CBSE 12th History Question Paper 2022 (Set 3)

The relationship between the Indian sepoys and British officials had become one of deep distrust and humiliation. The sepoys were treated with contempt, given low pay, and denied respect for their religious beliefs and social customs. British officers often behaved arrogantly and imposed discipline harshly. The introduction of the Enfield rifle cartridges, which were believed to be greased with the fat of cows and pigs, further offended the religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim sepoys. This strained relationship created anger and resentment, and became one of the immediate causes of the Revolt of 1857.

During the eighteenth century, the British adopted a policy of control and pacification towards the Paharias of the Rajmahal Hills. The Paharias were considered hostile and were blamed for raids on settled villages and trade routes. The British tried to subdue them through military force and by offering rewards, but this did not solve the problem. Later, they attempted to settle them in the plains and make them dependent on agriculture, while also bringing the hills under tighter administrative control. However, the Paharias resisted such policies because they threatened their independent way of life and their forest-based economy.

Francis Buchanan was an extraordinary observer because he carefully recorded detailed information about the people, customs, occupations, land use, and social conditions of the regions he visited under the East India Company. Unlike many officials, he did not only describe administrative matters; he also paid attention to local traditions, crops, economy, and daily life. His surveys provide valuable historical evidence about early colonial India. At the same time, his observations reflected the colonial outlook of classification and control, since he tried to study Indian society in a systematic way for the benefit of British rule.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a prominent role in the Constituent Assembly as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee. He was the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and worked hard to prepare a Constitution that would ensure justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity for all citizens. Ambedkar strongly supported safeguards for the depressed classes, women, and other weaker sections of society. He also argued for a strong and stable democratic framework with fundamental rights and constitutional remedies. His legal knowledge, clarity of thought, and commitment to social justice made his role vital in drafting the Constitution of India.

The role of Lal-Bal-Pal—Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal—conveyed the All-India character of the nationalist struggle because they inspired people across different regions of India to join the freedom movement. Though they came from Punjab, Maharashtra, and Bengal respectively, their ideas and activities were not confined to their own provinces. They used newspapers, speeches, and public meetings to spread the message of swaraj and boycotts throughout the country. Their leadership showed that nationalism was no longer regional but had become a common political force linking Indians from different parts of the subcontinent.