Half yearly exams 2013-14

Class XII
Subject History
Time allowed : 3 Hours

Maximum Marks : 80

General Instructions:
(i) Answer all the questions. Marks are indicated against each question.
(ii) Answers to questions carrying 2 marks (Part A Questions no. 1 to 5) should not exceed 30
words each.
(iii) Answers to questions carrying 5 marks (Part B Section I, II, Questions no. 6 to 14) should
not exceed 100 words each.
(v) Part C has value based question.IT IS COMPULSORY(Q15)
(iv) Answers to questions carrying 10 marks (Part D Questions no. 16 to 18) should not exceed
500 words each.
(vi) Attach the maps with the answer scripts (Part E).
Part A
Answer all the questions given below:

5x2=10

1. Mention any two strategies adopted by Brahmanas for enforcing the norms prescribed for
different Varnas.
2
2. Mention how the successors of Krishnadeva Raya were troubled by the rebellious Nayakas
and military chiefs after his death.
2
3. How were the village artisans compensated by the villagers for their specialized services?
State two ways.
2
4. What were the problems faced by Al Biruni in writing an account of India?

5. Explain the significance of drains in the Harappan Civilisation.

Part B

Section 1
Answer any three of the following questions.

3x5=15

6. Describe the transformation of material culture of the Harappans after 1900 BCE.

7. Discuss what we know about Samudragupta from the Allahabad Pillar inscription composed in
Sanskrit by Harishena.
5
8. According to the Shastras only Kshatriyas could be Kings. Do you agree with this? If not
Support your answer with evidences.
5
9. Explain the reasons for the rapid growth of Buddhism during the lifetime and after the death of
Buddha.
5
Section II
Answer any four of the following questions:

4x5=20

10. Explain how Bernier and other contemporary European travellers and writers described the
economic and social condition of Indian women.
5
11. Discuss the qualities of Abul Fazl which impressed Akbar to appoint him as his advisor and
spokesperson. Mention his most famous book.
5
12. Explain why granting of title to men of merit was an important feature of Mughal polity.
Give two examples.
5
13. Examine the water resources of the Vijaynagar empire.

14. Discuss the importance of the Mahanavmi Dibba.

Part C
THIS IS A COMPULSORY QUESTION. IT IS VALUE BASED.

1x5=5

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below:
15.This was a feature of agrarian society which struck a keen observer like
Babur, the first Mughal emperor, forcefully enough for him to write about it in
the Babur Nama, his memoirs:
In Hindustan hamlets and villages, towns indeed, are depopulated and set up
in a moment! If the people of a large town, one inhabited for years even, flee
from it, they do it in such a way that not a sign or trace of them remains in a
day and a half. On the other hand, if they fix their eyes on a place to settle,
they need not dig water courses because their crops are all rain-grown, and

as the population of Hindustan is unlimited it swarms in. They make a tank or

a well; they need not build houses or set up walls khas-grass abounds,
wood is unlimited, huts are made, and straightaway there is a village or a
town!
a. What does Babur state about Indians in his memoires?
2
b. What can you say about the character of Babur after reading this passage?
3

PART D
Answer any two of the following

2x10=20

16. Who was Guru Nanak? Explain the teachings of Guru Nanak. Did he want to
establish a new religion? What happened after he left for his Heavenly abode?
2+4+1+3=10
17. Who was Prophet Muhammad? Explain the popular practices of Islamic
traditions.

10

18. Describe any three strengths and two limitations of the Ain-i-Akbari as an important
document in the study of the Mughal period.
(25 = 10)
PART E
2x5=10
19. On the given political outline map of India marks and label the following Harappan
sites: Lothal, Dholavira, Kalibangan, Rangpur, Banawali.
OR
On an outline map of India mark 2 Cities and 3 Pillar Inscriptions associated with
Ashoka .

20. On the give political outline map of India (on page 19) two places under Baburs
reign and three important places of South India during 14th to 18th century have been
marked as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Identify them and write their names on the lines drawn near each
place.
5