ExamSpark Class 12 History
Subject: CBSE Class 12 History (NCERT Full-Syllabus Practice)
Detailed Question Analysis
Q1. (Conceptual) Which of the following best explains why historians refer to the Harappan Civilization as an "urban civilization"?
Correct Answer: Option B (It showed evidence of planned towns and civic amenities.)
Concept Explanation: Harappan cities such as Harappa and Mohenjodaro had planned streets, drainage systems, and public structures, indicating advanced urbanization.
Q2. (Conceptual) The term "Dhamma" in Ashokan inscriptions primarily refers to:
Correct Answer: Option B (A set of ethical and moral principles)
Concept Explanation: Ashoka's Dhamma focused on moral behavior, compassion, respect for elders, and religious tolerance rather than a specific religious doctrine.
Q3. (Conceptual) What was the most significant feature of the Bhakti movement?
Correct Answer: Option B (Emphasis on personal devotion to God)
Concept Explanation: Bhakti saints emphasized personal devotion and made religious practices accessible to people across social groups.
Q4. (Conceptual) Why is the Ain-i-Akbari considered an important historical source?
Correct Answer: Option B (It provides details about Mughal administration and society.)
Concept Explanation: Written by Abul Fazl, it contains detailed information about administration, revenue, economy, and society under Akbar.
Q5. (Conceptual) (Tricky) Which statement about archaeological sources is correct?
Correct Answer: Option C (They help reconstruct aspects of the past through material remains.)
Concept Explanation: Archaeological evidence such as pottery, tools, and structures helps historians understand societies even when written records are absent.
Q6. (Competency-Based) A newly excavated site contains standardized weights, seals, and storage facilities. What is the most reasonable conclusion?
Correct Answer: Option A (Trade activities were likely organized.)
Concept Explanation: Standardized weights and seals indicate regulated trade and economic administration.
Q7. (Competency-Based) A historian compares royal inscriptions with foreign travelers' accounts while studying a kingdom. This approach helps to:
Correct Answer: Option B (Verify information using multiple perspectives.)
Concept Explanation: Cross-checking sources helps historians identify bias and improve reliability.
Q8. (Competency-Based) A ruler wishes to communicate policies directly to people living across a vast empire. Which historical method would be most effective?
Correct Answer: Option B (Rock and pillar inscriptions)
Concept Explanation: Ashoka effectively used inscriptions on rocks and pillars to reach subjects throughout his empire.
Q9. (Competency-Based) A student finds two coins bearing the names of different rulers but having similar symbols. What can this suggest?
Correct Answer: Option A (Political and cultural continuity)
Concept Explanation: Similar symbols may indicate continuity in traditions, administration, or cultural practices.
Q10. (Competency-Based) (Tricky) A royal chronicle praises a king's achievements but ignores his failures. How should historians use this source?
Correct Answer: Option C (Analyze it critically and compare with other evidence.)
Concept Explanation: Historical sources often contain bias and must be corroborated with other evidence.
Q11. (Application / Real-Life) A government launches a campaign encouraging citizens to respect all religions. Which historical example is most similar?
Correct Answer: Option A (Ashoka's Dhamma)
Concept Explanation: Ashoka emphasized religious tolerance and harmonious coexistence.
Q12. (Application / Real-Life) Urban planners studying sustainable drainage systems would find which civilization most relevant?
Correct Answer: Option A (Harappan Civilization)
Concept Explanation: Harappan cities had advanced drainage and sanitation systems far ahead of their time.
Q13. (Application / Real-Life) A social reform group campaigns against discrimination based on caste. Which historical tradition would most strongly support this goal?
Correct Answer: Option A (Bhakti and Sufi traditions)
Concept Explanation: Many Bhakti and Sufi saints emphasized equality and spiritual unity.
Q14. (Assertion-Reason) Assertion (A): Inscriptions are valuable sources for historians. Reason (R): They provide information recorded during the period being studied.
Correct Answer: Option A (Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.)
Concept Explanation: Inscriptions are primary sources and often provide contemporary evidence.
Q15. (Assertion-Reason) (Tricky) Assertion (A): The Permanent Settlement increased the responsibility of zamindars. Reason (R): Zamindars had to pay a fixed revenue amount to the British government.
Correct Answer: Option A (Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.)
Concept Explanation: Under the Permanent Settlement, zamindars were responsible for paying fixed revenue regardless of agricultural output.
Q16. (Case Study / Passage Based) Passage: An ancient city reveals wide roads intersecting at right angles, covered drains, and carefully planned residential areas. What is the most appropriate conclusion?
Correct Answer: Option B (Urban planning was highly developed.)
Concept Explanation: Such features indicate systematic town planning and organized civic administration.
Q17. (Case Study / Passage Based) Passage: A ruler's inscriptions advise subjects to show kindness to animals, obey parents, and respect followers of different faiths. The ruler's primary objective was to:
Correct Answer: Option B (Promote ethical values in society)
Concept Explanation: These principles reflect Ashoka's efforts to promote moral and social welfare through Dhamma.
Q18. (HOTS / Analytical) Historians once believed that Harappan cities declined suddenly. New evidence suggests regional variations in decline. What does this indicate?
Correct Answer: Option A (Historical interpretations can change with new evidence.)
Concept Explanation: Historical knowledge evolves as new discoveries and analyses emerge.
Q19. (HOTS / Analytical) A traveler's account and an inscription provide conflicting information about the same ruler. What should historians do?
Correct Answer: Option C (Examine context, purpose, and supporting evidence.)
Concept Explanation: Historical interpretation requires evaluating all evidence critically before reaching conclusions.
Q20. (Exam Pattern Inspired) Choose the correctly matched pair:
Correct Answer: Option A (Ibn Battuta - Delhi Sultanate observations)
Concept Explanation: Ibn Battuta's writings provide important information about life during the Delhi Sultanate period. The remaining pairs are incorrect.