Class 12 History Official Sample Question Paper (2020-21) | History for Grade 12 PDF Download

 Page 1


 
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2020-2021) 
HISTORY (027) 
CLASS-XII 
Time Allowed:3hrs    
Max. Marks: 80 
General Instructions: 
• Answer all the questions. Some questions have an internal choice. Marks are 
indicated against each question.This question paper comprises of six sections. 
• Section A: Question numbers 1 to 16 are objective type questions carrying 1 
mark and should be answered in one word or one sentence each (Attempt any 15)  
• Section B: Question numbers 17 to 19 are Case Based/ Source Based having 
Multiple Choice questions. Each question has 4 sub-parts. Attempt any three  
sub-parts from each question. 
•  Section C:Answer to questions carrying 3 marks (Question 20 to 23) should not 
exceed 100 words each. 
•  Section D:Answer to questions carrying 8 marks ( Question 24 to 26) should not 
exceed 350 words each. 
•  Section E:Question number 27 to 29  are Source-based questions carrying 5 
marks each. 
• Section F:Question number 30 is a Map question that includes the identification 
and location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book. 
 
                                                 Section A  
Attempt any 15 questions.  
 
1 Ancient Mesopotamian texts refer to copper coming from a place called 
‘Magan’.Which place were they referring to? 
1 
2 Whom did Ashoka appoint to spread the message of dhamma? 1 
3 Read the following information and mention the context in which the statement is 
connected- 
“ Many Kushana rulers also adopted the title ‘ devaputra’ or ‘son of God’.” 
1 
4 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) persuaded people that their status was determined by    
     occupations they practised. 
1 
Page 2


 
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2020-2021) 
HISTORY (027) 
CLASS-XII 
Time Allowed:3hrs    
Max. Marks: 80 
General Instructions: 
• Answer all the questions. Some questions have an internal choice. Marks are 
indicated against each question.This question paper comprises of six sections. 
• Section A: Question numbers 1 to 16 are objective type questions carrying 1 
mark and should be answered in one word or one sentence each (Attempt any 15)  
• Section B: Question numbers 17 to 19 are Case Based/ Source Based having 
Multiple Choice questions. Each question has 4 sub-parts. Attempt any three  
sub-parts from each question. 
•  Section C:Answer to questions carrying 3 marks (Question 20 to 23) should not 
exceed 100 words each. 
•  Section D:Answer to questions carrying 8 marks ( Question 24 to 26) should not 
exceed 350 words each. 
•  Section E:Question number 27 to 29  are Source-based questions carrying 5 
marks each. 
• Section F:Question number 30 is a Map question that includes the identification 
and location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book. 
 
                                                 Section A  
Attempt any 15 questions.  
 
1 Ancient Mesopotamian texts refer to copper coming from a place called 
‘Magan’.Which place were they referring to? 
1 
2 Whom did Ashoka appoint to spread the message of dhamma? 1 
3 Read the following information and mention the context in which the statement is 
connected- 
“ Many Kushana rulers also adopted the title ‘ devaputra’ or ‘son of God’.” 
1 
4 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) persuaded people that their status was determined by    
     occupations they practised. 
1 
 
5 Look at the given image and state what does the symbol of ‘stupa’ stand for? 
 
 
 
 
 
Question For Visually Impaired candidates only: In lieu of Question number 5. 
 
Which of the following was a non-Buddhist symbol used to decorate stupa: 
A) Shalabhanjika 
B)Wheel 
C) Stupa 
D) Tree 
1 
6 Correct the following statement and rewrite it: 
 
According to Jainism, asceticism and the middle path are required to free oneself 
from the cycle of Karma.                                       
1 
7 Identify the Bhakti tradition which favoured widow remarriage.  
    A) Alvars 
    B) Nayanars 
    C) Lingayats 
    D) Siddhas 
1 
8 What is the source to know about  the Virashaiva tradition in Karnataka? 
  
1 
9 Differentiate between ‘Nayaks’ and the ‘Amara-nayakas’. 1 
Page 3


 
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2020-2021) 
HISTORY (027) 
CLASS-XII 
Time Allowed:3hrs    
Max. Marks: 80 
General Instructions: 
• Answer all the questions. Some questions have an internal choice. Marks are 
indicated against each question.This question paper comprises of six sections. 
• Section A: Question numbers 1 to 16 are objective type questions carrying 1 
mark and should be answered in one word or one sentence each (Attempt any 15)  
• Section B: Question numbers 17 to 19 are Case Based/ Source Based having 
Multiple Choice questions. Each question has 4 sub-parts. Attempt any three  
sub-parts from each question. 
•  Section C:Answer to questions carrying 3 marks (Question 20 to 23) should not 
exceed 100 words each. 
•  Section D:Answer to questions carrying 8 marks ( Question 24 to 26) should not 
exceed 350 words each. 
•  Section E:Question number 27 to 29  are Source-based questions carrying 5 
marks each. 
• Section F:Question number 30 is a Map question that includes the identification 
and location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book. 
 
                                                 Section A  
Attempt any 15 questions.  
 
1 Ancient Mesopotamian texts refer to copper coming from a place called 
‘Magan’.Which place were they referring to? 
1 
2 Whom did Ashoka appoint to spread the message of dhamma? 1 
3 Read the following information and mention the context in which the statement is 
connected- 
“ Many Kushana rulers also adopted the title ‘ devaputra’ or ‘son of God’.” 
1 
4 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) persuaded people that their status was determined by    
     occupations they practised. 
1 
 
5 Look at the given image and state what does the symbol of ‘stupa’ stand for? 
 
 
 
 
 
Question For Visually Impaired candidates only: In lieu of Question number 5. 
 
Which of the following was a non-Buddhist symbol used to decorate stupa: 
A) Shalabhanjika 
B)Wheel 
C) Stupa 
D) Tree 
1 
6 Correct the following statement and rewrite it: 
 
According to Jainism, asceticism and the middle path are required to free oneself 
from the cycle of Karma.                                       
1 
7 Identify the Bhakti tradition which favoured widow remarriage.  
    A) Alvars 
    B) Nayanars 
    C) Lingayats 
    D) Siddhas 
1 
8 What is the source to know about  the Virashaiva tradition in Karnataka? 
  
1 
9 Differentiate between ‘Nayaks’ and the ‘Amara-nayakas’. 1 
 
10 Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion(A) and the other labelled 
as Reason (R). 
Assertion (A): Archaeologists suggest that in the north-eastern corner of the urban 
core rich traders lived. 
Reason (R): Numerous tombs, mosques, and fine Chinese porcelain have been 
found here. 
 
A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R)is the correct  
    explanation of (A) 
B) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct   
       explanation of (A) 
C) (A) is correct, but (R) is not correct 
D) (R) is correct, but (A) is not correct  
1 
11 With which Mughal Emperor can we associate ‘ Alamgir Nama’? 
    A) Aurangzeb 
    B) Shah Jahan 
    C) Humanyun 
    D) Jahangir 
1 
12 The two artists, Mir Saiyyad Ali and Abdus Samad were brought from Iran to the 
Mughal court by Emperor________ 
1 
13 Show how  the powers of jotedars were more effective than that of zamindars? 1 
14 Match the following: 
        List I                                          List II 
(i) Delhi                                         (a) Birjis Qadr 
(ii) Kanpur                                     (b) Kunwar Singh 
(iii) Arrah                                       (c) Bahadur Shah  
(iv) Lucknow                                 (d) Nana Sahib 
 
Options: 
                   (i)       (ii)      (iii)     (iv) 
              A) (b)      (c)      (a)      (d) 
              B) (c)      (d)      (b)      (a) 
              C) (a)      (b)      (c)      (d) 
              D) (a)      (b)      (c)      (a)     
1 
15 Mahatma Gandhi illustrated his tactical wisdom by picking on salt monopoly .Which of 
the following statement (s) is/ are correct to prove this? 
1.State monopoly over salt was deeply unpopular. 
2.People were forbidden from making salt for even domestic use. 
3.Salt was not an essential item. 
1 
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SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2020-2021) 
HISTORY (027) 
CLASS-XII 
Time Allowed:3hrs    
Max. Marks: 80 
General Instructions: 
• Answer all the questions. Some questions have an internal choice. Marks are 
indicated against each question.This question paper comprises of six sections. 
• Section A: Question numbers 1 to 16 are objective type questions carrying 1 
mark and should be answered in one word or one sentence each (Attempt any 15)  
• Section B: Question numbers 17 to 19 are Case Based/ Source Based having 
Multiple Choice questions. Each question has 4 sub-parts. Attempt any three  
sub-parts from each question. 
•  Section C:Answer to questions carrying 3 marks (Question 20 to 23) should not 
exceed 100 words each. 
•  Section D:Answer to questions carrying 8 marks ( Question 24 to 26) should not 
exceed 350 words each. 
•  Section E:Question number 27 to 29  are Source-based questions carrying 5 
marks each. 
• Section F:Question number 30 is a Map question that includes the identification 
and location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book. 
 
                                                 Section A  
Attempt any 15 questions.  
 
1 Ancient Mesopotamian texts refer to copper coming from a place called 
‘Magan’.Which place were they referring to? 
1 
2 Whom did Ashoka appoint to spread the message of dhamma? 1 
3 Read the following information and mention the context in which the statement is 
connected- 
“ Many Kushana rulers also adopted the title ‘ devaputra’ or ‘son of God’.” 
1 
4 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) persuaded people that their status was determined by    
     occupations they practised. 
1 
 
5 Look at the given image and state what does the symbol of ‘stupa’ stand for? 
 
 
 
 
 
Question For Visually Impaired candidates only: In lieu of Question number 5. 
 
Which of the following was a non-Buddhist symbol used to decorate stupa: 
A) Shalabhanjika 
B)Wheel 
C) Stupa 
D) Tree 
1 
6 Correct the following statement and rewrite it: 
 
According to Jainism, asceticism and the middle path are required to free oneself 
from the cycle of Karma.                                       
1 
7 Identify the Bhakti tradition which favoured widow remarriage.  
    A) Alvars 
    B) Nayanars 
    C) Lingayats 
    D) Siddhas 
1 
8 What is the source to know about  the Virashaiva tradition in Karnataka? 
  
1 
9 Differentiate between ‘Nayaks’ and the ‘Amara-nayakas’. 1 
 
10 Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion(A) and the other labelled 
as Reason (R). 
Assertion (A): Archaeologists suggest that in the north-eastern corner of the urban 
core rich traders lived. 
Reason (R): Numerous tombs, mosques, and fine Chinese porcelain have been 
found here. 
 
A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R)is the correct  
    explanation of (A) 
B) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct   
       explanation of (A) 
C) (A) is correct, but (R) is not correct 
D) (R) is correct, but (A) is not correct  
1 
11 With which Mughal Emperor can we associate ‘ Alamgir Nama’? 
    A) Aurangzeb 
    B) Shah Jahan 
    C) Humanyun 
    D) Jahangir 
1 
12 The two artists, Mir Saiyyad Ali and Abdus Samad were brought from Iran to the 
Mughal court by Emperor________ 
1 
13 Show how  the powers of jotedars were more effective than that of zamindars? 1 
14 Match the following: 
        List I                                          List II 
(i) Delhi                                         (a) Birjis Qadr 
(ii) Kanpur                                     (b) Kunwar Singh 
(iii) Arrah                                       (c) Bahadur Shah  
(iv) Lucknow                                 (d) Nana Sahib 
 
Options: 
                   (i)       (ii)      (iii)     (iv) 
              A) (b)      (c)      (a)      (d) 
              B) (c)      (d)      (b)      (a) 
              C) (a)      (b)      (c)      (d) 
              D) (a)      (b)      (c)      (a)     
1 
15 Mahatma Gandhi illustrated his tactical wisdom by picking on salt monopoly .Which of 
the following statement (s) is/ are correct to prove this? 
1.State monopoly over salt was deeply unpopular. 
2.People were forbidden from making salt for even domestic use. 
3.Salt was not an essential item. 
1 
 
Choose the correct option: 
A) (1) and (2) only 
B) (2) and (3) only 
C) (1), (2) and (3) 
D) (2) only 
16 Who among the following declared- Separate Electorate was a ‘poison that has 
entered the body politic of our country’? 
 
A) G. B.Pant 
B) Sardar Patel 
C) R. V. Dhulekar 
D) Begum Aizaz Rasul 
1 
  
                                                      SECTION B 
 
 
17.                                                                                                                                 (1+1+1=3) 
   Read the following excerpt from the Prayaga Prashasti carefully and answer any three    
questions : 
 
 
a)This inscription is known as a prashasti because 
(i) it is composed in praise of its patron 
(ii) it is composed by a court poet 
(iii) it is treasured as an important account of its patron 
(iv) it is composed in Sanskrit  
 
b) This excerpt mentions (he is) equal to (the Gods)……… This projects what element of 
 
This is an excerpt from the Prayaga Prashasti: 
He was without an antagonist on earth; he, by the overflowing of the multitude of (his) many 
good qualities adorned by hundreds of good actions, has wiped off the fame of other kings 
with the soles of (his) feet; (he is) Purusha (the Supreme Being), being the cause of the 
prosperity of the good and the destruction of the bad (he is) incomprehensible; (he is) one 
whose tender heart can be captured only by devotion and humility; (he is) possessed of 
compassion; (he is) the giver of many hundred-thousands of cows; (his) mind has received 
ceremonial initiation for the uplift of the miserable, the poor, the forlorn and the suffering; (he 
is) resplendent and embodied kindness to mankind; (he is) equal to (the gods) Kubera (the 
god of wealth), Varuna (the god of the ocean), Indra (the god of rains) and Yama (the god of 
death)… 
Page 5


 
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2020-2021) 
HISTORY (027) 
CLASS-XII 
Time Allowed:3hrs    
Max. Marks: 80 
General Instructions: 
• Answer all the questions. Some questions have an internal choice. Marks are 
indicated against each question.This question paper comprises of six sections. 
• Section A: Question numbers 1 to 16 are objective type questions carrying 1 
mark and should be answered in one word or one sentence each (Attempt any 15)  
• Section B: Question numbers 17 to 19 are Case Based/ Source Based having 
Multiple Choice questions. Each question has 4 sub-parts. Attempt any three  
sub-parts from each question. 
•  Section C:Answer to questions carrying 3 marks (Question 20 to 23) should not 
exceed 100 words each. 
•  Section D:Answer to questions carrying 8 marks ( Question 24 to 26) should not 
exceed 350 words each. 
•  Section E:Question number 27 to 29  are Source-based questions carrying 5 
marks each. 
• Section F:Question number 30 is a Map question that includes the identification 
and location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book. 
 
                                                 Section A  
Attempt any 15 questions.  
 
1 Ancient Mesopotamian texts refer to copper coming from a place called 
‘Magan’.Which place were they referring to? 
1 
2 Whom did Ashoka appoint to spread the message of dhamma? 1 
3 Read the following information and mention the context in which the statement is 
connected- 
“ Many Kushana rulers also adopted the title ‘ devaputra’ or ‘son of God’.” 
1 
4 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) persuaded people that their status was determined by    
     occupations they practised. 
1 
 
5 Look at the given image and state what does the symbol of ‘stupa’ stand for? 
 
 
 
 
 
Question For Visually Impaired candidates only: In lieu of Question number 5. 
 
Which of the following was a non-Buddhist symbol used to decorate stupa: 
A) Shalabhanjika 
B)Wheel 
C) Stupa 
D) Tree 
1 
6 Correct the following statement and rewrite it: 
 
According to Jainism, asceticism and the middle path are required to free oneself 
from the cycle of Karma.                                       
1 
7 Identify the Bhakti tradition which favoured widow remarriage.  
    A) Alvars 
    B) Nayanars 
    C) Lingayats 
    D) Siddhas 
1 
8 What is the source to know about  the Virashaiva tradition in Karnataka? 
  
1 
9 Differentiate between ‘Nayaks’ and the ‘Amara-nayakas’. 1 
 
10 Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion(A) and the other labelled 
as Reason (R). 
Assertion (A): Archaeologists suggest that in the north-eastern corner of the urban 
core rich traders lived. 
Reason (R): Numerous tombs, mosques, and fine Chinese porcelain have been 
found here. 
 
A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R)is the correct  
    explanation of (A) 
B) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct   
       explanation of (A) 
C) (A) is correct, but (R) is not correct 
D) (R) is correct, but (A) is not correct  
1 
11 With which Mughal Emperor can we associate ‘ Alamgir Nama’? 
    A) Aurangzeb 
    B) Shah Jahan 
    C) Humanyun 
    D) Jahangir 
1 
12 The two artists, Mir Saiyyad Ali and Abdus Samad were brought from Iran to the 
Mughal court by Emperor________ 
1 
13 Show how  the powers of jotedars were more effective than that of zamindars? 1 
14 Match the following: 
        List I                                          List II 
(i) Delhi                                         (a) Birjis Qadr 
(ii) Kanpur                                     (b) Kunwar Singh 
(iii) Arrah                                       (c) Bahadur Shah  
(iv) Lucknow                                 (d) Nana Sahib 
 
Options: 
                   (i)       (ii)      (iii)     (iv) 
              A) (b)      (c)      (a)      (d) 
              B) (c)      (d)      (b)      (a) 
              C) (a)      (b)      (c)      (d) 
              D) (a)      (b)      (c)      (a)     
1 
15 Mahatma Gandhi illustrated his tactical wisdom by picking on salt monopoly .Which of 
the following statement (s) is/ are correct to prove this? 
1.State monopoly over salt was deeply unpopular. 
2.People were forbidden from making salt for even domestic use. 
3.Salt was not an essential item. 
1 
 
Choose the correct option: 
A) (1) and (2) only 
B) (2) and (3) only 
C) (1), (2) and (3) 
D) (2) only 
16 Who among the following declared- Separate Electorate was a ‘poison that has 
entered the body politic of our country’? 
 
A) G. B.Pant 
B) Sardar Patel 
C) R. V. Dhulekar 
D) Begum Aizaz Rasul 
1 
  
                                                      SECTION B 
 
 
17.                                                                                                                                 (1+1+1=3) 
   Read the following excerpt from the Prayaga Prashasti carefully and answer any three    
questions : 
 
 
a)This inscription is known as a prashasti because 
(i) it is composed in praise of its patron 
(ii) it is composed by a court poet 
(iii) it is treasured as an important account of its patron 
(iv) it is composed in Sanskrit  
 
b) This excerpt mentions (he is) equal to (the Gods)……… This projects what element of 
 
This is an excerpt from the Prayaga Prashasti: 
He was without an antagonist on earth; he, by the overflowing of the multitude of (his) many 
good qualities adorned by hundreds of good actions, has wiped off the fame of other kings 
with the soles of (his) feet; (he is) Purusha (the Supreme Being), being the cause of the 
prosperity of the good and the destruction of the bad (he is) incomprehensible; (he is) one 
whose tender heart can be captured only by devotion and humility; (he is) possessed of 
compassion; (he is) the giver of many hundred-thousands of cows; (his) mind has received 
ceremonial initiation for the uplift of the miserable, the poor, the forlorn and the suffering; (he 
is) resplendent and embodied kindness to mankind; (he is) equal to (the gods) Kubera (the 
god of wealth), Varuna (the god of the ocean), Indra (the god of rains) and Yama (the god of 
death)… 
 
kingship? 
(i) means of claiming high status by identifying with a variety of deities 
(ii) means of claiming themselves god like 
(iii) means of claiming a number of titles   
(iv) All of the above   
      
c) Choose the correct option. 
Assertion(A) :He is possessed of compassion. 
Reason(R) : He is the giver of many hundred- thousand cows; his mind has received 
ceremonial initiation for the uplift of the miserable, the poor, the forlorn and the suffering… 
(i) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A. 
(ii) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A. 
(iii) A is incorrect but R is correct. 
(iv) R is incorrect but A is correct. 
 
d) Consider the following statements : 
a) Histories of rulers have been reconstructed from literature, coins and inscriptions including 
prashastis like the one in the excerpt. 
b) While historians often attempt to draw factual information from such a composition, those who 
composed and read them often treasured them as works of poetry rather than as accounts that 
were literally true. This excerpt is an example of such a case. 
Choose the correct option: 
(i) Both (a) and (b) are correct. 
(ii) Only (b) is correct.        
                                                                                                                                        
18.                                                                                                                              (1+1+1=3) 
Study this Mughal painting entitled Jahangir’s dream carefully and answer any three of the 
following questions by choosing the correct option: