CBSE 12th History Question Paper 2022 (Set 2)

Three important rumours that helped trigger the Revolt of 1857 were: 1. **The greased cartridge rumour**: It was said that the new Enfield rifle cartridges were greased with the fat of cows and pigs. This hurt the religious sentiments of both Hindus and Muslims. 2. **The bread and chapati rumour**: Chapatis and other objects were widely circulated from village to village. People believed these were signs that a great disturbance or rebellion was coming. 3. **The use of fat for converting people**: Many believed that the British were deliberately trying to destroy Indian religion and convert Indians to Christianity by insulting their customs and beliefs. These rumours created fear and distrust among soldiers and common people and made the revolt spread quickly.

The role of Lal, Bal and Pal showed the all-India character of the nationalist struggle because their ideas and activities influenced people in many parts of the country, not just one province. Lala Lajpat Rai in Punjab, Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Maharashtra and Bipin Chandra Pal in Bengal became symbols of assertive nationalism and helped unite people against British rule. They opposed the Moderates and inspired national awakening through swadeshi, boycott and mass mobilisation. Their speeches, writings and political work connected different regions and communities, showing that the freedom struggle was a national movement.

The statement means that the event or policy referred to in the question had a significant impact on Indian society, politics or economy, and its full meaning can be understood only by examining its causes, consequences and historical context. Such a statement should be explained by identifying the main idea behind it, supporting it with relevant facts, and showing how it affected different sections of people. If you want, I can give the exact explanation once the full statement is provided.

During the eighteenth century, the British adopted different policies towards the Paharias of the Rajmahal hills. Initially, they tried to bring them under control by using military force and by declaring the hills as a disturbed area. The Paharias were seen as rebellious and were often treated as a threat to settled agriculture and trade. Later, the British tried to pacify them by offering pensions and persuading some of their chiefs to accept British authority. They also attempted to settle the Paharias and turn them into agricultural peasants. However, when these measures failed, the British encouraged outside settlers, especially the Santhals, to move into the region. This changed the local balance of power and reduced the Paharias to a marginal position.

Francis Buchanan was an extraordinary observer because he studied Indian society in great detail and recorded a wide range of information about the people, economy and culture. As a doctor and surveyor working for the East India Company, he travelled extensively through eastern India and carefully noted local customs, occupations, agricultural practices, caste groups and forms of land use. His accounts were unusually systematic and based on direct observation. He questioned local people and examined villages, markets and crops closely. His writings provide valuable information about the social and economic life of the period and show how Company officials tried to classify and understand Indian society for administrative purposes.