Once they got entangled in the clutches of Sahukar, it became very difficult for them to get them self free from it.
  • Being unable to return back the loan to the moneylender, they had no choice but to give up all their possessions.
  • They took land on rent and animals on hire from Sahukar.
  • The Sahukars would not give receipts when loans were repaid.
  • Fictitious figures were entered in the bonds.
  • Peasants’ harvest was procured at low prices.
  • The government increased the land revenue from 50 to 100 percent.
  • After American civil war, moneylenders refused to extend advances.
  • The moneylender started renewing the bond every three years.

Q.19. Why was the revolt particularly widespread in Awadh? What prompted the peasants, Taluqdars and Zamindars to join the revolt?

Ans.

• All people of the Awadh did not like exploitative system of British.
• Wajid Ali Shah was a popular ruler and he had many sons but British dethroned him.
• All people of the Awadh wanted to restore rule of the Nawab.
• Begum Hazrat Mahal was leader of the rebels.
• Many great rebel leaders were also working in Awadh all people were dissatisfied.
• Taluqdars’ troops were disbanded and forts were destroyed. The Taluqdars of Awadh badly suffered by Summary Settlement of land revenue.
• Zamindars’ zamindaris were snatched by British. The zamindars did not like activities of the British.
• Peasants did not like 50% land revenue, to deposit land revenue was compulsory so farmers were selling their properties.

Q20. What did the rebels want? To what extent did the vision of different social groups differ?

Ans.

• The rebels wanted to root out the British authority from India and restore pre-British world.
• Interests of all classes of Indian society were hurt. It led to general resentment against the British among them.
• The rulers and jagirdars wanted to reoccupy their respective kingdoms and jagirs.
• Indian merchants wanted concessions in trade. They did not like interference in their accounts and transactions.
• The peasants wanted liberal land revenue with liberal means of realization. They also wanted to abolish exploitation by Zamindars and Sahukars.
• The government servants wanted good respect, salary, power and dignity.
• Indian artisans and craftsmen wanted good vocational conditions.
• Pandits, Fakirs and other learned persons wanted to protect Indian culture and religion.

Q.21. What do visual representation tell us about the revolt of 1857? How do historians analyse these representations?

Ans.

• The British artist presents the Britishers as heroes.
• As saviours the relief of Lucknow painted by Thomas Jones Barker is remarkable in this regard.
• Collin Campbell and Jones Outram captured Lucknow defeating the rebels. Recapturing of Lucknow has been described by the British as a symbol of survival, heroic resistance and ultimate triumph of British power.
• In Memoriam was famous painting of Joseph Noel. He expressed helplessness of English ladies and children.
• Miss Wheeler has been depicted as an example of defending heroic lady.
• The heroic image of Laxmibai inspired Indian for struggle.
• Cruel images of British were the symbol of revenge.
• Brutal images of Indian soldiers were the symbols of strangeness against British.
• Indian artist persuaded nationalism and patriotism in Indians.

Q22. Critically examine the annexation policy of Awadh by Lord Dalhousie.

Ans. Annexation of Awadh was accomplished in stages:

• The Subsidiary Alliance had been imposed on Awadh in 1801.
• British became increasingly more interested in acquiring the territory of Awadh.
• It was felt that the soil of Awadh was good for producing indigo and cotton, thus had commercial value.
• The takeover of Awadh in 1856 was expected to complete a territorial expansion started with Battle of Plassey.
• Finally on the accusation of misrule by the Nawab , Awadh was formally annexed to British Empire in 1856.

Q23. what were the causes for the discontent among the soldiers before the mutiny of 1857.

Ans.

• Fear of new cartridges.
• Grievance about leave and promotions.
• Low salary compared to European soldiers at the same rank.
• Fear of loss of their religions.
• Anger against misbehaviour.
• Feeling of racial supremacy among the British.
•  Nexus between soldiers and villagers, i.e., impact of new land revenue settlements.

Q24. What were the reasons behind the failure of the mutiny of 1857?

Ans.

• • Lack of good and effective leadership.
  • The mutiny was not centralized.
  • Lack of resourses.
  • The revolt was poorly organized.
  • The rebels had no common ideals.
  • Lack of co-ordination.
  • Some sections of people did not support the mutiny

Q25. What were the kinds of public places that emerged in the colonial city? What functions did they serve?

Ans.

• The new colonial cities were centres of political authority and economic activities.
• For commercial activities godowns, mercantile offices, insurance agencies, transport depots and banking establishments were established.
• The major colonial cities served as port cities. Ships were loaded and deloaded there.
• Main administrative offices of the company were established away from the seashore.
• Because of the rapid expansion of the railway colonial cities were linked with rest of India. Railway stations, railway workshops and railway colonies started emerging in cities.
• Hill stations were developed for billeting troop, guarding frontiers and mounting attack on enemy. They also functioned as a sanitorium.
• Public places like the town halls, parks and cinema halls started coming into existence.
• Forts, government offices, educational institutions, religious structures, and commercial depots were constructed for growing economy.
• British constructed clubs for meeting and entertainment.

Q26. To what extent were social relations transformed in the new cities?

Ans.

• Lacked the coherence,
• Extreme poverty and extreme prosperity,
• People got opportunities of meeting.
• New social groups,
• Demands of many professionals,
• Spread of middle class,
• Expression of views through various means,
• Growth of general awareness, influence of woman,
• Changes in traditional norms. Poor people have own culture; many struggles in life.

Q.27. What are different colonial architectural styles?

Ans.

• Neo classical style – Derived from ancient Rome, geometrical structures fronted with lofty pillars, Town Hall, Elphinston circle.
• Neo Gothic style – Originate from medieval churches, high pitched roofs, pointed arches, detailed decoration. Bombay secretariat, University of Bombay, Bombay High Court.
• Indo saracenic style – Mixture of Indian and European style Dome, Chhatris, Jalis, Arches, Gateway of India, and Taj Mahal hotel.

Q.28. Architectural features of the city of Bombay during the British period.

Ans. Buildings in cities could include forts, government offices, educational institutions, religious structures, commercial towns etc. Initially Bombay was a state of seven islands. A number of new buildings were constructed at this time. The architectural style of these buildings were of usually European origin. Then British adopted some of the Indian style to suit their needs, one of its example is bunglows which were made for government officers. It had traditional pitched roof and surrounding verandah to keep the bunglow cool.

The three architectural styles were

• Neo classical style- it had geometrical structure, lofty pillars, similar to buildings to the building in ancient Rome
• New gothic style- its roots in buildings specially churches built in northern Europe during the medieval period. University of Bombay and High court.
• Indo-saracenic style- indo meant Hindu and Saracen used to name Muslim. The insipiration for this style was medieval building in India with their domes, chhatri, jail, arches. Example-The gateway of India

Another traditional style was unique to Bombay, the chawl. Multi storeyed single room apartment.

Q.29. Explain the character of pre-colonial India.

Ans. Administrator, traders, artisans lives in towns fortified walls. The separation between town and countryside was not rigid. Peasants travelled long distances on pilgrimages passing through towns. People flocked to towns during times of famines, flood and epidemic. During the Mughal  Period these were renowned for concentration of population. Some of the towns in the south were well known for their temples. Eg.Kanchipuram and Madurai.

Q.30. What was the aim and methods of Non Co-operation Movements?

Ans.

• Protest against Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
• Demand of Swaraj.
• To Support Khilafat Movement.
• Hindu Muslim Unity.
• To oppose Rowlett Act.

Methods –

• Surrender of the titles
• Movement should be non-violent.
• No co-operation with British Government.
• Bycott of court and offices, college, foreign cloths etc.
• Strikes and demonstration.

Q31. In what way did Mahatma Gandhi transform the nature of the National Movement?

Ans.

• Gandhiji had concern for the poor.
• BHU/Champaran/Ahamedabad/Kheda issue.
• He launched Non Co-operation, Civil Disobedience, Salt March and Quit India Movement and thousands of Indians of all classes joined these movements.
• Inspirational leadership of Gandhiji.
• Gandhiji’s ideology
• In the Satyagraha masses were involved.
• Constructive Programs of Gandhiji.
• By his political Methods.
• Gandhiji’s Charisma.
• 1915 Gandhiji Returned India from South Africa
• Feb. 1916 Gandhi’s Speech at Banaras
• 1917 Champaran Campaigns
• 1918 Ahmedabad, Kheda Campaigns
• March 1919Rowlett Act Passed
• April 1919 Jalianwala Bagh Massacre
• 1920-21 The Khilafat and Non Co-operation Movement
• Feb. 1922 Chauri-Chaura and withdrawal of Non Co-operation movement.
• Dec. 1929 Lahore Session of Congress
• March 1930- Salt March
• Jan. 1931- Gandhi-Irwin Pact
• 1935- Government of India Act.
• 1942- Quit India Movement
• 1946- Cabinet Mission
• 15 Aug. 1947- India got freedom
• 30 Jan. 1948 Gandhi was shot dead by a Nathuram Godse.

Q32. How did Gandhiji transform National Movement into mass movement?

Ans:

• Simple lifestyle
• Use of Hindi for communication
• Role of Gandhiji in three mass movements.
• Emphasis on Truth and non-violence
• Swadeshi, boycott and Swaraj.
• Importance on Charkha and Khadi.
• Upliftment of women, poor downtrodden.
• Hindu-Muslim unity
• Abolition of untouchability.
• Balancing each and every section of society.

Q33. Explain the sources from which we can reconstruct the political career of Mahatma Gandhi and the history of National Movement of India.

Ans:

• Auto-biographies and biographies.
• Contemporary newspapers.
• Official and police records.
• Public speeches
• Private letters.

Q34. “Where ever Gandhiji went, rumours spread of his miraculous power.” Explain with examples.

Ans:

• • The ascetic life style,
  • Use of dhoti and charkha
  • Use of Hindi for communication made Gandhiji very popular.
  • Where ever he went rumours spread of his miraculous powers.
    • Sent by King to redress the grievances of the farmers.
    • Had power to overrule all local officials.
    • Gandhiji was superior to the British.
  • Fight against untouchability.

Q35. What are the Major Causes of India’s Partition in 1947? Was it avoidable?

Ans.

• The British policy of Divide and Rule.
• Attitude of Muslim league & Mr. Jinnah.
• Appeasement Policy towards Muslims.
• Recommendation of various missions.
• Failure of Interim Government.
• Lack of Co-operation between congress and Muslim League.
• Communal growth.
• Hindu Muslim riots.
• Role of communal parties and leaders.

No, the Partition was not avoidable as there was a situation of civil war in India.

Q36. What was the impact of Partition on Indian Women?

Ans.

• Brutally tortured and beaten.
• Thousands of women were killed and rapped.
• Problem of Resettlement.
• Their opinions were not taken.

Q37. What are strength and limitations of the oral history?

Ans.

Strength-

• It helps historians to write experiences of people during the time of partition.
• Government would not provide information about the daily development of the events
• Government documents deal with policy matter but the oral history tells the day to day accounts told by the people.

Limitation-

• • Oral data lacks concrete details.
  • It does not has the chronological order
  • It concerns only with tangential issues
  • Many people may not remember all events
  • In oral history people may not talk their personal aspects

Q38. What were the challenges before the constituent assembly?

Ans.

• In India there was different languages, religiousness cultures.
• Country was going through constitutional turmoil.
• The problem with separate electorates.
• The division of rights between state and central government.
• The language of the Nation (National Language).
• The problem of SC/CT and other depressed castes.

Q39. What were the ideals expressed in the Objectives Resolutions?

Ans. The objectives resolution was presented in the constituent assembly on 13th Dec 1946 by Jawaharlal Nehru. It outlined and defined the ideals and objectives of the constitution which are as follows:

• India was declared as independent sovereign republic.
• It assured Justice, equality, liberty and fraternity to all its citizens.
• It provided adequate safeguards to minorities. It also referred to the well–being of the backward and depressed classes.
• India would combine the liberal ideas of democracy with the socialist idea of economic justice.
• India would adopt that form of government which would be acceptable to its people. No imposition from the British would be accepted by the Indian people.
• India would be a federation.
• India would work for world peace and human welfare.

Q40. Why did Mahatma Gandhi think Hindusthani should be the national language?

Ans.

• Mahatma Gandhi felt that Hindusthani was a language that the common people could easily understand.
• Hindustan which was a blend of Hindi and Urdu was popular among a large section of the People. Moreover it was a composite language enriched by the interaction of diverse cultures.
• Over the years words and terms from many different sources had been incorporated into this language making it easily understood by people from various regions.
• According to Mahatma Gandhi Hindusthani would be the ideal language of communication between diverse communities. It would help to unify Hindus and Muslims and the people from the north and south.
• From the end of the 19th century onwards, language became associated with the politics of religious identities. Hindustani also began to change but Gandhiji retained his faith in the composite character of Hindustani.

CBSE Class 12 Study Materials