CBSE(NCERT) GRADE 12 HISTORY 2026 SET1 — CBSE 12th History Previous Year Question Paper with Solutions

Q1 mcq 1 mark

Match the Column – I with Column – II and choose the correct option : Column – I (Harappan Sites) Column – II (Present Location) a. Manda b. Kalibangan c. Rakhigarhi d. Lothal

A. 1 2 3 4
B. 3 4 2 1
C. 2 3 4 1
D. 4 3 1 2

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Q2 mcq 1 mark

Arrange the following in correct chronological order and choose the correct option : I. Chalcolithic Age II. Mesolithic Age III. Neolithic Age IV. Paleolithic Age

A. I, IV, III, II
B. IV, II, III, I
C. II, III, I, IV
D. III, I, IV, II

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Q3 mcq 1 mark

Which one of the following is a work of Panini on Sanskrit grammar ?

A. Sushrut Samhita
B. Natyashastra
C. Ashtadhyayi
D. Abhigyanshakuntlam

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Q4 mcq 1 mark

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched ? (Ancient Dynasties) (Lineage)

A. Kanvas – Successors of Mauryas
B. Mauryas – Successors of Mahapadmananda
C. Satvahanas – Successors of Kushanas
D. Shakas – Successors of Chalukyas

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Q5 mcq 1 mark

Fill in the blank with the appropriate option given below : In the ancient period, each city had a history of its own, _________ began as a village but in fifth century B.C.E the Magadhan rulers shifted their capital from Rajagaha to this settlement.

A. Vidisha
B. Taxila
C. Ujjain
D. Patliputra

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Q6 mcq 1 mark

Which of the following statements regarding Jainism is correct ? I. Vardhaman Mahavira was born in 5th Century CE. II. Mahavira was the 24th Tirathankar. III. Jains worship Lord Shiva as Mahavira. IV. The principle of Ahimsa is emphasised in Jainism.

A. Only I and II are correct.
B. Only II and III are correct.
C. Only III and IV are correct.
D. Only II and IV are correct.

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Q7 mcq 1 mark

Identify the following structure from the options given below :

A. Amravati Stupa
B. Sanchi Stupa
C. Barhut Stupa
D. Sarnath Stupa

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Q7 mcq 1 mark

In which of the following modern states of India is Sanchi Stupa located ?

A. Maharashtra
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Uttar Pradesh

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Q8 mcq 1 mark

Which of the following chronicles was authored by Abul-Fazl ?

A. Babur-Nama
B. Humayun-Nama
C. Akbar-Nama
D. Padshah-Nama

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Q9 mcq 1 mark

The battle at Talikota (Rakshasi Tangri) was fought between which two of the following groups ?

A. Between Krishnadeva Raya and rulers of Madurai, Ikkeri and Mysore
B. Between Rama Raya and rulers of Bijapur, Gingee and Bidar
C. Between Krishnadeva Raya and rulers of Golconda, Kolar, and Chandragiri
D. Between Ram Raya and rulers of Bijapur, Golconda and Ahmednagar

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Q10 mcq 1 mark

Which of the following temples at Vijayanagara was meant to be used only by the king and his family ?

A. Vitthala temple
B. Chidambaram temple
C. Hazara Ram temple
D. Virupaksha temple

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Q11 mcq 1 mark

Identify the foreign traveller with the help of the following information : He was Moroccan traveller of the 14th century. He had the expertise of Islamic religion law. He was appointed Qazi of Delhi by Muhammad bin Tughlaq

A. Al-Biruni
B. Seydi Ali Reis
C. Ibn Batuta
D. Mahmud Ali Balkhi

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Q12 mcq 1 mark

Who among the following is the author of the book of travels called 'Travels in the Mughal Empire' ?

A. Francois Bernier
B. Roberto Nobile
C. Duarte Barbosa
D. Marco Polo

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Q13 mcq 1 mark

Find the odd one out from the following : (Sufi Teachers) (Location of Dargah)

A. Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti – Ajmer

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Q14 mcq 1 mark

Below are two statements given, Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read them carefully and choose the correct option : Assertion (A) : Baba Guru Nanak Dev ji propagated the principle of nirgun bhakti. Reason (R) : For Baba Guru Nanak, there was no gender or form of the supreme 'Rab'.

A. Assertion (A) is correct and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
B. Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
C. Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is false.
D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is correct.

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Q14 mcq 1 mark

Two statements as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and choose the correct option : Assertion (A) : Baba Guru Nanak Devji advocated Nirguna Bhakti. Reason (R) : For Baba Guru Nanak, the absolute or ‘rab’ had no gender or form.

A. Assertion (A) is correct and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
B. Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
C. Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect.
D. Assertion (A) is incorrect, but Reason (R) is correct.

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Q15 mcq 1 mark

Which of the following statements accurately describe the conditions of Bombay-Deccan from 1840 to 1850 ?

A. Only I and III are correct.
B. Only II and IV are correct.
C. Only I and II are correct.
D. Only III and IV are correct.

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Q16 mcq 1 mark

Identify the major long-term consequence of the permanent settlement for the Indian peasantry from the following :

A. Increased ownership of land among farmers.
B. Investment in agricultural technology.
C. Increased exploitation and indebtness.
D. Abolition of all kinds of landlordism.

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Q17 mcq 1 mark

Who amongst the following American Presidents played a decisive role in the American War of Independence ?

A. Abraham Lincoln
B. Thomas Jefferson
C. John F. Kennedy
D. George Washington

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Q18 mcq 1 mark

Why was the Revolt of 1857 viewed as a serious threat by the British ? Choose the most appropriate option :

A. It has hurt their global trade.
B. It shook the entire colonial system of the world.
C. It united all the sections of Indian Society.
D. It led to their defeat in South India.

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Q19 mcq 1 mark

Choose the correct pair regarding the local leaders during the Revolt of 1857. List – I Local Leader List – II Region

A. Gonoa – Chotanagpur
B. Shahmal – Hyderabad
C. Kunwar Singh – Kanpur
D. Maulavi Ahmadullah Shah – Arrah

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Q19 mcq 1 mark

Choose the correct pair regarding the local leaders during the Revolt of 1857.

A. Gonoa – Chotanagpur
B. Shahmal – Hyderabad
C. Kunwar Singh – Kanpur
D. Maulavi Ahmadullah Shah – Arrah

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Q20 mcq 1 mark

Identify the Indian Political Leader with the help of the following information: I. He moved the 'Objectives resolution' in the Constituent Assembly. II. He moved the resolution proposing that the National flag be a horizontal tricolor of saffron, white and dark green in equal proportions with a wheel of navy blue colour in the centre. Options:

A. Sardar Patel
B. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
C. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
D. Dr. Radhakrishnan

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Q21 mcq 1 mark

Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option: List of Women members in the Constituent Assembly Column – I (Women member) Column – II (Constituency) I. Sarojini Naidu a. Central Province II. Hansa Mehta b. Uttar Pradesh III. Vijayalakshmi Pandit c. Bihar IV. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur d. Bombay Options: I II III IV

A. a c b d
B. c d b a
C. b a c d
D. d b a c

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Q22 short answer 3 marks

Examine the major contribution of John Marshall as Director General of Archaeological Survey of India.

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Q23 short answer 3 marks

(a) Explain the causes of the ruin of Stupa at Amravati. OR (b) Explain the significance of Pauranic Hinduism of the ancient India.

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Q24 short answer 3 marks

"Ibn Batuta was amazed by the efficiency of Indian postal system." Explain the statement with examples.

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Q25 short answer 3 marks

(a) Describe the significance of Kamalpuram tank and Hiriya Canal as sources of water for the Vijayanagara. OR (b) Describe the views of Dominingo Paes on the city of Vijaynagara.

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Q26 short answer 3 marks

Analyse the measures taken by the British to suppress the riots of Bombay-Deccan in 1875.

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Q27 short answer 3 marks

Explain the main provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935.

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Q28 long answer 8 marks

(a) "Although epigraphical evidence is an important source for reconstructing history, there are limits to what these can tell us." Examine the statement with suitable arguments. OR (b) "In reconstructing the history of Mauryan dynasty, historians used a variety of sources and also explained the methods of administration used by them." Examine the statement with suitable arguments.

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Q28 long answer 8 marks

"Although epigraphy is an important source of reconstructing history yet there are limits to what it can reveal." Justify the statement with suitable arguments.

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Q28 long answer 8 marks

"Historians have used a variety of sources to reconstruct the history of the Mauryan empire and also explained the ways of their administration." Justify the statement with suitable arguments.

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Q29 long answer 8 marks

(a) Explain the development of agriculture during the Mughal period. OR (b) Explain the role of women in agriculture society during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

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Q29 long answer 8 marks

Explain the development of agriculture during Mughal period.

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Q29 long answer 8 marks

Explain the role of women in the Agrarian society during 16th and 17th centuries.

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Q30 long answer 8 marks

(a) "The non-cooperation movement can be described as a movement which marked a new phase in the history of India and Gandhi." Explain the statement with suitable examples. OR (b) "Gandhi started the Dandi March for many reasons and as a result it became an important movement in a symbolic form." Explain the statement with suitable examples.

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Q30 long answer 8 marks

"Non-Cooperation Movement became an epoch in the life of Mahatma Gandhi and that of India." Explain the statement of Louis Fisher with examples.

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Q30 long answer 8 marks

'Gandhiji started the Salt March for various reasons and it resulted in a significant movement.' Explain the statement with examples.

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Reading Passage

A Mother’s Advice The Mahabharata describes how, when war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas became almost inevitable, Gandhari made one last appeal to her eldest son Duryodhana. By making peace you honour your father and me, as well as your well-wishers… it is the wise man in control of his senses who guards his kingdom. Greed and anger drag a man away from his profits; by defeating these two enemies a king conquers the earth… You will happily enjoy the earth, my son, along with the wise and heroic Pandavas…. There is no good in a war, no law (dharma) and profit (artha), let alone happiness; nor is there (necessarily) victory in the end – don’t set your mind on war... Duryodhana did not listen to this advice and fought and lost the war.

Q31 short answer

Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: A Mother’s Advice The Mahabharata describes how, when war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas became almost inevitable, Gandhari made one last appeal to her eldest son Duryodhana. By making peace you honour your father and me, as well as your well-wishers… it is the wise man in control of his senses who guards his kingdom. Greed and anger drag a man away from his profits; by defeating these two enemies a king conquers the earth… You will happily enjoy the earth, my son, along with the wise and heroic Pandavas…. There is no good in a war, no law (dharma) and profit (artha), let alone happiness; nor is there (necessarily) victory in the end – don’t set your mind on war... Duryodhana did not listen to this advice and fought and lost the war.

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Q31 short answer 1 mark

Explain the main cause of conflict between Kauravas and Pandavas.

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Q31 short answer 1 mark

Why did Gandhari advice Duryodhana not to fight ?

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Q31 short answer 2 marks

Why did Duryodhana not listen to the advice of his mother, Gandhari ?

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Reading Passage

Declining a Royal Gift This excerpt from a Sufi text describes the proceedings at Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya’s hospice in 1313 : I (the author, Amir Hasan Sijzi) has the good fortune of kissing his (Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya’s) feet… At this time a local ruler had sent him the deed of ownership to two gardens and much land, along with the provisions and tools for their maintenance. The ruler had also made it clear that he was relinquishing all his rights to both the gardens and land. The master…had not accepted that gift. Instead, he had lamented : “What have I to do with gardens and fields and lands ?... None of …. our spiritual masters had engaged in such activity.” Then he told an appropriate story : “…. Sultan Ghiyasuddhin, who at that time was still known as Ulugh Khan, came to visit Shaikh Fariduddin (and) offered some money and ownership deeds for four villages to the Shaikh, the money being for the benefit of the dervishes (Sufis), and the land of his use. Smiling, Shaikh al Islam (Fariduddin) said : Give me the money. I will dispense it to the dervishes. But as for those land deeds, keep them. There are many who long for them. Give them away to such persons.”

Q32 short answer

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follows : Declining a Royal Gift This excerpt from a Sufi text describes the proceedings at Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya’s hospice in 1313 : I (the author, Amir Hasan Sijzi) has the good fortune of kissing his (Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya’s) feet… At this time a local ruler had sent him the deed of ownership to two gardens and much land, along with the provisions and tools for their maintenance. The ruler had also made it clear that he was relinquishing all his rights to both the gardens and land. The master…had not accepted that gift. Instead, he had lamented : “What have I to do with gardens and fields and lands ?... None of …. our spiritual masters had engaged in such activity.” Then he told an appropriate story : “…. Sultan Ghiyasuddhin, who at that time was still known as Ulugh Khan, came to visit Shaikh Fariduddin (and) offered some money and ownership deeds for four villages to the Shaikh, the money being for the benefit of the dervishes (Sufis), and the land of his use. Smiling, Shaikh al Islam (Fariduddin) said : Give me the money. I will dispense it to the dervishes. But as for those land deeds, keep them. There are many who long for them. Give them away to such persons.”

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Q32 short answer 1 mark

Mention the offering by the local ruler to Sufi saint.

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Q32 short answer 1 mark

What was the reaction of Sufi saint on the offerings ?

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Q32 short answer 2 marks

Why did Sufi saint accept money ? Explain.

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Reading Passage

What taluqdars thought The attitude of the taluqdars was best expressed by Hanwant Singh, the Raja of Kalakankar, near Rae Bareli. During the mutiny, Hanwant Singh had given shelter to a British officer, and conveyed him to safety. While taking leave of the officer, Hanwant Singh told him: Sahib, your countrymen came into this country. You sent your officers round the districts to examine the titles to the estates. At one blow you took from me lands which from time immemorial had been in my family. I submitted. Suddenly misfortune fell upon you. The people of the land rose against you. You came to me whom you had despoiled. I have saved you. But now – now I march at the head of my retainers to Lucknow to try and drive you from the country.

Q33 short answer

Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions: What taluqdars thought The attitude of the taluqdars was best expressed by Hanwant Singh, the Raja of Kalakankar, near Rae Bareli. During the mutiny, Hanwant Singh had given shelter to a British officer, and conveyed him to safety. While taking leave of the officer, Hanwant Singh told him: Sahib, your countrymen came into this country. You sent your officers round the districts to examine the titles to the estates. At one blow you took from me lands which from time immemorial had been in my family. I submitted. Suddenly misfortune fell upon you. The people of the land rose against you. You came to me whom you had despoiled. I have saved you. But now – now I march at the head of my retainers to Lucknow to try and drive you from the country.

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Q33 short answer 1 mark

Explain the anguish of Hanwant Singh for the British officer.

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Q33 short answer 1 mark

How were Taluqdars facilitated by the rulers?

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Q33 short answer 2 marks

Explain any two causes of dissatisfaction of Taluqdars from British rule.

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Q34 short answer 3 marks

On the given political outline map of India, locate and label the following with appropriate signs or symbols:

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Q34 short answer 2 marks

On the same map two places have been marked as centres of Indian national movement as A and B. Identify them and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them.

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Q34 short answer

Note : The following questions are for the Visually Impaired Candidates Only in lieu of Question No. 34: 34.1 Name any two important capitals of the early states. 34.2 (a) Name one area which was under the rule of Aurangzeb. OR (b) Name the capital of Vijayanagara Empire. 34.3 Mention any two main centres of Indian National Movement.

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Q34 short answer 2 marks

Mention any two main centres of Indian National Movement.

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