Class 12 History Official Sample Question Paper (2019-20) | History for Grade 12 PDF Download

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1 | P a g e 
 
                                   SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2019-2020) 
                                                          HISTORY(027) 
CLASS-XII 
 
Time Allowed:3hrs.                                                                                 Max. Marks:80 
 
General Instructions: 
? Answer all the questions. Some questions have internal choice. Marks are indicated 
against each question. 
? Question number 1to 20 (Part-A) are objective type questions carrying 1 mark  
should be one word or one sentence each. 
? Answer to questions carrying 3 marks (Part-B Question 21 to 24) should not exceed 
100 words each. 
? Answer to questions carrying 8 marks (Part-C Question 25 to 27) should not exceed 
350 words each. 
? Question numbers 28 to 30 (Part -D) are Source based questions carrying 6 marks 
each. 
? Question number 31 (Part-E) is a Map question that includes identification and 
location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book. 
 
 PART- A 
 
 
1 Consider the following statements regarding the identification of Shiva, a 
figure represented on Harappan seals:     
1. It is shown in the form of Gajapati  
2. It is shown seated in Yogic posture. 
3. It is surrounded by animals.  
4. It is shown with a female figure identifiable with Parvati. 
 
Which of the above are correct reasons for identifying the figure with 
Shiva? 
a. 1 and 4  
b. 2 and 3  
c. 2 and 4  
d. 3 and 4 
1 
2 Name any two centres for making shell objects in the Harappan 
Civilisation. 
1 
3 Define a votive inscription. 1 
4 Differentiate between polygyny and polyandry. 1 
5 Choose the correct option : 
Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his 
death as 
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. 
1 
6 The special officers appointed to spread the message of Dhamma by 
Asoka were known as______________ 
1 
Page 2


1 | P a g e 
 
                                   SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2019-2020) 
                                                          HISTORY(027) 
CLASS-XII 
 
Time Allowed:3hrs.                                                                                 Max. Marks:80 
 
General Instructions: 
? Answer all the questions. Some questions have internal choice. Marks are indicated 
against each question. 
? Question number 1to 20 (Part-A) are objective type questions carrying 1 mark  
should be one word or one sentence each. 
? Answer to questions carrying 3 marks (Part-B Question 21 to 24) should not exceed 
100 words each. 
? Answer to questions carrying 8 marks (Part-C Question 25 to 27) should not exceed 
350 words each. 
? Question numbers 28 to 30 (Part -D) are Source based questions carrying 6 marks 
each. 
? Question number 31 (Part-E) is a Map question that includes identification and 
location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book. 
 
 PART- A 
 
 
1 Consider the following statements regarding the identification of Shiva, a 
figure represented on Harappan seals:     
1. It is shown in the form of Gajapati  
2. It is shown seated in Yogic posture. 
3. It is surrounded by animals.  
4. It is shown with a female figure identifiable with Parvati. 
 
Which of the above are correct reasons for identifying the figure with 
Shiva? 
a. 1 and 4  
b. 2 and 3  
c. 2 and 4  
d. 3 and 4 
1 
2 Name any two centres for making shell objects in the Harappan 
Civilisation. 
1 
3 Define a votive inscription. 1 
4 Differentiate between polygyny and polyandry. 1 
5 Choose the correct option : 
Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his 
death as 
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. 
1 
6 The special officers appointed to spread the message of Dhamma by 
Asoka were known as______________ 
1 
2 | P a g e 
 
7 From among the following which one depicts the correct meaning of the 
term Jins-i-kamil concerning crops in Mughal India? 
A. Paddy crop 
B. Perfect crop 
C. Pulses 
D. Crop grown in the arid zone 
1 
8 Choose the correct option: 
The European traveller who has given a detailed description of the 
practice of Sati. 
A. Jean Baptiste Tavernier 
B. Manucci 
C. Francois Bernier 
D. Roberto Nobili 
1 
9 Identify which of the following aspects is NOT common to both Bhakti 
movement and Sufi movement? 
A. Personal love for God 
B. Worship of idols 
C. Mysticism 
D. Visit to holy shrines 
1 
10 Name the traveller for whom the term, globe-trotter, is used. 1 
11 With which of the following responsibilities Mir Bakshi was the officer in 
Akbar’s reign?  
A. Revenue Collection  
B. Payment of salaries  
C. Head of the military administration  
D. Head of Nobility 
1 
12 Find out from the following pairs which one is correctly matched: 
A. Akbar Nama : Abdul Hamid Lahori 
B. Badshah Nama : Zahiruddin Babur 
C. Humayun Nama : Gulbadan Begum 
D. Babur Nama: Abul FazlAllami 
1 
13 Mention one reason why Qandahar was a bone of contention between the 
Safavids and the Mughals. 
1 
14 Give the meaning of the term ‘Antyaja’. 1 
15 Cite one reason for mapping of the cities by the colonial government. 1 
16 Consider the following events: 
1. Cabinet Mission  
2. Cripps Mission  
3. Khilafat Movement 
4. Pakistan Resolution 
The correct chronological order of these events is: 
a. 4, 3, 2, 1  
b. 4, 3, 1, 2  
c. 3, 4, 1, 2 
d. 3, 4, 2, 1  
1 
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1 | P a g e 
 
                                   SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2019-2020) 
                                                          HISTORY(027) 
CLASS-XII 
 
Time Allowed:3hrs.                                                                                 Max. Marks:80 
 
General Instructions: 
? Answer all the questions. Some questions have internal choice. Marks are indicated 
against each question. 
? Question number 1to 20 (Part-A) are objective type questions carrying 1 mark  
should be one word or one sentence each. 
? Answer to questions carrying 3 marks (Part-B Question 21 to 24) should not exceed 
100 words each. 
? Answer to questions carrying 8 marks (Part-C Question 25 to 27) should not exceed 
350 words each. 
? Question numbers 28 to 30 (Part -D) are Source based questions carrying 6 marks 
each. 
? Question number 31 (Part-E) is a Map question that includes identification and 
location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book. 
 
 PART- A 
 
 
1 Consider the following statements regarding the identification of Shiva, a 
figure represented on Harappan seals:     
1. It is shown in the form of Gajapati  
2. It is shown seated in Yogic posture. 
3. It is surrounded by animals.  
4. It is shown with a female figure identifiable with Parvati. 
 
Which of the above are correct reasons for identifying the figure with 
Shiva? 
a. 1 and 4  
b. 2 and 3  
c. 2 and 4  
d. 3 and 4 
1 
2 Name any two centres for making shell objects in the Harappan 
Civilisation. 
1 
3 Define a votive inscription. 1 
4 Differentiate between polygyny and polyandry. 1 
5 Choose the correct option : 
Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his 
death as 
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. 
1 
6 The special officers appointed to spread the message of Dhamma by 
Asoka were known as______________ 
1 
2 | P a g e 
 
7 From among the following which one depicts the correct meaning of the 
term Jins-i-kamil concerning crops in Mughal India? 
A. Paddy crop 
B. Perfect crop 
C. Pulses 
D. Crop grown in the arid zone 
1 
8 Choose the correct option: 
The European traveller who has given a detailed description of the 
practice of Sati. 
A. Jean Baptiste Tavernier 
B. Manucci 
C. Francois Bernier 
D. Roberto Nobili 
1 
9 Identify which of the following aspects is NOT common to both Bhakti 
movement and Sufi movement? 
A. Personal love for God 
B. Worship of idols 
C. Mysticism 
D. Visit to holy shrines 
1 
10 Name the traveller for whom the term, globe-trotter, is used. 1 
11 With which of the following responsibilities Mir Bakshi was the officer in 
Akbar’s reign?  
A. Revenue Collection  
B. Payment of salaries  
C. Head of the military administration  
D. Head of Nobility 
1 
12 Find out from the following pairs which one is correctly matched: 
A. Akbar Nama : Abdul Hamid Lahori 
B. Badshah Nama : Zahiruddin Babur 
C. Humayun Nama : Gulbadan Begum 
D. Babur Nama: Abul FazlAllami 
1 
13 Mention one reason why Qandahar was a bone of contention between the 
Safavids and the Mughals. 
1 
14 Give the meaning of the term ‘Antyaja’. 1 
15 Cite one reason for mapping of the cities by the colonial government. 1 
16 Consider the following events: 
1. Cabinet Mission  
2. Cripps Mission  
3. Khilafat Movement 
4. Pakistan Resolution 
The correct chronological order of these events is: 
a. 4, 3, 2, 1  
b. 4, 3, 1, 2  
c. 3, 4, 1, 2 
d. 3, 4, 2, 1  
1 
3 | P a g e 
 
17 Indicate which of the following options is NOT correct. 
People gave evasive answers to the census officials as 
A.They were suspicious of census operations. 
B.They thought that enquiries were being conducted to impose new taxes. 
C.They were not willing to give any information regarding the women of 
their household. 
D.They were claiming identities associated with lower status. 
 
                                                  OR 
The Lottery Committee in Calcutta was formed by the British keeping in 
mind certain objectives.Identify which of the following statements is NOT 
correct about the Committee. 
A.The Lottery Committee commissioned a new map of the city so as to get         
a comprehensive picture of Calcutta.  
 B. The Committee undertook road building activities in the Indian part of 
the city. 
C.  The Committee built houses for the labouring poor. 
D.  The Committee cleared the river bank of encroachments. 
1 
18 Consider the following statements regarding the establishment of British 
East India Company in Bengal: 
 
I.  The Permanent Settlement had come into operation in 1793. 
II. In 1797 there was an auction in Burdwan, during which a number of 
mahals (estates) held by the Raja of Burdwan were being sold. 
III. The estates of those who failed to pay were to be auctioned to recover 
the revenue. 
 
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 
a. Only I 
b. I and II 
c. I and III 
d. I, II and III 
1 
19 Assertion (A) : Mahatma Gandhi thought Hindustani would be the ideal 
language of communication between diverse communities. 
Reason (R) : It could unify Hindus and Muslims and the people of the 
North and the South. 
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. 
1 
20 Identify the following image and write its name. 1 
Page 4


1 | P a g e 
 
                                   SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2019-2020) 
                                                          HISTORY(027) 
CLASS-XII 
 
Time Allowed:3hrs.                                                                                 Max. Marks:80 
 
General Instructions: 
? Answer all the questions. Some questions have internal choice. Marks are indicated 
against each question. 
? Question number 1to 20 (Part-A) are objective type questions carrying 1 mark  
should be one word or one sentence each. 
? Answer to questions carrying 3 marks (Part-B Question 21 to 24) should not exceed 
100 words each. 
? Answer to questions carrying 8 marks (Part-C Question 25 to 27) should not exceed 
350 words each. 
? Question numbers 28 to 30 (Part -D) are Source based questions carrying 6 marks 
each. 
? Question number 31 (Part-E) is a Map question that includes identification and 
location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book. 
 
 PART- A 
 
 
1 Consider the following statements regarding the identification of Shiva, a 
figure represented on Harappan seals:     
1. It is shown in the form of Gajapati  
2. It is shown seated in Yogic posture. 
3. It is surrounded by animals.  
4. It is shown with a female figure identifiable with Parvati. 
 
Which of the above are correct reasons for identifying the figure with 
Shiva? 
a. 1 and 4  
b. 2 and 3  
c. 2 and 4  
d. 3 and 4 
1 
2 Name any two centres for making shell objects in the Harappan 
Civilisation. 
1 
3 Define a votive inscription. 1 
4 Differentiate between polygyny and polyandry. 1 
5 Choose the correct option : 
Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his 
death as 
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. 
1 
6 The special officers appointed to spread the message of Dhamma by 
Asoka were known as______________ 
1 
2 | P a g e 
 
7 From among the following which one depicts the correct meaning of the 
term Jins-i-kamil concerning crops in Mughal India? 
A. Paddy crop 
B. Perfect crop 
C. Pulses 
D. Crop grown in the arid zone 
1 
8 Choose the correct option: 
The European traveller who has given a detailed description of the 
practice of Sati. 
A. Jean Baptiste Tavernier 
B. Manucci 
C. Francois Bernier 
D. Roberto Nobili 
1 
9 Identify which of the following aspects is NOT common to both Bhakti 
movement and Sufi movement? 
A. Personal love for God 
B. Worship of idols 
C. Mysticism 
D. Visit to holy shrines 
1 
10 Name the traveller for whom the term, globe-trotter, is used. 1 
11 With which of the following responsibilities Mir Bakshi was the officer in 
Akbar’s reign?  
A. Revenue Collection  
B. Payment of salaries  
C. Head of the military administration  
D. Head of Nobility 
1 
12 Find out from the following pairs which one is correctly matched: 
A. Akbar Nama : Abdul Hamid Lahori 
B. Badshah Nama : Zahiruddin Babur 
C. Humayun Nama : Gulbadan Begum 
D. Babur Nama: Abul FazlAllami 
1 
13 Mention one reason why Qandahar was a bone of contention between the 
Safavids and the Mughals. 
1 
14 Give the meaning of the term ‘Antyaja’. 1 
15 Cite one reason for mapping of the cities by the colonial government. 1 
16 Consider the following events: 
1. Cabinet Mission  
2. Cripps Mission  
3. Khilafat Movement 
4. Pakistan Resolution 
The correct chronological order of these events is: 
a. 4, 3, 2, 1  
b. 4, 3, 1, 2  
c. 3, 4, 1, 2 
d. 3, 4, 2, 1  
1 
3 | P a g e 
 
17 Indicate which of the following options is NOT correct. 
People gave evasive answers to the census officials as 
A.They were suspicious of census operations. 
B.They thought that enquiries were being conducted to impose new taxes. 
C.They were not willing to give any information regarding the women of 
their household. 
D.They were claiming identities associated with lower status. 
 
                                                  OR 
The Lottery Committee in Calcutta was formed by the British keeping in 
mind certain objectives.Identify which of the following statements is NOT 
correct about the Committee. 
A.The Lottery Committee commissioned a new map of the city so as to get         
a comprehensive picture of Calcutta.  
 B. The Committee undertook road building activities in the Indian part of 
the city. 
C.  The Committee built houses for the labouring poor. 
D.  The Committee cleared the river bank of encroachments. 
1 
18 Consider the following statements regarding the establishment of British 
East India Company in Bengal: 
 
I.  The Permanent Settlement had come into operation in 1793. 
II. In 1797 there was an auction in Burdwan, during which a number of 
mahals (estates) held by the Raja of Burdwan were being sold. 
III. The estates of those who failed to pay were to be auctioned to recover 
the revenue. 
 
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 
a. Only I 
b. I and II 
c. I and III 
d. I, II and III 
1 
19 Assertion (A) : Mahatma Gandhi thought Hindustani would be the ideal 
language of communication between diverse communities. 
Reason (R) : It could unify Hindus and Muslims and the people of the 
North and the South. 
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. 
1 
20 Identify the following image and write its name. 1 
4 | P a g e 
 
 
 
 
                               OR 
 
Identify the following image and write its name. 
 
 
 
 
Question For Visually Impaired candidates only :  In lieu of Question 
number 20. 
     
The first woman to be ordained as a Bhikkhuni was _________________. 
                                     
                                      OR 
 
In Jainism the teachers who guide men and women across the river of 
existence are called __________________. 
  
PART-B 
 
21 State any three elements that historians considered while analysing the 
Mahabharata. 
3 
Page 5


1 | P a g e 
 
                                   SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2019-2020) 
                                                          HISTORY(027) 
CLASS-XII 
 
Time Allowed:3hrs.                                                                                 Max. Marks:80 
 
General Instructions: 
? Answer all the questions. Some questions have internal choice. Marks are indicated 
against each question. 
? Question number 1to 20 (Part-A) are objective type questions carrying 1 mark  
should be one word or one sentence each. 
? Answer to questions carrying 3 marks (Part-B Question 21 to 24) should not exceed 
100 words each. 
? Answer to questions carrying 8 marks (Part-C Question 25 to 27) should not exceed 
350 words each. 
? Question numbers 28 to 30 (Part -D) are Source based questions carrying 6 marks 
each. 
? Question number 31 (Part-E) is a Map question that includes identification and 
location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book. 
 
 PART- A 
 
 
1 Consider the following statements regarding the identification of Shiva, a 
figure represented on Harappan seals:     
1. It is shown in the form of Gajapati  
2. It is shown seated in Yogic posture. 
3. It is surrounded by animals.  
4. It is shown with a female figure identifiable with Parvati. 
 
Which of the above are correct reasons for identifying the figure with 
Shiva? 
a. 1 and 4  
b. 2 and 3  
c. 2 and 4  
d. 3 and 4 
1 
2 Name any two centres for making shell objects in the Harappan 
Civilisation. 
1 
3 Define a votive inscription. 1 
4 Differentiate between polygyny and polyandry. 1 
5 Choose the correct option : 
Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime of the Buddha and after his 
death as 
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. 
1 
6 The special officers appointed to spread the message of Dhamma by 
Asoka were known as______________ 
1 
2 | P a g e 
 
7 From among the following which one depicts the correct meaning of the 
term Jins-i-kamil concerning crops in Mughal India? 
A. Paddy crop 
B. Perfect crop 
C. Pulses 
D. Crop grown in the arid zone 
1 
8 Choose the correct option: 
The European traveller who has given a detailed description of the 
practice of Sati. 
A. Jean Baptiste Tavernier 
B. Manucci 
C. Francois Bernier 
D. Roberto Nobili 
1 
9 Identify which of the following aspects is NOT common to both Bhakti 
movement and Sufi movement? 
A. Personal love for God 
B. Worship of idols 
C. Mysticism 
D. Visit to holy shrines 
1 
10 Name the traveller for whom the term, globe-trotter, is used. 1 
11 With which of the following responsibilities Mir Bakshi was the officer in 
Akbar’s reign?  
A. Revenue Collection  
B. Payment of salaries  
C. Head of the military administration  
D. Head of Nobility 
1 
12 Find out from the following pairs which one is correctly matched: 
A. Akbar Nama : Abdul Hamid Lahori 
B. Badshah Nama : Zahiruddin Babur 
C. Humayun Nama : Gulbadan Begum 
D. Babur Nama: Abul FazlAllami 
1 
13 Mention one reason why Qandahar was a bone of contention between the 
Safavids and the Mughals. 
1 
14 Give the meaning of the term ‘Antyaja’. 1 
15 Cite one reason for mapping of the cities by the colonial government. 1 
16 Consider the following events: 
1. Cabinet Mission  
2. Cripps Mission  
3. Khilafat Movement 
4. Pakistan Resolution 
The correct chronological order of these events is: 
a. 4, 3, 2, 1  
b. 4, 3, 1, 2  
c. 3, 4, 1, 2 
d. 3, 4, 2, 1  
1 
3 | P a g e 
 
17 Indicate which of the following options is NOT correct. 
People gave evasive answers to the census officials as 
A.They were suspicious of census operations. 
B.They thought that enquiries were being conducted to impose new taxes. 
C.They were not willing to give any information regarding the women of 
their household. 
D.They were claiming identities associated with lower status. 
 
                                                  OR 
The Lottery Committee in Calcutta was formed by the British keeping in 
mind certain objectives.Identify which of the following statements is NOT 
correct about the Committee. 
A.The Lottery Committee commissioned a new map of the city so as to get         
a comprehensive picture of Calcutta.  
 B. The Committee undertook road building activities in the Indian part of 
the city. 
C.  The Committee built houses for the labouring poor. 
D.  The Committee cleared the river bank of encroachments. 
1 
18 Consider the following statements regarding the establishment of British 
East India Company in Bengal: 
 
I.  The Permanent Settlement had come into operation in 1793. 
II. In 1797 there was an auction in Burdwan, during which a number of 
mahals (estates) held by the Raja of Burdwan were being sold. 
III. The estates of those who failed to pay were to be auctioned to recover 
the revenue. 
 
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 
a. Only I 
b. I and II 
c. I and III 
d. I, II and III 
1 
19 Assertion (A) : Mahatma Gandhi thought Hindustani would be the ideal 
language of communication between diverse communities. 
Reason (R) : It could unify Hindus and Muslims and the people of the 
North and the South. 
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. 
1 
20 Identify the following image and write its name. 1 
4 | P a g e 
 
 
 
 
                               OR 
 
Identify the following image and write its name. 
 
 
 
 
Question For Visually Impaired candidates only :  In lieu of Question 
number 20. 
     
The first woman to be ordained as a Bhikkhuni was _________________. 
                                     
                                      OR 
 
In Jainism the teachers who guide men and women across the river of 
existence are called __________________. 
  
PART-B 
 
21 State any three elements that historians considered while analysing the 
Mahabharata. 
3 
5 | P a g e 
 
22 ”Buildings or architectural remains are a source for reconstruction for  
temple architecture.” Justify the statement with reference to theVitthala 
temple of Vijayanagara Empire. 
3 
 OR  
 ”Krishnadeva Raya’s rule was characterised by expansion and 
consolidation”. Justify with suitable arguments. 
 
23 Show how the power of the Jotedars within a village was more effective 
than that of the Zamindars. 
3 
24 Explain the grievances of the Indian sepoys against the British rule before 
the revolt of 1857 with examples. 
3 
 PART- C 
 
 
25 “Historians often try to understand the meaning of sculpture by comparing 
it with textual evidence.” Evaluate the statement in the context of Sanchi 
Stupa. 
8 
 OR  
 ”Amaravati was discovered before Sanchi yet it had lost its glory and was 
an insignificant little mound.” In the light of the above statement justify why 
Sanchi survived but Amaravati did not? 
 
26 Describe the relations between the state and the Bhakti and Sufi traditions. 8 
 OR  
 Describe the teaching of Baba Guru Nanak and its relevance in today’s 
world. 
 
27 Explain how the coming of Gandhiji broadened the base of the Indian 
National Movement. 
8 
 OR  
 Explain how the partition of India was a culmination of communal politics 
that started developing in the opening decades of the 20
th
 century. 
 
 PART- D 
 
 
28                                         Evidence of an “invasion” 
 
Deadman Lane is a narrow alley, varying from 3 to 6 feet in width….At the 
point where the lane turns westward, part of a skull and the bones of the 
thorax and upper arm of an adult were discovered, all in a very friable 
condition, at a depth of 4 ft 2 in. The body lay on its back diagonally across 
the lane. Fifteen inches to the west were a few fragments of a tiny skull. It 
is to these remains that the lane owes its name. 
From  John Marshall, Mohenjodaro and the Indus Civilisation,1931. 
 
2+2+2=6