Arihant History Class 12 Term 1 Sample Papers

As per CBSE Sample Paper
Issued On 02 Sep, 2021...
Sample
Papers
History
CBSE Class 12 (Term I )
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As per CBSE Sample Paper
Issued On 02 Sep, 2021...
Sample
Papers
History
CBSE Class 12 (Term I )
Author
Madhumita Pattrea
ARIHANT PRAKASHAN (School Division Series)

ARIHANT PRAKASHAN (School Division Series)
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Contents
þ One Day Revision 3-17
þ The Qualiﬁers 21-36
þ Latest CBSE Sample Paper 39-50
Sample Paper 1 53-66
Watch Free Learning Videos
Video Solutions of CBSE Sample Papers

Chapterwise Important MCQs
CBSE Case Based MCQs
CBSE Updates
Much more valuable content will be available regularly

Syllabus
History CBSE Class 12 (Term I )
S.NO THEMES WEIGHTAGE IN MARKS
Theme
.
Bricks, Beads and Bones
Theme
.
Kings, Framers and Towns
Theme
.
Kinship, Caste and Class
Theme
.
Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings
Theme
.
Bhakti- Suﬁ Traditions
Theme
.
An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara
Total
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Analyze your Performance
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Cracking an MCQ-based examination identify your weak & strong
requires you to be familiar with the topics/chapter by analyzing of incorrect
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Practice through Sample Papers
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thinking and in last attempt those
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CBSE Sample Paper History Class XII (Term I) 3
ONE DAY
REVISION
Revise All the Chapters in a Day
Just Before the Examination...
Part-I : Themes in Indian History
● Bricks, Beads and Bones

The Harappan Civilisation ● Millets are found from sites in Gujarat. Evidence of
● The Harappan seal is possibly the most distinctive rice are rare found.
artefact of the Harappan or Indus valley civilisation. ● Animal bones found at Harappan sites include those
● The Indus valley civilisation is also called as the of cattle, sheep, goat, buffalo and pig.
Harappan culture. ● Bones of wild species such as boar, deer and
● Archaeologists use the term ‘culture’ for a group of gharial are also found.
objects that are distinctive in style and are usually Agricultural Technologies
found together within a specific geographical area
and period of time. ● Terracotta models of the plough have been found
at sites in Cholistan and at Banawali (Haryana).
● The civilisation got its name from Harappa, which
was the first site to be excavated. It was dated ● Most Harappan sites are located in semi-arid lands,
between c 2600 and 1900 BCE. where irrigation was probably required for
agriculture.
● The Harappan civilisation is sometimes called the
Mature Harappan culture to distinguish it from other ● Traces of canals in Shortughai (Afghanistan) and
cultures. water reservoirs in Dholavira (Gujarat) were found.
Beginnings of Harappan Civilisation Mohenjodaro : A Planned Urban Centre

● There were several archaeological cultures in the ● The most unique feature of the Harappan civilisation
region prior to the Mature Harappan. was the development of urban centres.
● These culture were associated with distinctive pottery, ● The Mohenjodaro settlement is divided into two
ONE DAY REVISION
evidence of agriculture and pastoralism and some sections, citadel (smaller but higher settlement) and
crafts. lower town (larger but lower settlement).
● Citadel was walled. The buildings were constructed
Subsistence Strategies of Harappan on mud brick platforms.
Civilisation ● The Lower Town was also walled. Several buildings
● These cultures shared certain common elements were built on platforms, which served as
including subsistence strategies. foundations.
● The Harappans ate a wide range of plant and animal ● Other signs of planning include bricks, which were
products, including fish. either sun dried or baked. It was of standardised
● Grains found at Harappan sites include wheat, barley, ratio.
lentil, chickpea and sesame.
4 CBSE Sample Paper History Class XII (Term I)
Drainage System Identifying Centres of Production

● One of the most distinctive feature of Harappan ● In order to identify centres of craft production,
cities was the carefully planned drainage system. archaeologists usually look for raw material such as
● Roads and streets were laid out in grid pattern, stone nodules, whole shells, copper ore, tools,
intersecting at right angles. unfinished objects, rejects and waste material.
Streets with drains were built first and then houses
Strategies for Procuring Materials
●
were built along them.

● A variety of materials were used for craft production.
Domestic Architecture
● While some materials such as clay were locally
● The Lower Town at Mohenjodaro provides available, many materials such as stone, timber and
examples of residential buildings. metal had to be procured from outside the alluvial plain.
● The courtyard was probably the centre of activities
such as cooking and weaving, particularly during Materials from the Sub-continent
hot and dry weather. and Beyond
● Every house had its own bathroom, some had wells ● Harappans procured materials for craft production in
also. various ways.
● For procuring raw materials they send expeditions to
The Citadel areas such as the Khetri region of Rajasthan (for
● There are structures in citadel that were probably copper) and South India (for gold).
used for special public purposes.
Contact with Distant Lands
● The Great Bath was a large rectangular tank in a
courtyard surrounded by a corridor on all four ● Archaeological evidences found at the ancient sites
sides. suggested about the contact of Harappans with other
contemporary civilisations.
● The Great Bath meant for some kind of a special
ritual bath. ● Archaeological finds suggest that copper was probably
brought from Oman, on the South- Eastern tip of the
Tracking Social Differences : Burials Arabian peninsula.
● At burials in Harappan sites the dead were ● A distinctive type of vessel, a large Harappan jar coated
generally laid in pits. with a thick layer of black clay has been found at
● Some graves contain pottery and ornaments. In Omani sites.
some instances the dead were buried with copper
mirrors. Precious things were not found with the Seals, Script, Weights
dead, it seems that Harappans did not believe in
Seals and Sealings
burying precious things with the dead.
● Seals and sealings were used to facilitate long distance
Artefacts communication. The sealings conveyed the identity of
● To identify social differences archaeologists study the sender.
artefacts and broadly classify them as utilitarian
Script
and luxuries.
● Harappan seals usually have a line of writing and
● Utilitarian includes objects of daily use that were
probably containing the name title of the owner.
made of stone or clay.
● Most inscriptions are short and the longest contained
● Objects were considered luxuries if they were rare
about 26 signs.
or made from costly, non-local materials or with
complicated technologies. ● The script remains undeciphered but it has signs
between 375 and 400. The script was written from right
ONE DAY REVISION
Art and Craft Production to left.

A variety of materials were used to make beads
●
Weights
such as stones like carnelian jasper, crystal,
quartz and steatite; metals like copper, bronze ● Exchanges were regulated by a precise system of
and gold and shell, faience and terracotta or burnt weights, usually made of a cubical stone called chert.
clay. Ancient Authority
● Techniques for making beads differed according ● Complex decisions were taken and implemented in
to the material. Harappan society.
● Nageshwar and Balakot were specialised centres ● Settlements were strategically set-up in specific
for making shell objects. locations for various reasons.
Palaces and Kings ● In 1924, John Marshall, Director-General of the ASI,

● A large building found at Mohenjodaro was labelled announced the discovery of a new civilisation to the
as a palace by archaeologists but no magnificent world in the form of Indus valley.
findings marked it as a palace. ● John Marshall’s period as Director-General of the ASI
● A stone statue was labelled and continues to be marked a major change in Indian archaeology. He
known as the priest-king. was the first professional archaeologist to work in
India and brought his experience of working in
● Some archaeologists are of the opinion that Greece and Crete to the field.
Harappan society had no rulers and everybody
enjoyed equal status. New Techniques and Questions
The End of the Civilisation ● In 1944, REM Wheeler as Director-General of the
ASI, emphasised the need to follow the stratigraphy
● By c. 1800 BCE most of the mature Harappan sites of mound rather than to dig mechanically along
in regions such as Cholistan had become uninhabited. uniform horizontal line. He rectified the previous
● After 1900 BC, there was a marked change in material problems faced by the archaeologists.
culture with the disappearance of the artefacts of the
civilisation like weights, seals and special beads. Problems of Piecing Together the Past
Several explanation have been put forward about the
●
Classifying Finds
reasons for the end of civilisation like climate
change, deforestration, excessive floods, over use of Archaeologists classified their findings by following two
landscape, etc. But they do not explain the collapse of principles
the entire civilisation. (i) One is in terms of material, such as stone clay, metal,
bone, ivory, etc.
Discovering the Harappan Civilisation (ii) The second is in terms of function. Archaeologists
Many archaeologists have discovered several aspects have to decide whether, for instance, an artefact is a
of the Harappan civilisation tool or an ornament or both or something meant for
Alexander Cunningham ritual use.
● Cunningham, was the first Director-General of the Problems of Interpretation
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He began ● Reconstructing religious practices was a problematic
archaeological excavations in the mid-19th century. issue for archaeologists. Every archaeologist thought
● Cunningham’s main interest was in the archaeology that certain objects which seemed unusual or
of the early historic (c. 6th century BCE-4th century unfamiliar had religious significance.
CE) and later periods. ● These objects included terracotta figurines of
● When he received a Harappan seal found by an women, heavily jewelled, some with elaborate
Englishman, he unsuccessfully tried to place it in the head-dresses. These were regarded as mother
time frame between 4th and 7th centuries CE, which goddesses
caused confusion in his mind. Thus, he missed the ● In some seals, a figure shown seated cross-legged
significance of Harappa. in a ‘yogic’ posture, sometimes surrounded by
A New Old Civilisation animals, has been regarded as a depiction of
proto-Shiva.
● Seals were discovered at Harappa by archaeologists
such as Daya Ram Sahni in the early decades of ● The earliest religious text, the Rigveda (compiled c.
the 20th century. 1500-1000 BCE) mentions a god named Rudra,
which is a name used for Shiva in later Puranic
● Rakhal Das Banerji found similar seals at traditions.
Mohenjodaro.
ONE DAY REVISION
● Kings, Farmers and Towns

Early States and Economies (c. 600 BCE-600 CE)
● After the end of Harappan Civilisation, during a long Prinsep and Piyadassi
span of 1500 years, there were several ● James Prinsep, an officer in the mint of the East
developments in different parts of the sub-continent. India Company, deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi.
● This was also the period during which the Rigveda These scripts were used in the earliest inscription
was composed by people living along the Indus and and coins.
its tributaries.
● Most of these mentioned a king referred to as Administering the Empire

piyadassi–meaning ‘pleasant to behold’. There were ● There were five major political centres in the
a few inscriptions which also referred to the king as empire i.e. the capital Pataliputra the provincial
Asoka. centres of Taxila, Ujjayini, Tosali and Suvarnagiri.
● European and Indian scholars used inscriptions and ● The administrative control was strongest in areas
texts composed in a variety of languages to around the capital and the provincial centres.
reconstruct the lineages of major dynasties that had
ruled the sub-continent. ● Communication along both land and riverine routes
was vital for the existence of the empire.
The Earliest States ● Army was an important means for ensuring the
The Sixteen Mahajanapadas protection. Megasthenes mentions a committee
● The 6th century BCE is often regarded as a major with six subcommittees for coordinating military
turning point in early Indian history. activities.
● Early Buddhist and Jaina texts mention, sixteen Importance of Empire
states known as Mahajanapadas. ● In nineteenth century, the history of early India
● Janapada means the land where a jana (a people, a including that of Mauryan empire was discovered.
clan or tribe) sets its foot or settles. It is a word used ● Asoka came to be regarded as inspiring figure by
in both Prakrit and Sanskrit. nationalist leaders. He was more humble than later
● Most Mahajanapadas were ruled by kings, which rulers who adopted grandiose (magnificent) titles.
some known as ganas or sanghas, were oligarchies,
where power was shared by a number of men New Notions of Kingship
collectively called rajas.
Chiefs and Kings in the South
● Each Mahajanapada had a capital city, which was
often fortified. ● A chief was a powerful man whose position may or
may not be hereditary.
● From c. 6th century BCE onwards Brahmanas began
He receives gifts from his sub-ordinates (unlike
composing Sanskrit texts known as the Dharmasutras.
Kings who usually collect taxes) and often distributes
First Amongst The Sixteen : Magadha these amongst his supporters.
● Between the 6th and the 4th centuries BCE, ● The new kingdoms that emerged in the Deccan and
Magadha (in present day Bihar) became the most further South, included the chiefdoms of the Cholas,
powerful Mahajanapada. Cheras and Pandyas in Tamilakam (the name of the
● Magadha was a region where agriculture was ancient Tamil country.
especially productive. Iron mines (in present-day Divine Kings
Jharkhand) were accessible and provided resources
● Kings often tried to identify themselves with a variety
for tools and weapons.
of deities in order to claim high status. This strategy
● Initially, Rajagaha was the capital of Magadha which was used by the Kushanas (c. 1st century BCE 1st
later shifted to Pataliputra (presently Patna) in 4th century CE), who ruled over a vast kingdom
century BCE. extending from Central Asia to North-West India.
An Early Empire ● Colossal statues of Kushana rulers have been
found installed in a shrine at Mat near Mathura
● Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan
(Uttar Pradesh).
empire in c 321 BCE.
● By the 4th century evidence of larger states,
Finding Out about the Mauryas including the Gupta Empire, have been found. Many
● Historians have used a variety of sources to of these depended on samantas, men who
ONE DAY REVISION
reconstruct the history of the Mauryan Empire. These maintained themselves through local resources
include archaeological finds, especially sculpture. including control over land.
● Kautilya or Chanakya has mentioned about the
Mauryan Empire in the Arthashastra. A Changing Countryside
● Buddhist, Jaina and puranic literature as well as Popular Perceptions of Kings
inscription of Asoka, gives information about the ● Historian have examined stories contained in
empire. anthologies such as the Jatakas and the
● Inscriptions also mention about the Mauryan empire. Panchatantra.
These are writings engraved on hard surfaces such ● The Jatakas were written in Pali around the middle
as stone, metal and pottery. These are the of the first millennium CE.
permanent records, some of which carry dates.
● One story known as the Gandatindu Jataka describes ● Organisations of craft producers and merchants
the condition of the subjects of a wicked king. These were known as guilds or shrenis. These guilds
included elderly women and men, cultivators, herders, probably procured raw materials, regulated
village boys and even animals. production and marketed the finished product.
Strategies for Increasing Production Trade in the Sub-continent and Beyond

● From 6th century BCE, ploughing agriculture became ● From the 6th century BCE, land and river routes
prevalent. It was used in fertile alluvial river valleys such crossed the sub-continent and extended in various
as those of Ganga and Kaveri. directions both overland and overseas.
● The iron ploughshare led to a growth in agricultural ● Those who travelled these routes included
productivity, but its use was restricted to certain parts peddlers who probably travelled on foot and
of the sub-continent only. merchants who travelled with caravans of
bullock carts.
Differences in Rural Society
● There were also seafarers, whose ventures were
● With an increase in production, there was a growing risky, but highly profitable. Successful merchants
difference amongst people engaged in agriculture like were designated as masattuvan in Tamil and
landless agricultural labourers, small peasants and setthis and satthavahas in Prakrit.
large landholders.
● The term gahapati was often used in Pali texts to Coins and Kings
designate the second and third categories. ● Punch-marked coins made of silver and copper
● Early Tamil literature (the Sangam texts) also mentions (c. 6th century BCE onwards) were amongst the
different categories of people living in the villages i.e. earliest to be minted and used.
large landowners or vellalar, ploughmen or uzhavar ● Numismatists have studied these and other coins
and slaves or adimai. to reconstruct possible commercial networks.
The first gold coins were issued in 1st century CE
Land Grants and New Rural Elites
●
by the Kushanas. These were virtually identical in

● Grants of land were started from the early centuries of weight with those issued by contemporary Roman
the Common Era, many of which were recorded in emperors and the Parthian rulers of Iran.
inscriptions.
● Coins were also issued by tribal republics. Some of
● The records that have survived are generally about the most spectacular gold coins were issued by
grants to religious institutions or to Brahmanas. the Guptarulers.
● The inscription also gives us an idea about rural
populations. These included Brahmanas and peasants Deciphering Inscriptions
as well as others who expected to provide a range of Deciphering Brahmi
produce to the king or his representatives. ● Most scripts used to write modern Indian
languages are derived from Brahmi script.
Towns and Trade
● From the late 18th century, European scholars with
New Cities the help of Indian pandits could study several
● The urban centres emerged in several parts of the Manuscripts in Bengali and Devanagari and
sub-continent from c. 6th century BCE. compared their letters with older letters.
● All major towns were located along routes of ● Scholars who studied early inscriptions
communication, e.g., Pataliputra was on riverine routes. sometimes assumed that these were in Sanskrit,
● Others, such as Ujjayini, were along land routes and although the earliest inscriptions were, in fact, in
yet others, such as Puhar, were near the coast, from Prakrit.
where sea routes began. It was only after decades of careful investigations
ONE DAY REVISION
by several epigraphists that James Prinsep was

Urban Populations : Elites and able to decipher Asokan Brahmi in 1838.
Craftspersons
● The artefacts recovered from excavation includes fine Deciphering Kharosthi
pottery bowls and dishes, with a glossy finish, known ● The Kharosthi script used in inscriptions in the
as Northern Black Polished Ware, probably used by North-West. Here, coins of Indo-Greek Kings
rich people. are found who ruled over the area (c . 2nd-1st
● The artefacts also include ornaments, tools, weapons, centuries BCE).
vessels, figurines, made of a wide range of ● These coins contain the names of kings written in
materials-gold, silver, copper, bronze, ivory, glass, Greek and Kharosthi scripts, later Prakrit was
shell and terracotta. identified on these coins.
Historical Evidence from Inscriptions The Limitations of Inscriptional Evidence

● According to the inscriptions, Devanampiya, often ● Sometimes, there are technical limitations of
translated as ‘beloved of the gods’ and piyadassi as inscriptional evidence such as sometimes letters are
‘pleasant to behold’ were the titles adopted by the very faintly engraved, and thus reconstructions are
Asoka. uncertain.
● After examining all these inscriptions and finding ● Besides, it is not always easy to be sure about the
that they match in terms of content, style, exact meaning of the words used in inscriptions.
language and palaeography, epigraphists have ● Although, several thousand inscriptions have been
concluded that they were issued by the same discovered but not all have been deciphered,
ruler. published and translated.
● Kinship, Caste and Class

Early Societies (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)
● Historians often use textual traditions to understand ● The central story of the Mahabharata reinforced that
the changes in economic and political life processes. the idea of patriliny was valuable. Under patriliny,
● Mahabharata is a colossal epic consisting of over sons could claim the resources (including the throne
100,000 verses that depicts wide range of social in the case of Kings) of their fathers when the latter
categories and situations. died.
● It was composed over a period of about 1000 ● Patriliny is evident in mantras in ritual texts such as
years (c. 500 BCE onwards) and some of the the Rigveda.
stories it contains may have been in circulation Rules of Marriage
even earlier.
Sons were important for the continuity of the
The Critical Edition of the Mahabharata patrilineage.
● VS Sukthankar, an Indian Sanskrit Scholar, initiated Daughters had no claims to the resources of the
the task of preparing a critical edition of the household. Marrying them into families outside the kin
Mahabharata. The project took 47 years to complete. was considered desirable. This system is called
● Two things became apparent from this. Firstly, there exogamy (literally, marrying outside). Girls and women
were several common elements in the Sanskrit who belonged to high status were ensured that they
versions of the story. It was evident in manuscripts would get married at right time and to right person.
found all over the sub-continent, from Kashmir and From c. 500 BCE, these norms were compiled in Sanskrit
Nepal in the North to Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the texts known as the Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras.
South. Secondly, there was enormous regional The most important of such works, the Manusmriti, was
variation in the text. compiled between c. 200 BCE and 200 CE.
Kinship and Marriage : Many Rules and Types of Marriages

Varied Practices n
Endogamy refers to marriage within a unit. This could be
a kin group, caste or a group living in the same locality.
Finding Out About Families n
Exogamy refers to marriage outside the unit.
● Families are usually parts of larger networks of n
Polygyny is the practice of a man having several wives.
n
Polyandry is the practice of a woman having several husbands.
people. The term kinfolk is used for these networks
of relatives.
● Familial ties are often regarded as ‘natural’ and The Gotra of Women
ONE DAY REVISION
based on blood. For instance, some societies regard ● From c. 1000 BCE onwards, people (especially
cousins as being blood relations, whereas others do Brahmanas) were classified in terms of gotras.
not. ● Each gotra was named after a Vedic seer (sage), and
all those who belonged to the same gotra were
The Ideal of Patriliny
regarded as his descendants.
● The Mahabharata is a story about changing kinship
● Two rules about gotra were particularly important.
relations. It describes a feud over land and power
First, women were expected to give up their father’s
between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and
gotra and adopt that of their husbands on marriage
the Pandavas. They belonged to a single ruling
and second, members of the same gotra could not
family, i.e. the Kurus, a lineage dominating one of the
marry.
janapadas.
Importance of Mother ● Sometimes those who spoke non-Sanskritic

● Satavahana rulers were identified through languages were labelled as mlechchhas.
metronymics (names derived from that of the Beyond the Four Varnas Subordination
mother). This practice reflected the presence of and Conflict
matriliny. However, the succession to the throne was
● The Brahmanas considered some people as being
generally patrilineal.
outside the system and classified them as untouchable.
Social Differences Within and Beyond the ● The Manusmriti laid down the ‘duties’ of the
Framework of Caste chandalas. They had to live outside the village, use
● The term caste refers to a set of order of social discarded things, and wear clothes of the dead and
categories in rank. This order was laid down in the ornaments of iron.
Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras.
Control Over Resources and Status
● Brahmana claimed to be on the top while the shudras
were kept at the bottom. Gendered Access to Property
● According to the Manusmriti, the paternal estate was
The ‘Right’ Occupation to be divided equally amongst sons after the death
● The Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras contained of the parents, with a special share for the eldest.
rules about the ideal ‘occupations’ of the four Women could not claim a share of these resources.
categories or varnas.
● Women were allowed to retain the gifts they received
● Brahmanas were supposed to study and teach the on the occasion of their marriage as stridhana
Vedas. (literally, a woman’s wealth).
● Kshatriyas were to engage in warfare, protect
Varna and Access to Property
people and administer justice.
● According to the Brahminical texts, another criterion
● Vaishayas, were to engage in agriculture,
(apart from gender) for regulating access to wealth
pastoralism and trade.
was varna.
● Shudras were assigned only one occupation that
● The only ‘occupation’ prescribed for Shudras was
was serving the three ‘higher’ varnas.
servitude, while a variety of occupations were listed
Non-Kshatriya Kings for men of the first three varnas.
● According to the Shastras, only Kshatriyas could be An Alternative Social Scenario :
kings. However, several important ruling lineages
Sharing Wealth
probably had different origins.
● In an alternative scenario to the varna system,
● Buddhist texts suggested that Mauryas were
people either claimed or were assigned status on the
Kshatriyas but Brahmanical texts described them as
basis of their wealth.
being of low origin.
● There were other situations where men who were
● The Shungas and Kanvas, the immediate
generous were respected, while those who were
successors of the Mauryas, were Brahmanas.
miserly or simply accumulated wealth for themselves
● Other rulers, such as the Shakas who came from were disliked.
Central Asia, were regarded as mlechchhas,
barbarians or outsiders by the Brahmanas. Explaining Social Differences:
A Social Contract
Jatis and Social Mobility
● The Buddhists also developed an alternative
● In Brahmanical theory, jati like varna, was based on
understanding of social inequalities and institutions
birth. While the number of varnas was fixed at four,
required to regulate social conflict.
there was no restriction on the number of jatis.
ONE DAY REVISION
● According to a myth in Sutta Pitaka, they suggested

● People living in forests such as the nishadas
that human beings initially had not fully evolved bodily
goldsmith (suvarnakara), were classified as jati by
forms and the world of plants was also not fully
Brahmanical authorities as they did not easily fit into
developed. Human beings lived in a state of peace.
the fourfold varna system.
● There was a gradual deterioration of this state as
Beyond the Four Varnas : Integration human beings became increasingly greedy,
● There were some communities whose social vindictive and deceitful.
practices were not influenced by Brahmanical ideas. ● Subsequently they developed a notion of kingship
For example, categories such as the nishada, to based on human choice with taxes as a form of
which Ekalavya belonged. payment for services rendered by the king.
Handling Texts : Historians and the ● Subsequently, between C 200 and 400 CE, large
didactic sections resembling the Manusmriti was
Mahabharata
added.
● Historians examine whether texts were written in
Prakrit, Pali or Tamil, (the languages that were The Search for Convergence
probably used by ordinary people) or in Sanskrit. ● The Mahabharata, like any major epic, contains vivid
descriptions of battles, forests, palaces and
Language and Content
settlements.
● The version of the Mahabharata is in Sanskrit (although
● In 1951-52, the archaeologist BB Lal excavated a
there are versions in other languages as well).
site at a village, named Hastinapura in Meerut
● Historians usually classify the contents of the present district.
text under two broad heads. These are sections that
● Lal found evidence of fine occupational levels
contain stories, designated as the narrative and
but he described only the second and third
sections that contain prescriptions about social
level.These levels were about the architecture of
norms, designated as didactic.
the houses.
Author(s) and Dates
● The original story of Mahabharata was probably A Dynamic Text (Mahabharata)
composed by charioteer bard known as sutas who ● The Mahabharata can be considered as a dynamic
generally accompanied Kshatriya warriors. text. It is being written over a span of time and the
● Then with the emergence of chiefdoms such as growth of the Mahabharata did not stop with the
Kurus and Panchalas, Brahmanas took over the Sanskrit version.
story and began to commit it to writing. ● Over the centuries, many versions of the epic were
● In the next phase between C 200 BCE to 200 CE, the written in a variety of languages through an ongoing
growing importance of worship of Lord Vishnu led to process of dialogue between peoples, communities
the identification of Lord Krishna (one of the and those who wrote the texts.
important figure in the epic) with him.
● Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings

Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE-600CE)
A Glimpse of Sanchi Debates and Discussions
● 19th century Europeans were very interested in the ● Buddhist texts, mention 64 sects or schools of
stupa at Sanchi. thought.
● The rulers of Bhopal, Shahjehan Begum and her ● Teachers travelled from place to place, trying to
successor Sultan Jehan Begum, provided money convince one another as well as lay persons, about
for the preservation of the ancient site. the validity of their philosophy or the way they
understood the world.
Thinkers, Beliefs and Traditions ● Debates took place in the kutagarashala, a hut with
● The mid-first millennium BCE saw the emergence of a pointed roof or in groves where travelling
thinkers such as Zarathustra in Iran, Kong Zi in mendicants halted.
China, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle in Greece, and
Mahavira and Gautama Buddha, among many Beyond Worldly Pleasures
others in India. The Message of Mahavira
ONE DAY REVISION
The Sacrificial Tradition ● The basic philosophy of the Jainas was already
in existence in North India before the birth of
● There were several traditions of thought, religious
Vardhamana, who came to be known as
belief and practice, including the early Vedic
Mahavira.
tradition, which were known from the Rigveda. It was
compiled between c. 1500 and 1000 BCE. ● The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire
world is animated, even stones, rocks and water
New Questions have life.
● Many ideas found in the Upanishads show that ● Non-injury to living being, especially to humans,
people were curious about the meaning of life, the animals, plants and insects, is important according
possibility of life after death and rebirth. People also to Jaina philosophy.
began questioning the significance of the sacrificial
tradition.
The Spread of Jainism Stupas

● Jainism spread to many parts of India. Like the ● Buddhist literature mentions several chaityas. It
Buddhists, Jaina scholars produced literature in a also describes places associated with the
variety of languages like Prakrit, Sanskrit and Tamil. Buddha’s life where he was born (Lumbini), where
he attained enlightenment (Bodh Gaya), where he
The Buddha and the Quest for gave his first sermon (Sarnath) and where he
Enlightenment attained nibbana (Kusinagara).
● Siddhartha, (Buddha) was the son of a chief of the Building of Stupas
Sakya clan. ● Stupas were built through donations made by kings
● In the search of truth, he explored several paths such as the Satvahanas.
including bodily mortification which led him to a ● They were also made by guilds such as the ivory
situation of near death. workers who financed part of one of the gateways
● He meditated for several days and finally attained at Sanchi.
enlightenment. ● Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis also contributed towards
● After this he came to be known as the Buddha or the building these monuments.
enlightened one.
The Structure of the Stupa
The Teachings of the Buddha ● The stupa (a Sanskrit word meaning a heap)
● The Buddha’s teachings have been reconstructed originated as a simple semi-circular mound of Earth
from stories found mainly in the Sutta Pitaka. later called anda.
● According to Buddhist philosophy, the world is ● Above the anda was the harmika, a balcony like
transient (anicca) and constantly changing. It is also structure that represented the abode of the gods.
soulless (anatta) as there is nothing permanent or
eternal in it. ‘Discovering’ Stupas
● Sorrow (dukkha) is intrinsic (natural) to human The Fate of Amaravati and Sanchi
existence. It is by following the path of moderation ● In 1854, Walter Elliot, the commissioner of Guntur
between severe penance and self-indulgence that (Andhra Pradesh), visited Amaravati and collected
human beings can rise above these worldly troubles. several sculpture panels and took them away to
● The Buddha emphasised individual agency and the Madras (Chennai).
righteous action as the means to escape from the ● He also discovered the remains of the Western
cycle of rebirth and attain self-realisation and gateway and came to the conclusion that the
nibbana. structure at Amaravati was one of the largest and
most magnificent Buddhist stupa.
Followers of the Buddha
Sculpture
● Buddha founded a sangha, an organisation of monks
who also became teachers of dhamma. Stories in Stone
● These monks lived simply and possess only ● Art historians studied the sculpture at Sanchi and
essential requirements for survival such as a bowl to identified it as a scene from the Vessantara Jataka.
receive food once a day from the laity (ordinary ● Vessantara Jataka is a story about a generous
people). As they lived on alms, they were known as prince who gave away everything to a Brahmana,
bhikkhus. and went to live in the forest with his wife and
● The Buddha’s foster mother, Mahapajapati Gotami children.
was the first women to be ordained as a bhikkhuni. Symbols of Worship
ONE DAY REVISION
Many women who entered the sangha became

teachers of dhamma and went on to become theris, ● Many early sculptors show Buddha through
or respected women who had attained liberation. symbols and not in human form.
● Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the ● An empty seat sculpture shows the meditation of
Buddha and after his death. It appealed to many the Buddha and the stupa was meant to represent
people who were dissatisfied with existing religious the Maha Parinibbana.
practices and confused by the rapid social changes ● Another frequently used symbol was the wheel
taking place around them. which stood for the first sermon of the Buddha
delivered at Sarnath.
Popular Traditions The Growth of Puranic Hinduism

● Some sculptures at Sanchi were not directly ● Hinduism include Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
inspired by Buddhist ideas. These include beautiful Vaishnavism was a form within which Vishnu was
women swinging from the edge of the gateway, worshipped as principal deity. Shaivism was a
holding onto a tree. According to popular belief, tradition within which Shiva was regarded as the
this was a woman whose touch caused trees to chief God.
flower and bear fruit. ● In such worship, the bond between the devotee and
● Another motif is that of a woman surrounded by the god was visualised as bhakti, i.e. love and
lotuses and elephants which seem to be sprinkling devotion between them.
water on her as if performing an abhisheka or ● In the case of Vaishnavism, cults developed around
consecration. various avtars or incarnations while Shiva was
symbolised by the linga.
New Religious Traditions
The Development of Mahayana Buddhism Building Temples
● The early temple was a small square room, called
● Early Buddhist teachings had given great importance
the garbhagriha, with a single doorway for the
to self-effort in achieving nibbana.
worshipper to enter and offer worship to the
● Besides, the Buddha was regarded as a human image.
being who attained enlightenment and nibbana
● A tall structure known as the shikhara, was built over
through his own efforts.
the central shrine.
● The worships of images of the Buddha and
● One of the unique features of early temples was that
Bodhisattas became an important part of this tradition.
some of these were hollowed out of huge rocks, as
This new way of thinking was called Mahayana-
artificial caves.
literally, the ‘great vehicle’.
● The tradition of building artificial caves was an old
● Those who adopted these beliefs described the older
one. Some of the earliest of these were constructed
tradition as Hinayana or the ‘lesser vehicle’.
in the 3rd century BCE on the orders of Asoka for
renouncers who belonged to the Ajivika sect.
Part-II :Themes in Indian History
● Bhakti-Sufi Traditions
Changes in Religious Beliefs and Devotional Texts (c.8th to 18th
Century)
● The various religious belief of the subcontinent was ● One was a process of spreading Brahmanical ideas.
reconstructed from textual traditions that included The second process was the Brahmanas accepting
compositions of poet-saints expressed orally in and reworking the beliefs and practices of other
regional languages. These compositions were social categories.
generally compiled by disciples of poet-saints.
Difference and Conflict among Cults
● Hagiographies or biographics are also used by
Tantric practices were widespread in several
ONE DAY REVISION
●
historians. These allowed a glimpse into the ways in
which devotees perceived the lives of poet-saints. parts of the sub-continent. They were open to
women and men and practitioners often ignored
A Mosaic of Religious Beliefs and differences of caste and class within the ritual
context.
Practices
● Many of these ideas influenced Shaivism as well
● The most striking feature of Bhakti Sufi phase is the
as Buddhism, especially in the Eastern,
increasing visibility of a wide range of Gods and
Northern and Southern parts of the
Goddesses in sculpture as well as in texts.
sub-continent.
The Integration of Cults ● The principal deities of the Vedic religion, Agni, Indra
● During this phase, there were two religious and Soma, become marginal figures, rarely visible in
processes that were going on. textual or visual representations.
Poems of Prayer ● His followers were known as Virashaivas (heros of

Shiva) or Lingayats (wearers of the linga).
Early Traditions of Bhakti
● Lingayats worship Shiva in the form of linga and men
● During the evolution of the forms of worship, the usually wear a small linga in a silver case on a thread
poet-saints emerged as leaders. strung over the left shoulder.
● Historians of religion often classify bhakti traditions ● Lingayats believe that on death, the devotee will be
into two broad categories; saguna (with attributes) united with Shiva and will not return to this world.
and nirguna (without attributes).
● The Lingayats challenged the idea of caste and the
● Saguna bhakti included traditions that focused on pollution attributed to certain groups by Brahmanas.
the worship of specific deities (Lord Shiva, Lord
Vishnu etc) and nirguna bhakti was worship of an ● The Lingayats also encouraged certain practices
abstract form of God. disapproved in the Dharmashastras, such as
post-puberty marriage and the remarriage of widows.
The Alvars and Nayanars of Tamil Nadu
Religious Ferment in North India
● Some of the earliest bhakti movements (c. 6th
century) were led by the Alvars (literally, those who ● During 12th century, in North India deities such as
are ‘immersed’ in devotion to Lord Vishnu) and Vishnu and Shiva were worshipped in temples which
Nayanars (literally, leaders who were devotees of were usually built with the support of rulers.
Lord Shiva). They travelled from place to place ● Some historians believed that this was the period
singing hymns in Tamil in praise of their gods. when several Rajput states emerged in North India.
● During their travels, the Alvars and Nayanars ● Other religious leaders, who did not function within
identified certain shrines as abodes of their chosen the orthodox Brahmanical framework, were also
deities. emerged.
Many of these new religious leaders questioned the
Protest against the Caste System ●
authority of the Vedas and expressed themselves in

● The Alvars and Nayanars initiated a movement of languages spoken by ordinary people.
protest against the caste system and the dominance
of Brahmanas.
Islamic Traditions
Women Devotees ● Arab merchants, visited ports along the Western
● One of the most striking feature of these traditions coast in the first millennium CE, while Central Asian
was the presence of women as devotees. people settled in the North-Western parts of the sub-
continent during the same period.
● The compositions of Andal, a women Alvar, were
widely sung (and continue to be sung to date). Andal ● From the 7th century, with the advent of Islam, these
saw herself as the beloved of Vishnu. regions became part of the Islamic world.
● Karaikkal Ammaiyar, a devotee of Shiva, adopted Faiths of Rulers and Subjects
the path of extreme asceticism to attain her goal.
● In 711, an Arab general named Muhammad Qasim
Relations with the State conquered Sind, which became part of the Caliph’s
domain.
● There were several important chiefdoms in the Tamil
region in the early first millennium CE. ● Later (c. 13th century) the Turks and Afghans
established the Delhi Sultanate.
● From the second half of the first millennium, there is
evidence for states, including those of the Pallavas ● Muslim rulers were to be guided by the ulama, who
and Pandyas (c. 6th to 9th centuries CE). were expected to ensure that they ruled according to
the shari‘a.
● One of the major themes in Tamil bhakti hymns is the
poets’ opposition to Buddhism and Jainism. This The category of the zimmi, meaning protected,
ONE DAY REVISION
is particularly marked in the compositions of the developed for peoples who followed revealed
Nayanars. scriptures, such as the Jews and Christians and lived
under Muslim rulership.
The Virashaiva Tradition in Karnataka ● They paid a tax called jizya and gained the right to
● A new movement emerged in Karnataka in 12th be protected by Muslims.
century. It led by a Brahmana named Basavanna ● In India, this status was extended to Hindus as well.
(1106-68) who was initially a Jaina.
● The word silsila literally means a chain, signifying a

Shari’a
continuous link between master and disciple.
The shari’a is the law governing the Muslim community. It is
based on the Quran and the hadis, traditions of the Prophet ● This chain stretched as an unbroken spiritual link to
including a record of his remembered words and deeds. It the Prophet Muhammad.
evolved from qiyas (reasoning by analogy) and ijma (consensus
of the community). Outside the Khanqah
● Some sufis disrespected Khanqah and took to
The Popular Practice of Islam mendicancy (poorness) and observed celibacy
● Those who adopted Islam had accepted the five (self-restraint).
‘pillars’ of the faith ● They ignored rituals and observed extreme forms of
(i) there is one God, Allah and Prophet Muhammad is asceticism. They were known by different name like
his messenger (shahada). Qalandars, Madaris, Malangs, Haidaris, etc.
(ii) Offering prayers five times a day (namaz /salat
(iii) Giving alms (zakat) The Chishtis in the Sub-continent
(iv) Fasting during the month of Ramzan (sawm) ● The Chishtis who migrated to India in the late twelfth
century were most influential among all the groups
(v) Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj ). of Sufi. They adapted successfully to the local
● Arab Muslim traders who settled along the Malabar environment and adopted several features of Indian
coast (Kerala) adopted the local language, Malayalam. devotional traditions.
The blend of Islam with local traditions was evident in
Life in the Chishti Khanqah
●
the architecture of mosques.

● The khanqah was the centre of social life. Shaikh
Names for Communities Nizamuddin’s had his hospice (c.14th century) on
● Historians who have studied Sanskrit texts and the banks of the river Yamuna in Ghiyaspur, on the
inscriptions dating between the 8th and 14th edges of Delhi.
centuries, point out that the term musalman or Muslim ● It comprised several small rooms and a big hall
was never used. (jama’ at khana) where the inmates and visitors lived
● People were occasionally identified in terms of the and prayed.
region from which they came. The Turkish rulers were
Chishti Devotionalism : Ziyarat and
designated as Turushka, Tajika were people from
Tajikistan and Parashika were people from Persia.
Qawwali
Sometimes Turks and Afghans were referred as ● Ziyarat means pilgrimage to tombs of sufi saints,
Shakas and Yavanas was a term used for Greeks. was prevalent all over the Muslim world.
● This practice is an occasion for seeking the sufi’s
The Growth of Sufism spiritual grace (barakat).
● Sufis were a group of religious minded people. They ● The most respected shrine is that of khwaja
believed in asceticism and mysticism in protest Muinuddin, popularly known as Gharib Nawaz
against the growing materialism of the Caliphate. (comforter of the poor).
● They laid emphasis on seeking salvation through ● The earliest textual references to Khwaja
intense devotion and love for God by following his Muinuddin’s dargah date to the 14th century.
commands. ● It was evidently popular because of the austerity and
● They also followed the example of Prophet piety of its Shaikh, the greatness of his spiritual
Muhammad whom they regarded as a perfect human successors and the patronage of royal visitors.
being.
Amir Khusrau and the Qaul
Khanqahs and Silsilas
ONE DAY REVISION
Amir Khusrau (1253-1325), the great poet, musician and

● By the 11th century, Sufism evolved into a disciple of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya, gave a unique form to
well-developed movement. It had a body of literature the Chishti sama by introducing the qaul (Arabic word meaning
on Quranic studies and Sufi practices. ‘saying’), hymn sung at the opening or closing of qawwali.
● The Sufis began to organise communities around the

hospice or khanqah (Persian) controlled by a Languages and Communication
teaching master known as shaikh (in Arabic), pir or ● In Delhi, the Chishti silsila conversed in Hindavi, the
murshid (in Persian). language of the people.
● Sufi silsilas began to take form in different parts of the ● Sufis such as Baba Farid composed verses in the
Islamic world around the 12th century. local language, which were incorporated in the Guru
Granth Sahib.
● A different genre of sufi poetry was composed in and community of weavers of julahas, who were recently
around the town of Bijapur, Karnataka. These were converted to Islam.
short poems in Dakhani (a form of Urdu) attributed to
Chishti sufis who lived in this region during the 17th Baba Guru Nanak and the Sacred Word
and 18th centuries. ● Baba Guru Nanak (1469-1539) was born in a Hindu
merchant family in a village called Nankana Sahib.
Sufis and the State
● The message of Baba Guru Nanak is explained in his
● A major feature of the Chishti tradition was simplicity hymns and teachings. These suggest that he
and maintaining a distance from worldly power. advocated a form of nirguna bhakti.
● The sufis accepted grants and donations from the ● He rejected sacrifices, ritual baths, image worship,
political elites. simplicity and the scriptures of both Hindus and
● The Sultans in turn set-up charitable trusts (auqaf) as Muslims. For Baba Guru Nanak, the absolute or ‘rab‘
income for hospices and granted tax-free land (inam). had no gender or form.
● The Chishtis accepted donations in cash and kind. ● Baba Guru Nanak organised his followers into a
● They preferred to use donations for immediate community. He set-up rules for congregational
requirements such as food, clothes, living quarters worship (sangat) involving collective recitation.
and ritual necessities (such as sama ’). ● Guru Arjan compiled hymns of Baba Guru Nanak
along with his four successors and other religious
New Devotional Paths Dialogue and poets like Baba Farid, Ravidas (also known as
Dissent in Northern India Raidas) and Kabir, in the Adi Granth Sahib. These
hymns called gurbani, are composed in various
Weaving a Divine Fabric : Kabir languages.
● Kabir (c. 14th-15th centuries) is one of the most
Mirabai, the Devotee Princess
outstanding examples of a poet-saint who emerged
within this context. ● Mirabai (c.15th-16th centuries) is the best-known
women poet within the bhakti tradition.
● Verses belonged to Kabir have been compiled in
three distinct, but overlapping traditions. ● She was a Rajput princess from Merta in Marwar
who was married against her wishes to a prince of
● The Kabir Bijak is preserved by the Kabirpanth (the
the Sisodia clan of Mewar, Rajasthan.
path or sect of Kabir) in Varanasi and elsewhere in
Uttar Pradesh. ● She opposed her husband and did not accept the
traditional role of wife and mother. She instead
● The Kabir Granthavali is related with the Dadupanth
recognised Krishna, the avatar of Vishnu, as her lover.
in Rajasthan and many of his compositions are
found in the Adi Granth Sahib. Reconstructing Histories of
● Kabir’s poems have survived in several languages Religious Traditions
and dialects. Some of these are composed in the ● Historians use a variety of sources to reconstruct
special language of nirguna poets, the sant bhasha. histories of religious traditions. These include
● Others known as ulatbansi (upside down sayings), sculpture, architecture, stories about religious
are written in form in which everyday meanings are preceptors, compositions attributed to women and
inverted. men engaged in the quest of understanding the
● According to hagiographies within the Vaishnava nature of the Divine.
tradition, Kabirdas (Kabir itself is an Arabic work ● Textual traditions range from the simple, direct
meaning ‘great’) was born a Hindu, but he was language of the vachanas of Basavanna to the ornate
raised by a poor Muslim family belonging to the Persian of the farman of the Mughal emperors.
ONE DAY REVISION
● An Imperial Capital : Vijayanagara

(c. 14th to 16th Century)
● Vijayanagara or City of Victory was the name of The Discovery of Hampi
both a city and an empire. The empire was founded ● In 1800, an engineer and antiquarian named
in the 14th century. Colonel Colin Mackenzie discovered the ruins at
● It stretched from the river Krishna in the North to the Hampi.
extreme South of the peninsula. ● He prepared the first survey map of the site.
● Rediscovery of Vijayanagara started with excavations
at Hampi.
● In 1836, epigraphists began collecting several ● Many nayakas accepted the authority of the kings
inscriptions found at the Virupaksha temple and shrine of Vijayanagara, but they usually rebelled and
of Pampadevi and other temples at Hampi. brought under control by military action.
● The Amara-Nayaka system was a major political
Rayas, Nayakas and Sultans innovation of the Vijayanagara Empire. Many
● According to tradition and epigraphic evidence, two features of this system were derived from the iqta
brothers Harihara and Bukka, founded the system of the Delhi Sultanate.
Vijayanagara Empire in 1336. ● The amara-nayakas sent tribute to the king annually
● People of this empire spoke different languages and and personally appeared in the royal court with
followed different religious traditions. gifts to express their loyalty.
Kings and Traders Vijayanagara : The Capital and its

● During these times, warfare depended upon effective Environs
cavalry, so the import of horses from Arabia and ● Vijayanagara was characterised by a distinctive
Central Asia was very important for rival kingdoms. physical layout and building style.
● From 1498, the Portuguese started ariving on the
West coast of the sub-continent and attempted to Water Resources
establish trading and military stations. ● The most striking feature about the location of
● Vijayanagara was noted for its markets dealing in Vijayanagara is the natural basin formed by the
spices, textiles and many precious stones. river Tungabhadra which flows in a North-Easterly
direction.
The Apogee and Decline of the Empire ● This is one of the most arid zones of the peninsula,
● The sangama dynasty was the first dynasty, to thus elaborate arrangements had to be made to
exercise control till 1485. They were replaced by the store rainwater and transmit it to the city.
Saluvas, military commanders who remained in power ● The most important tank was built in the 15th
till 1503. Then they were replaced by the Tuluvas. century, called Kamalapuram tank.
● Krishnadeva Raya belonged to the Tuluva dynasty. ● One of the most prominent waterworks was the
His rule was characterised by expansion and Hiriya canal.
consolidation.
● Krishnadeva Raya is credited with building some fine Fortifications and Roads
temples and adding impressive gopurams to many ● Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador sent by the ruler of
important South Indian temples. Persia to Calicut (present-day Kozhikode) in the
● He founded a suburban township near Vijayanagara 15th century, was greatly impressed by the
called Nagalapuram after his mother. fortifications of Vijayanagara and mentioned about
the seven lines of forts.
● He composed a work statecraft in Telugu known as
Amuktamalyada. ● These fortifications not only surrounded the city but
also its agricultural hinterland and forests. The hills
● In 1565, Rama Raya, the Chief Minister of
surrounding the city were linked with the outermost
Vijayanagara, led the army into battle at
wall.
Rakshasi-Tangadi, (also known as Talikota).
● Abdur Razzaq noted that between the first, second
● Here, Rama Raya’s forces were defeated by the
and the third walls, there are cultivated fields,
combined Armies of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar and
gardens and houses.
Golconda. The victorious armies looted and destroyed
the city of Vijayanagara. The Urban Core/Trade Centres
The Rayas and the Nayakas ● Archaeologists have found fine Chinese
ONE DAY REVISION
porcelain in some areas, including in the

● Military chiefs usually controlled forts and had armed
North-Eastern corner of the urban core. They
supporters. These chiefs often moved from one area to
suggest that these areas may have been
another. In many cases they were accompanied by
occupied by rich traders.
peasants looking for fertile land on which they could
settle. ● Tombs and mosques located here have distinctive
functions. Their architecture resembles the
● These chiefs were known as nayakas and they usually
mandapas found in the temples of Hampi.
spoke Telugu or Kannada.
The Royal Centre The Sacred Centre

● The royal centre was located in the South-Western Tradition of Temple Building
part of the settlement. ● Temple building in the region had a long history,
● It included over 60 temples. It shows that support of going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas,
temples and cults was important for rulers who were Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Cholas.
trying to establish and approve their authority ● Rulers usually encouraged temple building as a
through association with the divinities (gods and means of associating themselves with the divine.
goddesses) housed in the shrines.
● Rulers viewed constructing, repairing and maintaining
The Mahanavami Dibba temples as important means to win support and
● The King’s palace is the largest of the buildings but recognition of their power, wealth and being religious.
there is no evidence that it was a royal residence. Gopurams and Mandapas
● .It has two of the most impressive platforms, usually ● Raya gopurams or royal gateways usually dominated
called the audience hall and the mahanavami the towers on the central shrines and signalled the
dibba. presence of the temple from a great distance.
● The entire complex is surrounded by high double ● They were also probably the symbol of the power of
walls with a street running between them. kings, who have authority of the resources,
● ‘Mahanavami dibba’ is located on one of the highest techniques and skills needed to construct these
points in the city. It is a massive platform rising from towering gateways.
a base of about 11000 sq. ft to a height of 40 ft. ● The Virupaksha temple was built over centuries. But,
● Rituals associated with the Mahanavami Dibba inscriptions suggest that the earliest shrine dated to
probably coincided with Mahanavami (literally, the 9th to 10th centuries. It was substantially developed
great ninth day) of the ten-day Hindu festival during with the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire.
the autumn months of September and October. This ● In Vitthala temple, the principle diety was Vithala, a
day is known variously as Dussehera (Northern form of Vishnu generally worshipped in Maharashtra.
India), Durga Puja (in Bengal) and Navaratri or It indicate that rulers of Vijayanagara used different
Mahanavami (in peninsular India). traditions to create an imperial culture.
Lotus Mahal
● The Lotus Mahal is one of the most beautiful Plotting Palaces, Temples and
building in the royal centre. It was as named by Bazaars
British travellers in the 19th century.
● In 1976, Hampi was recognised as a site of national
● Most of the temples were located in the sacred importance. In the early 1980s, an important project
centre, but there were several temples in the royal was launched to document and record the material
centre as well. One of the most spectacular of these remains at Vijayanagara in detail.
is Hazara Rama temple. It was probably meant to
● John M Fritz, George Michell and MS Nagaraja Rao,
be used only by the king and his family.
who worked for years at the site of Vijayanagara.
ONE DAY REVISION
THE
QUALIFIERS
Chapterwise Set of MCQs to Check Preparation
Level of Each Chapter
Part-I : Themes in Indian History

1. Bricks, Beads and Bones
1. The Harappan terracotta models of plough have been found at which of the following
sites situated in Pakistan?
(a) Cholistan (b) Banawali
(c) Kalibangan (d) Shortughai
2. A distinctive type of vessel, a large Harappan jar coated with a thick layer of black clay
has been found at which of the following place?
(a) Meluhha (b) Dilmun
(c) Magan (d) Omani
3. Harappan seals usually have a line of writing, probably contains the ……… .
(a) Name of the owner (b) Title of the owner
(c) Address of the owner (d) Both (a) and (b)
4. Who among the following is also known as father of Indian Archaeology?

(a) John Marshall (b) Alexander Cunningham
(c) REM Wheeler (d) RS Bisht
5. Which pair is not correct?

(a) Lothal–Gujarat (b) Nageshwar–Maharashtra
(c) Banawali–Haryana (d) Kalibangan–Rajasthan
6. Identify the construction found in Harappan civilisation.

1. It was a large rectangular tank.
THE QUALIFIER
2. It was in a courtyard surrounded by a corridor on all four sides.

3. There were rooms on three sides.
4. Water from the tank flowed into a huge drain.
Codes
(a) The Great Tank (b) The Great Bath
(c) The Great Washroom (d) None of these
7. Consider the following statements and select the incorrect one.

(a) The Indus Valley Civilisation is also called the Harappan culture.
(b) The Harappans ate a wide range of plants only
(c) Traces of canals have been found at the site of Shortughai.
(d) A water reservoir was found in Dholavira.
8. Match the following.

List I List II
A. Excavations began at Mohenjodaro 1. 1946
B. R.E.M. Wheeler excavates at Harappa 2. 1925
C. S.R Rao begans excavations at Lothal 3. 1960
D. B.B Lal and B.K Thapar began excavation at Kalibangan 4. 1955
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 1 4 3
(c) 4 3 2 1 (d) 1 4 3 2
9. Match the following

List I List II
A. Shortughai 1. Pakistan
B. Khetri 2. Afghanistan
C. Meluhha 3. Rajasthan
D. Kot Diji 4. Mesopotamia
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 4 1 3 2
(c) 2 3 4 1 (d) 1 3 4 2
10. Identify the Harappan evidence.

1. It was not alphabetical.
2. It had many signs, i.e. between 375 and 400.
3. It was written from right to left.
4. It was not deciphered.
Codes
(a) Harappan seals (b) Harappan coins (c) Harappan scripts (d) None of these
11. Assertion (A) Seals were used to facilitate long-distance communication in Harappan
THE QUALIFIER
civilisation.
Reason (R) If the bag of goods reached with its sealing intact, it meant that it had not
been tampered with.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
12. Assertion (A) Nageshwar and Balakot were specialised centres for making shell
objects.
Reason (R) These two settlements were near the coast.
Codes
13.
The given image of Harappan stone statue ‘priest king’ is similar with the ‘priest king’
of ……… .
(a) Oman (b) Greece
(c) Mesopotamia (d) Afghanistan
14. Consider the following statements and suggest the incorrect one.
(a) People of Harappan civilisation worshipped many gods and goddesses.
(b) The caste system was present in the society.
(c) All people lived together with mutual love and understanding.
(d) Women had a high position in the society.
15. Consider the following statements and select the correct one.
(a) The Harappan people used bricks of standardised ratio.
(b) Economic life of the people was very prosperous.
THE QUALIFIER
(c) Mohenjodaro was the most well-known urban site of the Harappan civilisation.
(d) Harappan was the first site to be discovered.
Answers
1 (a) 2 (d) 3 (d) 4 (b) 5 (b) 6 (b) 7 (b) 8 (b) 9 (c) 10 (c)
11 (a) 12 (a) 13 (c) 14 (b) 15 (b)
2. Kings, Farmers and Towns

1. ..................... are the writings engraved on hard surfaces such as stone, metal or pottery.
(a) Inscriptions (b) Epigraphy
(c) Calligraphy (d) Manuscripts
2. Few inscriptions mentioned a king referred to as Piyadassi which meant pleasant to

behold. Who among the following king was known as Piyadassi?
(a) Samudragupta (b) Chandragupta I
(c) Ashoka (d) Kanishka
3. Which century is often regarded as a major turning point in an early Indian history and
is an era associated with early states, cities development of coins etc.?
(a) Fifth century BCE (b) Sixth century BCE
(c) Seventh century BCE (d) Eight century BCE
4. What does the term Mahajanapadas symbolises?

(a) Amalgamation of large number of rural and urban settlements.
(b) Separation of a large number of rural and urban settlements.
(c) Single state with single ruler.
(d) None of the above

State Capital
A. Anga 1. Rajgir
B. Magadha 2. Champa
C. Kashi 3. Varanasi
D. Vatsa 4. Kaushambi
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 3 4 (b) 1 2 4 3
(c) 2 4 3 1 (d) 1 2 3 4

A. Gahapati 1. Plough men
B. Vellalar 2. Head of a house
C. Uzhavar 3. Land owner
D. Adimai 4. Slaves
Codes
THE QUALIFIER
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 3 1 4
(c) 4 1 2 3 (d) 2 1 3 4
7. Which king is depicted in the coins?
(a) Kanishka (b) Ashoka

(c) Chandragupta Maurya (d) None of these
8. Which one of the following pairs is incorrectly matched?

(a) Magadha – Most powerful Mahajanapada
(b) Puhar – On a land trade route
(c) Rajagaha – Fortified settlement
(d) Suvarnagiri – Goldmine in Tamil Nadu
9. Identify the name of the historian from the following informations.

1. He was an officer in the mint of the East India Company.
2. He deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi, two scripts used in the earliest inscriptions
and coins.
3. His findings gave a new direction to investigations into early Indian political history.
(a) James Prinsep (b) John Marshall (c) A Cunningham (d) Rakhal Das Banerji
10. Identify the ruler.

1. He was one of the most famous ruler known from Buddha texts.
2. He was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya.
3. He tried to hold his empire together by propagating Dhamma.
(a) Chandragupta I (b) Bimbisara (c) Ashoka (d) Samudragupta
11. Assertion (A) : Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of Mauryan Empire.
Reason (R) : Magadha was the most powerful Mahajanapada between the sixth and
fourth centuries BCE.
Codes
THE QUALIFIER
12. Assertion (A) : Very large size statues of Kushana rulers have been found
from many places.
Reason (R) : The Kushana rulers considered themselves as son of God.
Codes
13. Which of the following statements is not correct?

(a) The first gold coin was issued by Kushanas.
(b) The first coins to bear the names and images of rulers were issued by Indo-Greeks.
(c) Copper coins were issued by tribal republics.
(d) Punch-marked coins were only made of copper.
14. Select the correct statement.

(a) Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts are not deciphered till today.
(b) Mahavira and Buddha did not belong to ganas.
(c) Arthashastra was written by Kautilya.
(d) Taxila was famous for the goldmines.

(a) Most Ashokan inscriptions were in the Prakrit language.
(b) Chandragupta II was the founder of Mauryan Empire.
(c) Many Kushana rulers adopted the title ‘Devaputra’.
(d) An Agrahara was a land granted to Brahmana.
Answers
1 (a) 2 (c) 3 (b) 4 (a) 5 (a) 6 (b) 7 (a) 8 (d) 9 (a) 10 (c)
11 (b) 12 (a) 13 (d) 14 (c) 15 (b)
3. Kinship, Caste and Class

1. Which among the following contains a list of successive generations of teachers and
students many of whom were designated by metronymics?
(a) Brihadranayaka Upanishads
(b) Ken Upanishads
(c) Katha Upanishads
(d) Aitareya Upanishads
2. Which of the following rulers were identified through the names derived from their
mother?
(a) Pandavas (b) Satavahana
(c) Cholas (d) Kauravas
3. The earliest sculptural depictions of scenes from Mahabharata is represented on a

terracotta sculpture from the walls of a temple in Ahichchhatra located in which state?
(a) Rajasthan (b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Haryana (d) Maharashtra
THE QUALIFIER
4. Brahmans laid the ideal order in Dharmasutra and classified which group(s) at the
bottom of the social order?
(a) Vaishya (b) Shudra
(c) Untouchables (d) Both (b) and (c)

List I List II
A. Gotra 1. Lineage
B. Vanik 2. Common descendants of Vedic seer
C. Polygyny 3. Practice of a man having several wives
D. Vamsha 4. Merchants
Codes
A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 4 3 1 (b) 4 2 3 1 (c) 1 2 4 3 (d) 3 4 2 1

(a) Brahmanas were supposed to study and teach the Vedas.
(b) Kshatriyas were expected to engage in agriculture.
(c) Vaishyas were to engage in warfare.
(d) Shudras were engaged in any work which they liked.
7. Picture based question.
The above silver coin depicts a Shaka ruler of ……… century CE.
(a) Second (b) Third (c) Fourth (d) Fifth

List I List II
A. Endogamy 1. Practice in which one man has several wives
B. Exogamy 2. Marriage within the same family unit living in the same locality
C. Polyandry 3. Practice in which one woman has several husbands
D. Polygyny 4. Marriage outside the family unit
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 1 4 2 (b) 2 4 3 1
(c) 1 4 3 2 (d) 3 1 4 2
THE QUALIFIER
9. Identify the social category of people from the informations given below.
1. They were placed at the very bottom of hierarchy.
2. Their task was to handle corpses and dead animals.
3. They had to live outside the village, use discarded utensils and wear clothes of the
dead and ornaments of iron.
4. They could not walk in villages and cities at night.
(a) Chandals (b) Vaishyas (c) Shudras (d) None of these
10. Identify the text.

1. The text included over 100,000 verses.
2. The original story was composed by charioteer-bards known as Sutas.
3. The Sanskrit used in this text was far simpler than that of Vedas.
4. It was one of the great epics of India.
(a) Ramayana (b) Mahabharata (c) Purana (d) Manusmriti
11. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

(a) Dharmasutras – c. 500–200 BCE
(b) Tripitaka – c. 500–100 BCE
(c) Ramayana and Mahabharata – c. 500 BCE–400 CE
(d) Manusmriti – c. 200 BCE–100 CE
12. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

(a) Critical edition of Mahabharata – V.S. Sukthankar
(b) ‘Vamsha’ is used to designate – Family
(c) Exogamy refers to – Marriage within the unit
(d) Best known ruler of Satavahana – Gotami-puta sami-Siri-Yana-Satakani
13. Assertion (A) The practice of endogamy meant that marrying daughters into families
outside the kin was considered desirable.
Reason (R) Daughters had no claims to the resources of the household according to the
Manusmriti.
Codes
14. Assertion (A) The Manusmriti is considered the most important of the Dharmasutras
and Dharmashastras.
Reason (R) It lays down codes of social behaviour in great detail.
Codes
15. Consider the following statements and choose the correct answer.
(a) The original version of the Mahabharata is in Sanskrit.
(b) According to the Dharmasutras, there is no rules about the ideal occupations of the four
THE QUALIFIER
categories.
(c) In Brahmanical theory, only varna was based on birth.
(d) According to Shashtras, both Brahmins and Kshatriyas could be the rulers.
Answers
1 (a) 2 (b) 3 (b) 4 (d) 5 (a) 6 (a) 7 (c) 8 (b) 9 (a) 10 (b)
11 (d) 12 (a) 13 (d) 14 (a) 15 (a)
4. Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings

1. The Rigveda consists of hymns in praise of a variety of dieties. Select the correct option
regarding the statement.
(a) Agni, Indra, Soma (b) Agni, Usha, Rudra
(c) Agni, Surya, Varuna (d) Agni, Yama, Vishnu
2. Which of the following included rules and regulations for those who joined the Sangha
or monastic order?
(a) Dipavamsa (b) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(c) Sutta Pitaka (d) Vinay Pitaka
3. The Chhandogya Upanishad, a text in Sanskrit was composed in

(a) c Fourth Century BCE (b) c Fifth Century BCE
(c) c Sixth Century BCE (d) c Seventh Century BCE
4. Name the text which describes stories of Queen Kamalavati.

(a) Abhidhamma Pitaka (b) Uttaradhyayana Sutta
(c) Dipavamsa (d) None of these
5. Which of the following is correct regarding Harmika?

(a) A balcony like structure (b) Semi circular mound of Earth
(c) A high wall of palace (d) A gateway of a stupa
6. Identify the name of the writing from the information given below.
1. It is a biography of saint.
2. It praise the achievement of saint.
3. It may not always be literally accurate.
Codes
(a) Hagiography (b) Autobiography (c) Biography (d) None of these
7.
THE QUALIFIER
The above statue of Shalabhanjika is found in .....

(a) Sanchi Stupa (b) Amravati
(c) Bodh Gaya (d) Sarnath
8. Assertion (A) Sanchi Stupa stands testimony to the successful restoration and
preservation of a key archaeological site by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Reason (R) The rulers of Bhopal, Shahjahan Begum and her successor Sultan Jahan
Begum, provided money for the preservation of Sanchi stupa.
Codes
9. Identify the school of thought.

1. The world is transient and constantly changing.
2. The world is soulless.
3. Sorrow is intrinsic to human existence.
4. Righteous action is a means to escape from the cycle of rebirth.
Codes
(a) Buddhism (b) Jainism
(c) Charvaka (d) None of these
10. Assertion (A) Buddhism grew rapidly as it appealed to many people dissatisfied with
existing religious practices.
Reason (R) In Buddhism, the importance is attached to conduct and values rather than
claims of superiority based on birth.
Codes

List-I List-I
A. Chaitya 1. Contains relics of Buddha
B. Vihara 2. Prayer hall for the Buddhist monks
C. Sangha 3. Dwelling place of Buddhist monks
D. Stupa 4. Organisation of monks
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 4 3 (b) 1 4 3 2
(c) 2 3 4 1 (d) 3 4 2 1
THE QUALIFIER
12. Which of the following pairs is incorrect?

(a) Shahjahan Begum – Ruler of Bhopal
(b) Zarathustra – Iran
(c) Vinaya Pitaka – Rules and regulations of Sangha
(d) Dipavamsa – Jaina texts

List I List II
A. The world is transient 1. Self-punishment
B. The world is soulless 2. Anatta
C. The world is full of sorrows 3. Anicca
D. The path of moderation 4. Dukkha
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 3 2 4 1 (d) 1 4 3 2
14. Consider the following statements and suggest the incorrect one.
(a) Mahavira was preceded by 24 tirthankaras.
(b) Both Mahavira and Buddha emphasised that men and women could strive to attain
liberation from trials and tribulations of wordly experience.
(c) The Rigveda consists of hymn in praise of variety of deities.
(d) The Buddha’s foster mother Mahapajapati Gotami was the first Bhikkhuni.
15. Which one of the following is correct?

(a) The most important idea of Jainism is that the entire world is animated.
(b) The empty seat indicated the knowledge of the Buddha.
(c) Two sects of Jainism are accepted in India.
(d) All of the above
Answers
1 (a) 2 (d) 3 (c) 4 (b) 5 (a) 6 (a) 7 (a) 8 (a) 9 (a) 10 (a)
11 (c) 12 (d) 13 (c) 14 (a) 15 (a)
Part-II : Themes in Indian History

5. Bhakti-Sufi Traditions
1. The followers of Basavanna came to be known as .................... .
(a) Virashaivas (b) Nayanars (c) Alvars (d) Buddhists
2. Nalayira Divya Prabandham is a text that belongs to which of the following?

(a) Nayanars (b) Jainas (c) Alvars (d) Buddhists
THE QUALIFIER
3. The Thanjavur temple was constructed under the patronage of ..........

(a) Chola rulers (b) Chalukya rulers (c) Pandya rulers (d) Both (a) and (b)
4. Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi was a major religious teacher that belonged to which of the
following state?
(a) Delhi (b) Haryana (c) Agra (d) Bhopal
5. Picture based question
Lord Jagannatha with his sister Subhadra and brother Balarama are worshipped in the
famous temple at ............................ .
(a) Puri, Orissa (b) Mysore, Karnataka
(c) Dakshineswar, West Bengal (d) Deoghar, Jharkhand

List I List II
A. Shaikh Muinuddin Sijzi 1. Delhi
B. Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki 2. Ajmer
C. Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya 3. Ajodhan
D. Shaikh Fariduddin Ganj-i-Shakar 4. Delhi
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 3 4 (b) 1 2 3 4
(c) 4 3 2 1 (d) 1 4 3 2
7. Identify the devotee of Bhakti Tradition

1. She was a Rajput princess.
2. She was married her wishes to a prince of Sisodia clan of Mewar.
3. She defied her husband.
4. She considered lord Krishna as her lover.
THE QUALIFIER
(a) Mirabai (b) Ahilyabai

(c) Ramabai (d) None of these
8. Choose the correct statement regarding Virashaivas

(a) It means ‘heroes of Shiva’. (b) They question the theory of birth.
(c) They believed in casteism. (d) They believed in theory of death.
9. Identify the personality

1. He laid the foundation of the Khalsa Panth.
2. He considered Sikh community as a socio-religious and military force.
3. He bestowed the Sikhs with five distinct symbols.
4. He compiled the compositions of the ninth guru Guru Tegh Bahadur in Guru
Granth Sahib.
(a) Guru Arjan Dev (b) Guru Gobind Singh
(c) Guru Harpal Singh (d) None of these
10. Which pair is incorrect?

(a) Guru Nanak ® Nankana Sahib (b) Kabir ® Varanasi
(c) Mirabai ® Mewar (d) Sankardeva ® Nadia
11. Assertion (A) Earliest Bhakti movements were led by the Alvars and Nayanars.
Reason (R) Both Alvars and Nayanars travelled from place to place singing hymns in
Tamil in praise of their gods.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
12. Assertion (A) Lingayats did not practice funerary rites.

Reason (R) Lingayats believed that on death the devotees will be united with Shiva
and will not return to this world.
Codes

List I List II
A. Ziyarat 1. Sufi’s spiritual grace
B. Barakat 2. Conversation of Sufi saints
C. Malfuzat 3. Written collection of letters
D. Maktubat 4. Pilgrimage
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3 (b) 4 2 1 3
THE QUALIFIER
(c) 1 2 3 4 (d) 2 1 3 4
14. Choose the incorrect one from the following:

(a) They challenged the idea of caste.
(b) They questioned the theory of birth.
(c) They encouraged the practices approved in Dharmashastras.
(d) They did not practice funerary rites.
15. Consider the following statements and choose the correct one
(a) Virashaiva tradition is derived from Vachanas composed in Kannada.
(b) Alvars were reversed by Vella peasants.
(c) Gangaikonda Cholapuram was constructed under the patronage of Chalukya rulers.
(d) Basavanna was a minister in the court of Chola rulers.
Answers
1 (a) 2 (a) 3 (a) 4 (b) 5 (a) 6 (a) 7 (a) 8 (a) 9 (b) 10 (d)
11 (b) 12 (a) 13 (a) 14 (c) 15 (a)
6. An Imperial Capital : Vijayanagara

1. Who was the writer of the book ‘Amuktamalyada’, a book on statecraft?
(a) Krishnadeva Raya (b) Rama Raya
(c) Harihara (d) Bukka
2. Abdur Razzaq was an ambassador sent by the ruler of ........................ .

(a) Persia (b) Russia
(c) Portugal (d) Germay
3. Who among the following took the first detailed photographs of archaeological
remains at Hampi ?
(a) Domingo Paes (b) John Marshal
(c) Alexander green law (d) J.F. Fleet
4. Who among the following travellers described the houses of ordinary people of
Vijaynagara?
(a) Fa-hien (b) Al-Masudi
(c) Duarte Barbosa (d) Domingo Paes
5. Identify the deity of the Vijayanagara

1. He is a form of Shiva.
2. Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule on behalf of him.
3. All royal orders were signed on his name.
4. A famous temple is situated in Vijayanagar in his name.
Codes
(a) Pampadevi (b) Virupaksha
(c) Brihadishvara (d) Vitthala
6. Consider the following statements and suggest the incorrect one about Krishnadeva
Raya.
THE QUALIFIER
(a) He was famous for his literary skill.

(b) He composed Amuktamalyada in Telugu.
(c) He consolidated and expanded his empire.
(d) He belonged to Saluva dynasty.
7. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Rama Raya?

1. He was successor of Krishnadeva Raya.
2. He was the Chief minister of Vijayanagara.
3. He had tremendous military skills.
4. He never defeated in any battle.
Codes
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) All of these
8.
Which statements are correct regarding the above picture?

1. It is a beautiful statue of Krishnadeva Raya.
2. It is placed on the gopuram of the temple, Chidambaram.
3. This temple is situated at Tamil Nadu.
4. This is the way the ruler wanted to project himself.
Codes
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) All of these
9. Read the following statements and identify it.

1. It is a high platform with slots for wooden pillars.
2. Wooden pillars are at close and regular intervals.
3. It had a staircase going up to the second floor.
4. The pillars are being closely spaced.
(a) Prayer hall (b) Audience hall
(c) Mahanavami Dibba (d) None of these

List I List II
A. Harihara and Bukka 1. Tuluva dynasty
THE QUALIFIER
B. Krishnadeva Raya 2. Saluva dynasty

C. Narsimha Deva Raya 3. Sangama dynasty
D. Rama Deva Raya 4. Aravidu dynasty
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 1 4 3
(c) 3 1 2 4 (d) 1 3 4 2
11. Assertion (A) Vitthala temple is very famous in Vijayanagar empire.

Reason (R) This Vishnu temple tells us how the rulers of Vijayanagara drew on
different traditions to create an imperial culture.
Codes
12. Assertion (A) Amara-nayaka system was a major political innovation of the
Vijayanagara empire.
Reason (R) The Amara-nayakas were military commanders who were given territories
by the Raya.
Codes

List I List II
A. Gajapati rulers 1. Karnataka
B. Sultans 2. Tamil Nadu
C. Cholas 3. Orissa
D. Hoysalas 4. Deccan
Codes
(a) 3 4 2 1 (b) 3 2 4 1 (c) 4 3 2 1 (d) 2 1 3 4
14. Select the incorrect pair

(a) Vitthala ® Vishnu (b) Virupaksha ® Shiva
(c) Brihadishvara ® Krishna (d) Pampadevi ® Mother Goddess of Hampi
(a) The most famous ruler of Vijayanagara was Krishnadeva Raya.
(b) Krishnadeva Raya founded a suburban township after his father’s name.
(c) His successors were troubled by rebellious military chiefs.
(d) He wrote the book ‘Amuktamalyada’ in Telegu.
Answers
THE QUALIFIER
1 (a) 2 (a) 3 (c) 4 (c) 5 (b) 6 (d) 7 (b) 8 (d) 9 (b) 10 (c)
11 (a) 12 (b) 13 (a) 14 (c) 15 (b)
Latest CBSE
SAMPLE PAPER
Latest Sample Question Paper for Class XII (Term I)
Issued by CBSE on 2 Sept 2021
History Class 12 (Term I)

Instructions
(i) The paper has been divided into four sections – A, B, C and D.
(ii) Section A contains 24 questions. Attempt any 20 questions.
(iii) Section B contains 22 Questions. Attempt any 18 questions.
(iv) Section C contains two Case based Questions with 12 questions Attempt any 10 questions.
(v) Section D contains Questions 59 & 60 which are Map Based Questions. Both the questions
have to be attempted
(vi) All questions carry equal marks.
(vii) There will be no negative marking.
Maximum Marks : 40 Time : 90 Minutes
Section A
This section contains 24 questions in total. Attempt any 20 questions.
1. Who among the following was the author of book ‘The Story of Indian Archaeology’?
(a) R E M Wheeler (b) John Marshall
(c) SN Roy (d) Rakhal Das Banerjee
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2. Who among the following was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey
of India (ASI)?
(a) Alexender Cunningham (b) Harold Hargreaves
(c) Daya Ram Sahni (d) John Marshall
3. Which one among the following religious practices was seemed to be unfamiliar and
unusual with the Harrapan culture?
(a) Mother Goddess (b) Priest King
(c) Yogic posture seal (d) Sanskritic Yajnas
4. Which of the following is the oldest stupa in India and was commissioned by the
Mauryan King Ashoka?
(a) Shanti Stupa (b) Amaravati Stupa
(c) Sanchi Stupa (d) Nagarjuna Konda Stupa
5. Which one of the following aspects describes the meaning of ‘Tirthankaras’ in Jainism?
(a) Supreme Being who is the incarnation of God
(b) Those who guide men and women across the river of existence
(c) Those who follow the path of Vedanta asceticism
(d) Those who know the ultimate truth and dharma
6. Which of the following empires issued gold coins for the very first time in first
century CE?
(a) Gupta Empire (b) Maurya Empire
(c) Kushana Empire (d) Yaudheya Empire
7. Which of the following cities of the Harappan Civilisation was exclusively devoted to
craft production of shell objects?
(a) Kotdiji (b) Kalibangan (c) Manda (d) Chanhudaro
8. Who among the following was the composer of ‘Prayaga Prashasti’?

(a) Kalidasa (b) Kalhana
(c) Harisena (d) Banabhatta
9. In the domestic architecture of Harappa there were no windows in the walls along the
ground level. Identify the possible cause mentioned by the archaeologists from the
following options.
(a) It was a custom. (b) To maintain privacy
(c) No concern of ventilation. (d) Part of unplanned process
10. The composition of the Mahabharata has been traditionally attributed to a Rishi.
Identify his name from the following options.
(a) Rishi Kanada (b) Rishi Kapila (c) Rishi Agastya (d) Rishi Vyasa
11. Who among the following travelled in Vijayanagara Empire in the fifteenth century
and was greatly impressed by the fortification of the empire?
(a) Duarte Barbosa (b) Abdur Razzak
(c) Colin Mackenzie (d) Domingo Paes
12. Who among the following was the first woman to be ordained as a Bhikkhuni?
(a) Mahapajapati Gotami (b) Yasodhara
(c) Mahamaya (d) Dhammananda
13. Which of the following statements is correct regarding Mahnavami Dibba?

(a) Mahnavami Dibba was part of ‘The King’s Palace Complex’.
(b) Mahnavami Dibba was a part of Sacred Centre.
(c) Mahnavami Dibba was a ‘Counselling Hall’.
(d) Mahnavami Dibba was a ‘Discussion Hall’.
14. Krishnadeva Raya belonged to which of the following dynasties?

(a) Sangama (b) Tuluva (c) Aravidu (d) Suluva
15. ‘The mid-first millennium BCE is often regarded as a turning point in world history’.
Which of the following is a significant aspect related to the statement?
(a) Thinkers of the world tried to understand mysteries of existence
(b) Development and expansion of the usage of coins
(c) Emergence of early state in the form of Mahajanapadas
(d) Ganas and Sanghas were assisted by standing armies
16. Who among the following Gurus of Sikhs compiled Shree Guru Adi Granth Sahib?
(a) Guru Teg Bahadur (b) Guru Arjan Dev
(c) Guru Nanak Dev (d) Guru Gobind Singh
17. Why is the Harappan script called enigmatic? Choose the correct reason from the
following options :
(a) It resembles the Hieroglyphic script of Egypt.
(b) It had too many symbols, between 600 and 1000 in number.
(c) It was written from left to right.
(d) Its script remains undeciphered till date
18. Who among the following was the best-known ruler of the Satavahana dynasty?
(a) Yagnasri Satakarni (b) Simuka Satakarni
(c) Gotami-puta Siri-Satakarni (d) Vashisthaputra Satakarni
19. Fill in the blank

The compilation of Vinaya Pitaka, the Sutta Pitaka and the Abhidhamma Pitaka are
called as…….
(a) Dipavamsa (b) Tipitaka
(c) Mahavamsa (d) Asokvadana
20. Which one of the following temples was used only by Vijayanagara rulers and their
families?
(a) The Vitthala Temple (b) The Virupaksha Temple
(c) The Hazara Rama Temple (d) The Raghunatha Temple
21. Who among the following was the author of the book ‘Arthashastra’?
(a) Bimbisara (b) Ajatshatru
(c) Chanakya (d) Bindusar
22. Which of the following languages were spoken by Rayas and Nayakas in the
Vijaynagara Empire?
(a) Malayalam and Telugu (b) Kannada and Telugu
(c) Tamil and Telugu (d) Sanskrit and Telugu
23. Which one of the following battles weakened Vijayanagara kingdom?

(a) Battle of Talikotta (b) Battle of Panipat
(c) Battle of Mysore (d) Battle of Travancore
24. Who among the following Begums provided money for the preservation of the Sanchi
stupa?
(a) Shahjehan Begum (b) Nur Jahan Begum
(c) Rukaiyya Begum (d) Nur-un-Nissa Begum
Section B
25. Which of the following options given in Sangam text accurately describes ‘ Vellalar‘
and ‘Adimai’, as two categories of peasants in South Indian villages?
(a) Vellelar, a ploughman and Adimai as landowner
(b) Vellelar, a landowner and Adimai as peasant
(c) Vellelar, a Peasant and Adimai as landlord
(d) Vellelar, a landowner and Adimai as slave
26. Read the following information and identify the practitioners of a sub-discipline of
archaeology.
They are the specialists in ancient animal remains. They tried to study and understand
the Harappans subsistence strategies through animal bones and found at Harappan
sites and indicated that Harappan domesticated few animals.
(a) Archaeo- Botanist (b) Archaeo-Zoologist
(c) Geo-Archaeologists (d) Anthropologists
27. Which of the following pairs associated with Buddha’s symbolic representation is
incorrect?
(a) Empty seat – Meditation of Buddha (b) Wheel- Sermon of Buddha
(c) Bodhi Tree- Birth of Buddha (d) Stupa- Mahaparinibbana
28. Identify the character of Mahabharata with the help of the following information.
• Guru or Mentor of Kaurvas and Pandvas
• Did not accept Eklavya as his disciple
(a) Guru Vashsishtha (b) Guru Vyasa
(c) Guru Sandeepni (d) Guru Dronacharya
29. Which of the following statements about Mahajanpadas are correct?

I. Mahajanapadas were Magadha, Koshala, Gandhara and Avanti only.
II. Most Mahajanpadas were ruled by kings.
III. Some, known as ganas or sanghas, were oligarchies ruled under rajas.
IV. Each Mahajanpada had a capital city, which was often fortified.
Options :
(a) I,II and II (b) II,III and IV (c) I,III and IV (d) I,II and IV
30. Two statements are given in the question below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read
the statements and choose the appropriate option.
Assertion (A) From c. 500 BCE norms were compiled in Sanskrit texts known as the
Reason (R) Brahmanas laid the codes of social behaviour for the society in general.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
31. Which of the following options is the most probable explanation for the incorporation
of the ’Shalabhanjika’ Motif in the Sanchi Stupa?
(a) Mahapari nibbana (b) Strength and wisdom
(c) Auspicious symbol (d) Religious idol
32. Consider the following statements.

I. The Harappan civilisation was the development of urban centres.
II. The most distinctive features of Harappan cities were the carefully planned
drainage system.
III. Harrapan roads and streets were laid out along an approximate ‘grid’ pattern.
Which of the above statement (s) is/are correct about Harappan Civilisation?
(a) Only I (b) Only II (c) I and II (d) All of these
33. Identify the character of Mahabharata with the help of the following information.
• Belonged to the Rakshasa clan • Married with Bheema
• Mother of Ghatotkacha
(a) Hidimba (b) Subhadra (c) Draupadi (d) Gandhari
34. He was called as ‘Devanampiya’ and Piyadassi’. He ruled the Indian subcontinent from
c. 268 to 232 BCE. He is remembered for the propagation of Dhamma.
Who among the following rulers has been described in the above information?
(a) Ashoka (b) Chandragupta Maurya
(c) Samudra Gupta (d) Ajatshatru

Archaeologists Role / Contributions
A. Alexander Cunningham 1. Discovered seals at Harappa
B. Daya Ram Sahni 2. First Director-General of ASI
C. John Marshall 3. Brought a military precision in archaeology
D. R E M Wheeler 4. Announced the discovery of a new civilisation
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 1 2 3 4 (d) 1 3 2 4
36. Which of the following informations is/are correct about the Vijayanagara empire?
I. Its first dynasty was the Sangama dynasty.
II. Tuluvas were replaced by the Aravidu .
III. Krishnadeva Raya belonged to the Suluva dynasty.
IV. Harihara and Bukka were from Aravidu dynasty.
Codes
(a) II and III (b) I and III (c) I and IV (d) I and II
37. The twelfth century witnessed the emergence of a new movement as Virashaiva
tradition. This continues to be an important community in the region to date. Our
understanding of this tradition is derived from vachanas composed by women and
men who joined the movement. Which of the following statements is correct about this
tradition?
(a) It emerged in Kerala.
(b) It was led by a Basavanna .
(c) Their followers were known Nayanars.
(d) They supported the idea of caste and theory of rebirth.
38. Which one of the following is a correct pair?

List-I (Rulers) List-II (Regions)
(a) Cholas – Tamil Nadu
(b) Hoysalas – Orissa
(c) Sultans – Karnataka
(d) Gajapati – Deccan
39. Read the following information given in the box carefully.

• She was a Rajput princess from Merta in Marwar.
• She considered Lord Krishna as her lover.
Identify the name of the devotee of Saguna Bhakti from the following options
(a) Andal (b) Gargi (c) Mirabai (d) Maitreyi
40. Read the following statements:

I. Krishnadeva Raya’s rule was characterised by expansion and consolidation.
II. There was peace and prosperity in his empire.
III. He was credited with building some fine temples.
IV. He was defeated in the Battle of Rakshi Tangadi.
Which of the above statements is/are related to Krishnadeva Raya?
(a) Only I (b) I, II and III (c) II, III and IV (d) I, III and IV
41. Fill in the blank.

Strategy used by Harappans for procuring raw materials may have been to send
expeditions to areas such as the .............. region of Rajasthan (for copper) and South
India (for gold).
Select the appropriate option.
(a) Khetri (b) Alvar (c) Vagad (d) Marwar
42. Which one of the following teachings is not associated with the teachings of Mahavira
or Jaina philosophy?
(a) The entire world is animated.
(b) Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
(c) The cycle of birth and rebirth is not related to Karma.
(d) Monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.
43. Which one of the following statements related to Buddhism is not correct?
(a) Pilgrims such as Fa Xian and Xuan Zang travelled from China to India for knowledge.
(b) Bodisattas were perceived as deeply compassionate beings.
(c) Bodhisattas accumulated merit through their efforts and used it to attain Nibbana.
(d) Mahayana literally means the ‘great vehicle’.
44. Read the following statements regarding Sufism in India.

I. They turned to asceticism and mysticism in protest against the growing materialism.
II. They sought an interpretation of Quran on the basis of their experience.
III. Amir Khusrau was the disciple of Shaikh Nizamuddin Aulia.
IV. Sheikh Muinuddin Sijzi was from Delhi.
Which of the following statements are correct?
(a) I, II and III (b) III, IV and I (c) I, III and IV (d) II and IV
45. Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other labelled as
Reason( R).
Assertion (A) Krishnadeva Raya’s rule was characterised by expansion and
consolidation.
Reason (R) Vijayanagar kingdom acquired land between Tungabhadra and Krishna
Rivers due to its military preparedness.
From the above assertion and reason, find out which one of the following is true.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are false.
(c) A is correct, but R is not correct.
(d) R is correct, but A is not correct.
46. Look at the image given below. Which school of art is evident on the image of Bodhisatta?
(a) Gandhara School of Art (b) Mathura School of Art

(c) Greeco-Roman School of Art (d) Amaravati School of Art
Section C
This Section contains 12 questions in total. Attempt any 10 questions.
A. Read the following source carefully and answer the following MCQs by choosing the most
appropriate option.
Draupadi’s question
Draupadi is supposed to have asked Yudhisthira whether he had lost himself before
staking her. Two contrary opinions were expressed in response to this question.
One, that even if Yudhisthira had lost himself earlier, his wife remained under his
control, so he could stake her. Two, that an unfree man (as Yudhisthira was when he
had lost himself) could not stake another person. The matter remained unresolved;
ultimately, Dhritarashtra restored to the Pandavas and Draupadi their personal freedom.
47. To whom did Draupadi ask these questions after losing in the dice game?
(a) Yudhisthira (b) Duryodhana (c) Dhritarashtra (d) Bheeshma
48. Why is Draupadi raising these questions?
(a) She wanted to know her position as a wife.
(b) She wanted to challenge the Kauravas.
(c) She wanted to instigate the Pandavas for the war.
(d) She wanted to humiliate the Pandavas.
49. How did Draupadi react to her humiliating treatment?
(a) She raised the legal issues of property and ownership.
(b) She challenged context of patriarchal marriage.
(c) She symbolised the figure of the ultimate lord, master and owner.
(d) She cried in shock and dismay at the treatment that she faced as a wife.
50. How did Dhritarashtra react at the end?

(a) Dhritarashtra restored personal freedom to the Pandavas and Draupadi.
(b) Dhritarashtra compelled the Pandavas to stay with Kauravas.
(c) Dhritirashtra ordered Duryodhana to apologise.
(d) Dhritirashtra called Yudhisthira to restore their power.
51. How do you evaluate the position of Draupadi as a wife on the basis of this case?
(a) She objected over the behaviur of her husbands.
(b) She had the property rights like her husbands.
(c) The family had complete rights over her.
(d) She was having hatred feelings for her husbands.
52. How were Draupadi’s question related to womanhood?

(a) She raised the question on the status of the women.
(b) She took stand for patriarchal norms.
(c) She raised all passive nature questions.
(d) She quietly accepted her plight.
B. Read the following source carefully and answer the following MCQs by choosing the most
appropriate option:
One Lord
Here is a composition attributed to Kabir:
Tell me, brother, how can there be
No one lord of the world but two?
Who led you so astray?
God is called by many names:
Names like Allah, Ram, Karim,
Keshav, Hari, and Hazrat.
Gold may be shaped into rings and bangles.
Isn’t it gold all the same?
Distinctions are only words we invent …
Kabir says they are both mistaken.
Neither can find the only Ram.
One kills the goat, the other cows.
They waste their lives in disputation
53. Identify the connotation of Kabir from the following options

(a) Monotheistic Aspect (b) Polytheistic Aspect
(c) Atheist Aspect (d) Theocratic Aspect
54. Kabir used different names for God or the Supreme power. What can one infer from this?
(a) Concept of ultimate reality (b) Faith in Saguna bhakti
(c) Rituals a way to gain insight (d) Reality is in worshipping idols
55. How has Kabir’s compositions promote communal harmony at large?

(a) Kabir mentions about one God in all
(b) He questioned religious practices
(c) He was a Hindu by birth
(d) He was an Islamic by birth
56. Which of the following is the part of Kabir’s philosophy?

(a) He gave emphasis on traditions and rituals
(b) He used connotations as Shabda or Shunya
(c) He gave emphasis on Yajnas and sacrifices
(d) He was a fundamentalist in his approach
57. Kabir’s poetry has a literary as well as a philosophical significance. Select the most
appropriate option from the following that describes this essence.
(a) God is one who just has different names.
(b) God is vested in all saguna forms.
(c) God is a philosophy in isolation from rituals.
(d) God is based on reincarnation.
58. Read the following statements regarding Kabir and select the appropriate option.
I. Kabir was a Nirguna saint.
II. He believed in formless supreme God.
III. He wanted to remove the differences based on caste and religion.
IV. He condemned the superstitious cults and ritualism.
Options
(a) I and II (b) I, II and III (c) I, II,III and IV (d) II,III and IV
Section D
On the given outline map of India, identify the location with the help of specified information:
A
59. On the political map of India, ‘A’ is marked as major Ashokan inscription( Rock Edicts).
Identify it among the following options
(a) Girnar (b) Sopara (c) Sannauti (d) Shishupalgarh
60. On the same map, ’ B’ is also marked as the important towns of second century BCE.
Identify it from the following options
(a) Mathura (b) Bhraghukachchha (c) Shravasti (d) Puhar
ANSWERS
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (d)
11. (b) 12. (a) 13. (a) 14. (b) 15. (a) 16. (b) 17. (d) 18. (c) 19. (b) 20. (c)
21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (a) 24. (a) 25. (d) 26. (b) 27. (c) 28. (d) 29. (b) 30. (a)
31. (c) 32. (d) 33. (a) 34. (a) 35. (a) 36. (d) 37. (b) 38. (a) 39. (c) 40. (b)
41. (a) 42. (c) 43. (c) 44. (a) 45. (a) 46. (a) 47. (a) 48. (a) 49. (d) 50. (a)
51. (d) 52. (a) 53. (a) 54. (a) 55. (a) 56. (b) 57. (a) 58. (c) 59. (a) 60. (d)
EXPLANATIONS
1. (c) SN Roy was the author of book ‘The Story privacy. Even the main entrance had no direct
of Indian Archaeology’. SN Roy in this book view of the interior.
gave detail description of Indian archaeology. 10. (d) The composition of the Mahabharata has
2. (a) Alexander Cunningham was the first been traditionally attributed to Rishi Vyasa. It
Director-General of the Archaeological Survey contains vivid descriptions of battles, forests,
of India (ASI). Cunningham began places and settlements.
archeological excavation in the mid-nineteenth 11. (b) Abdur Razzak, an ambassadar sent by the
century. ruler of Persia to Calicut (present day
3. (d) Sanskritic Yajnas was seemed to be Kozhikode) in the fifteenth century, was greatly
unfamiliar and unusual with the Harappan impressed by the fortification of Vijayanagara
culture. Mother Goddess, Priest King, Yogic Empire.
posture, seal etc are found by the 12. (a) The Buddha’s foster mother Mahapajapati
archaeological excavation. But no evidences Gotami was the first woman to be ordained as a
are found about Sanskritic Yajnas in Harappan Bhikkhuni.
civilisation.
13. (a) Mahanavami Dibba was part of ‘The King’s
4. (c) Sanchi was the oldest stupa which was Palace Complex’. In Vijayanagar empire, the
commissioned by Ashoka. According to king’s palace has two impressive platforms,
Buddhist text, Ashokavadana, Ashoka i.e., the ‘audience hall’ and the ‘Mahanavami
distributed portions of the Buddha’s relics to dibba’.
every important town and ordered the
construction of stupas over them. 14. (b) Krishnadeva Raya belonged to the Tuluva
dynasty whose rule was characterised by
5. (b) In Jainism ‘Tirthankaras’ mean teachers expansion and consolidation.
who guided men and women how to lead a
proper life. 15. (a) The significant aspect is that thinkers of
mid-first millennium BCE like Zarathustra,
6. (c) Kushana empire issued gold coins for the Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Mahavira and
first time in first century CE which were Gautama Buddha tried to understand the
identical with the coins issued by mysteries of existence and the relationship
contemporary Roman and Parthian rulers. between human beings and the cosmic order.
7. (d) Chanhudaro was exclusively devoted to 16. (b) The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev
craft production of shell objects. Finished compiled Baba Guru Nanak’s hymns along
products of shell objects from Chanhudaro with those of his four successors and other
were taken to the large urban centres. religious poets like Baba Farid, Ravidas and
Specialised drill to make these objects are Kabir in the Adi Granth Sahib.
found here.
17. (d) The Harappan script is enigmatic means
8. (c) Prayaga Prashasti was composed by mysterious and difficult to understand as it
Harisena, the court poet of Samudragupta in remains undeciphered till date. It is not
Sanskrit. alphabetical and has 375 to 400 signs.
9. (b) In lower town of Mohenjodaro, the 18. (c) Gotami-puta-Siri-Satakarni was best known
residential buildings had no windows in the ruler of Satavahana dynasty.
walls along the ground level to maintain
19. (b) After the death of Buddha, his teachings are 30. (a) Brahmanas composed Sanskrit texts known
compiled in Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and as Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras. These
Abhidhamma Pitaka which are known as contained the codes of social behaviour for the
Tipitaka. It means three baskets to hold society which included norms for rulers as
different types of texts. well as others. Thus, statement R justifies
20. (c) In Vijayanagar, there were several royal statement A.
temples, one of the most spectacular among 31. (c) Shalbhanjika regarded as an auspicious
these is Hazara Rama temple. This was symbol and integrated into decoration of the
probably meant to be used only by the king Stupa. The Shalabhanjika motif suggests that
and his family. many people who turned to Buddhism
21. (c) Arthashastra was written by Chanakya, enriched it with their pre-Buddhist and even
Minister of Chandragupta Maurya. It is an non-Buddhist beliefs, practices and ideas.
important source to know about the history of 32. (d) The Harappan civilisation is an urban
Mauryan empire. civilisation. One of the most distinctive feature
22. (b) The Rajas or Kings and Military Chiefs or of this civilisation is its planned drainage
Nayakas of Vijayanagara empire usually spoke system. Roads and streets were built following
Telugu and Kannada languages. a ‘grid’ pattern. It seems that streets and roads
were first built and then houses were built
23. (a) Battle of Talikota weakened Vijayanagara along them.
kingdom. In 1565, Rama Raya was defeated in
the battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi or Talikota by 33. (a) Hidima belonged to Rakshasa clan who fell
the combined armies of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar in love with the second Pandava Bhima and
and Golconda. The victorious armies sacked married him. In due course, Hidimba gave
the city of Vijayanagara and the city was birth to a rakshasa named Ghatotkacha.
abandoned for few years. 34. (a) Ashoka was described as Devanampiya
24. (a) Shahjehan Begum, the ruler of Bhopal (beloved of the God) and Piyadassi (pleasant to
provided money for the preservation of the behold). He ruled c 268 to 232 BCE and was a
Sanchi Stupa, funded for the museum, guest propagator of Buddhism in the Indian
house and publication of the volumes written subcontinent.
on Sanchi by John Marshall. 35. (a) Alexander Cunnigham was the first
25. (d) The Sangam texts mentioned different Director-General of the Archaeological Survey
categories of people living in the villages. of India, who began archaeological excavations
There were vellelar or large landowner, in the mid-nineteenth century.
uzhavar or ploughman and adimai or slaves. In the early twentieth century, Daya Ram
Sahni discovered seals at Harappa.
26. (b) Archaeo-Zoologists are specialists in
ancient animal remains. Animal bones found at In 1924, John Marshall, Director-General of the
Harappan sites include those of cattle, sheep, ASI announced the discovery of a new
goat, buffalo and pig. Studies done by civilisation in the Indus Valley to the world.
archae-ozoologists or zoo-archaeologists REM Wheeler became the Director-General of

indicate that these animals were domesticated. the ASI in 1944 who was an ex-army brigadier.
He brought with him a military precision to
27. (c) Buddha attained enlightenment while the practice of archaeology.
meditating under the Bodhi tree, so the Bodhi
tree signifies enlightenment of Buddha, not the 36. (d) Statements I and II are correct. The first
Birth of Buddha. dynasty of Vijayanagar empire was Sangama
dynasty which exercised control till 1485. After
28. (d) Guru Dronacharya, a Brahmana taught Krishnadeva Raya’s death, his successors were
archery to Kauravas and Pandavas. He did not troubled by rebellious nayakas or military
accept Ekalavya who was a forest-dwelling chiefs. In 1542, Tuluva dynasty was replaced
Nishada (a Hunting Community). by Aravidu.
29. (b) Statements II, III and IV are correct. There Statements III and IV are incorrect.
were sixteen Mahajanapadas. Most Krishnadeva Raya belonged to the Tuluva (not
Mahajanapadas were ruled by kings, some Suluva ) dynasty. Harihara and Bukka
were known as Ganas or Sanghas and some founded Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 and they
are oligarchies ruled by Rajas. These formed Sangama (not Aravidu) dynasty.
Mahajanapadas had their own fortified capital.
37. (b) The Virashaiva tradition emerged in 49. (d) Draupadi felt utter humiliation and cried in
Karnataka (not Kerala) in the 12th century. It shock and disappointed at the treatment she
was led by a Brahmana named Basavanna faced.
(1106-68). His followers were known as 50. (a) Ultimately Dhritarashtra intervened and
Virashaivas or Lingayats (not Nayanars). The restored personal freedom to the Pandavas
Lingayats challenged (not supported) the idea and Draupadi.
of caste and the theory of rebirth. Thus, only
statement (b) is correct. 51. (d) Draupadi had deep hatred for her husband
because they could not save her from this
38. (a) Cholas belonged to Tamil Nadu. Hoysalas humiliation.
belonged to Karnataka, Gajapati belonged to
Orissa and Sultans belonged to Deccan. Hence, 52. (a) Draupadi objected over the rights of her
option A is the correct pair. husbands on her and raised the question about
the actual status of a woman in the society.
39. (c) Mirabai was a Rajput princess from Merta in
Marwar who was married to a prince of Sisodia 53. (a) Kabir believed in monotheism (the doctrine
clan of Mewar, Rajasthan. She believed suggests there is only one god). He criticised
Krishna, the avtar of Vishnu as her lover. polytheism i.e. belief in multiple deities.
40. (b) Statements I, II and III are correct about 54. (a) Kabir described the Ultimate Reality as
Krishnadeva Raya. But statement IV is Allah, Khuda, Hazrat, Pir, Alakh, Nirakar,
incorrect as Rama Raya (not Krishnadeva Raya) Brahman, Atman etc.
was defeated in the Battle of Rakshasi Tangadi. 55. (a) Kabir’s compositions promote communal
41. (a) The Harappans procured materials for craft harmony as it mentions about one God in all.
production from different areas of Gujarat and 56. (b) Kabir in his philosophy mentioned mystical
Rajasthan. From Khetri region of Rajasthan connotation such as Shabda (sound) or Shunya
they collected copper. (emptiness) which were drawn from yogic
42. (c) According to Mahavira or Jaina Philosophy, traditions.
the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through 57. (a) Kabir believed in one ultimate reality, i.e.,
Karma. Thus, statement (c) is not associated God who has different names.
with Jainism.
58. (c) All the statements are true. Being a Nirguna
43. (c) Bodhisattas accumulated merit through saint Kabir refuted the idea of superstitious
their efforts. They used this not to attain cults, ritualism, both Hinduism and Islam.
nibbana and abandon the world, but to help He wanted to remove casteism and the
others. difference between various religions as he
44. (a) Statements I, II and III are correct. Sheikh believed in an ultimate reality, i.e., formless
Muinuddin Sijzi was from Ajmer (not Delhi). supreme God.
45. (a) During the period of Krishnadeva Raya, the 59 & 60.
land between the Tungabhadra and Krishna
rivers, i.e., the Raichur doab was acquired as a

result of military preparedness. Thus, the
statement R is the correct explanation of
statement A.
46. (a) The given image of Bodhisatta is an
example of Gandhara School of Art which was
formed as a result of the combination of
Greco-Roman style and Indian ideas which
developed around the first century BCE to 4th
Century CE.
A.
47. (a) After losing in the dice game, Draupadi (a) Girnar
asked these questions to yudhisthira.
48. (a) Draupadi was shocked and raised these B. (d) Puhar
questions to know her position as a wife.
CBSE Sample Paper History Class XII (Term I)
SAMPLE PAPER 1
HISTORY
A Highly Simulated Practice Questions Paper
for CBSE Class XII (Term I) Examination
Instructions
(iii) Section B contains 22 questions. Attempt any 18 questions.
(v) Section D contains questions 59 & 60 which are Map Based Questions. Both the questions have to
be attempted
(vi) Each question carries 0.80 marks.
Maximum Marks : 40
Roll No. Time allowed : 90 Min
Section A
1. Which two scripts were deciphered by James Prinsep using the earliest inscriptions
and the coins?
(a) Brahmi and Aramaic (b) Kharosthi and Aramaic
(c) Brahmi and Kharosthi (d) Aramaic and Indus script
2. Who among the following is credited with deciphering the Ashokan edicts?
(a) James Prinsep (b) William Jones
(c) Alexander Cunningham (d) John Marshall
SAMPLE PAPER 1
3. Which of the following regions yielded evidence of millet consumption during

Harappan culture?
(a) Rajasthan (b) Haryana
(c) Punjab (d) Gujarat
4. Traces of canal irrigation have been found from the site of ………
(a) Lothal, Gujarat (b) Shortughai, Afghanistan
(c) Chanhudaro, Pakistan (d) Kalibangan, Rajasthan
5. Which of the following practices was followed by most of the ruling dynasties?
(a) Patriliny (b) Exogamy
(c) Polyandry (d) Matriliny
6. What does different variants of Mahabharata reflect?

(a) Dialogues between dominant traditions-local ideas and practices
(b) Dialogues between king-kinship
(c) Dialogues between ruler- courtiers
(d) Dialogues between different classes
7. Although Harappa is the first site of the Indus Civilisation to be discovered,

Mohenjodaro is the most well known site. What is the most appropriate reason for
this?
(a) Mohenjodaro is larger in area than Harappa.
(b) Presence of citadels and lower parts of Mohenjodaro.
(c) Largest number of artefacts are found from Mohenjodaro.
(d) Mohenjodaro was far better preserved while structures at Harappa were damaged more.
8. A water reservoir has been found from ............... indicating possibility of water storage
for agricultural purposes.
(a) Dholavira, Gujarat
(b) Rakhigarhi, Haryana
(c) Kalibangan, Rajasthan
(d) Manda, Jammu and Kashmir region
9. Which of the following is the ancient Upanishad?

(a) Purusha Sukta (b) Dharmashastras
(c) Brihadaranyka (d) Dharmasutra
10. ………… claimed to be both a unique Brahmana (eka bamhana) and a destroyer of the
pride of Kshatriyas.
(a) Raja Gotami-puta-Siri-Satakani
(b) Raja Vasithi-puta (sami-) Siri-Pulumayi
(c) Raja Gotami-puta sami-Siri-Yana- Satakani
(d) Raja Madhari-puta svami-Sakasena
11. The first ever capital of the Magadha empire was ………… .
(a) Pataliputra (b) Vaishali
(c) Kosambi (d) Rajagaha
12. Who among the following was the most powerful of all the Mahajanapdas?
(a) Magadha (b) Koshala
SAMPLE PAPER 1
(c) Avanti (d) Matsya
13. In which of the following countries was ‘Dipavamsa’ written?

(a) Sri Lanka (b) China
(c) Nepal (d) India
14. Tirthankaras are those who guide men and women across the river of existence.
Mahavira was preceded by
(a) 10th Tirthankara (b) 20th Tirthankara
(c) 23rd Tirthankara (d) 25th Tirthankara
15. Who among these wrote the biography of Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti, titled as Munis
al Arwah?
(a) Shahjahan (b) Akbar
(c) Mumtaz (d) Jahanara
16. Which of these was a part of Chishti worship?

(a) Religious dance was performed
(b) Songs are considered as the best path
(c) Qawwali was sung
17. The domes over the gate of fortified settlement are regarded as typical features of the
architecture introduced by the …………… .
(a) Greek rulers (b) Yavanas
(c) Turkish Sultans (d) Portuguese
18. Which of the following dynasties built Hiriya canal, one of the most prominent
waterworks?
(a) Chera dynasty (b) Chola dynasty
(c) Sangama dynasty (d) Suluva dynasty
19. Which of these was the capital of Akbar in which dargah of Shaikh Salim Chishti was
constructed?
(a) Lahore (b) Multan
(c) Delhi (d) Fatehpur Sikri
20. In Sufi tradition, the word ‘Pir’ means

(a) the Supreme God
(b) the greatest of all Sufi saints
(c) the orthodox teacher who contests the Sufi beliefs
(d) the Guru of the Sufis
21. ‘‘Lord Virupaksha,’’ the guardian diety of kingdom was also recognised as a form of
…………… .
(a) Shiva (b) Vishnu
(c) Brahma (d) Indra
22. Which of the following is correct about ‘Mahanavamidibba’?

(a) Wooden craft of nine deities
(b) Big royal palace
(c) Platform where ritual ceremonies were performed
(d) Place where royal armies were kept
SAMPLE PAPER 1
23. What was the balcony-like structure in a stupa called?

(a) Semicircular mound at earth, i.e. Anda
(b) Harmika that represents the abode of Gods
(c) A most called Yashti
(d) Chhatri which surmounts the constraction
24. Which of these Buddhist texts dealt with Buddha’s teachings?

(a) Vinaya Pitaka (b) Sutta Pitaka
(c) Abhidhamma Pitaka (d) Tipitaka
Section B
25. Identify the incorrect pair.
(a) Mohenjodaro - First Indus Valley Civilisation site to be discovered
(b) Lothal-Dockyard of Indus Valley Age
(c) Harappa - situated on the banks of Ravi river
(d) Mohenjodaro - Great Bath was found
26. Consider the following statements in reference to the inscriptions and spot the
correct one(s).
I. They are writings engraved on hard surfaces such as stone, metal or pottery.
II. They usually record the achievements, activities or ideas of those who
commissioned them and include the exploits of kings, or donations made by
women and men to religious institutions.
III. Inscriptions are virtually temporary records belonging to a certain date.
(a) I and II (b) Only II (c) Only III (d) II and III
27. Which one of the following is incorrectly paired?

(a) Meluhha-Land of seafarers
(b) Dilmun-Island of Bahrain
(c) Magan-A name for Oman
(d) Dardistan - Desert adjacent to Thar (Rajasthan) in Pakistan
28. Match the following communities with their works.

A. Kumhar 1. Ironsmith
B. Suvarnakara 2. Hunters
C. Nishad 3. Potters
D. Karamakara 4. Goldsmith
Codes
(a) 3 4 2 1 (b) 2 1 3 4 (c) 4 2 1 3 (d) 3 4 1 2
29. Identify the term from the following information.

• Written collection of letter by sufi master
• Addressed to the disciples and associates
• Shaikh’s experience of religious truth
(a) Tazkiras (b) Maktubat (c) Malfuzat (d) Vachanas
SAMPLE PAPER 1
30. Consider the following statements about Ashoka’s Dhamma:

I. Its principles were simple and virtually universal.
II. The principles were supposed to be emancipatory for this world as well as the next
one.
III. A special officer called Dhamma Mahamatta was appointed for the propagation of
Dhamma.
Which of the above is/are incorrect?
(a) I and III (b) I and II (c) I, II and III (d) None of these
31. Arrange the following Mahajanapadas according to their locations from East to West.
I. Anga II. Matsya
III. Panchala IV. Magadha
V. Koshala
Codes
(a) I, III, V, II, IV (b) II, IV, V, III, I
(c) I, IV, V, III, II (d) III, IV, V, II, I
32. Match the following pairs.

Part-I Part-II
A. Manda 1. Rajasthan
B. Rakhigarhi 2. Uttar Pradesh
C. Kalibangan 3. Haryana
D. Dholavira 4. Gujarat
5. Jammu and Kashmir
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 3 1 4 (b) 2 3 5 4
(c) 5 3 1 4 (d) 2 5 1 3
33. Consider of the following features and identify the script.

• It is undeciphered.
• It is not alphabetical having 375 to 400 signs.
• It is written from right to left
(a) Brahmi (b) Kharoshthi
(c) Harappan script (d) None of these
34. Correct sequence of the following locations of the Ashokan edicts and inscriptions
from North to South will be
I. Shahbazgarhi II. Rummindei
III. Nigalisagar IV. Sopara
V. Girnar
(a) I, II, III, IV, V (b) I, III, II, V, IV
(c) I, III, V, II, IV (d) V, IV, III, II, I
35. Two statements are given in the question below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
Read the statements and choose the appropriate option.
SAMPLE PAPER 1
Assertion (A) Historians believed that everything that was laid in Sanskrit texts was
actually practised.
Reason (R) Historians wanted to reconstruct the social history by using other texts
written in different language also.
Codes
36.
This is an image of Shiva as ………… .

(a) Virupaksha (b) Brihadishvara
(c) Nataraja (d) Kalvairav
37. Identify the social category of people from the information given below.
• Their task was to handle corpses and dead animals.
• They were placed at the very bottom of the hierarchy.
• They had to live outside the village, use discarded utensils, and wear clothes of the
• They could not walk about in villages and cities at night.
(a) Chandals (b) Kshatriyas (c) Brahmanas (d) None of these

Group a Group b
A. Kudirai Chettis 1. Military chiefs
B. Nayakas 2. King
C. Rayas 3. A major political innovation
D. Amar-Nayakas 4. Horse merchant
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 3 2 1 (b) 4 1 2 3
(c) 3 4 1 2 (d) 2 3 4 1
SAMPLE PAPER 1
39. Consider the following statements in respect of the early Vedic tradition.
Which one is not correct?
(a) The Rigveda, compiled between c.1500 and 1000 BCE.
(b) The Rigveda consists of hymns in praise of a variety of deities, especially Agni, Indra
and Soma.
(c) At first, sacrifices were performed individually.
(d) The Rajasuya and Ashvamedha were performed by chief’s and kings.
Assertion (A) Bhakti Saints adopted local languages to preach their ideas to the masses.
Reason (R) Regional Vernacular languages could be understood by the common
people. They stressed equality and to live a simple life
Codes
41. Which of the following is the basics of Sufi movement?

I. A group of religious-minded people turned to asceticism and mysticism.
II. The sufis sought on interpretation of the Quran through personal experiences.
III. Some mystic men started movements on the basis of Sufi ideas and these mystics
scarved.
IV. They were known by different names like Qalandars, Malangs, Madaris, Haidaris,
etc.
Identify the correct options.
(a) I, II and III (b) III, IV and I (c) All of these (d) None of these
42. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the lively discussions and
debates in the Buddhist texts?
(a) Debates took place in the Kutagarashala.
(b) Many of the teachers questioned the authority of the Vedas.
(c) In these debates, the kings tried to convince one another as well as laypersons about the
validity of their philosophy or the way they understood the world.
(d) If a philosopher succeeded in convincing one of his rivals, the followers of the latter also
became his disciples.
43. Identify the name of the writing from the information given below.
• It is a biography of a saint or religious leader.
• It often praise the saint’s achievements and may not always be literally accurate.
• These writings tell us about the beliefs of the followers of that particular tradition.
(a) Epigraphy (b) Calligraphy
(c) Hagiography (d) Bibliography
44. Consider the following statements with reference to the book ‘Amuktamalyada’
I. Presence of harbours to improve trade
II. Marketing techniques by the king
SAMPLE PAPER 1
III. To help and make the best relations with foreign traders
Which of the following statements are true?
(a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I and III (d) All of these
45. Which of the following statements are incorrect about Mirabai?

I. Mirabai the best-known woman poet within the Sufi tradition.
II. She was a Rajput princess from Merta in Mewar.
III. According to some traditions, her preceptor was Raidas, a leather worker.
IV. Her songs continue to be sung by women and men, especially those who are poor
and considered ‘low caste’ in Karnataka and Kerala.
Codes
(a) I and II (b) I and IV (c) III and II (d) All of these
46. Which of the following statements below is the incorrect one considering the
Vijayanagara Empire?
(a) Outermost wall linked the hills surrounding the city
(b) No mortar or cement was used to make walls
(c) Presence of cultivated land, gardens and houses between the first, second and third walls
(d) Fortification only encircled cities and royal buildings
Section C
I. Read the following excerpt carefully and answer the following questions.
A Prayer To Agni
Here are two verses from the Rig Veda invoking Agni, the God of fire, often identified
with the sacrificial fire, into which offerings were made so as to reach the other deities:
Bring, O strong one, this sacrifice of ours to the gods, O wise one, as a liberal giver.
Bestow on us, O priest, abundant food. Agni, obtain, by sacrificing, mighty wealth
for us.
Procure, O Agni, for ever to him who prays to you (the gift of) nourishment, the
wonderful cow. May a son be ours, offspring that continues our line ...
Verses such as these were composed in a special kind of Sanskrit, known as Vedic
Sanskrit. They were taught orally to men belonging to priestly families.
47. Vedic Sanskrit is considered to be important because
(a) It was the language of common people
(b) The Vedic verses were written in Sanskrit
(c) Sanskrit was not spoken by Brahmins
(d) Sanskrit was the major language of South India.
48. Why were sacrifices performed during the Vedic Period?

(a) For the birth of daughters (b) For the birth of sons
(c) For spiritual satisfaction (d) For seeking the blessings of Buddha
SAMPLE PAPER 1
Assertion (A) Agni was the God of Fire in the Vedic tradition.
Reason (R) Therefore offerings were made to agni so that in form of smoke they would
reach the Gods living in the sky and invoke their blessings
Codes
50. Consider the following statements :

I. Rig Veda consists of hymns in praise of Agni, Indra, Soma etc
II. Many of these hymns were chanted when sacrifices were performed.
Choose the correct option:
(a) Only I is correct (b) Only II is correct.
(c) Both I and II are correct. (d) Neither I nor II is correct
51. What are the main things to procure from a true prayer to God Agni?
(a) Abundant food (b) Mighty wealth
(c) Real knowledge (d) Both (a) and (b)
52. Vedic Sanskrit was taught orally to men belonging to

(a) Royal families (b) Upper castes
(c) Priestly families (d) All of these
II. Read the following text and answer the following questions:
The Harshacharita is a biography of Harshavardhana, the ruler of Kannauj, composed
in Sanskrit by his court poet, Banabhatta (c. seventh century CE).
This is an excerpt from the text, an extremely rare representation of life in a settlement
on the outskirts of a forest in the Vindhyas:
The outskirts being for the most part forest, many parcels of rice-land, threshing
ground and arable land were being apportioned by small farmers ... it was mainly
spade culture ... owing to the difficulty of ploughing the sparsely scattered fields
covered with grass, with their few clear spaces, their black soil stiff as black iron ...
There were people moving along with bundles of bark ... countless sacks of plucked
flowers, ... loads of flax and hemp bundles, quantities of honey, peacocks’ tail feathers,
wreaths of wax, logs, and grass.
Village wives hastened en route for neighbouring villages, all intent on thoughts of sale
and bearing on their heads baskets filled with various gathered forest fruits.
53. The Harshacharita is a biography of Harshavardhana, the ruler who belongs to
(a) Maurya dynasty (b) Pushyabhuti dynasty
(c) Gupta dynasty (d) None of these
54. What was the ruling period of Harshavardhana?

(a) c. 500-600 CE (b) c. 606-647 CE
(c) c 647-692 CE (d) None of these
55. Consider the following statements in reference to the given passage.

I. The description is an excerpt from an inscription written in praise of king
Harshavardhana.
SAMPLE PAPER 1
II. The central theme of the given passage is life on the edges of a village in Vindhyas.
III. The above said inscription was composed by Banabhatta.
Which of the above statements are incorrect?
(a) I and II (b) II and III
(c) I and III (d) All of these
56. The outskirts of the forest in the Vindhya region has ………… .
(a) laterite soil (b) black soil
(c) alluvial soil (d) forest soil
57. What are the different forest products people collect from the forest of the Vindhyas?
(a) Bark, flowers, wax, grass (b) Honey, logs
(c) Flax, black soil, black iron (d) Both (a) and (b)
58. In the given passage, a certain reference to women has been made performing some
activity of their day to day life. What is that particular activity?
(a) Ploughing the fields
(b) Walking towards other villages with luggages like barks, plucked flowers, flax and
hemp, honey and so on
(c) Going to other villages to sell forest fruits they have collected.
Section D
On the given outline map of India, identify the location with the help of specified
information.
59. On the Indian map, ‘A’ is marked as the capital of Magadha. Identify it among the
following options.
(a) Indraprastha (b) Vaishali
SAMPLE PAPER 1
(c) Champa (d) Rajagaha
60. On the same map, ‘B’ is also marked as the most powerful Mahajanapada. Identify it
from the following options.
(a) Sopara (b) Magadha
(c) Vajji (d) Anga
OMR SHEET SP 1
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Student Name Sub Code.
Instructions
Use black or blue ball point & avoid gel pens and fountain pens for filling the sheets.
Darken the bubbles completely. Don’t put a tick mark or a cross mark, half-filled or over-filled bubbles will not be read
by the software.
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1 21 41
2 22 42
3 23 43
4 24 44
5 25 45
6 26 46
7 27 47
8 28 48
9 29 49
10 30 50
11 31 51
12 32 52
13 33 53
14 34 54
15 35 55
16 36 56
17 37 57
18 38 58
19 39 59
20 40 60
Check Your Performance

Total Questions: Total Correct Questions
Score Percentage = × 100
Total Correct Questions: Total Questions
Less than 60% > Average (Revise the Chapters again)

If Your Score is Greater than 60% but less than 75% > Good (Do more practice)
Above 75% > Excellent (Keep it on)
Answers
1 (c) 2 (a) 3 (d) 4 (b) 5 (a) 6 (a) 7 (d) 8 (a) 9 (c) 10 (a)
11 (d) 12 (a) 13 (a) 14 (c) 15 (d) 16 (d) 17 (c) 18 (c) 19 (d) 20 (d)
21 (a) 22 (c) 23 (b) 24 (b) 25 (a) 26 (a) 27 (d) 28 (a) 29 (a) 30 (d)
31 (c) 32 (c) 33 (c) 34 (b) 35 (b) 36 (c) 37 (a) 38 (b) 39 (c) 40 (a)
41 (c) 42 (c) 43 (c) 44 (d) 45 (b) 46 (d) 47 (b) 48 (b) 49 (b) 50 (c)
51 (d) 52 (c) 53 (b) 54 (b) 55 (d) 56 (b) 57 (d) 58 (c) 59 (d) 60 (b)
EXPLANATIONS
1. (c) James Prinsep, an officer in the mint of the 10. (a) Raja Gotami-puta-Siri-Satakani claimed to
East India Company, deciphered Brahmi and both a unique Brahmana (eka bamhana ) and a
Kharosthi, two scripts used in the earliest destroyer of the pride of Kshatriyas.
inscriptions and coins. Gotami-puta-Siri-Satakani is the best known
2. (a) James Prinsep is credited with deciphering ruler of the Satavahana dynasty. He did not
the Ashokan edicts. allow the intermarriage amongst the four
varnas.
3. (d) Evidence of Millet consumption during
Harappan culture are found from the sites in 11. (d) Rajagaha (the Prakrit name for present day
Gujarat. Grains found at Harappan sites Rajgir in Bihar) was the first ever capital of
include wheat, barley, lentil, chickpea and Magadha empire.
sesame. Rajagaha meant ‘House of the king’. It was a
fortified settlement, located amongst hills.
4. (b) Traces of canal irrigation have been found
at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Later, in the fourth century BCE, the capital
Afghanistan. was shifted to Pataliputra, present-day Patna,
commanding routes of communication along
5. (a) Most of the ruling dynasties followed the Ganga.
patriliny (tracing decent from father to son,
grandson and so on) system, although there 12. (a) Magadha (in present-day Bihar) became the
were variations in practices. most powerful Mahajanapada between the
sixth and the fourth centuries BCE. It was due
6. (a) Mahabharata was written in a variety of its productive agro-based (Gangetic Valley
scripts in different parts of the country. These region) and minerals based location (iron ore
variations are clearly reflected through the and other mines) along with favourable trade
dialogues between dominant tradition and and transports followed by policies of the
local ideas of a particular region. rulers.
7. (d) Mohenjodaro is the most well known site 13. (a) In Sri Lanka, texts such as the Dipavamsa
because the evidences yielded from the site of (literally, the chronicle of the island) and
Mohenjodaro were found in preserved and Mahavamsa (the great chronicle) were written.
better condition. On the other hand, the They contain regional histories of Buddhism.
evidences found from the site of Harappa (the Many of these works contained biographies of
SAMPLE PAPER 1
first site to be discovered) were more in the Buddha. Some of the oldest texts are in
damaged condition. Pali, while later compositions are in Sanskrit.
8. (a) A water reservoir has been found from 14. (c) Mahavira was preceded by 23rd
Dholavira (Gujarat) which may have also been Tirthankara. There are 24 Tirthankaras of
used to store water for agriculture purposes. Jainism. The first Tirthankara was Rishabhdev
9. (c) The Brihadaranyka Upanishad is the and the last one was Mahavira. According to
earliest or ancient Upanishad which contains a the Jainism scriptures, the philosophy of
list of successive generations of teachers and Jainism was formalised by the last Tirthankara,
students. i.e. Vardhaman Mahavira.
15. (d) Princess Jahanara wrote the biography 23. (b) Harmika that represents the abode of Gods,
Munis al Arwah (The Master of Pure Souls). It is a balcony-like structure in a stupa. A mast
is one of the classic works on the exploration of called the yashti arise from harmika. It has a
Sufis of Chishti School in India. It has small platform with a railing located at the
biographical, autobiographical and historical very top of a stupa. Sometimes umbrellas were
facts. mounted in the harmika as a symbol of honour
16. (d) Religious dance, song and qawwalis are a and respect.
part of Chishti worship. Amir Khusrau gave a 24. (b) Sutta Pitaka explains Buddha’s
unique form to the Chishti Sama by teaching elaborately. By giving some
introducing the qaul, a hymn sung at the stories it explains Buddhist philosophy.
opening or closing of qawwali. Qawwals at the Buddhist text Therigatha is a part of Sutta
shrine of Shaikh Nizam ud-din Auliya always Pitaka. It is a collection of verses
started their recital with the qaul. composed by bhikkhunis.
17. (c) The domes over the gate and the arch on 25. (a) The first site of the Indus Valley Civilisation
the gateway which led to the fortified to be discovered was Harappa (not
settlement were the architectural elements Mohenjodaro) on the banks of Ravi river by
introduced by the Turkish Sultans. This kind of Daya Ram Sahni in 1921. Mohenjodaro was
architecture was known as Indo-Islamic style discovered in 1922 by Rakhal Das Banerjee.
of architecture. Both the sites are presently in Pakistan .
18. (c) Hiriya canal was built by the Sangama 26. (a) Statements I and II are correct. Statement III
dynasty. It was made to overcome the shortage is not correct as inscriptions are virtually
of water in the city of Vijayanagara. This canal permanent records (not temporary) some of
drew water from a dam across the which carry dates.
Tungabhadra river and irrigated the cultivated 27. (d) The desert to the West and North-West side
valley that separated the ‘sacred centre’ from of the Indian desert of Thar in Pakistan region
the ‘urban core’. is known as Cholistan not Dardistan.
19. (d) Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar’s capital. The 28. (a) Kumhar community were potters,
dargah of Shaikh Salim Chishti constructed in Suvarnakara community were goldsmiths,
Fatehpur Sikri symbolised the bond between Nishad community were hunters and
the Chishtis and the Mughal state. Karamakara community were ironsmiths.
20. (d) In sufi tradition, Pir or murshid means the 29. (a) The given information is correct about
Guru of the Sufis. The Sufis began to organise Tazkiras. The fourteenth-centurySiyar-ul-Auliya
communities around the hospice or khanqah of Mir Khwurd Kirmani was the first sufi
(Persian) controlled by a teaching master Tazkira written in India. The most famous
known as shaikh (in Arabic), pir or murshid. Tazkira is the Akhbar-ul-Akhyar of Abdul
Pir enrolled disciples and appointed a Haqq Muhaddis Dehlavi.
successor (khalifa). He established rules for
spiritual conduct and interaction between 30. (d) All of these statements I, II and III are
inmates as well as between laypersons and the correct according to Ashoka’s Dhamma.
master. 31. (c) The given Mahajanapadas according to
21. (a) Lord Virupaksha, the guardian diety of the their locations from East to West are Anga,
kingdom was regarded as a form of Lord Magadha, Koshala, Panchala and Mastya.
Shiva. The Vijayanagara kings claimed the rule 32. (c) Manda, Rakhigarhi, Kalibangan and
SAMPLE PAPER 1
on behalf of the God Virupaksha. The Dholavira are some mature Harappan sites in
Virupaksha temple was built in Vijayanagara Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Rajasthan and
to honour the deity. Gujarat, respectively.
22. (c) ‘Mahanavamidibba’ was a platform where 33. (c) The Harappan script remains undeciphered
religious or ritual ceremonies were performed. to date and is evidently not alphabetical as it
It was a massive platform rising from a base of has too many signs.
about 11,000 sq ft to a height of 40 ft. Here, 34. (b) The correct sequence of the given locations
rituals and ceremonies were held during the of the Ashokan edicts and inscriptions from
ninth day of the ten day Hindu festival during North to South is Shahbazgarhi, Nigalisagar,
the autumn months of September and October. Rummindei, Girnar and Sopara.
The platform had high walls all around it.
35. (b) Here, the two statements are correct but the 46. (d) Fortification of the Vijayanagara empire
second one does not justify the first statement. encircled the entire cities, royal buildings and
The reason that why did the historian believe in the entire empire.
Sanskrit text is not explained here. The 47. (b) Vedic hymns were created in Vedic
statement (R) suggests that historians tried to Sanskrit. So, it is considered important.
reconstruct the social history by, the help of
other texts as well. 48. (b) Sacrifices were performed during the vedic
period for the birth of sons.
36. (c) It is a famous statue of Lord Shiva as
Nataraja which is worshipped in many temples 49. (a) A is correct and R is the correct reason.
of South India. Agni was considered to be the messenger
God, hence offerings were made to Agni.
37. (a) The given information is about Chandals.
50. (c) Both the statements I and II are correct.
38. (b) Kudirai Chettis were the horse merchants
from whom the horses needed by the army 51. (d) The main things to procure from a true
were bought. Nayaks were the military chiefs, prayer to God Agni are abundant food and
Rayas were the kings and the Amar Nayakas mighty wealth.
were a major political innovation of the 52. (c) Vedic Sanskrit was taught orally to men
Vijayanagara empire. belonging to priestly families.
39. (c) Sacrifices were at first performed collectively 53. (b) Harshavardhana was a ruler of
(not individually). Sacrifice became the most Pushyabhuti dynasty.
significant part of the religion of the later Vedic 54. (b) The ruling period of Harshavardhana
period. was c. 647-692 CE.
40. (a) Both the Assertion and Reason are true and 55. (d) All these statements are true as these are
Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion. clearly depicted in Harshacharita.
Regional vernacular languages could be
understood by the common people. Thus, 56. (b) From Harshacharita it is known that the
Bhakti Saints adopted local languages to preach outskirts of the forest in the Vindhya region
their ideas to the masses. consists of black soil which is very stiff like
black iron. It is not good for agriculture.
41. (c) All the statements are correct. Sufis are a
group of religious minded people who turned 57. (d) The different forest products people
to asceticism and mysticism in protest against collected from the forest of the Vindhyas are
the growing materialism of the Caliphate as a bark, flowers, wax, grass, honey, logs and
religious and political institution. The Sufis peacock’s tail feathers.
sought the interpretation of the Quran through 58. (c) The specific reference to the women in the
personal experiences. given passage is that village wives went to
42. (c) In these debates teachers (not king) traveled neighbouring villages, for selling fruits and
from place to place, trying to convince one bear the baskets filled with various gathered
another as well as laypersons, about the validity forest fruits on their heads.
of their philosophy or the way they understood 59 & 60.
the world.
43. (c) The given information is about Hagiography.
44. (d) All the statements are correct. Krishnadeva B. (b) Magadha
Raya wrote about all these facts (statements) in
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the book ‘Amuktamalyada’, a book on statecraft

written in Telugu.
45. (b) Statements I and IV are incorrect. Mirabai is
the best-known woman poet within the bhakti
A.
tradition (not Sufi tradition).
(d) Rajagaha
Mirabai’s songs continue to be sung by women
and men, especially those who are poor and
considered ‘low caste’ in Gujarat and Rajasthan
(not in Karnataka and Kerala).
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HISTORY
A Highly Simulated Practice Question Paper
Instructions
be attempted
(vi) Each questions carries 0.80 marks.
Maximum Marks : 40
Section A
1. Which of the following rulers has been referred to as Piyadassi in the coins and
inscription of the Mauryan era ?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya (b) Tissa
(c) Ajatasattu (d) Asoka
2. Megasthenes was a Greek Ambassador who visited the court of which Mauryan ruler?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya (b) Ajatasattu
(c) Ashoka (d) Brihadratha
3. Which was the first Indus Valley Civilisation site to be discovered?

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(a) Harappa (b) Mohenjodaro

(c) Dholavira (d) Lothal
4. What is the motive of writing ancient texts?

(a) Economical norms of society
(b) Defining different classes
(c) Presenting ancient ways and reforms
(d) Commenting on social situation and practices
5. On which factor were the inscriptions written?

(a) Relaying new rules and norms in society (b) Development of society
(c) Perspectives of different societies (d) Defining the society economically
6. Which of these Buddhist texts dealt with philosophical matters?

(a) Vinaya Pitaka (b) Sutta Pitaka
(c) Abhidhamma Pitaka (d) Tipitaka
7. Which of these principles of Jainism left its mark on Indian thinking as a whole?
(a) Equality (b) Sovereignty
(c) Respect for teacher/guru (d) Ahimsa
8. Who among the followings laid the foundation of the Khalsa Panth and defined its five
symbols?
(a) Guru Nanak (b) Guru Gobind Singh (c) Guru Arjan (d) Baba Farid
9. Some of the most magnificent Shiva temples were constructed by the Chola rulers.
Identify the possible cause.
(a) It was a custom (b) To maintain their supremacy
(c) To claim divine support (d) All of these
10. From where did Harappans get gold?

(a) South India (b) Central India
(c) Himalayan Region (d) Chotta Nagpur region
11. Who were the Amara-Nayakas in Vijayanagara empire?

(a) Chief of Households (b) Chief priest of Royal temples
(c) Military commanders of Emperor (d) King’s secretaries
12. Identify the river that fulfilled most of the water requirements of the Vijayanagara
empire.
(a) Krishna (b) Periyar (c) Cauvery (d) Tungabhadra
13. Why trade was regarded as a status symbol in Vijayanagara empire?

(a) Vijayanagara was famous for markets dealing in spices, textiles and precious stones.
(b) There was a wealthy population in the empire.
(c) The well-off population demanded high-value exotic goods, e.g. precious stone and
jewellery.
14. When was Kamalapuram tank built to irrigate the field nearby?
(a) 11th century (b) 14th century (c) 15th century (d) 16th century
15. The archaeologists have found fine Chinese porcelain in some areas of excavated part
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of urban core. This indicate that it was residential quarter’s of ................ .

(a) Chinese traders (b) Muslim traders
(c) Local rich traders (d) Royal families
16. ……… was an organisation of monks of Buddhism who became teachers of Dhamma.
(a) Stupa (b) Chayta (c) Sutta Pitaka (d) Sangha
17. What did the early Buddhist teachings give importance to the values?
(a) Ahimsha (b) Self-efforts in achieving Nibbana
(c) Rituals (d) Dhamma
18. Who among the following were the first ever rulers to issue coins containing names
and images of the rulers?
(a) Indo-Greeks (b) Kushans (c) Sakas (d) Guptas
19. Which ruler despite being a Barbarian, rebuilt the famous Sudarashana lake?
(a) Ashoka (b) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
(c) Rudradaman (d) Satakarni
20. Harappan seals and sealings were used to facilitate ............... .

(a) protection of wealth (b) economic system of the region
(c) long-distance communication (d) None of these
21. According to Brahmanical theory, jati or varna was based on

(a) Karma (b) Social status (c) Birth (d) None of these
22. Erythraean was the Greek name for which of the following seas?
(a) Mediterranean Sea (b) Red Sea
(c) Black Sea (d) Arabian Sea
23. What is most evident in attempts to reconstruct religious practices of Indus Valley
Civilisation?
(a) Religious texts (b) Inscriptions
(c) Archaeological interpretation (d) All of these
24. Which source entails that women cannot have access to paternal estate?
(a) Mandasour stone inscription (b) Manusmriti
(c) Mahabharata (d) Matanga Jataka
Section B
25. Consider the following statements about Dharmasutras.
I. They were composed by the Brahmins.
II. Rulers were advised to collect taxes and tribute from cultivators, traders and
artisans.
III. Raids on neighbouring states were recognised as an illegitimate means of acquiring
wealth.
IV. They were composed in both Sanskrit and Prakrit languages.
Which of the above statements are wrong?
(c) III and IV (d) None of these
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26. Identify the religion.

• The cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through Karma.
• If one is to ecape this cycle of Karma, one must practice asceticism and penance.
• It is necessary to live in a monastery to attain salvation.
• The principle of ahimsa, emphasised within Jainism, has left its mark on Indian
thinking.
(c) Virashaivism (d) None of these
27. Read the statements about the water resources of Vijayanagara empire and mark the
incorrect one.
(a) In almost cases embankments built along streams to create reservoirs.
(b) Most part of the empire was in the arid zone.
(c) Tungabhadra river formed the natural basin for Vijayanagara empire.
28. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

I. Buddhist texts mention as many as 66 sects or schools of thought.
II. Debates about the validity of the philosophy or the way these sects understood the
world, took place in the Kutagarashalas in villages.
III. Many teachers of these sects such as Mahavira and Buddha questioned the
authority of the Vedas.
IV. They also emphasised individual agency suggesting that men and women could
strive to attain liberation from the trials and tribulations of worldly existence.
(a) I, II and IV (b) I, II and III (c) II, III and IV (d) I, III and IV
29. “Be lamps unto yourselves as all of you must work out your own liberation”, was
Buddha’s last words to his followers. What does the phrase ‘be lamps unto yourselves’
mean?
I. You are born with a light within you.
II. Soul which differentiates between morality and immorality.
III. Being humane and benevolent to all.
IV. Body which has animal instincts for its survival.
Identify the correct explanation(s) of the above statement.
(a) Only I (b) I, II and IV (c) III, IV and II (d) All of these
30. A large hall in front of the main shrine of the Virupaksha temple was built by
Krishnadeva Raya to ................. .
(a) mark his accession (b) keep armies (c) perform ritual rights (d) meet his counsels
31. Consider the following statements regarding Ashokan inscriptions.

I. They were written in Aramaic, Greek and Prakrit languages.
II. The script for some of the inscriptions was Kharosthi in North-Western region.
III. The script for the inscriptions in Afghanistan and adjacent regions was Aramaic.
IV. For the rest of the empire the script was Brahmi.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) I, II and IV (b) II, III and IV (c) All of these (d) None of these
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Assertion (A) Women were expected to give up their father’s gotra and take up their
husband’s gotra after marriage.
Reason (R) Women who married Satavahana rulers retained their father’s gotras
instead of adopting names derived from their husband’s gotra name.
Codes
33. Identify the image and write its name.
(a) Lotus Mahal at Vijayanagara

(b) Brihadishvara temple at Thanjavur
(c) Gopuram
(d) Virupaksha temple
Assertion (A) The great epic Mahabharata is the work of not one but several authors
at different time periods.
Reason (R) Historians suggest, the didactic sections of the epic were probably added
later.
Codes
35. Arrange the following events in correct chronological order.

I. Accession of Kanishka II. End of Mauryan Empire
III. Alexander’s Invasion IV. Visit of Chinese pilgrim Xuan Zang
(a) III, II, I, IV (b) I, II, III, IV
(c) III, II, IV, I (d) II, IV, III, I
36. Which of the following is incorrectly paired?

(a) Kong Zi – China (b) Aristotle – Greece
(c) Mahavira – India (d) Zarathustra – Iraq
37. Archaeologists have been able to reconstruct dietary practices of Harappan Civlisation
from finds of .................. .
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(a) charred grains (b) seeds

(c) animal bones (d) All of these
38. Identify the correct pair.

(a) Archaeo-botanists - Studies of ancient plant remains.
(b) Archaeo-zoologists - Studies of animill bones found from archaeological sites
(c) Only (a)
(d) Both (a) and (b)
39. Identify the name of the historian from the following information.
• He was an officer in the mint of the East India Company.
• He deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi, two scripts used in the earliest inscriptions
and coins.
• His findings gave a new direction to investigations into early Indian political history.
(a) James Prinsep (b) Alexander Cunningham
(c)Walter Elliot (d) None of these
40. Arrange the following writings chronologically.

I. Ashtadhyayi II. Dharmasutras
III. Tripitaka IV. Ramayana and Mahabharata
(a) I, II, III and IV (b) II, III, I and IV (c) IV, III, I and II (d) IV, III, II and I
41. Identify the name of the person from the information given below.
• He was the Commissioner of Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) and visited Amaravati in
1854.
• He also discovered the remains of Western Gateway.
• He came to the conclusion that the structure at Amaravati was one of the largest and
most significant stupas ever built.
• He collected several sculptural panels and took them away to Madras.
(c) Walter Elliot (d) Colin Mackenzie
42. Identify the teacher-disciple pair shown in this seventeenth-century painting.
(a) Ramananda and his disciple Kabirdas

(b) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya and his disciple Amir Khusrau
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(c) Shaik Nizamuddin Auliya and Ziyauddin Barani

(d) Amir Hasan Sijzi and Amir Khusrau
43. Identify the incorrect pair.

(a) Nageshwar – Near source of shell
(b) Shortughai – Near source of Lapis Lazul
(c) Lothal – Near source of quartzq
(d) Balakot – Near source of Shell
44. Consider the following statements and identify the incorrect statement.
(a) Kabir used terms drawn from Vedantic traditions.
(b) Kabir described the Ultimate reality as Allah, Khuda, Hazrat and Pir.
(c) Many of his compositions are found in Adi Granth Sahib.
(d) Verses attributed to Kabir mention the name of his teacher, Ramanand.

Travellers Countries
A. Nicolo de conti 1. Portugal
B. Abdur Razzaq 2. Italy
C. Afanasii Nikitin 3. Persia
D. Duarte Barbosa 4. Russia
Codes
(a) 3 1 2 4 (b) 3 2 1 4 (c) 2 3 4 1 (d) 4 1 3 2
46. Identify the correct pair from the following.

(a) Dilmun-Island of Bahrain (b) Meluha-Harappa
(c) Magan- Oman (d) All of these
Section C
This section contains total 12 questions. Attempt any 10 questions.
I. Read the following excerpt and answer the following questions.
Kings and ruling elites lived in fortified cities. Although it is difficult to conduct
extensive excavations at most sites because people live in these areas even today
(unlike the Harappan cities), a wide range of artefacts have been recovered from them.
These include fine pottery bowls and dishes, with a glossy finish, known as Northern
Black Polished Ware, probably used by rich people, and ornaments, tools, weapons,
vessels, figurines, made of a wide range of materials - gold, silver, copper, bronze,
ivory, glass, shell and terracotta.
By the second century BCE, we find short votive inscriptions in a number of cities.
These mention the name of the donor, and sometimes specify his/her occupation as
well. They tell us about people who lived in towns i.e. washing folk, weavers; scribes,
carpenters, potters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, officials, religious teachers, merchants
and kings. Sometimes, guilds or shrenis, organisations of craft producers and
merchants, are mentioned as well.
47. Generally ruling elites and king of a region lived in
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(a) Royal Palaces

(b) Urban centres
(c) Towns with strong defenses, usually a massive wall structure.
48. It is not possible to excavate extensively historical sites even today. What is the reason
behind it?
(a) People live in these areas (b) These are situated in remote regions
(c) Officers are reluctant to excavate (d) Both (b) and (c)
49. Consider the following statements about votive inscriptions.

I. Votive inscriptions record gifts made to religious institutions.
II. They mention the name of the donor and sometimes specify his/her occupation as
well.
III. Guilds or shrenis, organisations of craft producers and merchants, were also
mentioned.
Identify the incorrect statements from the above ones.
(c) I, II and III (d) None of these
50. What kind of organisation a guild or shreni would have been?

(a) Commercial (b) Social
(c) Religious (d) Political
51. What is the main point of difference (according to the given passage) between
Harappan sites and the sites of fortified settlements from Mahajanapada period?
(a) They are still inhabited while Harappan settlements are vacant.
(b) Harappan settlements yielded NBPWs while no such things were yielded from
Mahajanapad.
(c) Shrenis or guilds were operative during the Mahajanapad era while there were no such
organisations during Harappan age.
52. What was the main work of the guilds?

(a) Obtain raw materials (b) Control production
(c) Sell the finished products (d) All of these
II. Read the following excerpt titled ‘Buddhism in Practice’ carefully and answer the following
questions.
This is an excerpt from the Sutta Pitaka and contains the advice given by Buddha to a
wealthy householder named Sigala.
In five ways should a master look after his servants and employees by assigning them
work according to their strength, by supplying them with food and wages, by tending
them in sickness; by sharing delicacies with them and by granting leave at times. In
five ways should the clansmen look after the needs of Samanas (those who have
renounced the world) and Brahmanas; by affection in act and speech and mind, by
keeping open house to them and supplying their worldly needs. There are similar
instructions to Sigala about how to behave with his parents, teacher and wife.
53. Which of these advices was given by Buddha to Sigala regarding relationship between
a master and his servants / employees?
(a) Looking after them in sickness
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(b) Distributing luxuries with them

(c) Granting leave at times
54. Sutta Pitaka, one of the baskets of Tipitaka gives us

(a) Rules and regulations for Sangha
(b) Gautama Buddha’s teachings
(c) Philosophical matters of Buddhism
55. Which of these was instructions given by Buddha to the clansmen for Samanas and
Brahmanas?
(a) Behaving and talking softly or kindly to them
(b) Being regular in payment of salaries
(c) By assigning them work according to their strength
56. What did Buddha advocate regarding duties towards parents and teachers?
(a) Assigning work according to their strengths (b) Being regular in payment of salaries
(c) Love and care for them (d) None of these
57. Which of the following is a part of Sutta Pitaka that contain collection of verses
composed by bhikkhunis?
(a) Therigatha (b) Ashokavadana (c) Dipavamsa (d) Mahavamsa
58. Who are known as Sigala in the Sutta Pitaka?

(a) An affluent householder (b) A wealthy citizen
(c) An impoverished householder (d) None of these
Section D
On the given map of India, identify the location with the help of specified information.
B
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59. On the political map of India identify ’A’ marked as the place where Buddha delivered
his first sermon.
(a) Sarnath (b) Bodhgaya (c) Kushinagar (d) Patna
60. On the same map, identify ‘B’ marked as the place where Shahjehan Begum built
museum and guest house to protect the old heritage.
(a) Bhopal (b) Jabalpur (c) Mandla (d) Vidisha
OMR SHEET SP 2
Roll No.
Instructions
by the software.
ü û
1 21 41
2 22 42
3 23 43
4 24 44
5 25 45
6 26 46
7 27 47
8 28 48
9 29 49
10 30 50
11 31 51
12 32 52
13 33 53
14 34 54
15 35 55
16 36 56
17 37 57
18 38 58
19 39 59
20 40 60


Answers
1 (d 2 (a) 3 (a) 4 (d) 5 (c) 6 (c) 7 (d) 8 (b) 9 (b) 10 (a)
11 (c) 12 (d) 13 (a) 14 (c) 15 (b) 16 (d) 17 (b) 18 (a) 19 (c) 20 (c)
21 (c) 22 (b) 23 (c) 24 (b) 25 (c) 26 (b) 27 (d) 28 (c) 29 (d) 30 (a)
31 (c) 32 (b) 33 (a) 34 (a) 35 (a) 36 (d) 37 (d) 38 (d) 39 (a) 40 (a)
41 (c) 42 (b) 43 (c) 44 (d) 45 (c) 46 (d) 47 (c) 48 (a) 49 (d) 50 (a)
51 (a) 52 (d) 53 (d) 54 (c) 55 (a) 56 (d) 57 (a) 58 (a) 59 (a) 60 (a)
EXPLANATIONS
1. (d) Asoka has been referred to as Piyadassi. 9. (b) Some of the most magnificent Shiva
James Prinsep found that most of coins and temples were constructed by the Chola rulers
inscriptions from Mauryan era mentioned a to maintain their supremacy. The Chola kings
king referred to as Piyadassi-meaning “pleasant attempted to claim divine support and
to be hold”. There were a few inscription which proclaim their own power and status by
also referred to the king as Ahsoka, one of the building these splendid temples of Lord
most famous rulers known from Buddhist texts. Shiva.
So, he inferred from this that Asoka is Piyadassi. 10. (a) Harappans get gold from South India.
2. (a) Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador who During the period of the Indus Valley
visited the Court of Chandragupta Maurya. His Civilisation, gold from the mine in Karnataka,
writings are considered as valuable source of South India, reached Indus Valley.
that period. 11. (c) The Amara-Nayakas were military
3. (a) First site of Indus Valley Civilisation was commanders who were given territories to
Harappa. Indus Valley Civilisation is also govern by the Rayas or kings of Vijayanagara
called the Harappan civilisation which is dated empire.
between c. 2600 and 1900 BCE. 12. (d) Tungabhadra river fulfilled most of the
4. (d) The motive of writing ancient texts is water requirements of the Vijayanagara
commenting on the social situations and empire. The location of Vijayanagara is the
practices of people. Writing records about the natural basin formed by the river
lives of the people is a necessary step for a Tungabhadra which flows in a North-easterly
civilisation. Ancient texts wrote. direction.
5. (c) Inscriptions were written on perspectives of 13. (a) Vijayanagara was famous for markets
different societies. They are the writings that dealing in spices, textiles and precious stones,
are engraved on stones or etched metals in as a result trade was regarded as a status
ancient times. It gives us the information about symbol in Vijayanagara empire.
the different aspects of societies. 14. (c) The Kamalapuram tank was built in the
6. (c) The Abhidhamma Pitaka dealt with 15th century. As the kingdom faced water
philosophical matters. It is a detailed scholastic shortage in the summer months, the tank was
analysis and summary of the Buddha’s built to store rain water and use it for
teachings in the Suttas. irrigation. Water from tank was conducted
7. (d) Jainism emphasises the principle of Ahimsa, through a channel to the ‘royal centre’.
SAMPLE PAPER 2
i.e. non-violence to achieve the main goal. 15. (b) The archaeologists found the parts of
According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth Chinese porcelain in some areas including in
and rebirth is shaped through Karma. the North-Eastern corner of the urban core.
Asceticism and penance are required to free This suggest that the area may have been
from the cycle of Karma. occupied by Muslim traders who came to
8. (b) The foundation of Khalsa Panth (army of the trade with the Vijayanagara empire.
pure) was laid down by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. 16. (d) Sangha was an organisation of monks of
He defined its five symbols as uncut hair, a Buddhism. The monks in the Sangha lived a
dagger, a pair of shorts, a comb and a steel simple life and preached the views of
bangle. Buddhism.
17. (b) The early Buddhist teachings give cycle of karma, one must practice asceticism
importance to the self-efforts in achieving and penance. It is only possible if one
Nibbana. The Buddha emphasised individual renounces the world. So, one has to live in a
agency and righteous action as the means to monastery to attain salvation.
escape from the cycle of rebirth and attain 27. (d) All the given statements are true regarding
self-realisation and Nibbana. Thus the water resources of Vijayanagara empire.
extinguishing the ego and desire, individual
could end the cycle of suffering. 28. (c) Statements II, III and IV are correct.
Statement I is incorrect. Buddhist texts mention
18. (a) The first coins to bear the names and as many as 64 sects or schools of thought, not
images of rulers were issued by the 66 sects.
Indo-Greeks, who established control over the
North-Western part of the subcontinent during 29. (d) All the given statements are correct. The
c. Second century BCE. phrase means humans are born with a light
within them. The soul differentiates between
19. (c) Rudradaman repaired and rebuilt the morality and immorality. It’s important to
Sudarshana lake without imposing any tax on being humane and benevolent to all. The body
his subjects when a terrible storm broke the has animal instincts for its survival.
embankment of the Sudarshan lake and water
gushed out of the lake. 30. (a) A large hall in front of the main shrine of
the Virupaksha temple was built by
20. (c) Harappan seals and sealings were used for Krishnadeva Raya to mark his accession and
long-distance communication and for sending establishing an expanded Vijayanagara empire.
goods from one place to another. If the bag
reached with its sealing intact, it meant that it 31. (c) All the given statements are correct. Most
had not been tampered. The sealing also Asokan inscriptions were in the Prakrit
conveyed the identity of the sender. language while those in the North-West of the
subcontinet were in Aramaic and Greek. Most
21. (c) Jati or varna was divided into four Prakrit inscriptions were written in the Brahmi
categories which was based on birth according script; however; some, in the North-West, were
to Hinduism. written in Kharosthi. The Aramaic and Greek
22. (b) Erythraean was the Greek name for the Red scripts were used for inscriptions in
Sea. Afghanistan.
23. (c) Archaeological interpretation attempts to 32. (b) Here, the two statements A and R are correct.
reconstruct religious practices of Indus Valley First statement A is a general statement, which
Civilisation. Archaeologists thought that cannot be justified by giving the example of a
certain objects which seemed unusual or particular dynasty. Thus statement R cannot
unfamiliar may also had a religious explain statement A.
significance. For example, Terracotta figurines 34. (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and
of women found in Harappan civilisation Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
regarded as mother Goddess. Most of the historians agree that Mahabharata
24. (b) Manusmriti entails that women cannot have is meant to be dramatic, moving story and the
access to paternal estate. According to didactic portions of the epic are probably
Manusmriti, the paternal estate was to be added by the several authors of later period.
divided equally amongst sons after the death Hence, it is the work of not one but several
of parents and women could not claim the authors.
property. Women were allowed to retain the 35. (a) The correct chronological order is as follows
SAMPLE PAPER 2
stridhan which they received at the time of l In c. 327-325 BCE, Alexander invaded
marriage. Macedon.
25. (c) Statements III and IV are wrong. According l In c. 185 BCE, the Mauryan empire ended.
to the Dharmasutras, raids on neighbouring l In c. 78 CE, Accession of Kanishka
states were recognised as a legitimate (not
l In c 606 647 CE, Chinese pilgrim Xuan Zang
illegitimate) means of acquiring wealth. comes in search of Buddhist texts.
From 500 BCE Dharmasutras were written in
36. (d) Zarathustra was an ancient Iranian (not
Sanskrit, not in Prakrit language.
from Iraq) prophet who founded
26. (b) The given information is about Jainism. Zoroastrianism.
According to Jainism, if one is to escape the
37. (d) Archaeo-Botanist have been able to 49. (d) None of the given statements are incorrect.
reconstruct dietary practices from charred Votive inscriptions record gifts made to
grains and seeds. Archaeo-zoologists indicated religious institutions mentioning the name of
that bones of sheep, goat, buffalo, pig, boar, the donor and sometimes specify the
deer, gharial were found which indicated some occupation of the people. Sometimes guilds or
of these animals were domesticated. shrenis are mentioned as organisation of craft
38. (d) Archaeobotany is a composite discipline, producers and merchants.
combining botanical knowledge with 50. (a) Shreni or guild is a commercial
archaeological materials and the person who organisation which includes a particular
studies it is known as Archaeo-botanist. group of persons who engaged in the same
Archaeo-zoology may be defined as the vocation or activity.
scientific evaluation of faunal materials 51. (a) The main difference is that people still live
retrieved from archaeological sites. It includes in large number in sites of fortified areas, but
all the organic remains left in the soil after the no one lives in the Harappan sites.
death and decay of animals. The person
52. (d) The main works of a guild or shreni
studying them is termed as Archaeo–zoologist.
include obtaining the raw material, controlling
39. (a) The given information is about James Prinsep. the production and selling the finished
40. (a) The period of Ashtadhyayi is c 500 BCE, products.
Dharmasutras is c 500-200 BCE, the Tripitaka is 53. (d) The advices given by Buddha to Sigala
c 500-100 BCE and Ramayana and Mahabharata regarding relationship between a master and
is c 500 BCE-400 CE. his servants/employees were looking after
41. (c) The given information is about Walter Elliot. them in sickness, distributing luxuries with
them and granting leave at times.
42. (b) It is a seventeenth century painting of
Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya and his disciple 54. (c) Sutta Pitaka gives us philosophical matters
Amir Khusrau.. Amir Khusrau regularly visited of Buddhism. It included all the teachings of
Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya and wrote about Buddha regarding the way of life. After
him. Buddha’s death all his teachings were
compiled by his disciples.
43. (c) Lothal was near source of carnelian (not
quartz) from Bharuch in Gujarat, steatite from 55. (a) The instruction given by Buddha to the
South Rajasthan and North Gujarat and metal clansmen was behaving and talking softly and
from Rajasthan. kindly to Samanas and Brahmanas.
44. (d) Kabir did not mention the name of any 57. (a) Therigatha is a part of Sutta Pitaka that
specific preceptor in his verses. contains a collection of verses composed by
bhikkhunis.
45. (c) Nicolo de conti was from Italy, Abdur
Razzaq was from Persia, Afanasii Nikitin was 58. (a) Sigala according to Sutta Pitaka is an
from Russia and Duarte Barbosa was from affluent or wealthy householder.
Portugal. 59 & 60.
46. (d) All the three given terms have been
mentioned in the Mesopotamian texts in
reference to trade. These are regions named as A. (a) Sarnath
Dilmun (probably the island of Bahrain),
Magan (Oman) and Meluhha, possibly the
SAMPLE PAPER 2
Harappan region.
47. (c) As Harappa is an urban civilisation. Thus,
kings and elites lived in fortified areas i.e. town
with strong defenses usually a massive wall B.
structure. (a) Bhopal
48. (a) Even today people live in many historical

sites of India, thus it is not possible for
Archaeological Survey of India to excavate
extensively in these areas.
SAMPLE PAPER 3
HISTORY
Instructions
be attempted
Maximum Marks : 40
Section A
1. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
(a) RS Bisht-Dholavira (b) MR Mughal-Bahawalpur
(c) SR Rao-Lothal (d) All of these
2. Mesopotamian texts refer to Meluhha as land of ……… .

(a) Peasants (b) Seafarers
(c) Miners (d) Artisans
3. In which of the following regions, the new forms of dead disposals, Megaliths emerged
SAMPLE PAPER 3
during the lst century BCE?

(a) North and North-West of Indian subcontinent
(b) Central and Southern parts of Indian subcontinent
(c) Southern part of the Indian Peninsula
(d) Eastern and North-Eastern parts of Indian subcontinent
4. Which of the following pairs is incorrect?

(a) Palaeography-Study of Ancient Writings (b) Epigraphy- Study of Inscriptions
(c) Both(a)and(b) (d) None of these
5. What is the technical term for ‘large network of people’?

Choose the correct option from the following options.
(a) Kinfolk (b) Families (c) Kinship (d) Folks
6. The mantras voiced by Brahmanas are sourced from which ritual text?
(a) Atharveda (b) Rigveda
(c) Saamveda (d) Yajurveda
7. Which of these is the most wonderful ancient building in the state of Bhopal?
(a) Gohar Mahal (b) Sanchi Kanakhera
(c) Taj ul Masjid (d) None of these
8. ‘Taj-ul-Iqbal Tarikh Bhopal’ is the autobiography of which of the following rulers?

(a) Jenub Begum (b) Jehan Begum
(c) Shahjehan Begum (d) Maham Begum
9. Which of the following was the birthplace of Guru Nanak?

(a) Amritsar (b) Nathan (c) Nankana (d) Nanded
10. The verses compiled as Bijak followed three traditions.

Who was the real composer of these verses?
(a) Kabir (b) Surdas
(c) Tulsidas (d) Mirabai
11. Vijayanagara empire is remembered by which name in stories?

(a) Krishna -Tungabhadra doab (b) City of Victory
(c) Pampadevi (d) Hampi
12. Who among the following was the first surveyor General of India?
(a) Collin Mackenzie (b) Sir Redcliff
(c) McMohan (d) Sir Durand
13. The archaeologist BB Lal excavated at a village named Hastinapura

in Meerut in ………… .
(a) 1948-49 (b) 1950-51 (c) 1952-53 (d) 1951-52
14. Some of the most spectacular gold coins were issued by the ………… rulers.
(a) Maurya (b) Gupta (c) Shunga (d) None of these
15. From where did Harappans get Lapis Lazuli, a blue stone?
(a) Afghanistan (b) Central India
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(c) Himalayan Region (d) Rajasthan
16. Sufi Silsilas began to crystallise in different parts of the Islamic

World around the …… .
(a) 10th century (b) 12th century
(c) 14th century (d) 15th century
17. The literal meaning of ‘Gopuram’ is ……….

(a) Cow shed (b) Royal gateway
(c) Place of infantry army training (d) Central shrines
18. According to Mackenzie, what was the use of Lotus Mahal?

(a) It was a ritual place
(b) Royal queens residence
(c) Place where king met his advisors
(d) Elephant stable
19. The Sufis remember God either by reciting the Zikr (the Divine Names) or evoking his
presence through ………… or performance of mystical music.
(a) Sama (b) Ziyarat
(c) Auqaf (d) None of these
20. Which of the following are not correctly matched in respect of Buddha life?
(a) Where he was born-Lumbini.
(b) Where he attained enlightenment-Sursen.
(c) Where he gave his first sermon-Sarnath.
(d) Where he attained nibbana-Kusinagara.
21. The Sangha was an association of whom?

(a) Bhikkhus (b) Merchants
(c) Traders (d) Dancers
22. What was used to weigh things in the Harappan Civilisation?

(a) A cubical stone with no markings, called chert
(b) A metallic cube with markings
(c) A cylindrical stone with no markings
23. Sanskrit texts and inscriptions used the term ‘Vanik’ to designate
(a) Goldsmiths (b) Potters
(c) Merchants (d) None of these
24. What is the term used to denote the practice of a woman having several husbands?
(a) Polyandry (b) Polygamy
(c) Endogamy (d) Exogamy
Section B
25. Consider the following statements with reference to the weights and measurements
SAMPLE PAPER 3
system in Harappan culture.

I. Weights were made up of chert in cubical shapes more oftenly with no markings on
it.
II. Lower denominations were binary while higher ones followed the decimal system.
(a) Only I (b) Only II
(c) Both I and II (d) None of these
26. Which pair of the given archaeologists did excavations at the site of Kalibangan?
(a) BB Lal and BK Thapar
(b) SN Roy and SR Rao
(c) RS Bisht and MR Mughal
(d) MS Vatsa and RD Banerjee
27. Arrange the following in correct chronological order.

I. SR Rao begins excavations at Lothal.
II. Report of Alexander Cunningham on Harappan seal.
III. REM Wheeler excavations at Harappa.
IV. Excavations begin at Mohenjodaro
(a) I, IV, II, III (b) II, IV, III, I
(c) I, II, III, IV (d) IV, II, I, III
28. Identify the wrong statement in reference to the Kushanas theory of divine kingship.
(a) Colossal statues of the kings found from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and Afghanistan.
(b) They adopted titles like Devaputra i.e. Son of the God.
(c) They were inspired by Japanese rulers who called themselves sons of heaven.
29. Identity the correct pairing of the capital cities with their locations.
(a) Ujjaiyani-On Land Route (b) Puhar-On Sea Route
(c) Pataliputra- On Riverine Routes (d) All of these
30. Which of the following statements is not correct about Vijayanagara Empire?
(a) The deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the city.
(b) Temples were center of learning.
(c) Temples were developing as social cultural, religious and economical centers.
(d) Temples were autonomous and independent institutions.
31. Arrange Landmarks in the Discovery and Conservation of Vijayanagara in correct order.
I. Colin Mackenzie visits Vijayanagara.
II. Alexander Greenlaw takes the first detailed photographs of archaeological remains
at Hampi.
III. JF Fleet begins documenting the inscriptions on the temple walls at the site.
IV. Conservation begins under John Marshall.
(a) I, III, IV, II (b) I, II, III, IV
(c) II, III, IV, I (d) III, II, I, IV
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Assertion (A) Travellers from different parts of world visited the Vijayanagara Empire.
Reason (R) Krishnadeva Raya’s work Amuktamalyada advised kings to take care of
foreign sailors and travellers.
Codes
(c) A is true, but R is not false

List I List II
A. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 1. Rajasthan
B. Basvanna 2. Bengal
C. Mirabai 3. Punjab
D. Baba Guru Nanak 4. Karnataka
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 4 1 3 (b) 4 2 3 1
(c) 2 4 3 1 (d) 3 1 2 4
34. Consider the following statements regarding paintings of Ajanta caves.

I. They depict tales from Ramayana.
II. Paintings are three dimensional.
III. They have naturalistic quality and used shading technique.
IV. They depict stories of major characters of Mahabharata.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) I and II (b) I, II, III and IV (c) II and III (d) II, III and IV
35. ‘‘Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his death.’’
Identify the correct reason to support the above statement.
(a) Buddha and his disciples taught in Prakrit.
(b) Importance was given to rituals in Buddhism.
(c) People were dissatisfied with existing social practices.
(d) Only men were allowed into the Sangha.
36. Identify the dynasty which is credited with the largest known hoard of gold coins and
also the first ever gold coin in the history of India.
(a) Indo Greeks (b) Kushans (c) Guptas (d) Sakas
Assertion (A) Kharosthi script was used in coin inscriptions found in North-West India.
Reason (R) Coins contain sources of rulers and their rule.
Codes
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38. Identify the name of the person from the information given below.
• He was one of the most famous rulers known from Buddha texts.
• He was the Grandson of Chandragupta Maurya.
• He was the first ruler who inscribed his messages to his subjects and officials on
stone surfaces-natural rocks as well as polished pillars.
• He tried to hold his empire together by propagating dhamma.
(a) Asoka (b) Samudragupta (c) Harsha (d) Chandragupta II

List I List II
A. Guru Nanak 1. Assam
B. Kabir 2. Marwar
C. Shankardeva 3. Nankana Saheb
D. Mirabai 4. Varanasi
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 2 1 4 (b) 3 4 1 2
(c) 2 3 1 4 (d) 1 2 4 3
40. Arrange the following chronologically.

I. Classifying people in terms of gotra
II. Writing of Manusmriti
III. Creation of Dharmasutras
IV. Compilation of various versions of Mahabharata
(a) III, II, IV, I (b) I, III, IV, II
(c) IV, I, III, II (d) I, II, III, IV
41. What were the means of earning for man prescribed in Manusmriti?
I. Inheritance II. Conques
III. Affectionate gifts IV. Investment
(a) Only III (b) Both II and IV
(c) I, II and IV (d) All of these
42. Identify the archaeologist who has written these words, ‘‘It seems to me a suicidal and
indefensible policy to allow the country to be looted of original works of ancient art.’’
(a) H H Cole (b) Walter Elliot
(c) Colin Mackenzie (d) John Marshall
43. ………… was a British official who visited the stupa at Amaravati but his reports were
never published.
(a) Alexander Cunningham (b) Colin Mackenzie
(c) Howard Carter (d) Mortimer Wheeler
44. Identify the concept from the following information.

• They were perceived as deeply compassionate beings who accumulated merit
through their effort.
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• They used this not to attain nibbana and there by abandon the world, but to help
others.
(a) Buddha and his disciples (b) Bodhisattas
(c) Bhikkhunis (d) None of these
45. Consider the following statements and suggest which one is not correct.
(a) The empty seat was meant to indicate the meditation of the Buddha.
(b) The stupa was meant to represent the Mahaparinibbana.
(c) The wheel stood for the first sermon of the Buddha, delivered at Sarnath.
(d) Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating in a cave.
46. Look at the following given image and answer the questions followed by it
What is the name of the structure given in the image and from where was it found?
(a) Lolus Capital, Vaishali (b) Capital Pillar, Kaushambi
(c) Lion Capital, Sarnath (d) Dharma Chakra Capital, Bodh Gaya
Section C
I. Read the following source carefully and answer the following MCQs by choosing the most
appropriate option.
Much later, in 1947, REM Wheeler, then Director-General of the ASI, tried to correlate
this archaeological evidence with that of the Rigveda, the earliest known text in the
subcontinent. He wrote:
The Rigveda mentions pur, meaning rampart, fort or stronghold. Indra, the Aryan
war-god is called Puramdara, the fort-destroyer.
Where are - or were - these citadels? It has in the past been supposed that they were
mythical. The recent excavation of Harappa may be thought to have changed the
picture. Here we have a highly evolved civilisation of essentially non-Aryan type, now
known to have employed massive fortifications.
What destroyed this firmly settled civilisation? Climatic, economic or political
deterioration may have weakened it, but its ultimate extinction is more likely to have
been completed by deliberate and large-scale destruction. It may be no mere chance
that at a late period of Mohenjodaro men, women, and children appear to have been
massacred there. On circumstantial evidence, Indra stands accused.
FROM REM WHEELER, “Harappa 1946”, Ancient India, 1947.
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In the 1960s, the evidence of a massacre in Mohenjodaro was questioned by an

archaeologist named George Dales. He demonstrated that the skeletons found at the
site did not belong to the same period. Whereas a couple of them definitely seem to
indicate a slaughter, the bulk of the bones were found in contexts suggesting burials of
the sloppiest and most irreverent nature.
There is no destruction level covering the latest period of the city, no sign of extensive
burning, no bodies of warriors clad in armour and surrounded by the weapons of war.
The citadel, the only fortified part of the city, yielded no evidence of a final defence.
FROM G.F. DALES, “The Mythical Massacre at Mohenjodaro”, Expedition, 1964.
47. Rigveda mentioned a god name used for Shiva in later Purnanic traditions. Identify the
name.
(a) Nataraja (b) Pashupati (c) Agni (d) Rudra
48. Rigveda consists of hymns in praise of which of the following deities?

(a) Agni (b) Indra (c) Soma (d) All of these
49. What is the most probable cause of the destruction of the Harappan Civilisation?
(a) Climatic changes (b) Economic and political deterioration
(c) Deliberate and large-scale destruction (d) Both (a) and (b)
50. In the beginning of the given excerpt, REM Wheeler has correlated a certain
archeological evidence with Rigveda.
What was that ‘archaeological evidence’?
(a) Skeletons found from Deadman Lane in Mohenjodaro.
(b) Skeletons found from a citadel at Harappa.
(c) Skeletons found from Lothal dockyard.
(d) Skeletons found from Navdatoli.
51. Which one of the following archaeologists criticised Wheeler’s findings about
massacres in Mohenjodaro?
(c) Staurt Piggot (d) George F Dales
52. Consider the following statements with reference to studies by George F Dales and
identify the correct one(s).
I. He propounded that no large-scale massacre took place at Mohenjodaro.
II. He said that the only fortified part of the city did yield evidence of self defence in
case of a war.
III. His views were in consonance with that of John Marshall.
(a) Only I (b) Both I and II (c) Both II and III (d) I, II and III
II. Read the following source carefully and answer the following MCQs by choosing the most
appropriate option.
The Sudarshana lake was an artificial reservoir. We know about it from a rock
inscription (c. second century CE) in Sanskrit, composed to record the achievements of
the Shaka ruler Rudradaman in Girnar.
The inscription mentions that the lake, with embankments and water channels, was
built by a local governor during the rule of the Mauryas. However, a terrible storm
broke the embankments and water gushed out of the lake.
Rudradaman, who was then ruling in the area, claimed to have got the lake repaired
using his own resources, without imposing any tax on his subjects.
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Another inscription on the same rock (c. fifth century) mentions how one of the rulers
of the Gupta dynasty got the lake repaired once again.
53. What was the name of the rock inscription in Sanskrit which mentioned about
Sudarshana lake?
(a) Girnar Inscription (b) Prayag Prashasti
(c) Aihole Inscription (d) Nayanika Inscription
54. Where is Sudarshana lake located?

(a) Bhopal (b) Magadha (c) Gujarat (d) Pataliputra

I. Some local ruler or chieftain belonging to the Mauryan era built the Sudarshan lake.
II. The lake was later on got repaired by Rudradaman and a very heavy tax was
imposed on subjects to compensate the royal treasury.
III. Lake was also repaired during the rule of the Guptas.
Identify the incorrect statement in accordance with the given passage.
(a) Only I (b) Only II (c) I and III (d) I, II and III
56. Histories of Gupta rulers can be reconstructed from which of the following sources?
(a) Inscriptions (b) Prashastis (c) Coins (d) All of these
57. By whom, Sudarshana lake was built?

(a) Mauryas (b) Rudradaman (c) Chandragupta (d) Local Governor
58. The rulers of which dynasty repaired the Sudarshana lake?

(a) Shaka (b) Gupta (c) Maurya (d) Both (a) and (b)
Section D
On the given outline map of India identify the location with the help of specified information.
B
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59. On the political map of India, ‘A’ is marked as the area where Babur defeats Ibrahim
Lodi, Delhi Sultan and becomes the first Mughal Emperor.
(a) Panipat (b) Delhi (c) Agra (d) Fatehpur Sikri
60. On the political map of India, ‘B’ is marked as one of the significant Buddhist stupa in
Andhra Pradesh.
(a) Amravati (b) Vidisha (c) Ajanta (d) Junnar
OMR SHEET SP 3
Roll No.
Instructions
by the software.
ü û
1 21 41
2 22 42
3 23 43
4 24 44
5 25 45
6 26 46
7 27 47
8 28 48
9 29 49
10 30 50
11 31 51
12 32 52
13 33 53
14 34 54
15 35 55
16 36 56
17 37 57
18 38 58
19 39 59
20 40 60


Answers
1 (d) 2 (b) 3 (b) 4 (d) 5 (a) 6 (b) 7 (b) 8 (c) 9 (c) 10 (a)
11 (b) 12 (a) 13 (d) 14 (b) 15 (a) 16 (b) 17 (b) 18 (c) 19 (a) 20 (b)
21 (a) 22 (a) 23 (c) 24 (a) 25 (c) 26 (a) 27 (b) 28 (c) 29 (d) 30 (d)
31 (b) 32 (b) 33 (a) 34 (c) 35 (c) 36 (b) 37 (b) 38 (a) 39 (b) 40 (b)
41 (d) 42 (a) 43 (b) 44 (b) 45 (d) 46 (c) 47 (d) 48 (d) 49 (c) 50 (a)
51 (d) 52 (a) 53 (a) 54 (c) 55 (b) 56 (d) 57 (d) 58 (b) 59 (a) 60 (a)
EXPLANATIONS
1. (d) All the pairs are correctly matched. In 1955, 10. (a) Verses compiled as Bijak are composed by
SR Rao begins excavations at Lothal. In 1974, Kabir. The Kabir Bijak is preserved by the
MR Mughal begins explorations in Kabirpanth (the path or sect of Kabir) in
Bahawalpur. In 1990, RS Bisht begins Varanasi and elsewhere in Uttar Pradesh.
excavations at Dholavira. The Kabir Granthavali is associated with the
2. (b) Mesopotamian texts refer to Meluhha as a Dadupanth in Rajasthan, and many of his
land of seafarers i.e., sailors who were compositions are found in the Adi Granth
involved in trading carnelian, lapis lazuli, Sahib.
copper, gold and varieties of woods. 11. (b) Vijayanagara is remembered as City of
3. (b) New forms of disposal of the dead, Victory in stories. City of Victory is taken from
including the making of elaborate stone the word Vijaya means victory and nagara
structures known as megaliths, emerged in means city. Vijayanagara was the most
Central and South India from the first prosperous capital of South India. The
millennium BCE. In many cases, the dead Vijayanagara empire was founded in the
were buried with a rich range of iron tools fourteenth century.
and weapons. 12. (a) Collin Mackenzie was the first surveyor
4. (d) None of the pairs are incorrect. General of India. He was an employee of East
Paleography is the study of ancient writing India Company. He discovered Hampi and
systems and the deciphering and dating of prepared first survey map of the site. He was
historical manuscripts. appointed as first General Surveyor of India in
1815. His work also gave a new direction to the
Epigraphy is the study and interpretation of
researchers to carry out further survey.
ancient inscriptions.
13. (d) The archaeologist BB Lal excavated at a
5. (a) Kinfolk is the term for families that are
village named Hastinapura in Meerut in
usually parts of larger networks of people.
1951-1952.
6. (b) Rigveda includes all the mantras which are
14. (b) Some of the most spectacular gold coins
used by the Brahmanas to perform rituals.
were issued by the Gupta rulers. Gold coins are
7. (b) The most beautiful ancient buildings in the one of the important sources to reconstruct the
state of Bhopal are at Sanchi Kanakhera. It is a histories of the Gupta rulers. It revealed long
small village some 20 miles North-East of distance transaction and the prosperous
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Bhopal. economic conditions during the Gupta period.

8. (c) ‘Taj-ul Iabal Tarikh Bhopal’ (The History of 15. (a) The Harappans got Lapis Lazuli from
Bhopal) is the autobiography of Shahjahan Afghanistan. It is strongly suggested that
Begum of Bhopal. She ruled from 1868-1901. Shortugai might have had connections to the
In 1876, HD Bartow translated this book. import of Lapis Lazuli, into the cities of the
9. (c) Baba Guru Nanak (1469-1539) was born in Indus Valley Civilisation.
a Hindu merchant family in a village called 16. (b) Sufi Silsilas began to crystallise in different
Nankana Sahib near the Ravi river in the parts of the Islamic world around the 12th
predominantly Muslim Punjab. century.
Sufi Silsilas or chain signifies a continuous link 26. (a) In 1960, BB Lal and BK Thapar began
between master and disciple, stretching an excavations at Kalibangan. They found many
unbroken spiritual genealogy to the Prophet important evidences of Harappan Civilisation.
Muhammad. 27. (b) The correct chronological order is as follows
17. (b) The literal meaning of Gopuram is Royal • In 1875, Alexander Cunningham presents
gateway. This was an integral part of the report on Harappan seal.
temples. Krishnadeva Raya built many fine • In 1925, excavations begin at Mohenjodaro.
Gopurams.
• In 1946, excavations were at Harappa by
18. (c) The Lotus Mahal was one of the most REM Wheeler.
beautiful buildings of the Vijayanagara empire. • In 1955, SR Rao begins excavations at Lothal.
But the exact use of the Mahal was unknown.
However, Mackenzie was of the opinion that 28. (c) Kushanas were inspired by Chinese (not
the Mahal was used as a place where king met Japanese) rulers who called themselves sons of
his advisors. heaven. Kushanas (c 1st century BCE-1st
century CE) ruled over a vast kingdom
19. (a) The Sufis remember God either by reciting extending from Central Asia to North-West
the Zikr or evoking his presence through sama India.
or performance of mystical music. Ritual
necessities are known as ‘sama’ in Chishti 29. (d) All the given pairs are correct. Ujjaiyani
tradition. It was integral to the Chishti serves as the capital of Avanti Mahajanapada
tradition and exemplified interaction with and is located on the banks of Kashipur river.
indigenous devotional traditions. Puhar (also known as Poompuhar) is a town in
the Mayiladuthurai district in the Southern
20. (b) Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment
Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Puhar is located
and became the Buddha at Bodh Gaya (not
near the mouth of the Kaveri river, on the sea
Sursen) under the sacred pipal tree.
coast. It is mentioned in the Periplus of the
21. (a) Sangha was an association of Bhikkhus. Erythraean Sea.
Bhikkhu means ‘beggar’ or ‘one who lives by Pataliputra or modern Patna is located on the
alms’. Buddha founded Sangha for his riverine route of Ganga river and served as the
followers and the monks lived a simple life, capital of Magadh and then Mauryan empire.
teaching Dhamma and lived on alms. Women
were later allowed to join Sangha through the 30. (d) Temples were not independent and
mediation of Ananda, one of the Buddha’s autonomus institutions. They were under the
dearest disciples. control of the king and managed by them.
Temples in South India were considered as a
22. (a) In the Harappan Civilisation, exchanges place of religious worship and social
were regulated by a precise system of weights, gatherings.
which included a cubical stone called chert.
31. (b) The correct order is as follows :
23. (c) Sanskrit texts and inscriptions used the In 1800 Colin Mackenzie visits Vijayanagara.
term ‘Vanik’ to designate merchants.
• In 1856, Alexander Greenlaw takes the first
24. (a) In ancient text, polyandry is considered as detailed photographs of archaelogical
the custom of a woman having several remains at Hampi.
husbands e.g Draupadi. • In 1876, JF Fleet begins documenting the
25. (c) Both the statements I and II are correct. inscriptions on the temple walls at the site.
Exchanges during Harappan age were • In 1902, conservation begins under John
SAMPLE PAPER 3
regulated by a precise system of weights, Marshall.

usually made of a stone called chert. It was
32. (b) Both the statements are true, but statement
generally cubical in shape with no markings.
R does not explain statement A. Travellers
The lower denominations of weights were
visited Vijayanagara Empire to see the ruins of
binary (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc. up to 12,800), while
Hampi with its magnificent temples with
the higher ones followed the decimal system.
Mahanavami dibba and Gopurams. The advise
The smaller weights were probably used for
to kings through Krishnadeva Raya’s work
weighing jewellery and beads. Metal
Amuktamalyada is not the reason for travellers
scale-pans have also been found.
to visit Vijayanagara.
34. (c) The paintings of Ajanta caves are mainly based 48. (d) The Rigveda consists of hymns in praise
on Buddhism, depicting the past lives and of a variety of deities, especially Agni, Indra
rebirths of the Buddha. Thus, statements I and IV and Soma.
are not correct which are about Ramayana and 49. (c) The most probable cause of the
Mahabharata. destruction of the Harappan Civilisation is
35. (c) Buddhism grew rapidly both during the deliberate and large-scale destruction.
lifetime of the Buddha and after his death as 50. (a) The archaeological evidence that REM
people were dissatisfied with existing social Wheeler has correlated was skeletons found
practices. In Buddhism, the importance attached from Deadman Lane in Mohenjodaro.
to conduct and values rather than claims of
superiority based on birth attracted people 51. (d) George F Dales critised Wheeler’s
towards this religion. findings about massacres in Mohenjodaro.
36. (b) The Kushanas issued the largest hoards of 53. (a) Girnar rock inscription mentions about
gold coins (first gold coins) during c. first century Sudarshana lake.
CE. These were virtually identical in weight with 54. (c) Sudarshana lake is located in Gujarat.
those issued by contemporary Roman emperors 55. (b) Statement II is incorrect. The lake was
and the Parthian rulers of Iran. These have been repaired by Rudradaman by using his own
found from several sites in North India and resources, he did not impose any tax on his
Central Asia. subjects.
37. (b) Both the statements are true, but they explain 56. (d) Histories of the Gupta rulers have been
different information and are not interlinked, reconstructed from literature, coins and
thus, statement R is not the explanation of inscriptions, including prashastis,
statement A. composed in praise of kings in particular,
38. (a) The given information is about Asoka. and patrons in general, by poets.
40. (b) The correct chronological order is classifying 57. (d) Sudarshana lake was built by a local
people in terms of gotra, creation of governor during the rule of Mauryas. This
Dharmasutras, compilation of various versions of task of Rudradaman depicts that he did
Mahabharata and writing of Manusmriti. welfare activities for his subjects.
41. (d) In Manusmriti, the different ways of earnings 58. (b) Shaka ruler Rudradaman and later one
included wealth got by inheritance, conquest, of the rulers of the Gupta dynasty repaired
investment and acceptance of gifts from good Sudarshana lake.
people. 59 & 60.
42. (a) HH Cole had written the given words. He was
of the view that museums should have a
plaster-caste duplicate of sculpture whereas the
originals should remain at their actual place. In
A. (a) Panipat
1880, he was appointed as a Curator of Ancient
Monuments.
43. (b) Colin Mackenzie visited the stupa at
Amaravati and found several pieces of sculpture,
made detailed drawings of them, but these
reports were never published.
SAMPLE PAPER 3
44. (b) The given information is about Bodhisattas.

45. (d) Buddha attained enlightenment under a tree
(not a cave). B. (a)Amaravati
46. (c) The name of the given structure is Lion
Capital, Sarnath. It was originally placed on the
top of the Ashoka pillar at the important Buddhist
site of Sarnath by the Emperor Ashoka, in about
250 BCE during his rule over the Mauryan
Empire.
SAMPLE PAPER 4
HISTORY
Instructions
be attempted
Maximum Marks : 40
Section A
1. The Chola kings introduced the singing of Tamil Shaiva hymns in the temples and took
the initiative to collect them into text named
(a) Vachanas (b) Tevaram
(c) Bhajans (d) None of these
2. What policy was specifically used by the Ashoka to hold his empire together strongly?
(a) Military conquests (b) Dhamma Propagation
(c) Political conspiracies (d) All of these
3. How did the Sufis remember the God?

(a) By reciting the Zikr (the Divine names)
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(b) By evoking his presence through Sama (audition)

(c) By performing mystical music
4. The Buddha’s teachings have been reconstructed from stories, found mainly in the
……… .
(a) Sutta Pitaka (b) Vinaya Pitaka
(c) Tripitaka (d) Abhidhamma Pitaka
5. The fourth century play Mrichchhakatika was written by

(a) Charudutta (b) Eklavya (c) Shudraka (d) Kalidasa
6. Archaeological findings of Indus Valley Civilisation suggest that copper was brought
from ……… .
(a) Egypt (b) Oman (c) Rajasthan (d) None of these
7. Nageshwar and Balakot both the settlements near coast were specialised centres for
making ……… .
(a) Pottery (b) Leather objects (c) Shell objects (d) Stone objects
8. The earliest coins of sixth century BCE, Punch-marked coins were made up of which
of these materials?
(a) Copper and Bronze (b) Gold and Silver
(c) Copper and Silver (d) Bronze and Gold
9. Name the person who was able to decipher Brahmi script.

(a) James Prinsep (b) David Hare
(c) Rakhal Das Banerjee (d) John Marshall
10. The most unique feature of the Harappan Civilisation was the development of ……… .
(a) urban centres (b) its agriculture
(c) tool making (d) None of these
11. Some graves of the Indus Valley Civilisation contain pottery and ornaments. Which of
the following is the most suitable reason?
(a) People were well-off
(b) These could be used in the afterlife
(c) There were abundance of pottery and ornaments at that period
12. Who was the Guru of Kabir?

(a) Ramanuja (b) Ramananda (c) Vallabhacharya (d) Namadeva
13. Who among the following called themselves as Rayas?

(a) The rulers of Cholas (b) The ruler of Pallavas
(c) The ruler of Vijayanagara (d) The ruler of Hoysals
14. What does Gajapati mean?

(a) Lord of horses (b) Lord of men
(c) Lord of elephants (d) Lore of elite classes
15. Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire and when?

(a) Harihara and Bukka, 1336 (b) Krishnadeva Raya, 1512
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(c) Rama Raya, 1340 (d) None of these
16. Who of the following wrote ‘Munis Al Awwah’, the biography of Shaikh Muinuddin
Chishti?
(a) Abu’l Fazl (b) Jahanara (c) Birbal (d) Jahangir
17. The tomb of ………… was very popular among the Muslims and Emperor Akbar went
there fourteen times to seek blessings of the saint.
(a) Khwaja Muinuddin (b) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
(c) Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (d) None of these
18. Which one of the following is the coastal area of Harappan Civilisation?
(a) Kalibanga (b) Mohenjodaro
(c) Lothal (d) Banawali
19. Who appointed Dhamma Mahamattas ?

(a) Bimbisar (b) Samudragupta
(c) Ashoka (d) Pandava
20. Who was founded the suburban township Nagalapuram?

(a) Rama Raya (b) Harihara
(c) Krishnadeva Raya (d) None of these
21. The characteristics feature(s) of the temple complexes of Vijayanagara include(s)

(a) Chariot streets that extended from the temple Gopuram in a straight line.
(b) these streets were paved with stone slabs and lined with pillar pavilions.
(c) merchants set up their shops there.
22. How did Portuguese traveller Barbosa describe the houses of the ordinary people of
Vijayanagara empire?
(a) These were thatched and well built.
(b) These were arranged according to occupations.
(c) These were located in long streets with many open places.
23. What was the importance of Gopuram?

(a) It marked the authority of people of Vijayanagara.
(b) It dwarfed the towers on the central shrines.
(c) It signalled the presence of temple from a great distance.
(d) Both (b) and (c)
24. Why did historian James Fergusson consider Sanchi as a centre of tree and serpent
worship?
(a) He was not familiar with the Buddhist literature.
(b) Most of the Buddhist literatures had not been translated.
(c) He studied only the serpent motifs found in several pillars of Sanchi.
Section B
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25. Inscriptions found on the railings and pillars of stupas record donations made for
building and decorating them. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect
regarding the donations of Stupas?
(a) Hundreds of donations were made by women and men who mention their names.
(b) Bhikkhus and bhikkhunis also contributed to building these monuments.
(c) Guilds such as the ivory workers financed part of one of the gateways at Sanchi.
(d) The kings of Mauryan empire also made some donations.

Place Significance
A. Lumbini 1. Birth place of Buddha
B. Sarnath 2. Buddha attained Nirvana
C. Kushinagara 3. Buddha attained enlightenment
D. Bodh Gaya 4. First sermon of Buddha
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 4 2 3 (b) 1 2 3 4
(c) 4 1 2 3 (d) 3 4 1 2
27. Select the correct chronological order of the Bhakti Saints from the following.
(a) Kabir, Guru Nanak, Mirabai, Sankardeva (b) Kabir, Sankardeva, Guru Nanak, Mirabai
(c) Kabir, Mirabai, Sankardeva, Guru Nanak (d) Guru Nanak, Sankardeva, Mirabai, Kabir
Assertion (A) Lingayats do not practise funerary rites such as cremation, instead,
they ceremonially bury their dead.
Reason (R) Lingayats believe that on death the devotee will be united with Shiva and
will not return to this world.
Codes

Types of Marriages Definition
A. Polynadry 1. Marriage with in a unit
B. Exogamy 2. Marriage outside the unit
C. Endogamy 3. Practice of a man having several wives
D. Polygyny 4. Practice of a woman having several husbands
Codes
SAMPLE PAPER 4
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 3 4 (b) 4 2 1 3
(c) 1 2 3 4 (d) 2 1 4 3
30. Arrange the major texts in chronological order.

I. Sushruta Samhita by Charaka II. Ashtyadhyayi by Panini
III. Manusmriti by Manu IV. Natyashastras by Bharata
(a) II, III, I, IV (b) I, III, II, IV
(c) II, III, IV, I (d) III, II, IV, I
31. Identify the incorrect statement.

I. Malla and Vajji were two Ganas/Sanghas.
II. Buddha and Mahavira both belonged to the same Ganas/Sanghas.
Codes
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor III
32. Identify the organisations of ancient period from the following information.
• Council of ministers to assist the King
• Legislative councils like that of Sabha and Samitis in Vedic age
• Trade and commerce guilds
• Oligarchies composed of different kings with equal powers to rule over certain
Republics
(a) Sangha (b) Gana (c) Either (a) or (b) (d) None of these

I. After independence, most of the Harappan Civilisation centres went over to Pakistan.
II. The Harappan script has been deciphered.
III. Rulers had an important role in Harappan Civilisation.
IV. Dead were buried in Harappa.
Which of the above is correct statement?
(a) I, II and III (b) I, III and IV (c) I, II, III and IV (d) II, III and IV
34. Consider the following statements and identify the incorrect one.
(a) Harappan people worshipped mother goddess.
(b) Harappan people worshipped proto Shiva.
(c) Harappan people worshipped ‘peepal’ tree.
(d) Harappan people did not worship animal.

List I List II
A. Harappan 1. Gujarat
B. Dholavira 2. Jammu & Kashmir
C. Manda 3. Rajasthan
D. Kalibanga 4. Pakistan
Codes
(a) 4 1 2 3 (b) 2 3 4 1 (c) 3 2 1 4 (d) 1 2 3 4
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36. Identify the structure by considering the following statements.

• It is a balcony-like structure that represented the abode of gods.
• A mast called the Anda arose from it.
• Yashti surrounded by a chhatri or umbrella arose from it
(a) Stupa (b) Shalabhanjika
(c) Charanachitras (d) Harmika
37. Identify the dynasty whose rulers name ended with the term ‘Puta’.
(a) Satavahana dynasty (b) Shunga dynasty
(c) Maurya dynasty (d) Kanva dynasty
(a) Pandavs were in fact reincarnations of Indra.
(b) Wife of Indra had been reborn as Draupadi.
(c) Pandavas and Draupadi are destined for each other.
39. Consider the following statements and select the correct one regarding the
Vijayanagara city.
(a) Krishna in North and Tungabhadara in South
(b) Krishna in the South and Cauvery in North
(c) Tungabhadra in North and Krishna in South
(d) Cauvery in the North and Tungabhadra in South
40. Identify the following image and write its name.
(a) Karaikkal Ammaiyar (b) Mother Goddess (c) Goddess Marichi (d) Goddess Saraswati
Assertion (A) According to queen Kamalavati, Dhamma alone and nothing else, will
save the king.
Reason (R) The king will leave behind the whole world and all its treasures when he
left the world.
Codes
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42. Consider the following statements and selects the incorrect one.
(a) Harappan people traded with Mesopotamia
(b) Harappan people used bricks
(c) Harappan people followed Hinduism
(d) Harappa was an Urban Revolution
43. Identify the historical city from the following information.

• The ruins were brought to light in 1800 by Colonel Colin Mackenzie.
• Mackenzie prepared the first survey map of the site.
• He got the initial information from the priests at the Virupaksha temple.
• Historian collected the information from the literature written in Telugu, Kannada,
Tamil and Sanskrit.
(a) Vijayanagara (b) Harappa
(c) Magadha (d) None of these
44. He was the owner, master or head of a household. He exercised control over the
women, children, slaves and workers who shared a common residence. Identify the
person.
(a) Vellalar (b) Gahapati (c) Uzhavar (d) None of these
45. Choose the correct pair.

(a) Vellalar–Ploughman (b) Adimai–Slaves
(c) Uzhavar–Landowners (d) Samantas–Workers
46. Identify the personality by observing the following statements.

• He advocated a form of Nirguna bhakti.
• He rejected the concept of ritual baths, image worship and austerities.
• God has no gender according to him.
• He rejects the scriptures of both Hindus and Muslims.
(a) Kabir (b) Guru Nanak
(c) Sant Tukaram (d) Ramananda
Section C
This section contains 12 questions in total, attempt any 10 questions.
appropriate option.
“It is certainly the most complete ancient system as yet discovered.”
Every house was connected to the street drains. The main channels were made of
bricks set in mortar and were covered with loose bricks that could be removed for
cleaning. In some cases, limestone was used for the covers.
House drains first emptied into a sump or cesspit into which solid matter settled while
waste water flowed out into the street drains. Very long drainage channels were
provided at intervals with sumps for cleaning. It is a wonder of archaeology that “little
heaps of material, mostly sand, have frequently been found lying alongside drainage
SAMPLE PAPER 4
channels, which shows that the debris was not always carted away when the drain was
cleared.”
Drainage systems were not unique to the larger cities, but were found in smaller
settlements as well. At Lothal for example, while houses were built of mud brick,
drains were made of burnt bricks.
47. The above passage is an excerpt from ‘Early Indus Civilisation, 1948’ written by
(a) Ernest Mackay (b) REM Wheeler
(c) John Marshall (d) Rakhal Das Banerji
48. The writer in the first line of the given passage is referring to what as ‘the most
complete ancient system as yet discovered’?
(a) Citadels (b) Granaries (c) Drains (d) Great Bath
49. Which pattern was followed by the roads and streets of the Harappan cities?
(a) Cubical (b) Rectangular (c) Grid (d) None of these
50. Which one of the following statements is not true ?

(a) Every house had its own bathrooms.
(b) The drains of each house connected with the street drains.
(c) The main channels were made of bricks set in mortars.
(d) The whole constructions including the covers were made of bricks and cannot be
removed.
51. Consider the following statements and identify the correct one(s).
I. Solid matter from the house drains used to settle first into a sump or cesspit.
II. Wastewater used to get collected into the cesspit.
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
52. Where does the activities like cooking and weaving took place?
(a) Courtyard (b) Lower town
(c) Citadel (d) None of these
II. Read the following excerpt titled “The World Beyond the Palace’ carefully and answer the
following questions.
Just as the Buddha’s teachings were compiled by his followers, the teachings of
Mahavira were also recorded by his disciples.
These were often in the form of stories, which could appeal to ordinary people. Here is
one example, from a Prakrit text known as the Uttaradhyayana Sutta, describing how a
queen named Kamalavati tried to persuade her husband to renounce the world: If the
whole world and all its treasures were yours, you would not be satisfied, nor would all
this be able to save you.
When you die, O king and leave all things behind, dhamma alone, and nothing else,
will save you. As a bird dislikes the cage, so do I dislike (the world). I shall live as a
nun without offspring, without desire, without the love of gain, and without hatred ...
Those who have enjoyed pleasures and renounced them, move about like the wind,
and go wherever they please, unchecked like birds in their flight ...
Leave your large kingdom ... abandon what pleases the senses, be without attachment
and property, then practise severe penance, being firm of energy.
53. Why were Mahavira’s teachings compiled by his followers in a form of story?
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(a) It was a difficult format. (b) It could justify ordinary people.

(c) It could defend ordinary people (d) It could attract ordinary people.
54. Uttaradhyayana Sutta is written in

(a) Prakrit (b) Sanskrit (c) Brahmi (d) Devnagari
55. What would save the king according to his queen Kamlavati?
(a) King’s courage (b) King’s intellect
(c) Path of righteous living (d) Administrative aptitude
56. As a bird dislikes the cage, so do I dislike (the world).

What does the Queen mean by saying the above line?
I. The queen dislikes the materialistic world.
II. The queen doesn’t have any desire.
III. Her only desire is to be free and loved by the common people.
Codes
(a) Only I (b) I and II (c) Only III (d) All of these
57. According to Jainism, those who have enjoyed happiness and rejected it, are just like
(a) the wind (b) birds
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
58. What is ultimate advice of Queen Kamlavati to his husband?

(a) Evacuate the Kingdom
(b) Renounce pleasures, attachment and property
(c) Practice self-mortification
Section D
B
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59. On the Indian map ‘A’ is marked as a major Harappan site in Haryana, identify it
among the following options.
(a) Lothal (b) Rakhigarhi
(c) Manda (d) Kot Diji
60. On the same map ‘B’ is marked as a major Harappan site in Gujarat, identify it among
the following options.
(a) Dholavira (b) Nageshwar
(c) Rangpur (d) Banawali
OMR SHEET SP 4
Roll No.
Instructions
by the software.
ü û
1 21 41
2 22 42
3 23 43
4 24 44
5 25 45
6 26 46
7 27 47
8 28 48
9 29 49
10 30 50
11 31 51
12 32 52
13 33 53
14 34 54
15 35 55
16 36 56
17 37 57
18 38 58
19 39 59
20 40 60


Answers
1 (b) 2 (b) 3 (d) 4 (a) 5 (c) 6 (b) 7 (c) 8 (c) 9 (a) 10 (a)
11 (b) 12 (b) 13 (c) 14 (c) 15 (a) 16 (b) 17 (a) 18 (c) 19 (c) 20 (c)
21 (d) 22 (d) 23 (d) 24 (d) 25 (d) 26 (a) 27 (a) 28 (a) 29 (b) 30 (a)
31 (b) 32 (c) 33 (b) 34 (d) 35 (a) 36 (d) 37 (a) 38 (d) 39 (a) 40 (a)
41 (a) 42 (c) 43 (a) 44 (b) 45 (b) 46 (b) 47 (a) 48 (c) 49 (c) 50 (d)
51 (a) 52 (a) 53 (d) 54 (a) 55 (c) 56 (b) 57 (c) 58 (d) 59 (b) 60 (a)
EXPLANATIONS
1. (b) The Chola kings introduced singing of 9. (a) James Prinsep was able to decipher
Tamil Shaiva hymns in the temples and took Ashokan Brahmi script which was used in
initiative to collect them into text named most of Ashokan inscription in 1838.
Tevaram. 10. (a) The most unique feature of the Harappan
2. (b) Ashoka used the policy of Dhamma to hold Civilisation was the development of urban
his empire strongly. This simple and centres. The Harappan Civilisation was an
universally applicable principle would ensure urban civilisation which had planned city
the well-being of people in this world and the structure with residential building, bathrooms,
next. drainage systems, streets, etc.
3. (d) Sufis remember the God by reciting the 11. (b) Some graves of the Indus Valley
Zikr, by evoking his presence through Sama Civilisation contain pottery and ornaments
and by performing mystical music. They use because of the belief of people that even after
music and dance including mystical chants death, people could use their necessary things
which is performed by specially trained like pottery and ornaments.
musicians or qawwals to evoke divine ecstasy. 12. (b) It is believed that Bhakti poet-saint Swami
4. (a) The Buddha’s teachings have been Ramananda was the Guru of Kabir . However,
reconstructed from stories, found mainly in the some historians believed that it was very
Sutta Pitaka. The stories in Sutta Pitaka difficult to suggest that these two were
describe the miraculous powers of Buddha. contemporaries.
Other stories suggest that the Buddha tried to 13. (c) The Rayas were the rulers of the
convince people through reason and Vijyanagara empire. The Rayas ruled the
persuasion, not through his supernatural kingdom from the fourteenth century
power. onwards. The Rayas are called Narapati or
5. (c) Mrichchhakatika was written by Shudraka Lord of men.
in 4th century CE, where the hero Charudatta 14. (c) Gajapati means lord of elephants. This was
was described as both a Brahmana and a the name of a ruling lineage that was very
merchant, thus ignoring the strict occupational powerful in Orissa in the 15th century.
demarcation of the society.
15. (a) Two brothers Harihara and Bukka founded
6. (b) Archaeological findings of Indus Valley the Vijayanagara empire in 1336.
Civilisation suggest that copper was brought
16. (b) Jahanara wrote ‘Munis Al Awwah’ to
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from Oman.
indicate her devotion to the Shaikh Muinuddin
7. (c) Nageshwar and Balakot were specialised Chishti.
centres for making shell objects near seacoast,
thus shells were available easily here. 17. (a) The tomb of Khwaja Muinuddin was
popular because of austerity and piety of
8. (c) Punch-marked coins were mostly made up Khawaja Muinuddin, the greatness of his
of copper and silver. They were amongst the spiritual successors and the partonage of royal
earliest to be minted and used. These have visitors like Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Emperor
been recovered from excavations at a number Akbar, etc.
of sites through out the subcontinent.
18. (c) Lothal is the coastal area of Harappan Mahavira belonged to Vajji and the Buddha
civilisation. It was deeply involved in trade. belonged to Shakya.
19. (c) To spread the influence of Buddhism Asoka 32. (c) The given information is about Sangha or
commissioned the construction of several Gana.
stupas as well as appointed officers known as 33. (b) Statements I, III and IV are correct.
Dhamma Mahamattas for the propagation of Statement II is incorrect as Harappan scripts
Dhamma. remain undeciphered till today.
20. (c) Krishnadeva Raya founded a suburban 34. (d) It is evident from some seals found in
township near Vijayanagara called Harappan Civilisation that Harappan people
Nagalapuram after this mother. worshipped animals.
21. (d) All these features given are considered as 36. (d) The given information is about Harmika.
characteristics features of the temple
complexes of Vijayanagara. 37. (a) Name of several generations of Satavahana
rulers have been recovered from various
22. (d) The Portuguese traveller Barbosa described inscriptions whose name ends with the term
about the houses of the ordinary people of ‘Puta’ (means son), e.g. Raja Gotami-Puta
Vijayanagara Empire that they were thatched Siri–Satakani, Raja Vasithi–Puta (Sami)
and well built, they were arranged according Siri-Pulumayi, etc.
to occupation and they were located in long
streets with many open places. 39. (a) Vijanagara city was surrounded by Krishna
in the North and Tungabhadra in the South.
24. (d) Modern art historian James Fergusson was
unaware about the Buddhist literature and the 40. (a) It is the image of Karaikkal Ammaiyar. It is
explanation of different motifs and symbols of a 12th century bronze image which depicts
Buddhism. Thus, he arrived the conclusion herself as presenting a contrast to traditional
incorrectly. notions of feminine beauty.
25. (d) The Mauryan king did not make any 41. (a) Both the statements A and R are true.
donations. The kings who made donations According to queen Kamalavati, at the time of
were the Satavahanas. death the king will leave all things behind,
only Dhamma saves him. Thus, statement R is
27. (a) The correct sequence is Kabir, Baba Guru the correct reason of statement A.
Nanak, Mirabai and Sankardeva. Kabir (c.
fourteenth-fifteenth centuries) is one of the 42. (c) Attempts have been made to reconstruct the
most outstanding examples of a poet-saint. religious beliefs of Harappan Civilisation, but
Baba Guru Nanak (1469-1539) was born in a it can not be said specifically that they
Hindu merchant family in a village called followed Hinduism.
Nankana Sahib. 43. (a) The given information is about
Mirabai (c. fifteenth- sixteenth centuries) is the Vijayanagara city.
best known woman poet within the Bhakti 44. (b) The given information is about Gahapati.
tradition. In the late 15th century, Sankardeva The term ‘Gahapati’ is often used in Pali text to
emerged as one of the leading proponents of designate the owner of the resources (land,
Vaishnavism in Assam. animals and other things), that belonged to the
28. (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and household.
Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion. 45. (b) Adimai means slaves, thus it is the correct
As the Lingayats believed that after death no pair. Large land owners are Vellalar and
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one will return to world, thus they rejected the ploughmen are Uzhavar and Samantas are
funerary rites prescribed by the officials. Thus, all these are incorrect.
Dharmashastras.
46. (b) The given information is about Guru
30. (a) The correct order is Ashtadhyayi by Panini Nanak.
(c 500 BCE), Manusmriti by Manu (c 200
48. (c) The first line of the passage is referring to
BCE–200 CE), Sushruta by Charaka (c 100 CE),
drains. Drains belonging to the Indus Valley
Natyashastras by Bharata (c 300 CE).
Civilisation are renowned in the world for
31. (b) Statement II is incorrect. Both Mahavira and their architecture and town planning.
the Buddha belonged to different ganas.
49. (c) Grid pattern was followed by the roads 57. (c) By Renouncing the worldly desire, man can
and streets of the Harappan cities. enjoy freedom like wind and birds.
According to grid pattern, streets with 58. (d) Queen Kamalavati adviced her husband to
drains were laid out first and then houses adopt all the paths to renounce the world i.e.
built along them. Domestic waste water had evacuate the kingdom, renounce pleasures,
to flow into the street drains, thus every attachment and property and practice
house needed at least one wall along a self-mortification which would free him from the
street. cycle of rebirth.
50. (d) The covers were made of loose bricks 59 & 60.
that could be removed for cleaning.
51. (a) Only statement I is correct. The house
drains first emptied into a sump or cesspit
into which solid matter settled while
A. (b) Rakhigarhi
wastewater flowed out into the street
drains.
53. (d) Mahavira’s teachings were compiled by
his followers in a form of story so it could
attract ordinary people.
55. (c) According to Queen Kamalavatia, at the
time of death, an individual leaves all things
behind, only his path to righteous living B.(a)
(Dhamma) will save him.) Dholavira
56. (b) Statements I and II are correct. As a
follower of Jainism, Queen Kamalavati
disliked the materialistic world and
renounced all the desires except the desire
to love by common men.
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HISTORY
Instructions
be attempted
Maximum Marks : 40
Section A
1. The Indus Valley Civilisation is dated between ......... .
(a) c 2600 and 1900 BCE (b) c 1500 and 2000 BCE
(c) c 2500 and 1800 BCE (d) c 2000 and 2500 BCE
2. Who wrote volumes on Sanchi Stupa?

(c) Rakhal Dao Banerji (d) None of these
3. Which term was used for lineage by the Sanskrit texts?

(a) Kula (b) Jnati
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(c) Vamsha (d) None of these
4. What do you mean by the term ‘epigraphy’?

(a) It is the study of monuments (b) It is the study of coins
(c) It is the study of inscriptions (d) All of these
5. Which of the following means the land where a Jana (a people, clan or tribe) sets its
foot or settles ?
(a) Nagar (b) Janapada
(c) Mahajanapada (d) None of these
6. The followers of Basavanna came to be known as

(a) Virashaivas (b) Nayanars
(c) Alvars (d) Buddhist
7. The entire settlement of Harappan Civilisation was fortified in

(a) Dholavira (b) Lothal
(c) Rakhigarhi (d) Both (a) and (b)
8. What does the term ‘gopuram’ designate?

(a) Pavilions (b) Gateway
(c) Hall (d) None of these
9. Silk weavers originally lived in Lata (Gujarat). Where did they finally migrated ?
(a) Dashpura in Madhya Pradesh (b) Pataliputra in Magadha
(c) Kolkata in West Bengal (d) None of these
10. The term ‘exogamy’ refers to

(a) Marriage within a unit (b) Marriage outside the unit
(c) Practice of a man having several wives (d) None of these
11. Colossal statues of Kushana rulers have been found installed in a shrine.
Where does the statue located?
(a) Mathura (b) Banaras
(c) Allahabad (d) None of these
12. In Harappan Civilisation, the term ‘hoards’ means

(a) Objects kept carefully by people
(b) Objects kept in pots
(c) Jewellery or metal objects saved for reuse by metal workers
13. The Buddhist text written in Pali based on a story of a dialogue between king
Avantiputta and disciple Kachchana. Name the text.
(a) Matanga Jataka (b) Sutta Pitaka
(c) Majjhima Nikaya (d) None of these
14. ‘Chhandogya Upanishad’, a text composed in Sanskrit was written in

(a) c fourth century BCE (b) c fifth century BCE
(c) c sixth century BCE (d) None of these
15. Who constructed the magnificent Shiva temple, Gangaikonda-Cholapuram?

(a) Chera rulers (b) Chola rulers
(c) Chalukya rulers (d) Pallava rulers
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16. On behalf of which God Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule?

(a) Virupaksha (b) Shiva
(c) Pampadevi (d) All of these
17. By which name the scholars of Islamic studies are known?

Choose the correct answer from the following options.
(a) Ulama (b) Maulavi (c) Khwaja (d) None of these
18. Name the law that govern the Muslim Community.

(a) Quran (b) Hadis (c) Zimma (d) Shari’a
19. ........... residence is a practice where women after marriage remains in their natal home
with their children and the husbands may come to stay with them.
(a) Matrilocal (b) Paternal (c) Either (a) or (b) (d) None of these
20. Raja Gotami-puta-siri-Satakani is a ruler of which dynasty?

(a) Satavahana dynasty (b) Chola dynasty
(c) Chera dynasty (d) Shernga dynasty
21. Hagiography is a biography of whom?

(a) Saint (b) Religious leader (c) King (d) Either (a) or (b)
22. Vijayanagara empire was situated on the bank of which river?

(a) Kaveri (b) Mahanadi (c) Godavari (d) Tungabhadra
23. How many towers the Lotus Mahal temple in Vijayanagara has?
(a) Six (b) Seven (c) Nine (d) Ten
24. Before Tuluva dynasty in Vijayanagara there was .......... . Who were military
commanders and remained in power till 1503 ?
(a) Sangama dynasty (b) Saluva dynasty (c) Shunga dynasty (d) None of these
Section B
(a) There is one God, Allah.
(b) Offering prayers four times a day is a must.
(c) Giving alms and fasting during the month of Ramzan are necessary.
(d) Perform the pilgrimage to Mecca.
26. According to Jaina tradition, what is/are required to free oneself from cycle of Karma?
(a) Asceticism (b) Salvation (c) Penance (d) Both (a) and (c)

List-I List-II
(Types of Harappan Civilisation) (Number of Sites in Sind)
A. Early Harappan sites 1. 29
B. Mature Harappan sites 2. 52
C. Mature Harappan settlements on new sites 3. 43
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D. Early Harappan sites abandoned 4. 65
Codes
(a) 1 4 2 3 (b) 2 4 3 1 (c) 1 2 3 4 (d) 4 1 2 3
28. Alexander Cunningham was called the father of Indian archaeology and the first
Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In which year, he
submitted his report on Harappan seal ?
(a) 1875 (b) 1873 (c) 1882 (d) 1867
29. Identify the part of the settlement from the following information given below.
• It was smaller but higher part of the settlement.
• It was walled.
• It was used for special public purposes.
• It included warehouse and Great Bath.
(a) Citadel (b) Harmika (c) Garbagriha (d) Mast

List-I List-II
A. Ujjayini 1. Uttar Pradesh
B. Survarnagiri 2. Madhya Pradesh
C. Sarnath 3. Karnataka
D. Rajgir 4. Bihar
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 4 3 (b) 2 1 3 4
(c) 2 3 1 4 (d) 4 1 3 2
(a) A team under the leadership of VS Sukthankar prepared a critical edition of Mahabharata.
(b) Different versions of Mahabharata found in Kashmir, Nepal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
(c) Mahabharata in its present form has 10,000 verses.
32. Identify the text from the following information.

l It was written by Shudraka
l It was written in c 4th century CE.
l The name of the hero was charudatta.
l The hero was a Brahmana and a merchant.
(a) Mrichchhakatika (b) Jaduvansham (c) Avijyan Shukuntalam (d) None of these
33. Identify the personality from the following information.

l She was the ruler of Bhopal.
l She funded for the museum and guest house.
l She also funded for the publications of historical monuments.
(a) ShahJahan Begum (b) Sultan Jahan Begum
(c) Ghasheti Begum (d) None of them
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Assertion (A) Chishtis were the most influential sufis in the late 12th century.
Reason (R) Chishtis adopted successfully to the local environment and adopted several
features of Indian devotional traditions.
Codes
Assertion (A) Krishnadeva Raya built many fine temples and gopurams.
Reason (R) He founded a suburban township near Vijayanagara called Nagalpuram
after his mother.
Codes
36. Consider the following statements about Vijayanagara empire and choose
the correct one.
(a) It developed in Madhya Pradesh.
(b) The strongest emperor of this dynasty was Rama Raya.
(c) The Amara-Nayaka is a major political innovation.
(d) Ambassador Abdur Razzaq was sent by the ruler of Iraq.
37. Which of the following statements is incorrect about the duties as laid down in
Manusmriti for the Chandalas?
(a) They had to live on the outskirts of the village.
(b) They had to use discarded utensils.
(c) They were supposed to wear old clothes of the villagers and ornaments made from
shells.
(d) It was their duty to serve as executioner and dispose of the bodies of those who had no
relatives.
38. Which of the following are not correctly matched in respect of Buddha life?
(a) Where he was born – Lumbini
(b) Where he attained enlightenment – Bodh Gaya
(c) Where he gave his first sermon – Sarnath
(d) Where he attained nibbana – Shravasti
39. Identify the respected Sufi saint.

• His hospice was located on the banks of the river Yamuna in Ghiyaspur.
• His hospice comprised several small room and a big hall (Jama’at Khana) and a
Kitchen (langar).
• Poets like Amir Hasan Sijzi, Amir Khusrau and historian like Ziyauddin Barani
came to meet the Shaikh.
Codes
(a) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya (b) Shaikh Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi
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(c) Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (d) None of these
40. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Amara-nayakas system?
(a) The Amara-nayakas were traders.
(b) Main features of this system were derived from the Mansabdari system.
(c) King had no control over the amara-nayakas.
(d) The Amara-nayakas were military commanders who were given territories to govern by
the Raya.
41. Identify the Bhakti tradition which favoured widow remarriage.

(a) Alvars (b) Nayanars (c) Lingayats (d) Siddhas
42. Arrange the following Harappan sites in correct sequence from North to South
I. Manda II. Banawali III. Lothal
IV. Ganweriwala V. Kalibangan
(a) I, II, V, IV, III (b) II, III, IV, I, V
(c) V, II, III, IV, I (d) III, IV, V, II, I
43. Consider the following statements about the Shikhara in Temple architecture and select
the correct one.
(a) A single doorway for the worshipper to enter and offer worship to the image.
(b) The rising tower in the Hindu temple architecture of North India.
(c) A central hall, with small cells connected to it sometimes with beds carved from the stone.
(d) An open court surrounded by open cells accessible through an entrance porch.
44. From the following statements, choose the correct one which is the most suitable for
the concept polyandry.
(a) It may have been prevalented amongst ruling elites.
(b) It was not favoured by the Brahmanas.
(c) Shortage of women during war times led to this situation.
45. Which pair is not correct?

(a) Ashoka – Mauryan ruler (b) Kanishka – Kushana ruler
(c) Rudradaman – Shaka ruler (d) Menander – Bakataka ruler
46. Carefully examine the map of the Citadel area of Mohenjodaro and answer the
question that follow:
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Identify the two most important buildings located in the citadel area of Mohenjodaro.
(a) Great Bath and Great Temple (b) Great Bath and the Warehouse
(c) Reservoir and the Palace Complex (d) Ploughed field and the Fire alters.
Section C
appropriate option.
This unique Buddhist text, part of the Sutta Pitaka, is a collection of verses composed
by Bhikkhunis. It provides an insight into women’s social and spiritual experiences.
Puna a dasi or slave woman, went to the river each morning to fetch water for her
master’s household. There she would daily see a Brahmana performing bathing rituals
one morning she spoke to him. The following are verses composed by Punna,
recording her conversation with the Brahmana
Iam a water carrier:
Even in the cold
I have always gone down to the water frightened of punishment
Or the angry words of high class women.
So what are you afraid of Brahmana,
That makes you go down to the water
(Though) your limbs shake with the bitter cold?
The Brahmana replied:
I am doing good to prevent evil;
anyone young or old
who has done something bad
is freed by washing in water.
Punna said:
Whoever told you
You are freed from evil by washing in the water? .....
In that case all the frogs and turtles
Would go to heaven, and so would the water snakes and crocodiles.
(Instead) Don’t do that thing,
the fear of which
leads you to the water
Stop now Brahmana!
Save your skin from the cold
47. Consider the following statements about Sutta Pitaka.
I. It included the teachings of Buddha. II. It was composed by Bhikkhunis.
III. It was followed by ordinary people.
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(a) Only I (b) Both I and II

(c) Only III (d) All of these
48. Sutta Pitaka provides a deep understanding of

(a) women’s social experience (b) Women’s psychological experience
(c) women’s physical experience (d) Both (a) and (b)
49. Why Punna went to the river everyday? Select the reason.
(a) To take a bath (b) To collect water
(c) To avoid scolding from her master (d) Both (b) and (c)
50. What made Punna surprised on the bank of the river?

(a) The cold water
(b) Water creatures like snake and crocodiles
(c) A Brahmana performing daily bathing rituals
51. Why did the Brahmana perform bathing rituals every day?
(a) To prevent evil (b) To remove sin by washing in the water
52. Consider the following sentences and which one is suitable for Punna’s opinion about
removing evils.
(a) By worshipping God (b) By adopting right path of religion
(c) By washing evils in water (d) None of these
appropriate option.
Trade in the subcontinent and beyond
From the sixth century BCE, land and river routes criss-crossed the subcontinent and
extended in various directions - overland into Central Asia and beyond, and overseas,
from ports that dotted the coastline - extending across the Arabian Sea to East and
North Africa and West Asia, and through the Bay of Bengal to South-East Asia and
China. Rulers often attempted to control these routes, possibly by offering protection
for a price.
Those who traversed these routes included peddlers who probably travelled on foot
and merchants who travelled with caravans of bullock carts and pack-animals. Also,
there were seafarers, whose ventures were risky but highly profitable. Successful
merchants, designated as masattuvan in Tamil and setthis and satthavahas in Prakrit,
could become enormously rich.
53. By which century land and river routes criss-crossed the subcontinent?
(a) Fourth century (b) Fifth century
(c) Sixth century (d) None of these
54. From the sixth century overseas routes included

(a) East and North Africa (b) West Asia, South-East Asia and China
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Both America and South-East Asia.
55. Those who travelled the overland and river routes included
(a) Peddlers who travelled on foot (b) Merchants who travelled with caravans
(c) Merchants who travelled in boats (d) Both (a) and (b)
56. The term ‘seafarer’ denotes

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(a) Merchant (b) Sailor

(c) Boatman (d) Peddler
57. Consider the following and select the incorrect statement.

(a) From the fourth century land and river routes developed.
(b) Ruler tried to control these routes.
(c) Successful merchants designated as masattuvan in Tamil.
(d) Pepper was in high demand in Roman Empire.
58. As Roman Empire had a developed civilisation it had high demands of some goods.
Name them.
(a) Spices, medicinal plants
(b) Salt, grain, cloth
(c) Metal ores, finished products of stone, timber
Section D
59. On the map of India, ‘A’ is marked as the capital of Magadha was shifted to 4th century
BCE.
(a) Pataliputra (b) Rajagaha
(c) Vaishali (d) Champa
60. On the same map, ‘B’ is marked as the famous city of Madhya Pradesh which was one
of the Mahajanapadas.
(a) Avanti (b) Bhopal
(c) Sanchi (d) Ujjayini
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OMR SHEET SP 5
Roll No.
Instructions
by the software.
ü û
1 21 41
2 22 42
3 23 43
4 24 44
5 25 45
6 26 46
7 27 47
8 28 48
9 29 49
10 30 50
11 31 51
12 32 52
13 33 53
14 34 54
15 35 55
16 36 56
17 37 57
18 38 58
19 39 59
20 40 60


Answers
1 (a) 2 (a) 3 (c) 4 (c) 5 (b) 6 (a) 7 (d) 8 (b) 9 (a) 10 (b)
11 (a) 12 (d) 13 (c) 14 (c) 15 (b) 16 (a) 17 (a) 18 (d) 19 (a) 20 (a)
21 (a) 22 (d) 23 (c) 24 (b) 25 (b) 26 (d) 27 (b) 28 (a) 29 (a) 30 (c)
31 (c) 32 (a) 33 (a) 34 (a) 35 (b) 36 (c) 37 (c) 38 (d) 39 (a) 40 (d)
41 (c) 42 (a) 43 (b) 44 (d) 45 (d) 46 (b) 47 (b) 48 (d) 49 (d) 50 (c)
51 (c) 52 (d) 53 (c) 54 (c) 55 (d) 56 (b) 57 (a) 58 (d) 59 (a) 60 (d)
EXPLANATIONS
1. (a) The Indus Valley Civilisation is dated so they made colossal statues of themselves to
between c 2600 and 1900 BCE. It is also called designate their power and strength.
the Harappan culture. 12. (d) Hoards means objects kept carefully by
2. (a) John Marshall wrote the volumes on Sanchi people. Objects kept in pots and jewellery or
Stupa. Sultan Jehan Begum of Bhopal funded metal objects saved for reuse by metal workers.
the publications of volumes. In some places, hoards remained where they
3. (c) Ancient texts written in Sanskrit used the were left, later some archaeologists found them.
word ‘Vamsha‘ to designate lineage or direct 13. (c) The text is Majjhima Nikaya. It revealed
descendents from ancestors. Buddhist attitudes towards Varna that there
4. (c) Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions. was no difference amongst the Varnas.
Inscriptions are writings engraved on hand 14. (c) Chhandogya Upanishad was written in
surface. c sixth century BCE in Sanskrit.
5. (b) Janapada means the land where a Jana sets 15. (b) Gangaikonda-Cholapuram was built by the
its foot or settles. Janapada is a word used in Chola ruler Rajendra Chola I in Ariyalur
both Prakrit and Sanskrit to describe a region, Tamil Nadu.
settlement of people. 16. (a) Vijayanagara kings claimed to rule on
6. (a) The followers of Basavanna came to be behalf of God Virupaksha. Vijayanagara kings
known as Virashaivas. Basavanna (1106-68) signed royal orders in the name of ‘Shri
was a minister in the court of Kalachuri ruler Virupaksha’ in the Kannada Script.
who led a new religious movement. 17. (a) The scholars of Islamic studies are known
7. (d) The entire settlement of Harappan as Ulama. They perform various religious,
Civilisation was fortified in Dholavira and juridical and teaching functions.
Lothal. The whole settlements were fortified 18. (d) Shari’a is the law governing Muslim
and sections within the town were also Community. It is based on Quran and Hadis
separated by walls. and includes a record of prophet’s words and
8. (b) Gopuram is royal gateway of a temple and deeds.
signals the presence of the temple from a great 19. (a) Matrilocal residence is a practice where
distance.
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woman after marriage remains in their natal

9. (a) From the stone inscription in Mandasore home with their children and the husbands
this fact was known that silk weavers migrated may come to stay with them. It is a custom of
to Dashpura in Madhya Pradesh. In ancient Kerala.
time Mandasore was known as Dashpura. 20. (a) Raja Gotami-puta-Siri-Satakani was one of
10. (b) Marrying the girls into families outside the the most famous Satavahana ruler.
kin was known as exogamy. 21. (a) Hagiography is a biography of a saint.
11. (a) Colossal statues of Kushana ruler have been Hagiographies often praise the saint’s
found near Mathura. Historians think that the achievements and may not always be literally
Kushana rulers thought themselves Godlike, accurate.
22. (d) Vijayanagara is situated in the natural basin 37. (c) Chandalas were supposed to wear old
formed by the river Tungabhadra. clothes of the dead and ornaments made
23. (c) Lotus Mahal temple in Vijayanagara has nine from iron (not shells). They were expected
towers. It has one central tower and eight towers to live outside the village; use discarded
along the sides of it. utensils. They even could not walk about
villages and cities at night.
24. (b) Before Tuluva dynasty in Vijayanagara, there
was Saluva dynasty who were military 38. (d) Buddha attained nibbana in Kushinagara
commanders and remained in power till 1503. (not in Shravasti).
25. (b) One of the important faiths of Islam is offering 39. (a) The given information is about Shaikh
prayers five times (not four times) a day Nizamuddin Auliya.
(namaz/salat). 40. (d) The Amara-nayakas were military
26. (d) According to Jaina tradition, asceticism and commanders who were given territories to
penance are required to free oneself from the govern by the Raya. They collected taxes
cycle of karma. and other dues from peasants, craftspersons
and traders in the area. They retained part
27. (b) There are 52 early Harappan sites, 65 mature of the revenue for personal use and for
Harappan sites, 43 mature Harappan settlements maintaining a stipulated contingent of
on new sites and 29 early Harappan sites horses and elephants.
abandoned.
41. (c) The Lingayats supported widow
28. (a) Alexander Cunningham submitted his report remarriage. They were worshippers of Shiva
on Harappan seal in 1875. and established their faith after bitter
29. (a) The given information is about Citadel. disputes with Jainas. They strongly opposed
31. (c) Mahabharata in its present form has 100,000 the caste system and child marriage and
(not 10,000) verses. rejected feasts, fasts, pilgrimage and
sacrifices.
32. (a) The given information is about
Mrichchhakatiba. The Sanskrit text was very 42. (a) The correct sequence of the given sites
famous, as it described profession was not limited from North to South is Manda, Banawali,
to a particular class. Here, hero being a Brahmin Kalibangan, Ganweriwala and Lothal.
took the profession of trading. Manda is in Kashmir, Banawali is in
Haryana, Kalibangan is in Rajasthan,
33. (a) The given information is about Shahjahan Ganweriwala is in Bahawalpur district,
Begum. She was a great patron of Archaeological Punjab is in Pakistan and Lothal is in
Survey of India to maintain historical heritages of Gujarat.
Madhya Pradesh.
43. (b) In early temples, Shikhara is the rising
34. (a) Both the Assertion and Reason are true and tower in the Hindu temple architecture of
Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion. North India. Shikhara was a tall structure
Among the Sufis, Chishtis adopted local tradition that was built over the central shrine.
of Indian devotional tradition, so they became
most influential devotional group in 12th century 44. (d) All the statements are correct about
in Indian subcontinent. polyandry.
35. (b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but 45. (d) Menander was not a Bakataka ruler. He
Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion was a Indo-Greek King.
as both statements denotes two different facts. 47. (b) Statements I and II are correct. Sutta
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36. (c) The Amara-Nayaka is a major political Pitaka is a compilation of the teachings of
innovation in Vijayanagara empire. Vijayanagara Buddha. This compilations are done by the
empire is developed in Karnataka (not Madhya Buddhist bhikkhunis after the death of
Pradesh). The strongest emperor was Buddha.
Krishnadeva Raya (not a Rama Raya). Razzaq
was sent by ruler of Persia (not Iraq).
48. (d) Sutta Pitaka provides a deep understanding 59 & 60.

of women’s social and psychological
experience.
49. (d) Punna went to the river everyday to collect
water and to avoid scolding from her master.
50. (c) Punna surprise to see a Brahmana
A. (a) Pataliputra
performing daily bathing rituals on the bank of
the river.
51. (c) Brahmana perform bathing rituals every
day to prevent evil and to remove sin by
washing in the water.
54. (c) From the sixth century overseas routes
cover East and North Africa, West Asia, B. (d)
Ujjayini
South-East Asia and China.
55. (d) Those who travelled the overland and river
routes included peddlers who travelled on foot
and merchants who travelled with caravans.
56. (b) The term seafarer denotes sailor.
57. (a) Land and river routes developed from sixth
century (not fourth century).
SAMPLE PAPER 5
SAMPLE PAPER 6
HISTORY
Instructions
be attempted
Maximum Marks : 40
Section A
1. While writing a historical date, the single letter ‘c’ written before that is an
abbreviation for the term ‘circa’. The word ’circa’ is taken from which language and
what does it mean?
(a) Greek; exactly (b) Spanish; nearly
(c) Latin; approximately (d) German: superficially
2. When was the Archaeological Survey of India founded?

(a ) 1861 (b) 1875 (c) 1880 (d) 1896
SAMPLE PAPER 6
3. The earliest inscriptions were written on which material?

(a) Paper (b) Walls (c) Stones (d) Wood
4. Why is the Harappan script called enigmatic? Choose the correct reason from the
following options.
(a) Its writing remains undeciphered to date.
(b) It resembles the hieroglyphic script of Egypt.
(c) It was written from left to right.
(d) It had too many symbols, between 600 and 1000 in number.
5. What is the significance of the word ‘Yavana’?

(a) A Sanskrit word
(b) Used for Greeks and other people
(c) All the people who entered from North-West to the Indian subcontinent
6. To justify their claims, Brahmanas often cited a verse from a hymn in the Rigveda
which was known as ...............
(a) Manusmriti (b) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(c) Purusha Sukta (d) Sutta Pitaka
7. Name the inscription which records gifts made to religious institutions.

(a) Votive (b) Royal
(c) Religious (d) Copper
8. Tamilakam or the ancient Tamil state included parts from which of the following
present day states of Indian Union?
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Andhra Pradesh
(c) Kerala (d) All of these
9. Which of these rulers followed endogamy?

(a) Satvahanas (b) Pandavas
(c) Mauryas (d) None of these
10. Prayaga Prashasti or the Allahabad Pillar Inscription was composed in the honour of
which Gupta ruler?
(a) Maharajadhiraj Chandragupta I
(b) Chandragupta II Vikramaditya
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Skandagupta
11. Traces of which of the following substances indicates a common origin of Omani
copper and Harappan artefacts?
(a) Nickel (b) Zinc
(c) Manganese (d) Lead
12. A Mesopotamian myth says “May your bird be the haja-bird, may its call be heard in
the royal palace.”
Archaeologists have associated the ‘haja-bird’ in the given statement with which of the
following birds?
(a) Peacock (b) Parrot
(c) Kingfisher (d) Flamingo
SAMPLE PAPER 6
13. Which among the following is the correct meaning of Shari’a?

(a) Fasting during the month of Ramzan.
(b) Tax that non-muslim has to pay to the government.
(c) Muslim Sufi-saints.
(d) Laws governing the Muslim community.
14. Which one of the following is the work of Malik Muhammad Jayasi?
(a) Padmavat (b) Guru Granth Sahib
(c) Akbarnama (d) Quran Sharif
15. The term ‘Karnataka Samrajyamu’ was used by the contemporaries to denote ........... .
(a) Devagiri (b) Hoyasals (c) Sultans of Deccan (d) Vijayanagara
16. Which of the following states was ruled by Gajapati rulers?

(a) Assam (b) Orissa (c) West Bengal (d) Deccan states
17. Panini’s ‘Ashtadhyayi’ is a work on ………………… .

(a) Sanskrit grammar (b) Sanskrit history
(c) Sanskrit mantras (d) Sanskrit plays
18. Some potteries of Harappan civilisation are found in ................. .

(a) National Museum, Delhi (b) Site Museum, Lothal
(c) Central Museum, Kolkata (d) Both (a) and (b)
19. The royal centre of the Vijayanagara empire was located in the ......... part of settlement.
(a) North-Eastern (b) South-Eastern (c) North-Western (d) South-Western
20. Who had described “Vijayanagara capital is the best provided city in the world”?
(a) Paes (b) Barbosa (c) Abdul Razzaq (d) Niketini
21. What is the meaning of ‘Three baskets’ in which the teachings of Buddha were
compiled after his death ?
(a) Tirthankara (b) Triratna (c) Tipitaka (d) Trishula
22. How many avatars were recognised within the Vaishnavism tradition?
(a) 12 (b) 10 (c) 14 (d) 11
23. This is of great value for historians to understand the nature of tradition. Identify the
meaning of the word ‘Tazkiras’ from the following options.
(a) Manuals of Sufi saints (b) Conversations of Sufi saints
(c) Collection of letters of Sufi saints (d) Biographical accounts of Sufi saints
24. Kabir is a poet-saint of 14th-15th century. Which of the following is a significant aspect
related to his writings?
(a) Some poems draw on Islamic ideas.
(b) Some use monotheism and iconoclasm to attack Hindu polytheism and idol worship.
(c) Some use the Sufi concept of Zikr and Ishq to express the Hindu practice of nam-Simaran.
Section B
SAMPLE PAPER 6

25. Which of the following statements is not correct about Andal?
(a) Andal was a woman Nayanar, her compositions were widely sung (and continue to be
sung to date).
(b) Andal was a woman Nayanar, she incorporated the prevailing caste system in the
society.
(c) Andal saw herself as the beloved of Vishnu.
(d) Andal’s verses express her love for the deity.
26. Which of the following statements is the correct definition of Nirguna?

(a) It is the concept of a formless God.
(b) It is the concept of a formless Guru.
(c) It is the concept of spirituality.
Assertion (A) Women were allowed to retain the gifts they received on the Occasion of
their marriage as stridhana (a woman’s wealth) and their husband did not have any
claim on it.
Reason (R) The Manusmriti warned women against hoarding family property, or even
their own valuables, without the husband’s permission.
Codes
(a) Both A are R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Assertion (A) Magadha within a span of short time rose to the position of the most
powerful Mahajanapada.
Reason (R) The policies of the ruthlessly ambitious kings like Bimbisara, Ajatasattu
and Mahapadma Nanda are attributed by the modern historians for the rise of Magadha.
Codes
(a) Both A are R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
29. Identify the name of the following text from the information given below.
(i) The Sanskrit used in this text is far simpler than that of the Vedas, or of the
Prashastis.
(ii) The original story of the text was probably composed by charioteer-bards known as
sutas.
(iii) This text included over 100,000 verses with depictions of a wide range of social
categories and situation.
(iv) The text also contains sections laying down norms of behaviour for various social
groups.
SAMPLE PAPER 6
(a) Harappan Civilisation is dated between c 2000 and 1900 BCE.
(b) There are 52 early Harappan sites in Sind.
(c) Canals are found at Harappan site of Shortughai.
(d) Lower Town of Harappa was walled.
31. Which of the following statements is/are correct related to the features of Bhakti
Movement?
I. Bhakti traditions accommodated and acknowledged women and the lower castes.
II. Saguna Bhakti traditions focused on the worship of specific deities.
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II

I. Coastline along the Arabian Sea connected the Indian subcontinent with East and
North Africa and West Asia.
II. Coast along the Bay of Bengal connected the Indian subcontinent with China and
South-East Asia.
III. Main trading commodities on the Bay of Bengal route were spices, especially black
pepper.
Identify the wrong statement.
(c) Only III (d) None of these
33. Consider the following statements about Alvars and Nayanars.

I. Some of the earliest bhakti movements (c. sixth century) were led by the Alvars
(literally, those who were devotees of Vishnu) and Nayanars (literally, leaders who
were devotees of Shiva).
II. They travelled from place to place singing hymns in Tamil in praise of their gods.
III. During their travels the Alvars and Nayanars identified certain shrines as abodes of
their chosen deities.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
(a) Only I (b) I and II

List-I List-I
A. Brihadishwara 1. Belur
B. Chennakeshava 2. Bhallari
C. Lotus Mahal 3. Hampi
D. Hazara Rama Temple 4. Thanjavur
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3 (b) 1 4 3 2
SAMPLE PAPER 6
(c) 4 2 1 3 (d) 2 4 1 3
35. Correct the mention sequence.

I. Establishment of the Gajapati Kingdom of Orissa
II. Conquest of Goa by the Portuguese
III. Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate
IV. Colin Mackenzie visits Vijayanagara
(a) III, I, II, IV (b) I, II, III, IV
(c) I, IV, II, III (d) III, IV, II, I
36. Arrange in correct sequence.

I. Reign of Ashoka II. Invasion of Alexander
III. Beginning of Gupta rule IV. Accession of Kanishka
Codes
(a) I, II, III, IV (b) II, I, IV, III
(c) II, IV, III, I (d) I, IV, III, II
37. Identify the cause of decline of Harappan Civilisation.

(a) Climatic Change (b) Floods (c) Deforestation (d) All of these
38. Consider the following statements and select the incorrect one about Alexander
Cunningham.
(a) He excavated many sites including Sanchi and Sarnath.
(b) He played role in establishing Indian Archaeological Survey of India.
(c) He became the first Director-General of Archaeological Survey of India.
(d) He was a British doctor.

List-I List-II
A. Gotra 1. Lineage
B. Vanik 2. Common descendants of Vedic seer
C. Polygyny 3. Practice of a man having several wives
D. Vamsha 4. Merchants
Choose the correct option

A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 3 1 4 (b) 1 2 4 3
(c) 3 1 2 4 (d) 2 4 3 1
40. Consider the following statements regarding Magadha.

I. Magadha was the most powerful Mahajanapada.
II. Initially Pataliputra was the capital of Magadha and later it was shifted to Rajagaha.
III. Elephants were found in abundance in the forests of Magadha.
Which of the above statements is /are correct?
(a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I and III (d) Only II
41. Identify the personality.

l She was the daughter of Chandragupta II.
She was married to Bakataka king.
SAMPLE PAPER 6
l She has access to land which she was granted.

(a) Prabhavati Gupta (b) Padmini Gupta
(c) Gotami Gupta (d) None of these
42. ........... wrote that ‘untouchables’ had to sound a clapper in the streets, so that people
could avoid seeing them.
(a) Xuan Zang (b) Fa Xian
(c) Megasthenes (d) None of these
43. Identify the name of the person from the information given below:
(a) He was one of the many maulvis who played an important part in the revolt of 1857.
(b) He was popularly called Danka Shah – the maulvi with the drum (danka).
(c) He fought in the famous Battle of Chinhat in which the British forces under Henry
Lawrence were defeated.
(d) He was invincible, had magical powers, and could not be killed by the British.
44. The paintings at Ajanta depict stories from the ..........

(a) Rig Veda (b) Sutta Pitaka
(c) Mahabharata (d) Jatakas
45. Which of the following is not correctly match?

(a) Vishnu–The Varaha or boar avatar (b) Shiva – Linga
(c) Mahabalipuram – Kerala (d) Vasudeva-Krishna – Mathura
46. Look at the figure below and answer the question.
Where is this beautiful statue located in Vijayanagara?

(a) Entrance of Virupaksha temple (b) Gopuram of Chidambaram temple
(c) Top of the tower of Lotus Mahal temple (d) Centre of Chidambaram temple
Section C
SAMPLE PAPER 6

appropriate option.
The Wealthy Shudra
This story, based on a Buddhist text in Pali known as the Majjhima Nikaya, is part of a
dialogue between a king named Avantiputta and a disciple of the Buddha named
Kachchana. While it may not be literally true, it reveals Buddhist attitudes towards Varna.
Avantiputta asked Kachchana what he thought about Brahmanas who held that they
were the best caste and that all other castes were low; that Brahmanas were a fair caste
while all other castes were dark; that only Brahmanas were pure, not non-Brahmanas;
that Brahmanas were sons of Brahma, born of his mouth, born of Brahma, formed by
Brahma, heirs to Brahma. Kachchana replied: “What if a Shudra were wealthy would
another Shudra or a Kshatriya or a Brahmana or a Vaishya speaks politely to him?”
Avantiputta replied that if a Shudra had wealth or corn or gold or silver, he could have
as his obedient servant another Shudra to get up earlier than he, to go to rest later, to
carry out his orders, to speak politely; or he could even have a Kshatriya or a
Brahmana or a Vaishya as his obedient servant. Kachchana asked: “This being so, are
not these four varnas exactly the same?” Avantiputta conceded that there was no
difference amongst the varnas on this count.
47. What does the story, ‘The Wealthy Shudra’ consist of? It is a dialogue between a king
Avantiputta and .......... .
(a) His opponent (b) His critic
(c) His opostle (d) Buddha himself
48. According to Varna, what is the occupation of Kshatriyas?

(a) To give and receive gifts
(b) To perform sacrifices
(c) To engage in warfare
(d) To engage in pastoralism
49. Consider the following statements regarding Brahmanas.

I. They were born out of mouth. II. They were heirs of Brahma.
Codes
(c) Both I and II (d) None of these
50. Did Kachchana admit the categorisation of casteism?

(a) Yes, he admitted.
(b) No, he was a little bit confused.
(c) No, he questioned about the validity of categorisation.
51. Consider the following statements and select the appropriate option.
I. Shudras are placed at the bottom of the social order.
II. Shudras were assigned the occupation to serve the other two varnas.
III. Shudras were born as the feet of the primeval man.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
(a) Only I
(b) Both I and II
SAMPLE PAPER 6
(c) Both II and III

(d) Only II
52. What was Avantiputta’s conclusion?

(a) All varnas are different
(b) Some were above than others
(c) All varnas are similar
(d) Shudras would treat differently the other
appropriate option.
When Cunningham, the first Director- General of the ASI, began archaeological
excavations in the mid-nineteenth century, archaeologists preferred to use the written
word (texts and inscriptions) as a guide to investigations. In fact, Cunningham’s main
interest was in the archaeology of the Early Historic (c. sixth century BCE- fourth
century CE) and later periods. He used the accounts left by Chinese Buddhist pilgrims
who had visited the subcontinent between the fourth and seventh centuries CE to
locate early settlements.
Cunningham also collected, documented and translated inscriptions found during his
surveys. When he excavated sites he tended to recover artefact that he thought had
cultural value. A site like Harappa, which was not part of the itinerary of the Chinese
pilgrims and was not known as an Early Historic city, did not fit very neatly within his
framework of investigation. So, although Harappan artefacts were found fairly often
during the nineteenth century and some of these reached Cunningham, he did not
realise how old these were.
53. What among the following was used by the archaeologists in the mid-nineteenth
century as a guide to archaeological investigation?
(a) Artefacts (b) Texts and Inscriptions
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Neither (a) nor (b)
54. Cunningham began his excavations in mid-nineteenth century as his main interest in
the archaeology consisted of .................. .
(a) early historic periods (b) later periods
(c) modern periods (d) Both (a) and (b)
55. In order to study archaeology of the Early Historic and later periods which are the
sources Cunningham depend most?
(a) Accounts of Megasthenes who visited India during Mauryan age.
(b) Texts and Inscriptions
(c) Accounts of the Chinese Buddhist pilgrims who visited India during the fourth and
seventh centuries.
(d) Works of European scholars
56. Consider the following statements and identify the incorrect ones in accordance with
the given passage.
I. Harappa was not a part of the itinerary of Chinese pilgrims who visited India in
7th century AD.
II. The Harappan artefacts never reached Cunningham.
III. Cunningham was mainly interested in exploring the historical sites belonging to
SAMPLE PAPER 6
the period between 6th-4th century BCE.

(c) Only III (d) None of the given statements are incorrect.
57. During the excavation, Cunningham wanted to ............. .

(a) recover the artefacts
(b) translate inscriptions
(c) know the cultural value of the artefacts
58. Why did Cunningham not realise the significance of the artefacts found in Harappan
Civilisation?
(a) He took these not seriously.
(b) The artefacts were not in good shape.
(c) Like others, he thought that Indian history began with the first cities in Ganga valley.
Section D
On the given outline map of India, identify the location with the help of specified information.
59. Identify the state from the following which was part of the Vijayanagara empire which
is marked as ‘A’.
(a) Madhya Pradesh (b) Kerala
(c) Gujarat (d) Karnataka
60. From the given map, identify the river that flowed through the kingdom of
Vijayanagara which is marked as ‘B’.
(a) Ganga (b) Narmada
(b) Tungabhadra (d) Vaigai
SAMPLE PAPER 6
OMR SHEET SP 6
Roll No.
Instructions
by the software.
ü û
1 21 41
2 22 42
3 23 43
4 24 44
5 25 45
6 26 46
7 27 47
8 28 48
9 29 49
10 30 50
11 31 51
12 32 52
13 33 53
14 34 54
15 35 55
16 36 56
17 37 57
18 38 58
19 39 59
20 40 60


Answers
1 (c) 2 (a) 3 (c) 4 (a) 5 (c) 6 (c) 7 (a) 8 (d) 9 (c) 10 (c)
11 (a) 12 (a) 13 (d) 14 (a) 15 (d) 16 (b) 17 (a) 18 (d) 19 (d) 20 (a)
21 (c) 22 (b) 23 (d) 24 (d) 25 (a) 26 (a) 27 (b) 28 (a) 29 (b) 30 (a)
31 (c) 32 (c) 33 (d) 34 (a) 35 (a) 36 (b) 37 (d) 38 (d) 39 (d) 40 (c)
41 (a) 42 (b) 43 (d) 44 (d) 45 (c) 46 (b) 47 (d) 48 (c) 49 (c) 50 (c)
51 (d) 52 (c) 53 (b) 54 (d) 55 (c) 56 (b) 57 (d) 58 (c) 59 (d) 60 (b)
EXPLANATIONS
1. (c) ‘c’ stands for the Latin word ’circa‘ and Samudragupta, who was the most powerful of
means ‘approximate’. the Gupta rulers (c. fourth century CE).
2. (a) Archaeological Survey of India was 11. (a) Chemical analyses have shown that both
founded in 1861 by the efforts of Alexander the Omani copper and Harappan artefacts
Cunningham. have traces of nickel, suggesting a common
3. (c) Earliest inscriptions were engraved into origin.
stone. These are an important historical source 12. (a) Some of the archaeologists have associated
beginning from the third century BCE. The the haja bird with a peacock, considered to be a
vast majority are found in South India, written royal bird.
on plates of copper, the stone walls of temples, 13. (d) The Shari’a is the law governing the
or stone monuments. Muslim community. It is based on the Qur’an
4. (a) The Harappan script is called enigmatic and the Hadis, traditions of the Prophet
because its writing remains undeciphered to including a record of his remembered words
date. and deeds.
5. (c) The significance of the word ‘Yavana’ is that 14. (a) Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote the epic
people of Indian subcontinent referred the poem Padmavat. It was the story of
people came from North-West as ‘Yavana’. Padmavati, her lover and husband, Ratansen
6. (c) To justify their claims, Brahmanas often (the king of Chittor).
cited a verse from a hymn in the Rigveda 15. (d) The term ‘Karnataka Samrajyamu’ was
which was known as Purusha Sukta. used by the contemporaries to denote the
7. (a) Votive inscriptions record gifts made to empire of Vijayanagara, however historians
religious institutions. They have details like used the name Vijayanagara to denote the
name of the donor, its occupation and also empire.
about people who lived in towns like weavers, 16. (b) Orissa was ruled by Gajapati rulers. They
scribes, carpenters, religious teachers, established their kingdom in Orissa in 1435.
merchants, kings, etc. 17. (a) Panini’s Ashtadhyayi is a work on
8. (d) Tamilakam refers to the geographical Sanskrit grammar. Panini was a Sanskrit
region inhabited by the ancient Tamil people. philologist, grammarian, and revered
Tamilakam included parts of present day scholar in ancient India, dated between the
SAMPLE PAPER 6
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and 6th and 4th century BCE.
Karnataka. 18. (d) Potteries found in Harappan Civilisation
9. (c) The Mauryas followed endogamy. The term are kept in different museums like, National
‘endogamy’ means that people get married in museum, Delhi and Site museum, Lothal etc.
the same family line. For the Mauryas,
19. (d) The royal centre of the Vijayanagara empire
marriage outside the family line was
was located in the South-Western part of the
forbidden.
settlement. The settlement had more than 60
10. (c) The Prayaga Prashasti (also known as the temples. There were thirty building complexes
Allahabad Pillar Inscription) was composed in which are believed to be the palaces.
Sanskrit by Harishena, in the honour of
20. (a) Domingo Paes described that Vijayanagara 29. (b) The given information is about Mahabharata.
capital is the best provided city in the world. 30. (a) The Harappan Civilisation is dated
Domingo Paes was a Portuguese traveller. between c 2600 (not 2000) and 1900 BCE.
According to him, the city had many groves of
trees within it, many orchards and gardens full 31. (c) Both the statements I and II are correct.
of fruit trees. Bhakti traditions included women and
untouchable who were rejected by Brahmanas.
21. (c) The meaning of ‘Three baskets’ is Tripitaka. It focused on worship of Shiva, Vishnu and his
After Buddha’s death, his teachings were avatars and other goddess.
compiled by his disciples at a council of senior
monks at Vesali. These compilations were 32. (c) Statement III is incorrect. Spices, (especially
known as Tipitaka, three baskets to hold pepper) as well as textiles and medicinal plants
different types of texts. The Tipitaka includes were in high demand in the Roman Empire.
the Vinaya Pitaka, the Sutta Pitaka and the These were all transported across the Arabian
Abhidhamma Pitaka. Sea (not the Bay of Bengal route) to the
Mediterranean.
22. (b) Ten avatars were recognised within the
Vaishnavism tradition. These were forms that 33. (d) All the given statements are correct about
the deity was believed to have assumed in Alvars and Nayanars.
order to save the world whenever it was 35. (a) The correct sequence is establishment of
threatened by disorder and destruction Delhi Sultanate (1206), establishment of
because of the dominance of evil forces. Gajapati Kingdom of Orissa (1435), Conquest
23. (d) Tazkiras, literally meaning to mention and of Goa by Portuguese (1510) and Colin
memorialise, are biographical accounts of Sufi Mackenzie visits Vijayanagara (1800).
saints. 36. (b) The correct sequence is invasion of
24. (d) All the given aspects are related to the Alexander (c 327-325 BCE), reign of Ashoka
writings of Kabir. Kabir accepted all the (c-272/268-231 BCE), accession of Kanishka (c
religions in his own way. He described the 78 CE) and beginning of Gupta rule (c 320 CE).
Ultimate Reality as Allah, Khuda, Hazrat, Pir, 37. (d) Many scholars believe that the decline of
Alakh, Nirakar, etc. the Indus Valley Civilisation was caused by
25. (a) Andal was a woman Alvar (not Nayanar). climate change, deforestation, excessive
floods, shifting or drying up of rivers and
26. (a) Nirguna bhakti was worship of an abstract overuse of land.
form of God. It means God is formless.
38. (d) Alexander Cunningham was British officer
27. (b) Both Assertion and Reason are true and and archaeologist (not a British doctor) who
Reason is not the correct explanation of excavated many site, played an important role
Assertion. Society allowed woman to retain in establishing ASI and was the first
their own ‘stridhana’ which they got during Director-General of this organisation.
marriage. But Manusmriti warned women
against hoarding even their own valuables. 40. (c) Statements I and III are correct. Statement II
However, but this warning was not is incorrect. Initially, Rajagaha (not Pataliputra)
maintained by women of all sections. Women was the capital of Magadha for many years
belonged to upper strata of society had access and later its capital was shifted to Pataliputra
to their own wealth. Thus, the Reason is not (not Rajagaha).
the correct explanation of Assertion. 41. (a) The given information is about Prabhavati
28. (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Gupta.
SAMPLE PAPER 6
Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion. 42. (b) The Chinese Buddhist monk Fa Xian in the
Between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE fifth century CE wrote about chandals. He
Magadha became the most powerful mentioned that untouchables had to sound a
Mahajanapada for the ambitious policies of the clapper while walking in the street, so that
rulers, like Bimbisara, Ajatasattu and others could avoid them.
Mahapadma Nanda and their efficient
ministers who helped to implement their 43. (d) The given information is about Ahmadullah
policies. Shah.
44. (d) The paintings in the Ajanta caves 56. (b) Harappan artefacts were found fairly
predominantly narrate the Jataka tales. These often during the nineteenth century and
include depictions of courtly life, processions, some of these reached Cunningham, but he
men and women at work and festivals. The did not realise their time period as how old
artists used the technique of shading to give a these were.
three-dimensional quality. Some of the paintings 57. (d) During the excavations, Cunningham
are extremely naturalistic. wanted to recover the artefacts, translate
45. (c) Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram, is a town inscriptions and know its cultural and social
on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and values.
the Great Salt Lake, in the South Indian state of 58. (c) Cunningham like other archaeologist and
Tamil Nadu (not Kerala). historians believed that Indian history
46. (b) It is the beautiful statue of Krishnadeva Raya started with the ‘civilisation in Ganga valley,
placed on the Gopuram of Chidambaram temple thus, he was unable to realise the
and it is the way in which the ruler wanted to significance of the artefacts of Harappan
project himself. Civilisation.’
47. (d) The story, ‘The Wealthy Shudra’ in the 59 & 60.
Majjhima Nikaya is based on the conversation
between the king and an apostle of Buddha.
49. (c) Both the statements I and II are correct.
50. (c) No, Kachchana asked question about the
status of a Wealthy Shudra, which could disturb
social status of other classes.
52. (c) Avantiputta concluded that there was no
difference amongst the varnas i.e. all varnas are
similar.
53. (b) Cunningham as the Director-General of ASI
preferred to use written accounts i.e. texts and
inscriptions for the purpose of archaeological B. (b)
investigations. Narmada
54. (d) As an archaeologist Cunningham was deeply
interested to know the history of sixth century
BCE to fourth century CE and later period. A. (d)
55. (c) Cunningham used the writings of Chinese Karnataka
Buddhist pilgrims of 4th and 7th centuries whose
evaluations were very important to understand
the history of that period.
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HISTORY
Instructions
be attempted
Maximum Marks : 40
Section A
1. From which of the following sites canals were found?
(a) Shortughai (b) Kot Diji (c) Balakot (d) Rangpur
2. The Harappan sites of Banawali is situated in

(a) Western Uttar Pradesh (b) Haryana
(c) Eastern Uttar Pradesh (d) Rajasthan
3. From …………… onwards Brahmanas began composing Dharmasutras.

(a) fourth century BCE (b) fifth century BCE
(c) sixth century BCE (d) seventh century BCE
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4. Shaka rulers are people from Central Asian origin who established kingdom in
…………… parts of subcontinent.
(a) North-Western (b) Western
(c) Southern (d) Both (a) and (b)
5. VS Sukthankar was a great scholar of

(a) English (b) Hindi (c) Tamil (d) Sanskrit
6. Which Chinese traveller gave an account of the life of scavengers?

(a) Fa-Hien (b) Itsing (c) Alberuni (d) Xuan Zang
7. Elaborate sacrifices were performed by the kings with the help of Brahmana priest and
these are known as …………… .
(a) Rajasuya Yajna (b) Ashvamedha Yajna
8. Name the person who collected several sculpture panels from Amravati.
(a) John Marshall (b) Rakhal Das Banerji (c) Walter Elliot (d) None of these
9. Virashaiva movement started in the 12th century under the leadership of …………… .
(a) Basavanna (b) Sankaradeva (c) Ramanujam (d) None of these
10. The Alvars who composed Nalayira Divyaprabandham, were worshippers of

(a) Shiva (b) Durga (c) Vishnu (d) Brahma
11. Local communities of merchants known as Kudirai Chettis participated in the trade
controlled by Arab traders. Who were Kudirai Chettis?
(a) Spice merchants (b) Cloth merchants (c) Jute merchants (d) Horse merchants
12. Who is the author of the book Amuktamalyada?

(a) Rama Raya (b) Deva Raya
(c) Krishnadeva Raya (d) None of these
13. Which of the following strategies was adopted in different parts of the Indian
subcontinent for increasing agricultural production?
(a) Iron Ploughshare agriculture (b) Transplantation
(c) Development of irrigation (d) All of these
14. Who collected 8000 inscriptions in Sanskrit and Dravidian languages?

(c) Colin Mackenzie (d) Willian Jones
15. The most important industry of Harappan at Chanhudaro was

(a) Bead making (b) Brick making (c) Handloom (d) Ship building
16. Harappa, the first site to be discovered, is located on the banks of which river?
(a) Indus (b) Chenab (c) Ravi (d) Jhelum
17. Marriage within a unit, a kin group, caste or a group living in the same locality, is
called
(a) Endogamy (b) Exogamy (c) Polygyny (d) Polyandry
18. ………… contains vivid descriptions of battles, forests, palaces and settlements.
(a) Manusmriti (b) Sutta Pitaka (c) Mahabharata (d) None of these
19. According to which Buddhist text, Ashoka distributed portions of the Buddha’s relics
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to every important town and ordered the construction of stupas over them?
(a) Ashokavadana (b) Mahaparinibbana Sutta
(c) Sutta Pitaka (d) Vessantara Jataka
20. Sanchi stupa was discovered in …………… .

(a) 1785 (b) 1810 (c) 1818 (d) 1820
21. The major anthology composed by the Alvars was

(a) Nalayira Divyaprabandham (b) Nalayira Purabandham
(c) Nalayira Alvabandham (d) None of these
22. Alvars and Nayanaras were the Bhakts of

(a) Kerala (b) Karnataka (c) Tamil Nadu (d) Andhra Pradesh
23. …………… system in Vijayanagara was derived from the Iqta system of the Delhi
Sultanate.
(a) Nayaka (b) Amara-Nayaka (c) Samara-Nayaka (d) None of these
24. In which year Hampi was declared as a world heritage site?

(a) 1984 (b) 1985 (c) 1986 (d) 1987
Section B
25. Which among the following is correct regarding Bhakti Movement in South India?
(a) Alvar Saints were devoted to the worship of Shiva.
(b) Nayanar Saints were devoted to the worship of Vishnu.
(c) Alvars and Nayanars initiated a movement of protest against the Caste system.
(d) Alvars and Nayanars travelled from place to place singing hymns in Sanskrit.

List I List II
A. 500-400 BCE 1. End of the Mauryan Empire
B. 327-325 BCE 2. Reign of Ashoka
C. 272/268-231 BCE 3. Invasion of Alexander of Mecedon
D. 185 BCE 4. Rulers of Magadha consolidate power
Codes
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 1 3 4 (c) 4 3 2 1 (d) 3 2 4 1
27. Consider the following statements regarding Buddhism carefully.

I. Buddhism grew rapidly, both during the lifetime and after the death of Buddha.
II. Buddhism did not give much importance to conduct and values.
III. Buddhism appealed to many people who were dissatisfied with the existing
religious practices.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) I and II (b) II and IV (c) I and III (d) III and IV
28. Consider the following sentences and suggest which characteristic feature of the bricks
is not found in Harappan sites.
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(a) Sun dried bricks (b) Baked bricks

(c) Bricks exactly of equal size (d) Standard ratio of bricks
29. Identify the personality from the following statements.

• He advocated a form of Nirguna bhakti.
• He rejected sacrifices, ritual baths, image worship, austerities and scriptures of both
Hindus and Muslims.
• He suggested that the ‘Absolute’ had no gender or form.
(a) Guru Nanak (b) Kabir (c) Ramanuja (d) Chaitnyadeva
Assertion (A) The Sanchi Stupa is a monument made during ancient period and
is still intact.
Reason (R) Shahjahan Begum and Sultan Jehan Begum provided money for its
preservation.
Codes
31. Identify the aspect that is incorrect about the Harappan civilisation.
(a) Script of Harappan civilisation is considered enigmatic.
(b) Seals were recovered from Oman and Rome.
(c) Harappans were teracotta craftsmen.
(d) Proper drainage system was found in lower town and citadel.
Assertion (A) Military Chiefs were also known as Nayakas.
Reason (R) Amara-Nayaka system was a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara
Empire.
Codes
33. Identify the religion, whose ideology consisted of the following statements.
• It does not believe in supernatural power.
• It tries to convince people through reasons and persuasions.
• The world is transient and constantly changing.
(c) Advaita Vedanta (d) None of these

List I List II
A. Major Dharamasutras 1. c 100 CE
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B. Ramayana 2. c 500-200 BCE

C. Manusmriti 3. c 500 BCE-400 CE
D. Sushruta Samhitas 4. c 200 BCE-200 CE
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 3 2 4 1 (d) 1 4 3 2
35. Identify the incorrect pair from the following pairs.

(a) Kula – Family (b) Jntai – Larger network of kinfolk
(c) Vamsha – Lineage (d) Exogamy – Marriage within a unit
36. Colossal statues of Kushana rulers are found in Mathura. Similar statues have also
been found in ........ .
(a) Afghanistan (b) Karnataka (c) Allahabad (d) Both (a) and (c)
37. Identify the place from the following information.

• It is a tiny settlement of Harappan civilisation.
• It is situated at Pakistan.
• It is famous for craft productions like bead making, shell cutting, metal working,
seal making, weight making.
(a) Lothal (b) Mohenjodaro (c) Kot-Diji (d) Chanhudaro
38. Which of the followings was accepted by the Brahmanas?

I. Varna order was of divine origin.
II. Kings should follow the norms of varnas.
III. Status of people was determined by birth.
IV. People can overcome their varna by his own endeavour.
Codes
(a) Only IV (b) I, II and III (c) I, III and IV (d) II, III and I
39. Poems included in the Tamil Sangam anthologies often illuminate social and economic
relationships. Tamil Sangam literature was developed in …………… .
(a) c. second century CE (b) c. first century CE
(c) c. third century CE (d) c. fourth century CE
40. Consider the following statements regarding Vijayanagara Empire?

I. It was founded by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka in 1336 CE.
II. The first dynasty was Sangama dynasty.
III. This empire came to end after the Battle of Talikota in 1565 CE.
(a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I, II and III (d) All of these
41. Which of the following is not one of the features of the Harappan writing?
(a) The harappan Script was pictographic and not alphabetical.
(b) It has been deciphered by James Prinsep.
(c) It had too many signs, somewhere between 375 and 400.
(d) The script was written from right to left.
42. Consider the following statements about the Mauryan Empire

I. There were 5 major political centres in the Empire.
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II. Megasthenese wrote about the Mauryan Empire in his book Indica.
III. Ashoka founded the Mauryan Empire in 321 BC.
IV. Ashoka used his sources to propogate Buddhism.
(a) I, II and III (b) I, II and IV (c) II, III and IV (d) I, III and IV
43. Select the incorrect pair.

(a) Sankardeva – Tripura (b) Kabir – Uttar Pradesh
(c) Guru Nanak – Punjab (d) Basavanna – Karnataka
44. Consider the following statements about Mirabai and select the incorrect one.
(a) Mirabai was the best known woman poet of bhakti tradition in 12th century.
(b) She was a Rajput princess from Merta in Marwar.
(c) She was married to a prince of Mewar against her wishes.
(d) She recognised Krishna as her lover.
45. ……………. is the study of coins, including visual elements such as scripts and images,
metallurgical analysis and the contexts in which they have been found.
(a) Palaeography (b) Hagiography (c) Numismatics (d) Oligarchy
46. Identify the sculpture and choose the correct answer
(a) Mother Goddess (b) Dancing Girl (c) Priest king (d) None of these
Section C
appropriate option.
Kings and Traders
Krishnadeva Raya (ruled 1509-29), the most famous ruler of Vijayanagara, composed a
work on statecraft in Telugu known as the Amuktamalyada about traders he wrote: A
king should improve the harbours of his country and so encourage its commerce that
horses, elephants, precious gems, sandalwood, pearls and other articles are freely
imported. He should arrange that the foreign sailors who land in his country on
account of storms, illness and exhaustion are looked after in a suitable manner. Make
the merchants of distant foreign countries who import elephants and good horses be
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attached to yourself by providing them with daily audience, presents and allowing
decent profits. Then those articles will never go to your enemies.
47. Krishnadeva Raya belonged to Tuluva dynasty who became the king after the
(a) Chola dynasty (b) Shunga dynasty
(c) Saluva dynasty (d) None of these
48. Krishnadeva Raya’s rule was famous for

(a) expansion of the empire (b) consolidation of the empire
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) sculpture and architecture
49. Krishnadeva Raya wrote the book Amuktamalyada on which of the following subject?
(a) State economical condition (b) The skillful management of state affairs.
(c) State contemporary customs of state (d) None of these
50. Which of the followings was the advice for the king to encourage the commerce in his
kingdom?
(a) By improving the harbours (b) By allowing decent profit to foreign traders
51. Select the main objects of trading at the time of Krishnadeva Raya.
(a) Horses, elephants (b) Precious gems, sandalwood, pearls
(c) Furniture, utensils (d) Both (a) and (b)
52. Consider the following statements and give reason why the king was interested to
encourage the merchants of foreign countries.
I. To enhance the trading
II. To import essential objects freely
III. To prevent enemies from trading
Codes
(a) Only I (b) Both II and III
(c) Both I and III (d) All of these
appropriate option.
Land Grants and New Rural Elites
From the early centuries of the Common Era, we find grants of land being made, many
of which were recorded in inscriptions. Some of these inscriptions were on stone, but
most were on copper plates which were probably given as a record of the transaction
to those who received the land. The records that have survived are generally about
grants to religious institutions or to Brahmanas. Most inscriptions were in Sanskrit. In
some cases, and especially from the seventh century onwards, part of the inscription
was in Sanskrit, while the rest was in a local language such as Tamil or Telugu. Let us
look at one such inscription more closely. Prabhavati Gupta was the daughter of one of
the most important rulers in early Indian history, Chandragupta II (c. 375-415 CE). She
was married into another important ruling family, that of the Vakatakas, who were
powerful in the Deccan. According to Sanskrit legal texts, women were not supposed
to have independent access to resources such as land.
53. Which of the following is correct regarding the records of grant of land?
(a) Papers kept in courts (b) Inscriptions
(c) Record kept by moneylenders (d) None of these
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54. The early inscriptions were mostly written on

(a) stone (b) iron plates
(c) copper plates (d) None of these
55. Besides Sanskrit in which language inscriptions were written also?

(a) Kannada (b) Tamil
(c) Telugu (d) Both (b) and (c)
56. Which of the following statements about the land grants is incorrect?
(a) There were regional variations in the sizes of land donated.
(b) Prabhavati Gupta did not have access to land.
(c) Land grants were part of a strategy adopted by ruling lineages to extend agriculture to
new areas.
(d) Land grants were indicative of weakening political power.
57. Which of the following statements is incorrect?

(a) Prabhavati Gupta was married to a king of Vakataka dynasty.
(b) Women did not have access to lands.
(c) Prabhavati Gupta being a queen had access to lands.
(d) The situation of Prabhavati Gupta was quite normal.
58. Inscriptions gave a picture of rural population which included

(a) Brahmanas and peasants
(b) other people who produced a range of products
(c) Both (a) and (b)
Section D
Look at the Indian map, where ‘A’ and ‘B’ marked as important place of Harappan Civilisation.
Identify them with the information given below.
B
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59. ‘A’ is situated in Pakistan. This place was famous for grinding, polishing and drilling of
beads.
(a) Chanhudaro (b) Lothal (c) Sutkagan Dor (d) Kot Diji
60. ‘B’ was a settlement near coast and was specialised centre for making shell objects, it
was …………… .
(a) Balakot (b) Nageshwar (c) Rangpur (d) Lothal
OMR SHEET SP 7
Roll No.
Instructions
by the software.
ü û
1 21 41
2 22 42
3 23 43
4 24 44
5 25 45
6 26 46
7 27 47
8 28 48
9 29 49
10 30 50
11 31 51
12 32 52
13 33 53
14 34 54
15 35 55
16 36 56
17 37 57
18 38 58
19 39 59
20 40 60


Answers
1 (a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5 (d) 6 (d) 7 (c) 8 (c) 9 (a) 10 (c)
11 (d) 12 (c) 13 (b) 14 (c) 15 (a) 16 (c) 17 (a) 18 (c) 19 (a) 20 (c)
21 (a) 22 (c) 23 (b) 24 (c) 25 (c) 26 (c) 27 (c) 28 (c) 29 (a) 30 (a)
31 (b) 32 (b) 33 (b) 34 (b) 35 (d) 36 (a) 37 (d) 38 (b) 39 (b) 40 (d)
41 (b) 42 (b) 43 (a) 44 (a) 45 (c) 46 (a) 47 (c) 48 (c) 49 (b) 50 (c)
51 (d) 52 (d) 53 (b) 54 (c) 55 (d) 56 (b) 57 (d) 58 (c) 59 (a) 60 (b)
EXPLANATIONS
1. (a) Traces of canals have been found at the 12. (c) The most famous ruler of Vijayanagara,
Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan. Krishnadeva Raya wrote the book
2. (b) The Harappan sites of Banawali is situated in Amuktamalyada in Telugu. It an important
Haryana. Archaeologists have found teracotta document of that period.
model of plough at Banawali. 13. (b) Transplantation is used for paddy
3. (c) Brahmanas composed Dharmasutras to make cultivation in areas where water is plentiful.
norms for rulers and other categories from 6th Here, seeds are first broadcast. When the
century BCE onwards. saplings have grown these are transplanted
in waterlogged fields. It ensures a higher
4. (d) Shaka rulers are people from Central Asian ratio of survival of saplings and higher
origin who established kingdom in North- yields.
Western and Western parts of subcontinent.
14. (c) In 1810s, Colin Mackenzie collected over
5. (d) VS Sukthankar was a great scholar of 8000 inscriptions in Sanskrit and Dravidian
Sanskrit. languages.
6. (d) Xuan Zang gave an account of the life of 15. (a) Bead making was the most important
Scavengers. In seventh century, he observed that industry of Harappan at Chanhudaro.
executioners and Scavengers were forced to live Evidence of shell working and specialised
outside the city and wrote about them. drills were found at Chanhudaro. It is
7. (c) Elaborate sacrifices were performed by the believed that bangles and ladles were made
kings with the help of Brahmana priest and at this site.
these are known as Rajasuya Yajana and 16. (c) Harappan civilisation is located on the
Ashvamedha Yajna. banks of the Ravi river.
8. (c) Walter Elliot was the commissioner of Guntur 17. (a) Endogamy refers to marriage within a
(Andhra Pradesh) who visited Amaravati and unit, a kin group, caste, or a group living in
collected sculptures and took them away to the same locality.
Madras.
18. (c) Mahabharata contains vivid descriptions
9. (a) Virashaiva movement started in the 12th of battles, forests, palaces and settlements.
century under the leadership of Basavanna.
19. (a) According to Buddhist text known as the
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10. (c) Alvars were people who were immersed in Ashokavadana, Ashoka distributed portions
devotion to Vishnu and they travelled from of the Buddha’s relics to every important
place to place singing hymns in Tamil in praise town and ordered the construction of stupas
of their Gods. over them.
11. (d) Kudirai Chettis were horse merchants. The 20. (c) The Sanchi was discovered in 1818. At
import of horses from Arabia and Central Asia that time three of its four gateways were still
was controlled by Arab traders. Local standing, the fourth was lying on the spot
communities of merchants who took part in this where it had fallen. The mound was also in
trade were known as Kudirai Chettis. good condition.
21. (a) The major anthology composed by the 31. (b) Vessels (not seals) were recovered from
Alvars was Nalayira Divyaprabandham. The Oman which suggested a common origin to
Nalayira Divyaprabhandham is a collection of Harappan artefacts due to the traces of nickel.
4,000 Tamil verses. It was composed by the 32. (b) Both the statements are true but the fact
12 Alvars. Nalayira Divyaprabandham was given in the Reason does not explain the
described as the Tamil Veda, the text was as Assertion.
significant as the four Vedas in Sanskrit.
33. (b) The given information is about Jaininsm.
22. (c) The Alvars and Nayanaras were the
poet-saints from Tamil Nadu. The Alvars were 34. (b) Major Dharamasutras were written in
dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Nayanars were c 500-200 BCE, Ramayana was written in c 500
dedicated to Lord Shiva. They played a BCE-400 CE, Manusmriti was written in c 200
crucial role between the 5th-10th centuries in BCE-200 CE and Sushruta Samhitas was
propagating the Bhakti Movement in Southern written in c 100 CE.
India. 35. (d) Exogamy refers to marriage outside the unit.
23. (b) Amara-Nayaka was a major political (not within the unit).
innovation of the Vijayanagara empire which 36. (a) Large colossal statues of Kushana rulers are
has derived many of its features from Iqta found in Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) and
system. Afghanistan.
24. (c) In 1986, Hampi was declared as a World 37. (d) The given information is about Chanhudaro.
Heritage Site by UNESCO. 38. (b) Statements I, II and III are correct. Statement
25. (c) Alvars and Nayanars initiated a movement IV is incorrect. As Brahmana advocated the
of protest against the caste system and norms of varnas, they did not believe that
dominance of Brahmins. Alvar Saints were people could overcome their varna by their
devoted to the worship of Vishnu (not Shiva). own endeavours.
Nayanar Saints were devoted to the worship 39. (b) Tamil Sangam literature was developed in
of Shiva (not Vishnu). Alvars and Nayanars first century CE. It suggested that there were
travelled from place to place singing hymns in differences between rich and poor and those
Tamil (not in Sanskrit). who controlled resources were also expected to
26. (c) Ruler of Magadha consolidated power in share them.
500-400 BCE, Alexander invaded Mecedon in 40. (d) All the statements are correct regarding
327-325 BCE, Ashoka reigned in 272/268-231 Vijayanagara empire.
BCE and the Mauryan empire ended in 185
BCE. 41. (b) Harappan script remains undeciphered till
today.
27. (c) Statements I and III are correct. Statement
II is incorrect. Buddhism gave importance to 42. (b) Statements I, II and IV are correct. Statement
conduct and values rather than superiority III is incorrect. Chandragupta Maurya founded
based on birth. the Mauryan Empire in 321 BC.
28. (c) Bricks of Harappan Civilisation not exactly 43. (a) Sankardeva was a religious teacher in
of equal size. Assam, (not Tripura).
29. (a) The given information is about Guru 44. (a) Mirabai was the best known poet of Bhakti
Nanak Dev. tradition in 15th-16th centuries not 12th
century.
30. (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and
47. (c) Krishnadeva Raya belonged to Tuluva
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Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

Shahjahan Begum and Sultan Jehan Begum dynasty who became the king after the Saluva
funded for the museum, guest house and dynasty.
publication to maintain Sanchi Stupa. Thus, 48. (c) Krishnadeva Raya’s rule was famous for
Sanchi Stupa is still intact due to the royal expansion and consolidation of empire.
patronage and successful restoration and
49. (b) Krishnadeva Raya wrote the book
preservation of Archaeological Survey of
Amuktamalyada on the skillful management of
India.
state affairs.
50. (c) For the improvement of commerce, the king 58. (c) The inscription gives us an idea about rural
should improve the harbours and make population which included Brahmanas and
suitable conditions for the foreign traders to peasants, as well as others who were expected
gain profits. to provide a range of produce to the king or his
51. (d) At the time of Krishnadeva Raya, horses, representatives.
elephants, precious gems, sandalwood, pearls 59 & 60.
were freely imported from foreign countries.
52. (d) Krishnadeva Raya was interested to
encourage the merchants of foreign countries
as they imported elephants and horses which A. (a)
were essential for his army. Foreign merchants Chanhudaro
also imported precious gems, sandalwoods
and pearls which had great demand. He also
thought that trading should not be controlled
by his enemies.
53. (b) From the early centuries grants of lands
were made by the king and these were mostly
recorded in inscriptions.
54. (c) The early inscriptions were mostly written
on copper plates.
55. (d) Besides Sanskrit, regional languages like B. (b)
Tamil, Telugu were also used in inscriptions. Nageshwar
57. (d) The situation of Prabhavati Gupta was not

normal. Prabhavati Gupta being a queen
enjoyed special status.
SAMPLE PAPER 7
SAMPLE PAPER 8
HISTORY
Instructions
be attempted
Maximum Marks : 40
Section A
The section contains 24 questions in total. Attempt any 20 questions.
1. Which of the following items is not found in the Harappan culture?
(a) Stone blades (b) Glass mirror
(c) Stone seals (d) Beads jewellery
2. The Great Bath, a rectangular tank in a courtyard surrounded by a corridor was used
by the Harappans for
(a) swimming and water sport
(b) special ritual bath
(c) storage of water to be used during draught or famine
(d) community bathing
SAMPLE PAPER 8
3. The most distinctive features of Harappan cities was

(a) the planned drainage system (b) the broad courtyard
(c) the citadel (d) the burials

(a) Punch-marked coins were only made of copper.
(b) The first gold coins were issued by Kushanas.
(c) The first coins to bear the names and images of rulers were issued by Indo-Greeks.
(d) Copper coins were issued by tribal republics.
5. Tamil Sangam literature which suggest that there were differences between rich and
poor, mentions slaves as
(a) Pannai (b) Adimai (c) Uazhavar (d) Velar
6. The statue of Priest King was made from

(a) Stone (b) Terracotta (c) Bronze (d) Carnelian
7. According to Manusmriti, which among the following is not one of the means for men
to acquire wealth?
(a) Inheritance (b) As a token of affection
(c) Conquest (d) Investment
8. ……………. is a Sanskrit word used for the Greeks and other peoples who entered the
subcontinent from the North-West.
(a) Yavana (b) Amara (c) Samana (d) Narapati
9. The Mahanavami Dibba was enclosed within

(a) Royal Centre
(b) Sacred Centre
(c) Compound of Brihadishvara temple
(d) Outside the main fortification of capital of Vijayanagara empire
10. Which of the following statements is correct regarding Virashaivas?

(a) It means ‘Heroes of Shiva’.
(b) They question the theory of birth.
(c) They question casticism and its pollution.
(d) They believed in theory of death.
11. The term vanik in Sanskrit inscriptions is used to designate ............... .

(a) merchants (b) soldiers (c) traders (d) farmers
12. “The other houses of the people are thatched, but nonetheless well built and arranged
according to occupations, in long streets with many open places.”
Which of the following archaeologist made the given statement?
(a) Barbosa (b) Mackenzie
(c) JF Fleet (d) Alexander Greenlaw
13. Land grants during the rule of Chandragupta II provide some insight into
the relationship between which of the following parties?
(a) Artisans and hunter-gatherers (b) Fishermen and samantas
(c) Pastoralists and officials (d) The state and cultivators
14. A woman, Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a devotee of …………… .

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(a) Shiva (b) Vishnu (c) Krishna (d) None of these
15. Which of the following texts laid down the duties of the Chandalas?
(a) Manusmriti (b) Upanishadas
(c) Atharvaveda (d) None of these
16. Which of these sites is called as center of Ganeshwar- Jodhpura culture by the
archaeologists?
(a) Mohenjodaro (b) Nageshwar
(c) Khetri (d) Dholavira
17. The special officers who were appointed to spread the message of Dhamma were
known as ..................... .
(a) Dhamma Mahatma (b) Samanta
(c) Amara Nayaka (d) Devaputra
18. Which of the following items has not been found in Harappan burials?
(a) Pottery and ornaments (b) Iron hand axe
(c) Jewellery (d) Copper mirror
19. What is the literal meaning of the term ‘silsila’?

(a) Chain (b) Disciple (c) Devotion (d) Without attribute
20. Jangama or wandering monks belonged to which community?

(a) Alvars (b) Lingayats
(c) Kabirpanthis (d) Jogis
21. Where is Chennakeshava Temple situated?

(a) Madurai (b) Belur (c) Thanjavur (d) Chennai
22. Vijayanagara was characterised by a distinctive physical layout and building style.
When was the Vijayanagara empire founded?
(a) 1336 (b) 1565 (c) 1800 (d) 1498
23. Which famous ruler found a suburban township of Nagalapuram, near Vijayanagara,
after his mother’s name?
(a) Harihara (b) Bukka
(c) Krishnadeva Raya (d) Achyuta Deva Raya
24. ........................ was the scribe according to tradition, Vyasa dictated the text to the deity.
(a) Lord Shiva (b) Lord Ganesha
(c) Lord Bramha (d) Lord Indra
Section B
25. Look at the picture given below and answer the following.
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What does the given picture depicts?

(a) Sculpture from the Hazara Rama Temple.
(b) Sculpture from the Mahabalipuram Temple.
(c) Sculpture from the Lotus Temple.
(d) Sculpture from the Virupaksha Temple.
26. Identify the social category of people from the informations given below
• Their task was to handle corpses and dead animals. They were placed at thevery
bottom of the hierarchy.
• They had to live outside the village, use discarded utensils, and wear clothesof the
• They could not walk about in villages and cities at night.
Identify the correct option.
(a) Nishadha (b) Chandala
(c) Sudhra (d) Vaiysha
27. Consider the following statements and state which is not correct. Select the correct
answer using the codes given below.
I. Colin Mackenzie visited the Amaravati site.
II. The small square room in temple is called Shikhara.
III. Temple walls were often decorated with sculpture.
IV. Hinayana literally means the ‘great vehicle.’
Codes
(a) I, II and III (b) II and III
(c) I, II and IV (d) All of these
28. Identify the name of the writing from the informations given below.
• It is a biography of a saint or religious leader.
• It often praise the saint’s achievements and may not always be literally accurate.
• These writings tell us about the beliefs of the followers of that particular tradition.
(a) Historiography (b) Hagiography
(c) Biography (d) Autobiography
29. Identify the name of the alliance or system from the information given below:
• It was introduced by Wellesley in 1798.
• It has been imposed on Awadh in 1801.
• According to this alliance, the ally would have to provide the resources for
maintaining this contingent.
(a) Subsidiary Alliance (b) Amara-Nayaka
(c) Warfare (d) None of these
I. The original version of the Mahabharata is in Sanskrit.
II. According to the shastras, only Kshatriyas could be kings.
III. During the Mahabharata age, gotras were considered very important by
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the higher varnas of Hindu society.

IV. The Mahabharata contains vivid descriptions of battles, forests, palaces and
settlements.
(c) I, III and IV (d) All of these
31. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the lively discussions and
debates in the Buddhist texts?
(a) Debates took place in the kutagarashala.
(b) Many of the teachers questioned the authority of the Vedas.
(c) In these debates, the kings tried to convince one another as well as lay persons about the
validity of their philosophy or the way they understood the world.
(d) If a philosopher succeeded in convincing one of his rivals, the followers of the latter also
became his disciples.
32. Which of the following is not one of the feature of Harappan writing?
(a) It was pictographic.
(b) Script was written from left to right.
(c) It has too many signs, somewhere between 375 to 400.
(d) It has not been deciphered.
33. What was/were the reason for the popularity of Khwaja Muinuddin?
(a) His austerity and piety, the greatness of spiritual successor and royal patronage made
him popular.
(b) He treated all religions equally and preached love and brotherhood among different
communities.
(c) Instead of strict adherence to the ritualistic aspect he favored the personal contact
between the god and the follower through devotion and music.
34. Which one of the followings teaching is not associated with the teachings of Mahavira
or Jaina Philosophy?
(a) The entire world is animated.
(b) Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
(c) The cycle of birth and rebirth is not related to Karma.
(d) Monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.

(a) The childhood name of Buddha was Siddhartha
(b) Sutta Pitaka is a collection of verses.
(c) Mahapajapati Gotami was the first women to be ordained as a bhikkuni.
(d) Buddha was born in Sarnath.
36. Which of the following statements regarding Sant Kabir is incorrect?

(a) Kabir used terms drawn from Vedantic traditions.
(b) Kabir described the ultimate reality as Allah, Khuda, Hazrat, and Pir.
(c) Many of his compositions are found in Adi Granth Sahib.
(d) Verses attributed to Kabir mention the name of his teacher, Ramanand.
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Assertion (A) The earliest bhakti movements were led by the Alvars and Nayanars.
Reason (R) They were singing hymns in Tamil in praise of their gods in temples.
Codes
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
Assertion (A) Punch-marked coins made of gold and bronze (c. sixth century BCE
onwards) were amongst the earliest to be minted and used.
Reason (R) Numismatists have studied these and other coins to reconstruct possible
commercial networks.
Codes
(b) Both A and R are true but, R is not the correct explanation of A
39. Identify the incorrect option.

List I List II
(a) Colin Mackenzie – First Surveyor General of India
(b) Dominago Peas – Portuguese traveller to India
(c) Abdur Razzaq – Ambassador of the ruler of Seriya
(d) John M Fritz – Reconstructed the Vijayanagara Empire
40. It is a very soft stone. Its powder is used to made a paste by which some beads were
moulded. Identify.
(a) Lapis-lazuli (b) Carnelian
(c) Jasper (d) Steatite
41. Which of the following is correctly matched location with its properties?
(a) Ujjayini — Centre of commercial, cultural and political activity
(b) Puhar — On a land trade route.
(c) Pataliputra — Riverside trade route
(d) Mathura — On a sea trade route
42. According to whom the absolute or ‘rab‘ had no gender or form?

(a) Guru Nanak (b) Kabir (c) Ramanujam (d) Mirabai

List I List II
A. There is one God and Prophet Muhammad his 1. Hajj
messenger
B. Giving Alms 2. Swam
C. Fasting during the month of Ramzan 3. Zakat
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D. Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca 4. Shahada
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 3 2 4 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 4 3 1 2 (d) 1 2 3 4
44. Which of the following is not one of the major political centers of Mauryan Empire?
(a) Taxila (b) Toshali (c) Suvarnagiri (d) Kandahar
45. Name the balcony-like structure in a Buddhist stupa, a simple semi-circular mound of
earth.
(a) Anda (b) Harmika (c) Yashti (d) Chhatri

List I List II
A. Fa Xian 1. Russia
B. Abdur Razzaq 2. China
C. Afanasii Nikitin 3. Portugal
D. Durate Barbosa 4. Persia
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 4 1 3 (b) 2 1 3 4
(c) 4 1 2 3 (d) 1 2 3 4
Section C
appropriate option.
Therayas and the Nayakas
Among those who exercised power in the empire were military chiefs who usually
controlled forts and had armed supporters. These chiefs often moved from one area to
another and in many cases were accompanied by peasants looking for fertile land on
which to settle. These chiefs were known as nayakas and they usually spoke Telugu or
Kannada. Many nayakas submitted to the authority of the kings of Vijayanagara but
they often rebelled and had to be subdued by military action.
The Amara-Nayakas system was a major political innovation of the Vijayanagara
Empire. It is likely that many features of this system were derived from the iqta system
of the Delhi Sultanate. The Amara-Nayakas were military commanders who were
given territories to govern by the raya. They collected taxes and other dues from
peasants, crafts persons and traders in the area. They retained part of the revenue for
personal use and for maintaining a stipulated contingent of horses and elephants.
These contingents provided the Vijayanagara kings with an effective fighting force
with which they brought the entire Southern Peninsula under their control. Some of
the revenue was also used for the maintenance of temples and irrigation works.
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(a) Amara-Nayaka system was a political innovation of Delhi Sultanate.

(b) Amara-Nayakas were military commanders who governed small territories.
(c) Amara-Nayakas collected taxes and other dues from peasants, craftsmen and traders.
(d) They retained part of the revenue for personal usage.

I. The system of Amar-Nayakas became even more powerful than the nayakas.
II. They gave their military support in times of war with the other kingdoms.
III. The Naykas offered tribute to the Amara-Nayakas to keep them loyal to their
kingdom.
Which among these statements show the correct description of Amar-Nayakas?

49. The language used by the Nayakas of Vijayanagara empire is

(a) Tamil (b) Kannada
(c) Telugu (d) Either (b) or (c)
50. How does the Amara-Nayakas sent tribute to the king annually?
(a) By giving gifts to them (b) By establishing independent kingdoms
(c) By maintaining the army (d) All of these
51. Amara is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word samara, meaning battle or war.
It also resembles the Persian term amir. What does this Persian term mean?
(a) Craft person (b) Lord of men
(c) Military chief (d) A high noble
52. Read the following statements regarding the Amara-Nayakas and select the incorrect
statement.
(a) Amara-Nayakas were military commanders who were given territories by the Sultan.
(b) They collected taxes from peasants, traders and craftsmen.
(c) They provided the kings of Vijayanagar an effective fighting force to maintain control
over Southern Peninsula.
(d) They retained a part of revenue for their personal use.
appropriate option.
The Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras also contained rules about the ideal
“occupations” of the four categories or varnas. Brahmanas were supposed to study and
teach the Vedas, perform sacrifices and get sacrifices performed and give and receive
gifts. Kshatriyas were to engage in warfare, protect people and administer justice,
study the Vedas, get sacrifices performed and make gifts. The last three “occupations”
were also assigned to the Vaishyas, who were in addition expected to engage in
agriculture, pastoralism and trade. Shudras were assigned only one occupation that of
serving the three ‘higher’ varnas.
53. How many forms of marriage are recognised by Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras?
(a) Four (b) Seven
(c) Six (d) Eight
54. Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras were compiled in which language?

(a) Sanskrit (b) Tamil
(c) Telugu (d) None of these
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I. The Dharmasutras contained rules about the ideal occupations of all the varnas.
II. There were four varnas prevalent in the ancient India.
(c) Both (I) and (II) (d) None of these
56. In the fourfold classification of the Indian society into varna, which of the following
were accorded highest and lowest positions respectively?
(a) Brahmana and Shudra (b) Brahamana and Vaishyas
(c) Kshatriya and Shudra (d) Shudra and Brahamana
57. Which of the following method(s) was/were employed by the Brahamana to enforce the
norms laid down in Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras?
(a) They asserted that the varna order was divine in origin.
(b) They advised kings to ensure that these norms were followed within these kingdoms.
(c) They attempted to persuade people that their status was determined by the birth.
58. What was/were the main characteristic of the varna order prescribed in the
Dharmasutras?
(a) It was based on the birth. (b) It promote occupational specialisation.
(c) It created unity among different varnas. (d) Both (a) and (b)
Section D
B.
A.
59. On the political map of India,’ A’ is marked as a famous place where Brihadishvara
SAMPLE PAPER 8
Temple is situated.
Identify it among the following options.
(a) Thanjavur (b) Chennai
(c) Madurai (d) Belur
60. On the political map of India,’ B’ is marked as a famous place where Shaikh
Muinuddin Chisti darga is situated. Identify the place among the following options.
(a) Jaipur (b) Lahor
(c) Ajmer (d) Delhi
OMR SHEET SP 8
Roll No.
Instructions
by the software.
ü û
1 21 41
2 22 42
3 23 43
4 24 44
5 25 45
6 26 46
7 27 47
8 28 48
9 29 49
10 30 50
11 31 51
12 32 52
13 33 53
14 34 54
15 35 55
16 36 56
17 37 57
18 38 58
19 39 59
20 40 60


Answers
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (a) 9. (a) 10. (a)
11. (a) 12. (a) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (a) 16. (c) 17. (a) 18. (b) 19. (a) 20. (b)
21. (b) 22. (a) 23. (c) 24. (b) 25. (a) 26. (b) 27. (c) 28. (b) 29. (a) 30. (d)
31. (c) 32. (b) 33. (a) 34. (c) 35. (d) 36. (d) 37. (c) 38. (d) 39. (c) 40. (d)
41. (b) 42. (a) 43. (b) 44. (d) 45. (b) 46. (a) 47. (a) 48. (a) 49. (d) 50. (a)
51. (d) 52. (a) 53. (d) 54. (a) 55. (c) 56. (a) 57. (d) 58. (d) 59. (a) 60. (c)
EXPLANATIONS
1. (b) Glass mirror is not found in Harappan 15. (a) Manusmriti laid down the duties of
civilisation. But a copper mirror is found. Chandalas. These included that they had to
2. (b) The Great Bath was used by Harappans for live outside the village, use discarded
some kind of a special ritual bath. utensils and wear clothes of the dead and
ornaments of iron.
3. (a) The most distinctive feature of Harappan
urban civilisation was its planned drainage 16. (c) Archaeologists call ‘Khetri region’ as
system which connected all a drains of houses center of Ganeshwar-Jodhpura culture as it
with the street drains. had evidence of non-Harappan pottery and
unusual wealth of copper objects.
4. (a) Punch-marked coins made of silver and
copper (c sixth century BCE onwards) were 17. (a) Ashoka appointed special officers known
amongst the earliest coins to be minted and used. as Dhamma Mahatma to spread his message
of Dhamma.
5. (b) Early Tamil literature which is also known as
Tamil Sangam literature mentions different 18. (b) Iron hand axe has not been found in
categories of people living in the villages where Harappan burials. Objects found in
slaves are mentioned as Adimai. Harappan civilisation are made of metals like
copper and gold. No iron-made object is
6. (a) The statue of the Priest King was made from found here.
stone. It was quite similar with the ‘priest king’
of Mesopotamia. 19. (a) The term ‘silsila’ means a chain, signifying
a continuous link between master and
7. (b) Token of affection is not one of the means for disciple, stretching as an unbroken spiritual
men to acquire wealth. The Manusmriti declares genealogy to the prophet Muhammad.
that there are seven means of acquiring wealth
i.e. inheritance, finding, purchase, conquest, 20. (b) Jangama or wandering monks belonged to
investment, work and acceptance of gifts from the Lingayats who were the followers of Lord
good people. Shiva.
9. (a) Mahanavami Dibba was enclosed within 21. (b) Chennakeshava temple is located at Belur.
royal centre. It is a massive platform rising from Ruling elites had extended patronage to
a base of about 11,000 sq. ft to a height of 40 ft. Chennakeshava temple at Belur.
10. (a) The followers of Basavanna are known as 22. (a) Harihara and Bukka founded the
Virashaivas which means Heroes of Shiva. Vijayanagara empire in 1336.
11. (a) The term ‘vanik’ is used to designate 23. (c) Krishnadeva Raya founded a suburban
merchant in Sanskrit texts and inscriptions. township of Nagalapuram, near
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Vijayanagara, after his mother’s name.

13. (d) During the rule of Chandragupta II, land
grants provide some insight into the relationship 24. (b) According to tradition, Lord Ganesha was
between cultivators and the state. Some the scribe, whom Vyasa dictated the story of
historians think land grant is to extend Mahabharata. Persian illustration of
agriculture, other think it is indicative of Mahabharata of 18th century supported this
weakening political power. fact.
14. (a) Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a devotee of Shiva 25. (a) The picture depicts sculpture from the
who adopted the path of extreme asceticism in Hazara Rama Temple of Vijayanagara.
order to attain her goal. 26. (b) The given information is about Chandala.
27. (c) Statements I, II and IV are not correct. 44. (d) Major political centers of the Mauryan
Walter Elliot (not Colin Mackenzie) visited the empire include Taxila, Toshali and Suvarnagiri.
Amaravati site. The small square room in Kandahar is a city in Afghanistan which is not
temple is called Garbhagriha (not Shikhara). included in the Mauryan empire.
Mahayana (not Hinayana) literally means 45. (b) Harmika is a balcony-like structure in
‘great vehicle’. Buddhist stupa that represented the abode of
28. (b) The given information is about hagiography. the Gods.
29. (a) The given information is about Subsidiary 46. (a) Chinese Buddhist monk Fa Xian came to
Alliance. India in fifth century CE, Abdur Razzaq came
from Persia, Afanasii Nikitin came from Russia
30. (d) All the statements are correct regarding the
and Durate Barbosa came from Portugal.
epic Mahabharata.
47. (a) Amara-Nayaka system was a major political
31. (c) In these debates, the teachers (not the innovation of Vijayanagara empire (not Delhi
kings) tried to convince one another as well as Sultanate).
laypersons about the validity of their
philosophy or the way they understood the 48. (a) The statements I and II are correct. But the
world. statement III is incorrect because Nayakas offered
tribute to the kings not to the Amara-Nayakas.
32. (b) Harappan scripts were written from right
52. (a) Amara-Nayakas were military commanders
to left (not left to right).
who were given territories by the Rayas (not
33. (a) Khwaja Muinuddin led a simple life. His sultan).
austerity and piety, the greatness of spiritual
53. (d) Eight forms of marriage are recognised by
successor and royal patronage made him
popular.
54. (a) Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras were
34. (c) According to Jaina Philosophy, the cycle of compiled in Sanskrit texts.
birth and rebirth is shaped through Karma.
Asceticism and penance are required to free 56. (a) In the fourfold classification of the Indian
oneself from the cycle of Karma. society into Varna, Brahmana and Shudra were
accorded highest and lowest positions,
35. (d) Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal. He respectively.
gave his first sermon in Sarnath.
58. (d) The main characteristic of the varna order
36. (d) The verses attributed to Kabir use the prescribed in the Dharmasutras were that it was
words Guru and Satguru but do not mention based on the birth and it promote occupational
the name of any specific preceptor. specialisation.
37. (c) Some of the earliest bhakti movements 59 & 60.
were led by the Alvars and Nayanars. They
travelled from place to place singing hymn in
Tamil in praise of their God. So, the statement
A is true, but R is false. B. (c)
38. (d) Punch-marked coins made of silver and Ajmer
copper (not bronze) were amongst the earliest
to be minted and used. Numismatists have
studied these coins to reconstruct possible
commercial networks. Thus, statement A is
false, but the statement R is true.
SAMPLE PAPER 8
39. (c) Abbur Razzaq was sent by the ruler of

Persia (not Seriya).
40. (d) The given information is about steatite.
41. (b) Puhar was a land trade route. It was near
the coast, from where sea routes began.
A. (a)
42. (a) According to Guru Nanak, ‘rab’ had no Thanjavur
gender or form. By repeating and
remembering the divine name, people can
connect with ‘rab’ or absolute.
SAMPLE PAPER 9
HISTORY
Instructions
be attempted
Maximum Marks : 40
Section A
1. The best source of Lapis Lazuli, a blue stone that was apparently very highly valued
was found in
(a) Bharuch in Gujarat (b) Shortughai in Afghanistan
(c) Kalibangan in Rajasthan (d) Dholavira in Gujarat
2. The new groups like Nishadas and Suvarnkars were ................... that came into contact
with the Brahmanas.
(a) Varnas (b) Jatis
(c) Matronymics (d) Mlechchhas
3. What human attribute did an ‘elephant’ represent in the sculpture found at Sanchi?
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(a) Happiness (b) Greed

(c) Laziness (d) Strength and wisdom
4. Who among the following was the sixteenth-century Portuguese traveler in

Vijayanagara?
(a) Duarte Barbosa (b) Ibn Battuta (c) Abdur Razzaq (d) Harihara
5. ‘Taj-ul-Iqbal Tarikh Bhopal’ is the autobiography of which of the following rulers?

(a) Jenub Begum (b) Jehan Begum
(c) Shahjahan Begum (d) Maham Begum
6. Sanskrit texts used the term Vamsha

(a) to designate the family (b) for the larger network of kinfolk
(c) for lineage (d) duties of king
7. Harshacharita is composed by Banabhatta. It is a biography of Harshavardhana who

was the ruler of ……………… .
(a) Kanauj (b) Magadha
(c) Vindhyas (d) Ujjayini
8. What is the name of Buddhist goddess that was found in 10th century in Bihar?
(a) Matrubhumi (b) Kamakhya Devi
(c) Marichi (d) Parvathi
9. The term used for names derived from the name of the mother or female ancestor is
called .............. .
(a) matriliny (b) matrimonial
(c) metronymic (d) matrilineal
10. What is the meaning of Theravadins ?

(a) The oldest surviving branch of Buddhism
(b) Major movement in the history of Buddhism
(c) ‘White-clad’, and refers to its ascetics' practice of wearing white clothes
11. Lord Jagannatha, the principal deity in Orissa, is associated with

(a) Brahma (b) Vishnu
(c) Shiva (d) Krishna
12. Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya belonged to which of the following traditions of Sufism?
(a) Chishti (b) Qadiri (c) Firdausi (d) Qalandari
13. In which type of marriage does a woman have several husbands?

(a) Endogamy (b) Exogamy
(c) Polygyny (d) Polyandry
14. Which of the following is correct about Purusha Sukta?

(a) A verse from a hymn in the Rigveda (b) A story of Jataka
(c) A verse from Mricchakatika (d) A poem in Dharmasutras
15. What does the term vanik in Sanskrit inscriptions is used to designate?
(a) Soldiers (b) Merchants (c) Traders (d) Farmers
16. Who was the ruling authority in the Harappa civilisation?

SAMPLE PAPER 9
(a) Priest King

(b) Traders and Merchants
(c) Every city had their own ruling authority
(d) Can’t be concluded because of insufficient evidences
17. What is unique about Nageshwar and Balakot sites of the Harappan culture?
(a) They are both near the coast
(b) Now they are in Pakistan
(c) Both were specialised centres for making metal tools
18. Where is the Brihadeshwara temple situated?

(a) Chennai (b) Thanjavur
(c) Madurai (d) Cochin
19. It was the collection of conversations of Sufi Saint Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya,
compiled by Amir Hasan Sijzi Dehlavi. Which of the following is the correct answer?
(a) Malfuzat (b) Tazkiras
(c) Ziyarat (d) Maktubat
20. Non-Muslim had to pay a religious tax called ................ .

(a) Zakat (b) Shukrana
(c) Jizya (d) None of these
21. Who compiled Adi Granth in which hymns are composed in various languages?
(a) Guru Teg Bahadur Ji (b) Guru Arjan Dev Ji
(c) Guru Nanak Dev Ji (d) Guru Gobind Singh Ji
22. Which of the following is the first Sufi Tazkira written in India?
(a) Siyar-ul-Auliya (b) Akhbar-ul-Akhyar
(c) Kashf-ul-Mahjub (d) None of these
23. Among the following who was the leading exponent of Vaishnavism in Assam?
(a) Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (b) Sankaradeva
(c) Tukaram (d) Vallabhacharya
24. The Tomb of Moinuddin Chishti is situated at which place?

(a) Lucknow (b) Ajmer (c) Delhi (d) Agra
Section B
25. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
(a) Ashtadhyayi of Panini – 500 BCE
(b) Charaka and Sushruta Samhita – 400 to 500 CE
(c) Natyashastra of Bharata – 100 CE
(d) Puranas (in Sanskrit) – 400 BCE onwards
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Assertion (A) Many women became teachers of dhamma and went on to become
theris, or respected women who had attained liberation.
Reason (R) Women persuaded Buddha to allow them into the Sangha.
Codes
27. Identify the correct pair from the following.

List I List II
(a) Atiya mosques – Gujarat
(b) Shah Hamdam mosque – Srinagar
(c) Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya – Ajmer
(d) Dargah of Sheikh Muinuddin Chisti – Delhi
Assertion (A) Historians often use textual traditions to understand changes in
economic and political life.
Reason (R) These texts lay down norms of social behaviour or describe and comment
on social situations and practices.
Codes
29. Identify the legendary Tamil poet depicted in this bronze sculpture.
(a) Manikkavachakar.
(b) Karaikkal Ammaiyar
(c) Tondaradippodi
(d) Nammalvar
30. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct regarding Virupaksha Temple?
I. Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi in the Ballari district of Karnataka, India. It
is a part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated as a UNESCO World
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Heritage Site.
II. Virupaksha Temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi and had been
considered the most sacred sanctuary over the centuries.
III. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known here as Virupaksha/ Pampa Devi.
IV. The front hall of the shrine was built by Krishnadeva Raya accession.
Codes
(a) I, II and III (b) I, II and IV
(c) II, III and IV (d) All of these
31. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

I. A seafarer, called as Masattuvan, composed an acoount of trade from the Malabar
coast in the first century BCE.
II. This account of Masattuvan was called Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.
III. Periplus listed that a great quantity of coin; topaz, antimony, coral, crude glass,
copper, tin, lead, etc were imported to the Malabar coast.
IV. A Periplus is a logbook recording sailing itineraries and commercial, political, and
ethnological details about the ports visited.
Codes
(a) I and II (b) Only III (c) Only IV (d) III and IV
32. According to historians, between the sixth and the fourth centuries BCE, Magadha
became the most powerful mahajanapada because
I. Magadha was a region where agriculture was especially productive.
II. Iron mines (in present-day Jharkhand) were accessible and provided resources for
tools and weapons.
III. Ruthlessly ambitious kings Bimbisara, Ajatasattu, and Mahapadma Nanda are the
best known, and their ministers, who helped implement their policies in Magadha.
IV. The Ganga and its tributaries provided a means of cheap and convenient
communication.
Codes
(a) I and II (b) III and IV (c) All of these (d) None of these
33. Read the following information given below carefully.

• Identify and name the devotee of Saguna Bhakti.
• She was Rajput princess from Merta in Marwar.
• She was married against her wishes to a prince of the Sisodia clan of Mewar.
• She defied her husband and did not submit to the traditional role of a wife and
mother.
• She considered Lord Krishna as her lover.
(a) Prabhavati Gupta (b) Mirabai
(c) Andal (d) Karaikkal Ammaiyar
34. Arrange the following events in correct chronological sequence from the earliest to the
latest:
I. REM Wheeler recognised that it was necessary to follow the stratigraphy of the
mound.
II. Excavations begin at Mohenjodaro.
III. Harappan artefacts reached Alexander Cunningham but he failed to understand
their significance.
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IV. SR Rao begins excavations at Lothal.

(a) IV, III, II, I (b) II, IV, I, III
(c) III, IV, II, I (d) III, II, I, IV
35. Most Asokan inscriptions were in the Prakrit language, while some of them were in
Aramaic and Greek. In which part of India, Aramaic and Greek inscriptions were
found?
(a) North-West of India (b) North-East of India
(c) South-Western part of India (d) Eastern part of India
36. Which among the following was a strategy adopted by the Brahmanas to enforce the
varna order?
(a) Assert that varna order was a human creation.
(b) Advised kings to punish those who violated these norms.
(c) Persuaded people that their status was determined by birth.
(d) By following varna order, people will be rich.
37. What was Draupadi’s question to Yudhisthira after his defeat in gamble?
(a) She asked him why he gambled his brothers.
(b) She asked him why he gambled his property.
(c) Draupadi implied that Yudhisthira had no right to stake her.
(d) She asked him whether he had lost himself before staking her.
38. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Rama Raya?
I. He was a successor of Krishnadeva Raya.
II. He was the Chief Minister of Vijayanagara.
III. He never defeated in any battle.
IV. He had very tremendous military skills.
(a) I and III (b) III and IV
(c) II and III (d) I and II
39. Karaikkal Ammaiyar wrote a poem ‘The Female Pey (demoness)’ in Tamil.
What did author try to convey through the poem?
(a) Author is trying to defy the established traditional norms where women are shown
beautifully and with feminine characteristics.
(b) Author is trying to defy the male dominance in society.
(c) Author is trying to defy the caste system in society.
(d) Author is trying to defy the Vedic tradition of rituals.
40. It was the written collections of letters by Sufi masters to their disciples and associates.
Which of the following is related to the above given statement?
(a) Malfuzat (b) Tazkiras
(c) Ziyarat (d) Maktubat
41. Identify the book after considering the following information.

• It was composed by Malik Muhammad Jayasi
• It was the love story of the king of Chittor Ratansen and his queen.
• Their trials were symbolic of the soul’s journey to the divine.
• This poetic composition was often sung through Sama.
(a) Kashful-Mahjub
(b) Padmavat
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(c) Siyar-ul-Auliya
42. As a bird dislikes the cage, so do I dislike (the world).

What does the Queen Kamalavati mean by saying the above line?
(a) The queen dislikes the materialistic world. The queen doesn’t have any desire.
(b) She liked to live her life as a nun.
(c) Her only desire is to be free and loved by the common people.
43. Consider the following and select the correct one regarding the Bhakti movement.
(a) Virashaiva was the religious movement led by Dadu Dayal.
(b) Nalayira Divyaprabandham belongs to the Nayanars is regarded as Tamil Veda.
(c) The earliest Bhakti movement was led by the Alvars and Nayanars.
(d) The Alvars were revered by the Vella peasants.
44. Which of the following methods of irrigation is not employed at Harappan sites?
(a) Canal (b) Reservoir (c) Persian wheel (d) Wells
45. Who deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi?

(a) Sir Alexander Cunninghum (b) James Prinsep
(c) Jean-François Champollion (d) Georg Friedrich Grotefend
46. According to Colin Mackenzie, the Lotus Mahal was probably used by the king to meet
his ............ .
(a) Ministers (b) Queens
(c) Common people (d) Advisors
Section C
appropriate option
The Plight of Harappa
Although Harappa was the first site to be discovered, it was badly destroyed by brick
robbers. As early as 1875, Alexander Cunningham, the first Director- General of the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), often called the father of Indian archaeology,
noted that the amount of brick taken from the ancient site was enough to lay bricks for
‘about 100 miles’ of the railway line between Lahore and Multan. Thus, many of the
ancient structures at the site were damaged. In contrast, Mohenjodaro was far better
preserved.
47. Which of the following is correct about Harappan religion?
(a) Female deities were not dominant
(b) No cult of mother goddess was found
(c) Nature worship was in vogue
(d) Temple structures were unearthed
48. Why Harappa was not known as an early historic city?

(a) Cunnigham did not interested in early historic period.
(b) Because Harappa was not a part of Chinese pilgrim itineraries and remained unknown
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for long.
(c) Because Harappa was not under British control.
(d) Because the surrounding villagers rumoured about it.
49. ........................... is the most popular site of Indus Valley Civilisation while ......................
was the first site of the civilisation to be discovered.
(a) Mohenjodaro, Harappa (b) Harappa, Lothal,
(c) Harappa, Mohenjodaro (d) Mohenjodaro, Lothal
50. What was the similarity in the interest of Alexander Cunningham and John Marshall?
(a) Both ignore the stratigraphy of the site of Harappa
(b) Both excavate along regular horizontal units
(c) Both were interested in spectacular finds
51. Read the following statements and select the appropriate one.
I. Cunningham did not interested in early history of Indian subcontinent.
II. Mohenjodaro was the first site to be discovered.
III. Many of the ancient sites of Harappa destroyed by the brick robbers.
IV. By c 1700 BCE most of the Harappan sites were abandoned.
(a) I, III and II (b) Only III
(c) I and IV (d) II and III
52. Cunningham excavated sites and tended to recover artefacts that he thought has
........................... .
(a) Archaeological value (b) Cultural value
(c) Economic value (d) All of these
appropriate option.
A Sprawling City
The size of this city I do not write here, because it cannot all be seen from any spot, but
I climbed a hill hence I could see a great part of it; I could not see it all because it lies
between several ranges of hills. What I saw from thence seemed to me as large as Rome
and very beautiful to the sight; there are many groves of trees within it, in the gardens
of the houses, and many conduits of water which flow into the midst of it, and in
places there are lakes; and the king has close to his palace a palm-grove and other rich
fruit-bearing trees.
53. The above description of Vijayanagara is given by
(a) Fernao Nuniz (b) Domingo Paes
(c) Abdur Razzak (d) Fernao Nuniz
54. What is the theme of the passage?

(a) The theme is about bazaar of Vijayanagara.
(b) The theme is description of the city of Vijayanagara.
(c) The theme is description of the king of Vijayanagara
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55. Why could the author not describe the size of city in the first instance?
I. He had not described the size of city because he could not see the whole of city
from the point where he was studying.
II. The city was lying between several ranges of hill.
III. He was new and couldn’t understand the language.
IV. He was not allowed to enter to city.
Identify the correct option
(a) Both I and II (b) I, II and IV
(c) III and I (d) Only II
56. Consider the following options and select the correct one regarding the King’s palace.
(a) It was near the hills.
(b) It was located near a lake.
(c) Beautiful rose garden close to his palace
(d) Palm-grove and other rich fruit-bearing trees were close to his palace
57. Following are the description of the city by the author. Identify the incorrect statement.
(a) The size of the city is small.
(b) He saw many groups of trees in the gardens of the houses.
(c) He saw water channels flowing in the centre of them.
(d) He also saw lakes in some places.
58. ”The king has close to his palace a palm-grove and other rich fruit-bearing trees” Here
the king refer to
(a) Krishnadeva Raya (b) Sadashiv Raya (c) Rama Raya (d) None of these
Section D
59. On the political map of India, ‘A’ is marked as the settlement was inhabited between
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4000 and 1700 BCE, and is considered to have been a centre for manufacturing
carnelian beads. Identify it among the following options.
(a) Chanhudaro (b) Lothal (c) Dholavira (d) Harappa
60. On the political map of India, ‘B’ is marked as a famous place where archaeologists
have found evidence of a ploughed field. Identify the place among the following
options.
(a) Nageshwar (b) Balakot
(c) Kalibangan (d) Banawali
OMR SHEET SP 9
Roll No.
Instructions
by the software.
ü û
1 21 41
2 22 42
3 23 43
4 24 44
5 25 45
6 26 46
7 27 47
8 28 48
9 29 49
10 30 50
11 31 51
12 32 52
13 33 53
14 34 54
15 35 55
16 36 56
17 37 57
18 38 58
19 39 59
20 40 60


Answers
1 (b) 2 (b) 3 (d) 4 (a) 5 (c) 6 (c) 7 (a) 8 (c) 9 (c) 10 (a)
11 (b) 12 (a) 13 (d) 14 (a) 15 (b) 16 (d) 17 (a) 18 (b) 19 (a) 20 (c)
21 (b) 22 (a) 23 (b) 24 (b) 25 (a) 26 (c) 27 (b) 28 (a) 29 (a) 30 (b)
31 (d) 32 (c) 33 (b) 34 (d) 35 (a) 36 (c) 37 (d) 38 (d) 39 (a) 40 (d)
41 (b) 42 (a) 43 (c) 44 (c) 45 (b) 46 (d) 47 (c) 48 (b) 49 (a) 50 (c)
51 (b) 52 (b) 53 (b) 54 (b) 55 (d) 56 (d) 57 (a) 58 (a) 59 (a) 60 (c)
EXPLANATIONS
1. (b) Shortughai in Afghanistan was famous for 12. (a) Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya belonged to
best source of Lapis Lazuli. The Harappans Chishti Silsila of Sufism who gave a unique
procured materials for craft production from form to the Chishti sama by introducing the
different regions. ‘qual’, a hymn sung at the opening or closing
2. (b) The new groups like Nishadas and of qawwali.
Suvarnkars were Jatis that came into contact 13. (d) The practice of a woman having several
with the Brahmanas. In Brahmanical theory, husbands is known as polyandry.
Jati, like varna was based on birth, thus 14. (a) A verse from a hymn in the Rigveda is
Nishada and Suvarnakara were named known as the Purusha Sukta. It describes the
according to their professions and classified as sacrifice of Purusha, the primeval man. All the
Jati. elements of the universe including the four
3. (d) Elephants carved in Sanchi stupa are finest social categories have emanated from his body.
depiction of animals which signify strength and 16. (d) Due to the insufficient evidence,
wisdom. conclusion cannot be deducted in this regard
4. (a) Duarte Barbosa was the sixteenth-century as some archaeologists thought that there was
Portuguese traveler who came to Vijayanagara no ruler in Harappa, everybody enjoyed equal
empire. status while others thought that there was no
5. (c) ‘Taj-ul-Iqbal Tarikh Bhopal’ (A History of single ruler but several.
Bhopal) is the autobiography of Bhopal’s ruler 17. (a) The unique feature about Nageshwar and
and a great patron of Sanchi Stupa, Shahjahan Balakot site of Harappan culture is that they
Begum. are both near the coast.
6. (c) Sanskrit texts use the term Vamsha to 18. (b) Brihadishvara temple is situated in
designate lineage, i.e. the series of families that Thanjavur.
somebody comes from originally. 19. (a) Malfuzat was the collection of conversations
8. (c) Sculpture of Buddhist goddess Marichi was of Sufi Saint Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya,
found in tenth century in Bihar. It depicted the compiled by Amir Hasan Sijzi Dehlavi.
process of integration of different religious 20. (c) Non-Muslims (Jews, Christians, Hindus)
beliefs and practices.
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had to pay a religious tax called ‘Jizya’ and

9. (c) Metronymic means names derived from the gained the right to be protected by Muslim
name of mother or female ancestor. rulers.
10. (a) Followers of oldest tradition or branch of 21. (b) The fifth Guru, Guru Arjan compiled Baba
Buddhism described themselves as Guru Nanak’s hymns and it is known as ‘Adi
Theravadins. It means those who followed the Granth Sahib’.
path of old, respected teachers, the theras. 22. (a) The fourteenth-century Siyar-ul-Auliya of
11. (b) Lord Jagannatha, the principal deity in Mir Khwurd Kirmani was the first Sufi
Orissa, is associated with Vishnu. Tazkira written in India.
23. (b) Sankaradeva was the leading exponent of 39. (a) Through the poem, Karaikkal Ammaiyar is
Vaishnavism in Assam in C 1400-1500. His trying to defy the established traditional
teaching is known as Bhagavati Dharma and his norms where women are shown beautifully
major composition is ‘Kirtana Ghosh.’ and with feminine characteristics.
24. (b) The Tomb of Moinuddin Chishti is situated 40. (d) Maktubat is the written collection of
at Ajmer. By the sixteenth century it became letters by Sufi masters to their disciples and
very popular, Emperor Akbar visited it fourteen associates. These letters tell us about the
times. Shaikh’s experience of religious truth that he
26. (c) The Statement A is true, but the Statement R wanted to share with others.
is false as Buddha’s dearest disciple Ananda 41. (b) The given information is about Padmavat.
persuaded Buddha to allow women into the 42. (a) In Uttaradhyayana Sutta, Queen
Sangha. Kamalavati said this to persuade her husband
27. (b) The Shah Hamdam mosque is in Srinagar on to renounce the world. She did not have any
the banks of Jhelum (built in 1395). desire and disliked the materialistic world.
28. (a) Both the Statements A and R are true and R 43. (c) The earliest Bhakti movement was led by
correctly explain A. Texts describe the norms of both the Alvars and Nayanars. Virashaiva
social behaviour or describe and comment on was the religious movement laid by Basvanna
social situations and practices which help to (not Dadu Dayal). Nalayira Divyaprabandham
understand changes in economic and political belongs to the Alvars (not Nayanars) is
life. regarded as Tamil Veda. Both the Alvars and
29. (a) It is a bronze sculpture of Manikkavachakar, Nayanars were revered by the Vella peasants.
a devotee of Shiva who composed beautiful 44. (c) Traces of Canals (Shortughai), well and
devotional songs in Tamil. reservoir (Dholavira) are found from the
30. (b) Statements I, II and IV are correct, Statement Harappan sites. But there was no evidence of
III is incorrect because the temple is dedicated Persian wheels, so it was not used in
to Lord Shiva (not Lord Vishnu) known as Harappan agricultural activities.
Virupaksha. 45. (b) James Prinsep, an officer in the mint of the
31. (d) Statements III and IV are true, but East India Company deciphered Brahmi and
statements I and II are not true as there is no Kharosthi scripts inscriptions and coins.
mention of the name of the sailor, it is said as an 46. (d) Mackenzie believed that Lotus Mahal was
anonymous Greek Sailor. a council chamber, a place where the king met
32. (c) All the given statements about Magadha are his advisors.
correct. 48. (b) Harappa was not known as an early
33. (b) The given information is about Mirabai. historic city because Harappa was not a part
of Chinese pilgrim itineraries and remained
35. (a) In North-West part of India, Aramaic and unknown for long.
Greek inscriptions are found. Most Prakrit
inscriptions are written in Brahmi and 49. (a) Mohenjodaro is the most popular site of
Kharosthi scripts. Aramaic and Greek scripts Indus Valley Civilisation, while Harappa was
were mainly used for inscription in the first site of the civilisation to be
Afghanistan. discovered.
36. (c) Many Brahmanical texts assert the strategy 50. (c) The similarity in the interest of Alexander
of Brahmanas that the status of people should Cunningham and John Marshall is that both
SAMPLE PAPER 9
be determined by birth and persuades people to were interested in spectacular finds. Both
recognise it. were equally keen to look for patterns of
everyday life.
37. (d) Draupadi asked Yudhisthira the question
whether he had lost himself before staking her 51. (b) Only statement III is correct. Many of the
because an unfree man could not stake another ancient sites of Harappa were destroyed by
person. the brick robbers who used these brick for
their own interest.
Statements I, II and IV are incorrect. 59 & 60.

Cunningham was interested in early history
of Indian subcontinent. Harappa (not
Mohenjodaro) was the first site to be
discovered. By c1800 BCE most of the B. (c)
mature Harappan sites were abandoned. Kalibangan
52. (b) Cunningham excavated sites and tended to

recover artefacts that he thought has cultural
value.
54. (b) This passage gives a detail description
about the city of Vijayanagara.
55. (d) The author could not describe the size
of the city because he could not see it as
the city lied between several ranges of
hills.
56. (d) Paes described that the royal palace of A. (a)
Vijayanagara was close to palm-grove and Chandudaro
other rich fruit-bearing trees.
57. (a) According to the author, the size of
the city is as large (not small) as
Rome.
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HISTORY
Instructions
be attempted
Maximum Marks : 40
Section A
1. Harappan Civilisation developed on the banks of Indus river is also called
........................... .
(a) Indus Valley Civilisation (b) Mesopotamian Civilisation
(c) Mayan Civilisation (d) Aztecs Civilisation
2. The spectacular gold coins which facilitated long distance transactions were issued by
(a) Kushanas (b) the Mauryan rulers
(c) the Saka rulers (d) the Gupta rulers
3. King Asoka sometimes mentioned as ‘Piyadassi’, in the inscription. The meaning of

‘Piyadassi’ is
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(a) Beloved of the gods (b) Pleasant to behold

(c) Beautiful eyes (d) Beloved of nature
4. When did the capital of Magadha was shifted to Pataliputra?

(a) 5th century BCE (b) 3th century BCE
(c) 4th century BCE (d) 2nd century BCE
5. At which of the following places Buddha attained enlightenment?

(a) Sarnath (b) Lumbini
(c) Bodh Gaya (d) Kusinagara
6. Who was the first ruler to inscribed his messages to his subjects and officials on stone
surfaces – natural rocks as well as polished pillars?
(a) Kanishka (b) Bimbisara
(c) Chandra Gupta Maurya (d) Ashoka
7. Which of these was the source of copper for Harappans?

(a) Karnataka (b) Rajasthan
(c) Andhra Pradesh (d) Gujarat
8. The Director General of ASI who brought a military precision to the practice of
archaeology was
(a) John Marshall (b) REM Wheeler
(c) Alexender Cunningham (d) Howard Carter
9. Which source among the following is considered the most valuable source to
reconstruct the history of the Mauryan Empire?
(a) Account of Megasthenes (b) Arthashartra
(c) Buddha, Jaina and puranic literature (d) The inscriptions of Asoka
10. The Shungas and Kanvas were the immediate successors of the Mauryas. To which
community they belong?
(a) Brahmanas (b) Community of low origin
(c) Mlechchhas (d) Kshatriyas
11. How many verses are there in Mahabharata?

(a) One lakh (b) 20000
(c) 50000 (d) More than one lakh
12. Which foreign traveller wrote in his account that ‘untouchables’ had to sound a clapper
in the streets so that people could avoid seeing them?
(a) Fa-Hien or Fa-Xian (b) Hiuen- Tsang
(c) Marco Polo (d) Megasthenes
13. Sutta Pitaka is a text belongs to ................ religion.

(a) Hindu (b) Buddhist (c) Jain (d) None of these
14. Puranaruru is one of the anthologies of poems. To which literature it belongs?

(a) Tamil Sangam literature (b) Buddhist literature
(c) Sanskrit literature (d) Bengali literature
15. How was inter-country communication done during Harappan Civilisation?

(a) Waterways (b) Roadways (c) Railways (d) All of these
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16. Harappan Culture is known as ................ civilisation.

(a) Iron Age (b) Bronze Age
(c) Stone Age (d) Copper Age
17. Kailashnatha Temple which is carved out of a single piece of rock is situated at
(a) Ellora, Maharashtra (b) Madurai,Tamil Nadu
(c) Hampi, Karnataka (d) Mahabalipuram,Tamil Nadu
18. In the late 15th century, Shankardeva emerged as one of the leading proponents of
Vaishnavism in Assam. Vaishnavism is a form of ………………… .
(a) Hinduism (b) Jainism (c) Buddhism (d) Judaism
19. What was the name of the gana to which Buddha belonged to?
(a) Licchavi (b) Sakya (c) Koliyas (d) Kamboj
20. According to Buddhism, Anatta means

(a) the world is transient (b) the world is soulless
(c) the world is full of sorrow (d) the path of moderation
21. Historians classified bhakti traditions into two broad categories. What are these two
categories?
(a) Saguna and Nirguna (b ) Nirgun and Savagun
(c) Sagun and Vigun (d) None of these
22. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the Lingayats?

(a) They challenged the idea of caste
(b) They question the theory of rebirth
(c) They encouraged the practices approved in Dharmashastras
(d) They did not practice funerary rites
23. Mirabai, a Rajput princess and a woman poet within the bhakti tradition, was
married to
(a) a prince of the Sisodia clan of Mewar, Rajasthan.
(b) a prince of the Sakya clan of Lumbini, Nepal.
(c) a prince of the Mauriyan dynasty, Pataliputra, Bihar.
(d) a prince of the Gupta dynasty, Magadha.
24. Who among these wrote the biography of Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti, titled as ‘Munis
al-Arwah’?
(a) Shahjahan (b) Akbar (c) Mumtaz (d) Jahanara
Section B
The section contains 22 questions in total. Attempt any 18 questions.
25. The given fifteenth century of stone sculpture depicting Krishna playing the flute
belong to which state?
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(a) Gujarat (b) Tamil Nadu (c) Assam (d) Maharashtra

26. John Marshall’s period as Director-General of the ASI marked a major change in Indian
archaeology.
Consider which of the following statement(s) is/are incorrect about changes he made.
I. He was the first professional archaeologist to work in India and brought his
experience of working in Greece and Crete to the field.
II. He too was interested in spectacular finds, he was equally keen to look for patterns
of everyday life.
III. He brought with him a military precision to the practice of archaeology.
IV. Marshall tended to excavate along with regular horizontal units, measured
uniformly throughout the mound, ignoring the stratigraphy of the site.
(a) Both I and II (b) I, II and III
(c) Only III (d) All of these
Assertion (A) Muslim rulers were to be guided by the ulama, who were expected to
ensure that they ruled according to the Sharia.
Reason (R) The Sharia is the law governing the Muslim community which is based on
the Quran and the Hadis.
Codes

List I List II
A. Lingayat 1. Punjab
B. Kabirpanthi 2. Karnataka
C. Baba Guru Nanak 3. Rajasthan
D. Mirabai 4. Banaras
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 4 1 3
(c) 3 4 1 2 (d) 1 3 4 2
I. The original version of the Mahabharata is in Sanskrit.
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II. According to the shastras, only kshatriyas could be kings.

III. During the Mahabharata age, gotras were considered very important by the higher
varnas of Hindu society.
IV. The Mahabharata contains vivid descriptions of battles, forests, palaces and
settlements.
Codes
(c) I, III and IV (d) All of these
Assertion (A) Kabir described the ultimate reality as Allah, Khuda, Hazarat and Pir.
Reason (R) Kabir accepted all types of philosophy, i.e. Vedantic tradition, Yogic
tradition and Islamic ideas.
Codes

I. Sixteen states known as Mahajanapadas are mentioned in Buddhist and Jaina texts.
II. The most powerful Mahajanapada was Magadha.
III. Initially the capital of Magadha was Pataliputra.
IV. Iron mines were present in Magadha at that time.
Choose the correct statements.
(a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I, III and IV (d) I, II and IV

List I List II
A. Harihar and Bukka 1. Tuluva dynasty
B. Krishnadeva Raya 2. Vijayanagara Empire
C. Rama Raya 3. Rulers of Orissa
D. Gajapati rulers 4. Battle of Rakshasi Tangadi
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 1 2 3 4
(c) 2 3 4 1 (d) 4 2 3 1

(a) The childhood name of Buddha was Siddhartha
(b) Sutta Pitaka is a collection of verses.
(c) Mahapajapati Gotami was the first women to be ordained as a bhikkhuni.
(d) Buddha was born in Sarnath.
34. Consider the following statements regarding Harappan Civilisation.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
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(a) Major sites of Harappa-Mohenjodaro civilisation are now in Pakistan.

(b) In Mohenjodaro, there are windows in the walls along the ground level.
(c) A linga is worshipped as a symbol of Shiva.
(d) Many houses in lower town at Mohenjodaro had a well in a room meant for the
passers-by.
35. In 1875, a report on the Harappan seal was published. The report was written by
(a) Alexander Cunningham (b) James Prinsep
(c) Daya Ram Sahni (d) Rakhal Das Banerjee
36. Who was the Queen who had independent access to land, against the provisions of
Sanskrit legal texts?
(a) Salsvati (b) Vijaya Satakani (c) Prabhavati Gupta (d) Yana Sakasena
37. Identify the text of the Sufis from the following information.
• Conversations of Sufi saints
• Fawaid-al-Fuad is a collection of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
• These were compiled by different Sufi silsilas with the permission of the Shaikhs
(a) Malfuzat (b) Maktubat (c) Tazkiras (d) None of these
38. Consider the following statements and select the incorrect one :
(a) Pilgrimage called Ziyarat to tombs of Sufi saints is prevalent all over the Muslim world.
(b) The most revered shrine is that of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
(c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq built the tomb of the saint in 15th century.
39. Read the following statements and identify.

(i) The complex is surrounded by high double walls.
(ii) It is a high platform with slots for wooden pillars.
(iii) It had a staircase going up to the second floor.
(iv) The pillars are being closely spaced.
(a) Audience hall (b) Anda (c) Great Bath (d) Citadel
40. Which of the following is the most important idea in Jainism?

(a) Observing celibacy
(b) Entire world is animated
(c) Belief in non-violence
(d) Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of Karma.
41. Gana and sanghas were oligarchies. Oligarchy refers to

(a) a political system in which supreme authority is vested in the monarch, an individual
ruler who functions as head of state.
(b) a government in which one person or a small group possesses absolute power.
(c) a form of government where power is exercised by a group of men.
(d) a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God.
42. New modes of disposal of the dead, including the making of elaborate stone structures.
What are these stone structure called?
(a) Megaliths (b) Burials (c) Fortification walls (d) None of these
43. Identify and name the preceptor or Guru of the Sikh community whose works and
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contributions are given below.

• He laid the foundation of the Khalsa Panth.
• He bestowed the Sikhs with five distinct symbols.
• He consolidated the community as a socio-religious and military force.
• He compiled the compositions of the ninth guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur in Guru
Granth Sahib.
(a) Guru Arjan Dev (b) Guru Nanak
(c) Guru Gobind Singh (d) Guru Tegh Bahadur
44. The mid-first millennium BCE is often regarded as a turning point in world history as
(a) it saw the emergence of thinkers like Zarathustra, Kong Zi, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle,
Mahavira and Gautama.
(b) they tried to understand the mysteries of existence.
(c) they tried to know the relationship between human beings and the cosmic order.
The limitations of epigraphy include
(a) There are technical limitations.
(b) Letters are faintly engraved, thus reconstructions are uncertain.
(c) The content of the inscriptions can be taken as full proof historical evidence.
46. Arrange the pillar inscriptions of Asoka in the following locations in correct sequence
from East to West :
(i) Kaushambi (ii) Meerut
(iii) Sahasaram (iv) Sarnath
Codes
(a) (ii), (i), (iv), (iii) (b) (iii), (i), (iv), (ii) (c) (iii), (iv), (i), (ii) (d) (iii), (ii), (iv), (i)
Section C
appropriate option.
How artefacts are identified
Processing of food required grinding equipment as well as vessels for mixing, blending
and cooking. These were made of stone, metal and terracotta. This is an excerpt from
one of the earliest reports on excavations at Mohenjodaro, the best known Harappan
site: Saddle querns … are found in considerable numbers … and they seem to have
been the only means in use for grinding cereals. As a rule, they were roughly made of
hard, gritty, igneous rock or sandstone and mostly show signs of hard usage. As their
bases are usually convex, they must have been set in the earth or in mud to prevent
their rocking. Two main types have been found: those on which another smaller stone
was pushed or rolled to and fro, and others with which a second stone was used as a
pounder, eventually making a large cavity in the nether stone. Querns of the former
type were probably used solely for grain; the second type possibly only for pounding
herbs and spices for making curries. In fact, stones of this latter type are dubbed “curry
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stones” by our workmen and our cook asked for the loan of one from the museum for
use in the kitchen.
47. This passage was taken from the book ‘Further Excavations at Mohenjodaro, 1937
written by ......... .
(a) Ernest Mackay (b) John Marhsall (c) REM Wheeler (d) GF Dales
48. What is the shape of the base of saddle querns?

(a) Circular (b) Curved or rounded outward
(c) Curved inward (d) Conical
49. Consider the following statements about Harappa. Which of these statements can be
inferred from the passage by understanding the use of querns?
(a) Harappa was an urban civilisation and it used equipments of convenience.
(b) Harappans lived well-planned and secretive social lives.
(c) Harappans were aware of the art of agriculture.
(d) Harappans used to consume raw food as well as cooked food.
50. The discoveries mentioned in the passage have been made at the site of
(a) Mohenjodaro (b) Kalibangan (c) Lothal (d) Kot Diji
51. Mohenjodaro’s equipments for reducing something to small particles or powder were
made of
(a) Terracotta (b) Stone (c) Metal (d) All of these
52. Two main types of stones have been found. Those on which another smaller stone was
pushed or rolled to and fro, and others with which a second stone was used as a
pounder. The second types of stones are called
(a) Lime stone (b) Semi-precious stone
(c) Curry stone (d) Pumice stone
appropriate option.
Inscriptions
Inscriptions are writings engraved on hard surfaces such as stone, metal or pottery.
They usually record the achievements, activities or ideas of those who commissioned
them and include the exploits of kings, or donations made by women and men to
religious institutions. Inscriptions are virtually permanent records, some of which
carry dates. Others are dated on the basis of palaeography or styles of writing, with a
fair amount of precision. For instance, in c. 250 BCE the letter “a” was written in a
specific way. By c. 500 CE, it was written in other way. The earliest inscriptions were in
Prakrit, a name for languages used by ordinary people. Names of rulers such as
Ajatasattu and Asoka, known from Prakrit texts and inscriptions, have been spelt in
their Prakrit forms in this chapter. You will also find terms in languages such as Pali,
Tamil and Sanskrit, which too were used to write inscriptions and texts. It is possible
that people spoke in other languages as well, even though these were not used for
writing.
53. Which of these is not a characteristic of inscriptions?
(a) Inscribed on tough surface (b) Record of events
(c) Ephermal record (d) Earliest were in Prakrit language
54. The date of inscriptions can be determined by

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(a) style of writing

(b) deciphering and dating historical manuscripts
(c) the stone used to make it
(d) Both (a) and (b)
55. What is the time aperture referred to in the passage?

(a) 250 years (b) 500 years
(c) 750 years (d) 251 years
56. The script(s) used in the earliest inscriptions and coins are
(a) Brahmi (b) Kharosthi
(c) Sanskrit (d) Both (a) and (b)
57. Which of the following is incorrect about the limitations of inscriptional evidence?
(a) The letters are not faintly engraved.
(b) They are damaged or some letters are missing.
(c) Their reconstructions are uncertain.
58. Consider the following statements about Palaeography and select the appropriate
option.
(a) It is kind of stone.
(b) It is style of writing, with a fair amount of precision.
(c) It is the study of historic writing systems, including the analysis of historic handwriting.
(d) It is a visual art related to writing. It is the design and execution of lettering with a pen,
ink brush, or other writing instrument.
Section D
B
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59. On the political map of India,’ A’ is marked as the important buddhist centre. Identify
it among the following options.
(a) Amaravati (b) Sanchi
(c) Ajanta (d) Ellora
60. On the political map of India,’ B’ is marked as the capital of Krishnadeva Raya.
Identify it among the following options
(a) Golconda (b) Vijayanagara
(c) Bijapur (d) Mysore
OMR SHEET SP 10
Roll No.
Instructions
by the software.
ü û
1 21 41
2 22 42
3 23 43
4 24 44
5 25 45
6 26 46
7 27 47
8 28 48
9 29 49
10 30 50
11 31 51
12 32 52
13 33 53
14 34 54
15 35 55
16 36 56
17 37 57
18 38 58
19 39 59
20 40 60


Answers
1 (a) 2 (d) 3 (b) 4 (a) 5 (c) 6 (d) 7 (b) 8 (b) 9 (d) 10 (a)
11 (d) 12 (a) 13 (b) 14 (a) 15 (a) 16 (b) 17 (a) 18 (a) 19 (b) 20 (b)
21 (a) 22 (c) 23 (a) 24 (d) 25 (b) 26 (c) 27 (a) 28 (b) 29 (d) 30 (a)
31 (d) 32 (a) 33 (d) 34 (b) 35 (a) 36 (c) 37 (a) 38 (c) 39 (a) 40 (b)
41 (c) 42 (a) 43 (c) 44 (d) 45 (c) 46 (c) 47 (a) 48 (b) 49 (a) 50 (a)
51 (d) 52 (c) 53 (c) 54 (d) 55 (a) 56 (d) 57 (a) 58 (c) 59 (a) 60 (b)
EXPLANATIONS
1. (a) Harappan civilisation developed on the 13. (b) Sutta Pitaka is a text belong to Buddhist
bank of Indus river is also known as Indus religion, which included Buddha’s teachings
Valley Civilisation. and regarded as one of the baskets of Tipitaka.
2. (d) Some of the most spectacular gold coins 14. (a) Puranaruru belongs to Tamil Sangam
were issued by the Gupta rulers which were literature, which developed in
used for long-distance transactions. c 200 BCE-200 CE.
3. (b) In the inscriptions, sometimes king Ashoka 15. (a) During Harappan civilisation inter-country
was mentioned as ‘Piyadassi’ which means communication i.e. Oman, Bahrain or
‘pleasant to behold’. Mesopotamia was done by sea or waterways.
5. (c) Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh 16. (b) The Harappan culture is known as a Bronze
Gaya in Bihar while mediating under a tree. Age civilisation because it existed during the
6. (d) Asoka was the first ruler to inscribe his Bronze Age, which occurred between
messages of dhamma and well being of the 3,000 BCE and 1,000 BCE
people on stone surfaces and also in polished 17. (a) Kailashnatha (a name of Shiva) temple is
pillars. situated at Ellora (Maharashtra).
7. (b) The Harappan procured raw materials like 18. (a) Vaishnavism is a form of Hinduism. It was
copper from Khetri region of Rajasthan for based on the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata
craft production. Purana and focused on the absolute surrender
8. (b) REM Wheeler brought a miliary precision to the supreme deity, Vishnu.
to the practice of archaeology. 19. (b) Buddha was the son of a chief of the Sakya
9. (d) The inscriptions of Asoka is considered as clan. He had a sheltered upbringing within the
the most valuable source to reconstruct the Royal palace of his father.
history of the Mauryan empire. Historians 20. (b) According to Buddhism, the world is
have used a variety to sources to reconstruct ‘anatta’, i.e. soulless as there is nothing
history, e.g. Buddhist, Jaina and Puranic permanent or eternal in it.
literature and Sanskrit texts. But inscriptions of 21. (a) Historians of religion often classify bhakti
Ashoka are regarded as most valuable source traditions into two broad categories; saguna
among them.
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(with attributes) and nirguna (without

10. (a) The Shungas and Kanvas, the immediate attributes). Saguna included traditions that
successors of the Mauryas, were Brahmanas. focused on the worship of specific deities such
11. (d) Mahabharata is a colossal epic of more than as Shiva, Vishnu and his avatars (incarnations).
one lakh verses with depictions of a wide Nirguna bhakti on the other hand was worship
range of social categories and situations. of an abstract form of god.
12. (a) The Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-Xian (c. 23. (a) Mirabai was married to a prince of the
Fifth century CE) wrote that ‘untouchables’ Sisodia clan of Mewar, Rajasthan. Mirabai
had to sound a clapper in the streets, so that defied her husband and did not submit to the
people could avoid seeing them. traditional role of wife and mother, instead
recognising Krishna as her lover.
24. (d) Jahanara wrote the biography titled ‘Munis 36. (c) Prabhavati Gupta had independent access to
al-Arwah’ of Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti which lands.
depicted her devotion to the Sheikh. 37. (a) The given information is about Malfuzat.
25. (b) The given fifteenth century stone sculpture 38. (c) The tomb of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti was
of Krishna playing the flute belong to Tamil founded in the late 15th century by Sultan
Nadu. It is a form of deity worshipped by Ghiyasuddin Kalji of Malwa not by
Mirabai. Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
26. (c) REM Wheeler (not John Marshall) brought 39. (a) The given information is about audience
with him a military precision to the practice of hall.
archaeology.
40. (b) The most important idea in Jainism is that
27. (a) Both the statements A and R are true. the entire world is animated, i.e., even stones,
Islamic ruler follows the Sharia law, thus rocks and water have life.
Sharia is followed for proper administration
by the Muslim rulers. Thus, Reason is the 41. (c) In Oligarchy, supreme power is exercised by
correct explanation of Assertion. a group of men. Roman republic was an
oligarchy.
28. (b) Lingayat belong to Karnataka, Kabirpanthi
belong to Banaras, Baba Guru Nanak belong 42. (a) New modes of disposal of the dead,
to Punjab and Mirabai belongs to Rajasthan. including the making of elaborate stone
structures known as megaliths, emerged in
29. (d) All the statements I, II, III and IV are central and south India from the first
correct regarding the Mahabharata. millennium BCE.
30. (a) Both the statements A and R are true. As 43. (c) The given information is about Guru
Kabir accepted all types of philosophy, his Gobind Singh.
idea of ultimate reality is amalgamation of all
views. Thus, Reason is the correct explanation 45. (c) The limitations of epigraphy does not
of Assertion. include the contents of the inscriptions that
almost project the perspective of the person
31. (d) Statements I, II and IV are correct. who commissions them. These are not
Statement III is incorrect. Initially the capital of considered as full proof historical evidence.
Magadha was Rajagaha, not Pataliputra.
46. (c) The correct sequence of the location of pillar
32. (a) Harihar and Bukka founded the inscriptions of Asoka from East to West is
Vijayanagara Empire. Krishnadeva Raya Sahasaram, Sarnath, Kaushambi and Meerut.
belonged to Tuluva dynasty. In 1565, Rama
Raya the Chief-Minister of Vijayanagara led 47. (a) Further excavations to Mohenjodaro, 1937 is
the army into battle at Rakshasi Tangadi and a book written by Ernest Mackay.
defeated by the combined armies of Bijapur, 48. (b) Saddle querns are found in considerable
Ahmadnagar and Golconda. Gajapati rulers numbers and convex in shape.
were the rulers of Orissa. 49. (a) From the passage, it can be inferred that
33. (d) Buddha was born in Lumbini (not in being an urban civilisation, Harappa used
Sarnath). equipments of convenience for better life.
34. (b) In Mohenjodaro, there is no window in the 50. (a) All these discoveries are made at
walls along the ground level for maintaining Mohenjodaro.
privacy. 51. (d) The Grinding equipments found in
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35. (a) The report was written by Alexander Mohenjodaro are made of stone, metal and
Cunningham. He failed to place the Harappan terracotta.
seal within the actual time frame and missed 52. (c) Stone which was used as a pounder by
the significance of Harappa. making a large carity in another stone is known
as ‘curry stone’.
53. (c) Inscriptions are not ephermal (temporary) 59 & 60.

record. These are permanent records,
sometimes carry dates also.
54. (d) The date of inscriptions can be determined
by the basis of Palaeography as style of
writing. For example, in c 250 BCE the letter
‘a’ was written in a specific way and by c 500
it was written in another way. Thus by seeing
the style we can deduct the exact period of the
inscription.
56. (d) Earliest inscription, like Asokan
inscription used the script of Kharosthi and
Brahmi. A. (a)
58. (c) Palaeography is the study of historic B. (b) Amaravati
writing system, including the analysis of the Vijayanagara
historic handwriting.
SAMPLE PAPER 10

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S.NO THEMES WEIGHTAGE IN MARKS

Focus on Theory Learn to Identify Wrong Answers

Attempting MCQs in Exams

Part-I : Themes in Indian History

● Bricks, Beads and Bones

Beginnings of Harappan Civilisation Mohenjodaro : A Planned Urban Centre

Drainage System Identifying Centres of Production

were built along them.

Art and Craft Production to left.

Palaces and Kings ● In 1924, John Marshall, Director-General of the ASI,

● Kings, Farmers and Towns

● Most of these mentioned a king referred to as Administering the Empire

Strategies for Increasing Production Trade in the Sub-continent and Beyond

by the Kushanas. These were virtually identical in

by several epigraphists that James Prinsep was

Historical Evidence from Inscriptions The Limitations of Inscriptional Evidence

● Kinship, Caste and Class

Kinship and Marriage : Many Rules and Types of Marriages

Importance of Mother ● Sometimes those who spoke non-Sanskritic

● According to a myth in Sutta Pitaka, they suggested

● Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings

The Spread of Jainism Stupas

Many women who entered the sangha became

Popular Traditions The Growth of Puranic Hinduism

Part-II :Themes in Indian History

Poems of Prayer ● His followers were known as Virashaivas (heros of

authority of the Vedas and expressed themselves in

● The word silsila literally means a chain, signifying a

the architecture of mosques.

Amir Khusrau (1253-1325), the great poet, musician and

● The Sufis began to organise communities around the

● An Imperial Capital : Vijayanagara

Kings and Traders Vijayanagara : The Capital and its

porcelain in some areas, including in the

The Royal Centre The Sacred Centre

Part-I : Themes in Indian History

4. Who among the following is also known as father of Indian Archaeology?

5. Which pair is not correct?

6. Identify the construction found in Harappan civilisation.

2. It was in a courtyard surrounded by a corridor on all four sides.

7. Consider the following statements and select the incorrect one.

8. Match the following.

9. Match the following

10. Identify the Harappan evidence.

2. Kings, Farmers and Towns

2. Few inscriptions mentioned a king referred to as Piyadassi which meant pleasant to