CBSE Class 12 History Question Paper 2024 (Set 3- 61/1/3) Available- Download Solutions with Answer Key

Solution: Understanding the Matching:
• The question requires matching ancient temples with their respective locations.

1: Matching Hazara Rama Temple:
• The Hazara Rama Temple, is located in Hampi which was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Therefore, Hazara Rama Temple is matched with (ii) Vijayanagara.

2: Matching Chidambaram Temple:
• Chidambaram Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Tamil Nadu.
• Therefore, Chidambaram Temple is matched with (i) Tamil Nadu.

3: Matching Brihadishvara Temple:
• Brihadishvara Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.
• Therefore, Brihadishvara Temple is matched with (iv) Thanjavur.

4: Matching Chennakeshava Temple:
• The Chennakeshava Temple is located at Belur in Karnataka.

5: Conclusion
• So the correct match is 1-(ii), 2-(i), 3-(iv), 4-(iii).

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• The question is about finding the mentor of the famous Sufi saint and poet Amir Khusrau.
• We need to know the important Sufi figures of the Delhi Sultanate period to find the answer.

1: Analyzing Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya:
• Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya was one of the most important Sufi saints of the Chisti order.
• He was indeed the mentor of Amir Khusrau.

2: Analyzing other options:
• While Shaikh Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi was also an important Sufi saint, he was not the mentor of Amir Khusrau.
• Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti, was the founder of the Chisti order, and he was not Amir Khusrau's mentor.
• Similarly, Shaikh Salim Chishti was also a well known Sufi saint, but not Amir Khusrau's mentor.

3: Conclusion
• Based on these points, the correct answer is Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya.

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• The question is asking about the language in which Al-Biruni translated Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit texts.
• Al-Biruni was a scholar who visited India in the medieval period.

1: Analyzing Al-Biruni:
• Al-Biruni was a scholar from Central Asia who came to India in the early 11th century.
• He studied Indian culture, religion, and philosophy.

2: Identifying his work:
• Al-Biruni translated many Indian texts, especially philosophical and scientific texts, from Sanskrit, Pali, and Prakrit into Arabic.
• His translations helped spread the Indian knowledge to the west.

3: Analyzing other languages:
• Though Persian, Urdu and Hindavi were popular in the medieval period, Al-Biruni did not translate Indian texts to these languages.

4: Conclusion
• Thus the correct answer is Arabic.

Solution: Understanding Marriage Practices:
• The question tests understanding of various marriage practices prevalent in different cultures.

1: Analyzing Endogamy:
• Endogamy is the practice of marrying within a specific social unit, and not outside the unit.
• Therefore, this option is incorrect.

2: Analyzing Exogamy:
• Exogamy is the practice of marrying outside a specific social unit and not man having several wives.
• This option is also incorrect.

3: Analyzing Polygyny:
• Polygyny is when a man has multiple wives and not about marriage inside the unit.
• This option is incorrect.

4: Analyzing Polyandry:
• Polyandry is a practice when a woman has multiple husbands.
• Thus this is the only correct definition.

5: Conclusion
• Therefore, the only correctly matched pair is Polyandry- Woman having several husbands.

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• The question asks to identify the style of art in which the given Buddha sculpture belongs to.
• We need to be aware of the different styles of Buddhist art to answer it correctly.

1: Analyzing the Mathura School of Art:
• The Mathura school is famous for using indigenous materials like red sandstone for the sculptures.
• The sculptures have a very spiritual and serene expression.

2: Analyzing the Gandhara School of Art:
• The Gandhara school of art was influenced by Greco-Roman styles and has a more realistic representation of Buddha.
• It did not use red sandstone.

3: Analyzing the Sarnath School of Art:
• The Sarnath school of art was characterized by the use of beige or cream-colored sandstone.
• The sculptures are serene and spiritually expressive.

4: Analyzing the Amravati School of Art:
• The Amravati school of art shows scenes from the life of Buddha and uses white marble.
• The art is narrative in nature.

5: Identifying the School from the Image
• From the image, we can see the use of red sandstone, and the spiritual representation, which are common features of Mathura school of art.

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• The question is specifically for Visually Impaired Candidates and asks about the clan to which Buddha belonged.

1: Analyzing the Sakya Clan:
• Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha, was born into the Sakya clan.
• They were a Kshatriya clan with a territory at Kapilvastu near the border of modern-day Nepal.

2: Analyzing other options:
• Kosala, Bhoja and Pala were other ancient kingdoms and dynasties.
• They have no connection with Buddha's birth clan.

3: Conclusion
• Therefore, the correct answer is Sakya.

Solution: Understanding Sanchi Art and Symbolism:
• This question requires matching different sculptural symbols from Sanchi stupa with their correct symbolism.

1: Matching Empty Seat:
• The Empty seat is one of the important symbols associated with Buddha and it represents Mahaparinibbana or Nirvana, his death.
• Thus, the empty seat is matched with (iv) Mahaparinibbana.

2: Matching Wheel:
• The wheel or Chakra in Buddhist art is an important symbol associated with the teachings of Buddha, and it represents his first sermon.
• Thus, the wheel is matched with (iii) First sermon of Buddha.

3: Matching Shalabhanjika:
• Shalabhanjika is an auspicious figure who is considered a symbol of good fortune.
• Thus, Shalabhanjika is matched with (ii) Auspicious symbol.

4: Matching Gajalakshmi:
• Gajalakshmi represents prosperity and good fortune, she is also regarded as a symbol of good luck.
• Thus, Gajalakshmi is matched with (i) Symbol of good fortune.

5: Conclusion
• Therefore the correct matching is 1-(iv), 2-(iii), 3-(ii), 4-(i).

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• The question is asking about the thematic subject of Sushruta's book called 'Sushruta Samhita'.
• We need to know the focus of ancient Indian texts to determine the subject of this text.

1: Analyzing 'Sushruta Samhita':
• 'Sushruta Samhita' is an ancient Indian text attributed to Sushruta.
• It is one of the most important texts in the field of ancient Indian medicine.

2: Identifying the Theme:
• This text is a very detailed work about surgery, describing various surgical procedures, and medical tools.
• It also provides information about anatomy, physiology, and general medical practices.
• It is considered to be one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda.

3: Analyzing other options:
• While Grammar, Astronomy, and Mathematics were also important ancient Indian disciplines, they are not related to 'Sushruta Samhita'.

4: Conclusion
• Therefore, the correct option is Medicine (Ayurveda).

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• The question is about identifying an ancient Indian ruler based on some given characteristics.
• We need to know the important rulers and their works to answer it correctly.

1: Analyzing Asoka:
• Asoka, the Mauryan emperor, used the title 'Devanampiya', which means beloved of the Gods.
• Asoka also divided and distributed Buddha's relics and constructed stupas in various places.
• He was also the first ruler to issue inscriptions on rocks and pillars throughout his empire.

2: Analyzing other options:
• While Samudragupta and Harshavardhana were also famous rulers, they are not associated with all three of the mentioned characteristics.
• Rudradaman was a Saka ruler and he was also not associated with all three of the mentioned characteristics.

3: Conclusion
• Based on the given information, Asoka is the correct answer.

Solution: Understanding Prabhavati Gupta:
• The question is about identifying correct statements about Prabhavati Gupta, a significant female figure of ancient India.

1: Analyzing Statement (i):
• Prabhavati Gupta was the daughter of Chandragupta II and not Chandragupta Maurya.
• Thus, this statement is incorrect.

2: Analyzing Statement (ii):
• Prabhavati Gupta was indeed married to a Vakataka ruler, Rudrasena II.
• Thus, this statement is correct.

3: Analyzing Statement (iii):
• As a queen of the Vakataka dynasty, she had access to independent resources.
• This statement is also correct.

4: Analyzing Statement (iv):
• Prabhavati Gupta is known to have issued land grants and had power over revenue in the kingdom.
• Thus, this statement is also correct.

5: Conclusion
• Thus the correct option is that statements (ii), (iii) and (iv) are correct.

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• This question asks for the main source of Lapis Lazuli for the Harappan Civilization.

1: Understanding Lapis Lazuli:
• Lapis lazuli is a precious stone with a blue colour, that was used in making beads and ornaments during the Harappan period.

2: Analyzing Shortughai:
• The Harappan site of Shortughai was an important trading outpost in present day Afghanistan.
• It was located near the mines of Lapis Lazuli, and hence became an important source of the stone for the civilization.

3: Analyzing other options:
• Nageshwar, Manda, and Rakhigarhi, were important Harappan sites but they are not associated with Lapis Lazuli mines.

4: Conclusion
• Thus the correct answer is Shortughai.

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• The question asks for the framework under which the legislature operated under the Government of India Act of 1935.

1: Understanding the Government of India Act 1935:
• The Government of India Act of 1935 was passed by the British Parliament to govern India.
• It created a system of elections and local governance.

2: Analyzing Colonial Rule:
• The act was passed and implemented under the existing structure of colonial rule of the British.
• The elected legislatures functioned under the limitations of the colonial system.

3: Analyzing Other Options:
• The Indian National Congress and Muslim League were political parties and not the system under which the legislatures worked.
• Constituent Assembly was formed after India's independence.

4: Conclusion
• Therefore, the correct answer is Colonial Rule.

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• The question is about identifying a rebel from Uttar Pradesh who converted a British bungalow to a 'hall of justice'.
• It is related to the events of the revolt of 1857.

1: Analyzing Shah Mal:
• Shah Mal was a rebel who took over the bungalow of a British official and turned it into a 'hall of justice' to settle disputes in Uttar Pradesh.
• He was an important figure in the Revolt of 1857 in the Baraut region of Uttar Pradesh.

2: Analyzing other options:
• Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah, was an important leader of the 1857 revolt but he is not known for converting a British bungalow into hall of justice.
• Gonoo was a leader of the tribal community and was known for the rebellion in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region.
• Kunwar Singh was the leader of the revolt in Bihar and he was not associated with the action mentioned in the question.

3: Conclusion
• Thus the correct answer is Shah Mal.

Solution: Understanding the Permanent Settlement:
• The question asks for a significant criticism of the Permanent Settlement introduced by the British.

1: Analyzing Option A:
• One of the major criticisms of the Permanent Settlement was that it granted Zamindars the permanent rights to the land.
• This made them the de facto owners of the land which was previously owned by the community.

2: Analyzing Option B:
• The British did not directly contact the peasants in Permanent Settlement but rather dealt through the Zamindars.
• Thus, this is not a correct description.

3: Analyzing Option C:
• The Permanent Settlement did not increase the influence of the tribal communities.
• Thus, this option is also incorrect.

4: Analyzing Option D:
• The Bombay-Deccan riots were related to the Ryotwari system, and not directly a result of the Permanent Settlement.
• Therefore, this option is also not correct.

5: Conclusion
• Therefore, the significant criticism of the Permanent Settlement was that it gave permanent land rights to the zamindars.

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• This question asks to identify a member of the Constituent Assembly who argued strongly for using Hindi as the language of constitution making.

1: Analyzing R.V. Dhulekar:
• R.V. Dhulekar, was a member of the Constituent Assembly.
• He strongly advocated for Hindi to be the main language for drafting the Constitution.

2: Analyzing Other Options:
• While other members like Shankarrao Deo, G. Durgabai, and N.G. Ranga were also part of the Constituent Assembly.
• They are not as much known for advocating for Hindi to be the language of constitution making.

3: Conclusion
• Therefore the correct answer is R.V. Dhulekar.

Solution: Understanding the Statements:
• The question consists of an Assertion and a Reason, and we must determine if both are true and whether the Reason accurately explains the Assertion.

1: Analyzing Assertion (A):
• Assertion (A) states that Gandhiji joined hands with the Khilafat movement to broaden the non-cooperation movement.
• This is a well-known historical fact, Gandhiji allied with the Khilafat leaders.

2: Analyzing Reason (R):
• Reason (R) states that Gandhiji believed that by combining Khilafat and Non-cooperation they could collectively end the colonial rule.
• This was indeed the motivation behind uniting both movements.

3: Establishing Connection:
• Reason (R), correctly identifies the goal of Gandhiji to unite Hindus and Muslims against the British.
• Therefore, the reason directly explains the Assertion.

4: Conclusion
• Both the Assertion and Reason are true and Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

Solution: Understanding the Matching:
• The question requires matching British viceroys with their associated policies.

1: Matching Lord Wellesley:
• Lord Wellesley is known for the introduction of Subsidiary Alliance.
• Therefore, Lord Wellesley is matched with (ii) Introduced Subsidiary Alliance.

2: Matching Lord Dalhousie:
• Lord Dalhousie was known for his annexation policies through the Doctrine of Lapse.
• Therefore, Lord Dalhousie is matched with (i) Introduced annexation policies.

3: Matching Lord Bentinck:
• Lord Bentinck was known for his reformative policies, like banning sati.
• Therefore, Lord Bentinck is matched with (iv) Introduced reformative polices.

4: Matching Lord Hardinge:
• Lord Hardinge is associated with introduction of the greased cartridges which led to the 1857 revolt.
• Therefore, Lord Hardinge is matched with (iii) Introduced greased cartridges.

5: Conclusion
• So the correct match is 1-(ii), 2-(i), 3-(iv), 4-(iii).

Solution: Understanding the Timeline:
• The question requires arranging the given events in chronological order.
• Understanding the timeline of events is essential to determine the correct sequence.

1: Establishing the Sequence:
• (ii) Sunset Law: Sunset law was introduced as part of the Permanent Settlement in 1793.
• (iii) Santhal Rebellion: The Santhal Rebellion took place in 1855-56.
• (i) Limitation Law: The Limitation Law was passed in 1859 to fix the time limit for filing cases in courts.
• (iv) Bombay-Deccan Riots: The Bombay-Deccan riots occurred in 1875.

2: Creating the Order:
• The correct chronological order is thus: (ii), (iii), (i), (iv).

Solution: Understanding the question:
• The question requires identifying the correct pair of a person and his role in the rural society during the Mughal period.

1: Analyzing Muzarian:
• Muzarian were peasants who were the main agricultural producers in the Mughal empire.
• They tilled the land and worked as cultivators.
• Therefore, Muzarian is matched with Peasant.

2: Analyzing Mallahzadas:
• Mallahzadas were boatmen or people involved with water-based activities and not village headmen.
• Therefore, this pair is not correct.

3: Analyzing Muqaddam:
• Muqaddam was a village headman or the chief of a village and not a banker.
• Thus, this pair is also incorrect.

4: Analyzing Shroff:
• Shroffs were money-lenders or people who were involved in money-related transactions and not boatmen.
• Thus, this pair is incorrect.

5: Conclusion
• Therefore, the correct option is Muzarian - Peasant.

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• The question asks about the main factor that contributed to the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.

1: Analyzing Internal Conflicts:
• Internal conflicts within the empire and the formation of an alliance by the Deccan Sultanates against Vijayanagara were the major reasons for its downfall.
• These combined factors significantly weakened the empire.

2: Analyzing Defeat in Talikota:
• While the defeat at the Battle of Talikota was a key event, it was itself a consequence of the alliance formed by the Sultanates against the Vijayanagara empire.
• It was not the sole cause of the decline.

3: Analyzing decline in trade and economy:
• Decline in trade and economy did contribute to the decline but not as significantly as internal conflicts.
• Thus, this is not the primary cause.

4: Analyzing invasion by Europeans:
• The invasion of Portuguese and French were not a major factor leading to the downfall of the empire.
• Therefore, this is also incorrect.

5: Conclusion
• Thus the correct answer is internal conflicts and alliance against Vijayanagara.

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• The question asks to identify whose description of ‘degenerated East' inspired the Western idea of ‘oriental despotism'.
• The concept of oriental despotism was a stereotype created by Western scholars.

1: Analyzing François Bernier:
• François Bernier was a French physician and traveler, who visited India and wrote about his experiences.
• His description of the Mughal Empire as a ‘degenerated East', with an all-powerful ruler was instrumental in forming the theory of ‘Oriental Despotism' in the West.

2: Analyzing Other Options:
• Peter Mundy was a British traveler who also visited India but his writings were not directly linked to Oriental Despotism.
• Duarte Barbosa and Marco Polo were earlier travelers to the East, their accounts were not linked to the theory of 'Oriental Despotism'.

3: Conclusion
• Therefore, the correct answer is François Bernier.

Solution: Understanding the Ain-i-Akbari:
• The Ain-i-Akbari is a part of the Akbarnama, written by Abul Fazl.
• It provides information about the Mughal Empire's administration, culture, and society.

1: Analyzing Option A:
• Ain-i-Akbari is the third book of the Akbarnama, and not the other way around.
• Thus, this statement is incorrect.

2: Analyzing Option B:
• Manzil-abadi deals with the imperial household of the Mughals and not the civil administration.
• Thus this statement is also incorrect.

3: Analyzing Option C:
• Sipah-abadi provides information about the imperial household, their servants, and other members of the royal court.
• Thus this statement is correct.

4: Analyzing Option D:
• Mulk-abadi deals with the fiscal side of the empire like tax and revenue and not financial aspects of Mughal empire.
• Thus, this statement is also incorrect.

5: Conclusion
• Thus only option C is correct.

Solution: Understanding Dynamic Text:
• A dynamic text is one that is not static but is always open for new interpretations, additions, or revisions.
• The Mahabharata is an example of such a dynamic text.

1: Evolution of the Text:
• The Mahabharata has evolved over centuries with many additions and changes.
• It is not a single author's work, rather it has been developed over centuries.

2: Multiple Interpretations:
• The text has been interpreted in different ways depending on the perspectives and the period.
• Its meaning changes depending on the context in which it is read and explained.

3: Varying versions:
• Different versions of Mahabharata exist in various regions.
• Regional and cultural adaptations exist in different parts of the country.

4: Modern Relevance:
• The themes, issues, and characters in the Mahabharata still hold relevance even in the modern world.
• This shows that the text has the ability to resonate across time.

5: Conclusion
• All these points show that the Mahabharata is indeed a dynamic text.

Solution: Understanding the Critical Edition:
• The critical edition of the Mahabharata was a project to identify and remove all interpolations and different versions of the text.
• Scholars played a key role in preparing the critical edition of the Mahabharata.

1: Collection of Manuscripts:
• Scholars collected numerous manuscripts of the Mahabharata written in different languages and scripts.
• This included many versions of the text.

2: Comparison and Analysis:
• The scholars compared all the different versions and analyzed the content.
• They looked for common verses and verses that were interpolated later.

3: Removing Interpolations:
• Scholars removed all the verses and versions that were thought to be later additions.
• They were trying to make the core of the Mahabharata as authentic as possible.

4: Creating a Unified Text:
• Finally, scholars organized the verses that were common in all the versions to create the unified edition of the Mahabharata.
• This work helped create a single version of the text.

5: Conclusion
• Through the systematic collection, analysis, and comparison, the scholars made an authentic and unified version of Mahabharata.

Solution: Understanding Coinage:
• Coins played an important role in facilitating trade and development in ancient India.
• Coins were used as a medium of exchange.

1: Facilitating Trade:
• The introduction of coinage streamlined trade.
• It made transactions simpler and more efficient than barter.

2: Promotion of Economic Activity:
• Coins promoted trade activities both within the country and with other countries as well.
• This led to the growth of markets and urban areas.

3: Standardized Medium of Exchange:
• Coins provided a universally accepted medium of exchange which increased trust and transparency in the economy.
• It also ensured value of the goods or services being exchanged.

4: Examples of Coinage:
• The punch-marked coins of the Mauryan era were widely used.
• The Indo-Greek coins and the Gupta gold coins showed the prosperity of trade and the economy.

5: Conclusion
• Coinage had a significant role in trade, economic development, and the overall development of ancient India.

Solution: Understanding the Royal Centre:
• The Royal Centre was the core of the Vijayanagara capital.
• It was the center of power, administration, and religious activity.

1: Palaces and Administrative Buildings:
• The Royal Centre consisted of grand palaces of the rulers, administrative buildings, and other important structures.
• It was designed for official purposes and for displaying royal power.

2: Temples and Religious Structures:
• The Royal Centre had several important temples that were connected with the ruling family and the royal court.
• These religious buildings emphasized the legitimacy of the rulers.

3: Fortifications and Walls:
• The Royal Centre was heavily fortified with strong walls, gateways, and guard posts.
• This ensured the safety of the royal family and important officials.

4: Water Management System:
• The Royal Centre was well known for its sophisticated water management system.
• The water was brought through tanks, canals, and other means of water harvesting.

5: Conclusion
• The Royal Centre had a strategic location with strong fortifications and temples and provided a symbol of royal power and the prosperity of the empire.

Solution: Understanding Women in Mughal Rural Society:
• The lives of women in rural Mughal society varied based on their social class and regional traditions.

1: Domestic Responsibilities:
• Women were primarily involved in household chores, like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children.
• They were also responsible for managing the household.

2: Agricultural Labor:
• Many women were also involved in agricultural activities alongside the men.
• This involved sowing seeds, harvesting crops, and taking care of livestock.

3: Craft and Trade:
• Some women were involved in crafts like spinning and weaving.
• Some also took part in local trading activities.

4: Social and Religious Life:
• Women participated in religious festivals, ceremonies and other social events.
• They also had an important role in family and community life.

5: Examples:
• The peasant women would work in fields with their families.
• The women in artisan families contributed to making and selling crafts.

6: Conclusion
• The role of women in rural Mughal society was varied, and they played a key role in household and community life.

Solution: Understanding the Revolt of 1857 in Awadh:
• The revolt of 1857 was especially widespread in Awadh because of socio-political and economic factors.

1: Annexation of Awadh:
• The annexation of Awadh by the British in 1856 caused a great deal of resentment amongst the people.
• This created a feeling of anger and betrayal among all sections of the society.

2: Displacement of the Elite:
• The annexation of Awadh led to the displacement of the local elite, including the royal family, nobles and other members of the court.
• This also resulted in large scale unemployment.

3: Impact on the Sepoys:
• A large number of sepoys in the Bengal army were recruited from Awadh and these sepoys also felt displaced.
• They also resented the loss of their homeland and this led to further anger and dissent.

4: Economic Hardships:
• The imposition of new land revenue policies and the introduction of the Summary Settlement made it difficult for the local peasants.
• This generated huge resentment against the British.

5: Conclusion
• The annexation, displacement, economic hardships and loss of autonomy all contributed to the widespread nature of the revolt in Awadh.

Solution: Understanding the Rebel Proclamations:
• The rebel proclamations during the Revolt of 1857 appealed for unity to all sections of society.

1: Common Grievances:
• Rebel leaders aimed to unite all sections of the society by highlighting shared grievances against the British.
• These grievances impacted people from all sections of the society.

2: Religious Sentiments:
• The rebel leaders appealed to religious sentiments using the slogan of 'Deen aur Dharam'
• This was a call to Muslims and Hindus to unite against the British.

3: Local Unity:
• Many of the local leaders called for unity within their respective territories.
• The objective was to consolidate their power and drive out the British.

4: Displaced rulers and elite:
• The former rulers and elite were also displaced due to the British policies.
• They hoped to regain their position and they appealed to all sections of society to fight against the British.

5: Conclusion
• The appeals for unity were a strategy to get mass support and challenge the British.

Solution: Understanding the Bombay Deccan Riots:
• The Bombay Deccan Riots were a series of agrarian riots that occurred in the late 19th century in the Bombay region of India.

Step 1: High Revenue Demands:
• The high revenue demands imposed by the British resulted in extreme pressure on the peasants.
• The peasants were not able to pay the high rates due to frequent famines and poor crops.

Step 2: Money Lender's Influence:
• Many peasants took loans from local money lenders to meet the revenue demand.
• The interest rates charged by these moneylenders were very high, and the peasants fell in the vicious cycle of debt.

Step 3: Ineffectiveness of the courts:
• The courts sided with the moneylenders and the peasants did not get any justice.
• They did not get any relief from the courts.

Step 4: Economic Distress:
• The overall economic distress of the peasantry coupled with the lack of support from the administration led to the outbreak of the riots.

Step 5: Conclusion
• Thus, these various factors combined together to cause widespread agrarian unrest that resulted in the Deccan riots.

Solution: Understanding the Harappan Civilization:
• The Harappan civilization was well known for its urban centers.
• The cities showed remarkable planning, infrastructure and public works.

1: Planned City Layout:
• The cities of Harappa had well-planned streets, residential areas, and public buildings.
• The streets were laid out in a grid pattern, which shows a high level of planning.

2: Advanced Drainage System:
• The Harappan civilization had an efficient drainage system, with covered drains, manholes and well laid channels.
• This system provided sanitation to all parts of the cities.

3: Public Buildings:
• The cities had well-planned public buildings like the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro.
• These public structures highlight the presence of an administrative authority.

4: Standardized Bricks:
• The cities used standardized bricks which were of uniform size and shape.
• This shows the presence of a highly organized production system.

5: Conclusion:
• These aspects of urban planning and architecture make the Harappan cities a unique and distinguishing feature of this civilization.

Solution: Understanding the Discovery of Harappa:
• The discovery of Harappa was a result of the efforts of many archaeologists.

1: Early Archaeologists:
• Alexander Cunningham: He was the first director-general of the Archaeological Survey of India. He was the first to begin the process of identifying Harappan sites.

2: John Marshall:
• John Marshall was the director-general of ASI when Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were identified and excavated.
• He brought the importance of these cities to the forefront of the archaeological world.

3: Daya Ram Sahni and R.D. Banerji:
• Daya Ram Sahni was the first to discover the Harappa site in 1921 and R.D. Banerji discovered Mohenjo-daro.
• These findings were important in determining the extent of the civilization.

4: Mortimer Wheeler:
• Mortimer Wheeler introduced new excavation techniques and he also recognized that the civilization was much older than previously thought.
• He further expanded our understanding of the civilization.

5: Conclusion
• Various archaeologists, through their efforts and techniques have contributed greatly to the discovery and our understanding of Harappan civilization.

Solution: Understanding Mirabai:
• Mirabai was a 16th-century Bhakti saint and poet.
• She is known for her devotion to Lord Krishna and her poems.

1: Challenging Social Norms:
• Mirabai challenged the patriarchal norms by expressing her devotion openly.
• She moved outside the household and sang her songs in public gatherings.

2: Promoting Bhakti Movement:
• Mirabai's songs became popular and promoted the Bhakti Movement, emphasizing love and devotion.
• Her poems brought the idea of a personal god to the common people.

3: Breaking Caste Barriers:
• Mirabai's message was for all people, regardless of caste or gender.
• She also broke caste barriers by taking disciples from all backgrounds.

4: Influencing Literature and Culture:
• Her poems and songs became an important part of Indian culture.
• Her bhajans are sung even today in many regions.

5: Conclusion
• Mirabai's life and works influenced society through challenging traditions and promoting devotion and equality.

Solution: Understanding the Alvar and Nayanar Traditions:
• The Alvars and Nayanars were Bhakti saints of South India who promoted devotion to Vishnu and Shiva respectively.
• They had a significant impact on religious and cultural life during the medieval period.

1: Promoting Bhakti:
• The Alvars and Nayanars emphasized love and devotion (Bhakti) as the means to reach God.
• This made religion more accessible to all people.

2: Use of Vernacular Languages:
• They used Tamil and other local languages in their poems and songs.
• This made their teachings accessible to all sections of the society.

3: Challenge to the Caste System:
• They challenged the rigid caste-based system prevalent in the society.
• They taught that all people were equal in front of God.

4: Temple Culture and Music:
• The Alvars and Nayanars also popularized temple worship and devotional music.
• Their poems and songs became a key part of the temple tradition.

5: Conclusion:
• The Alvar and Nayanar traditions shaped medieval religious and cultural life by emphasizing devotion, equality, and the use of local languages.

Solution: Understanding the Non-Cooperation Movement:
• The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920.
• The aim of the movement was to protest against the injustices of the British Rule.

1: Causes of the Movement:
• Rowlatt Act: The repressive Rowlatt Act that gave immense powers to the police led to widespread protests in India.
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre exposed the brutal nature of British rule.
• Khilafat Movement: The Khilafat Movement, seeking to protect the Ottoman Caliph, was supported by the Congress party.

2: Key Events of the Movement:
• The movement called for non-cooperation with British institutions like schools, colleges, and government offices.
• It called for boycotting British goods and services.

3: Mass Participation:
• The movement received support from all sections of the Indian society.
• It was a truly national level movement that got people from varied backgrounds to take part.

4: Suspension of the Movement:
• The movement was eventually called off by Gandhi due to the violent Chauri Chaura incident.

5: Conclusion:
• The Non-Cooperation Movement was an important phase in the freedom struggle that aimed to challenge British rule and get independence.

Solution: Understanding the Civil Disobedience Movement:
• The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930.
• It was a very important in the fight for Indian independence.

1: Causes of the Movement:
• Purna Swaraj: The demand for 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence) had become very popular.
• Salt Law: The British monopoly over salt production and sales, and the tax on salt made it a symbol of oppression.
• Economic Distress: The economic distress of the peasantry and other sections of the society contributed to their anger against the British.

2: Key Events of the Movement:
• Dandi March: The movement started with Dandi March where Gandhiji and his supporters went to Dandi to break the salt law.
• This act of breaking the salt law became a symbol of protest against the British.

3: Mass Participation and Protest:
• Many people from all sections of the society participated in the Civil Disobedience movement.
• People started picketing shops, and burning foreign goods, all this was done peacefully.

4: Government Repression:
• The British administration adopted a repressive policy to deal with the protesters.
• Many of the leaders and protesters were arrested.

5: Conclusion
• The Civil Disobedience Movement played a key role in uniting the country and creating a sense of nationalism.

Solution: Understanding the Source:
• The source is an excerpt from the travelogue of Abdur Razzaq.
• It describes his initial reactions to Calicut and his admiration for a temple in Mangalore.

31.1 Why did Abdur Razzaq call India a ‘strange nation'?
• Abdur Razzaq initially described India as a ‘strange nation' because the people in Calicut were very different from what he had imagined.
• Their appearance, lifestyle, and practices seemed very different to him.

31.2 How do emotions and perceptions reflect in this source ?
• The source reflects a mixture of emotions, like surprise, initial disapproval and awe.
• Initially he is critical of the people of Calicut but later he is filled with admiration when he sees the temple.

31.3 How did Abdur Razzaq describe the temples of the Western Ghats in Mangalore ?
• Abdur Razzaq described the temple in Mangalore as a place of immense beauty and wonder.
• He admired the architecture, the gold statue with rubies and the craftsmanship.

Solution: Understanding the Source:
• The source is from the speech of Govind Ballabh Pant where he emphasizes the need for loyal citizens for the success of democracy.

32.1 How has Pant described the key to the success of democracy?
• Pant suggests that the success of democracy depends on training the citizens in self-discipline.
• He emphasizes the importance of the citizens being more selfless than selfish.

32.2 How has Pant defined the art of self-discipline in democracy?
• According to Pant, the art of self-discipline means citizens should be less focused on individual gains and should focus on collective interests.
• It means that they should be less selfish and focus on the common good.

32.3 Explain Pant's views on the relationship between democracy and equality.
• Pant believes that for a democracy to be successful there should be a focus on common interests and not personal agendas.
• According to Pant if there is no focus on common interest, then democracy will fail.

Solution: Understanding the Source:
• The source is an excerpt from Sutta Pitaka which contains Buddha's advice to Sigala on different social relations.

33.1 How did Buddha highlight the significance of compassion in social hierarchy ?
• Buddha highlighted the need for compassion by talking about how a master should treat the employees.
• It also emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect.

33.2 Why did Buddha emphasise righteous action?
• Buddha emphasized righteous action by focusing on the importance of morality and good conduct in all social relations.
• It encourages virtuous behavior and interactions.

33.3 Explain any two tenets of Karma according to Buddha.
• The source mentions that people must help those who need help and provide care and support.
• The source also emphasizes the need to always be kind and respectful to others.

Solution: Understanding the question:
• This question involves locating and labeling sites on the provided map of India.

1: Locating Banawali:
• Banawali is an important Harappan site, located in the present-day state of Haryana.
• Mark the area and write 'Banawali' near it.

2: Locating Amravati Stupa:
• The Amravati Stupa is located in the present-day state of Andhra Pradesh.
• Mark it with a symbol on the map and write 'Amravati stupa' near it.

3: Locating Agra or Ajmer:
• Agra: Agra is located in the present-day Uttar Pradesh state.
• Mark the region with the label ‘Agra'.
• Ajmer: Ajmer is located in the present-day state of Rajasthan.
• Mark the region with the label 'Ajmer'.

Solution: Understanding the Question:
• This question requires identifying centres related to the Indian National movement marked on the map.
• We need to be aware of the places associated with the freedom movement.

1: Identifying Center A:
• If A is marked in the Gujarat region, it is most likely to be Bardoli which is famous for the Bardoli Satyagraha.
• Write the name of the site near the marker on the map.

2: Identifying Center B:
• If B is marked near modern-day Bengal, it is most likely to be Calcutta which was an important center in the freedom movement.
• Write the name of the site near the marker on the map.

3: Conclusion
• Depending on the exact location on the map, the answer will vary.

Solution: Understanding the question:
• This question is specifically for visually impaired candidates and asks about two Buddhist sites in India.

1: Mentioning Buddhist Sites
• Some of the important Buddhist sites in India are: Sanchi, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Lumbini, Amaravati.
• You can mention any two of these.

Solution: Understanding the question:
• This question is specifically for visually impaired candidates and asks for the capital city of Vijayanagara empire.

1: Mentioning the Capital
• The capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire was Vijayanagara, also known as Hampi.

Solution: Understanding the question:
• This question is specifically for visually impaired candidates and asks for a territory under the Mughals.

1: Mentioning a Mughal Territory
• Some of the territories under the Mughal control were: Delhi, Agra, Lahore, Bengal, Deccan.
• You can mention any one of these territories.

Solution: Understanding the question:
• This question is specifically for visually impaired candidates and asks for centers of the Indian National movement.

1: Mentioning centers of National Movement
• Some of the centers associated with the Indian National movement were: Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, Delhi, Lahore, Lucknow, Nagpur.
• You can mention any two of these centers.