CBSE Class 12 History Question Paper 2020 Set 61-2-2 Solutions

Strictly Confidential: (For Internal and Restricted use only)
Senior School Certificate Examination-2020
Marking Scheme – HISTORY
(SUBJECT CODE : 027) (PAPER CODE : 61/2/2)
General Instructions: -

1. You are aware that evaluation is the most important process in the actual and correct
assessment of the candidates. A small mistake in evaluation may lead to serious
problems which may affect the future of the candidates, education system and teaching
profession. To avoid mistakes, it is requested that before starting evaluation, you must
read and understand the spot evaluation guidelines carefully. Evaluation is a 10-12
days mission for all of us. Hence, it is necessary that you put in your best efforts
in this process.
2. Evaluation is to be done as per instructions provided in the Marking Scheme. It should
not be done according to one’s own interpretation or any other consideration. Marking
Scheme should be strictly adhered to and religiously followed. However, while
evaluating, answers which are based on latest information or knowledge and/or
are innovative, they may be assessed for their correctness otherwise and marks
be awarded to them.
3. The Head-Examiner must go through the first five answer books evaluated by each
evaluator on the first day, to ensure that evaluation has been carried out as per the
instructions given in the Marking Scheme. The remaining answer books meant for
evaluation shall be given only after ensuring that there is no significant variation in the
marking of individual evaluators.
4. Evaluators will mark( √ ) wherever answer is correct. For wrong answer ‘X”be marked.
Evaluators will not put right kind of mark while evaluating which gives an impression that
answer is correct and no marks are awarded. This is most common mistake which
evaluators are committing.
5. If a question has parts, please award marks on the right-hand side for each part. Marks
awarded for different parts of the question should then be totaled up and written in the
left-hand margin and encircled. This may be followed strictly.
6. If a question does not have any parts, marks must be awarded in the left-hand margin
and encircled. This may also be followed strictly.
7. If a student has attempted an extra question, answer of the question deserving more
marks should be retained and the other answer scored out.
8. No marks to be deducted for the cumulative effect of an error. It should be penalized
only once.
9. A full scale of marks 0-80 has to be used. Please do not hesitate to award full marks if
the answer deserves it.
10. Every examiner has to necessarily do evaluation work for full working hours i.e. 8 hours
every day and evaluate 20 answer books per day in main subjects and 25 answer books
per day in other subjects (Details are given in Spot Guidelines).
11. Ensure that you do not make the following common types of errors committed by the
Examiner in the past:-
 Leaving answer or part thereof unassessed in an answer book.
 Giving more marks for an answer than assigned to it.
 Wrong totaling of marks awarded on a reply.
 Wrong transfer of marks from the inside pages of the answer book to the title page.
 Wrong question wise totaling on the title page.
 Wrong totaling of marks of the two columns on the title page.
 Wrong grand total.
 Marks in words and figures not tallying.
 Wrong transfer of marks from the answer book to online award list.
 Answers marked as correct, but marks not awarded. (Ensure that the right tick mark
is correctly and clearly indicated. It should merely be a line. Same is with the X for
incorrect answer.)

 Half or a part of answer marked correct and the rest as wrong, but no marks
awarded.

12. While evaluating the answer books if the answer is found to be totally incorrect, it should
be marked as cross (X) and awarded zero (0)Marks.

13. Any unassessed portion, non-carrying over of marks to the title page, or totaling error
detected by the candidate shall damage the prestige of all the personnel engaged in the
evaluation work as also of the Board. Hence, in order to uphold the prestige of all
concerned, it is again reiterated that the instructions be followed meticulously and
judiciously.

14. The Examiners should acquaint themselves with the guidelines given in the Guidelines
for spot Evaluation before starting the actual evaluation.

15. Every Examiner shall also ensure that all the answers are evaluated, marks carried over
to the title page, correctly totaled and written in figures and words.

16. The Board permits candidates to obtain photocopy of the Answer Book on request in an
RTI application and also separately as a part of the re-evaluation process on payment of
the processing charges.

MARKING SCHEME HISTORY-027
CLASS XII A I S S C E-March 2020
CODE NO. 61/2/2

Q.NO. EXPECTED ANSWERS/VALUE POINTS PAGE NO. MARKS
Section - A
1. Boddhisatta is perceived as deeply compassionate being, who Pg-103 1
accumulated merit through his efforts but used this not to attain nibbana
and thereby abandon the world.

2. C (I and III) Pg-11 1

3. C (Nishadas) Pg-61 1

4. Vaishanavism is a form of Hinduism within which Vishnu is Pg-104 1
worshipped as the principal deity where as Shaivism is a tradition within
which Shiva is regarded as chief God

5. Urban centres/ Any urban feature Pg-5 1

6. The image of Buddha from Mathura Pg-103 1

For visually impaired: Shalabhanjika Pg-101

7. To display in a museum in France. Pg-83 1

OR

The Stupas contained the relics of the Buddha regarded as sacred Pg-96

8. Gulbadan Begum Pg-243 1

OR

Abdul Hamid Lahori Pg-231

9. Delhi Pg-221 1

10. D (He had cordial relations with Safavids over Qandahar) Pg-230 1

11. B(I,II and III) Pg-173 1

12. C (Harihara and Bukka) Pg-171 1

13. He was a physician to prince Dara Shukoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan Pg-122 1

1

14. Ibn-Battuta Pg-118 1

15. Kitab-ul-Hind Pg-117 1

16. In British India, salt law gave the state a monopoly in the manufacture Pg-356 1
and sale of salt.

17. D ( The ally was free to enter into agreements with other rulers without Pg-296 1
the permission of the British)

18. They mobilized the villagers by appealing to all irrespective of caste or Pg-301 1
creed to remain united.

19. B(III,I,IV,II) Pg- 1
361,364,391,411

20. C [Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)] Pg-365 1

SECTION-B

21. Harappan Script Pg-15 3
i. The script remained undeciphered till date.
ii. It has signs somewhere between 375 and 400.
iii. The script was written from right to left.
iv. Most inscriptions are short,the longest containing about 26
signs.
v. The script was evidently not alphabetical.
vi. Any other relevant point.
Any three points to be explained
22. Amara-nayaka system was a political innovation of vijayanagara 3
empire:
Pg-175
i. Amara-Nayakas were the military commanders.

ii. They were given the territory to govern.

iii. They collected taxes and other dues from peasants, craftspersons
and traders in the area.

iv. They maintained a contingent of horses and elephants to help the
kings at the time of war.

v. They maintained temples and irrigation works.

vi. They sent tribute to the king annually and personally appeared in
the royal court with gifts to express their loyalty.

2

vii. Kings occasionally transferred them from one place to another

Any three to be explained

23. “For Swaraj, Hindu, Muslim, Parsis and Sikhs will have to unite”: Pg-350 3

Non- cooperation movement:

i. Gandhiji joined hands with the Khilafat Movement.
ii. Hindus and Muslims, could collectively bring an end to colonial
rule.
iii. Common people participated in the movement irrespective of
being Hindu, Muslim, Parsi or Sikh.
iv. Peasants, workers and others acted upon the call to non-
cooperate with colonial rule.
v. Any other relevant point.
Any three points to be explained

24. The circumstances under which the British officials invited
Santhals to settle in the peripheries of Rajmahal hills during the
nineteenth century:

i. Having failed to subdue Paharias the British turned towards Pg-270-271 3
Santhals.
ii. The Santhals appeared to be ideal settlers clearing forests and
ploughing land.
iii. Santhals were given land and persuaded to settle in foothills of
Rajmahal.
iv. Santhals practiced plough agriculture and became settled
peasants.
v. Any other relevant point.
Any three points to be explained
OR

Economic and social conditions of the Paharias (hill folk) of
Rajmahal hills during the late eighteenth century)
Pg-267-269 3
i. The Paharias were hunters , food gatherers and shifting
cultivators, charcoal producers and silk worm rearers.
ii. They lived in huntments within tamarind groves and rested under
shades of mango trees.
iii. Their chiefs maintained the unity of their groups and settled
disputes.
iv. These hill folk regularly raided the plains where settled
3

agriculturists lived.
v. Paharias grew a variety of pulses and millets for consumption.
vi. From the forests they collected Mahua (a flower) for food , silk
cocoons and resin for sale and wood for charcoal production.
vii. They considered the entire region as their land.
viii. They resists the intrusion of outsiders.
ix. Traders gave a small amount to the hill folk for permission to use
the passes controlled by them.
x. Any other relevant point
Any three to be explained
SECTION-C

25. Characteristics of Mahajanpadas Pg-29-31 4+4=8

i. Most Mahajanpadas were ruled by kings.
ii. Some known as ganas or sanghas, were oligarchies where power
was shared by a number of men, often collectively called rajas.
iii. Both Mahavira and Buddha belonged to such ganas.
iv. Each Mahajanpada had a capital city which was often fortified.
v. Brahmins laid down the norms for the rulers in texts known as
Dharmasutras.
vi. Rulers were advised to collect taxes and tribute from cultivators,
traders and artisans.
vii. Gradually, some states acquired standing armies and maintained
regular bureaucracies.
viii. Some others continued to depend on militia, recruited more
often than not, from the peasantry.
ix. Any other relevant point
Any four points to be explained

Magadha as the most powerful Mahajanpada

i. Magadha was a region where agriculture was especially
productive.
ii. Iron-mines were accessible which provided resources for
making tools and weapons.
iii. Elephants, an important component of army was available in the
forests of this region.
iv. Ganga and its tributaries provided water for cheap and
convenient communication.

v. Ambitious and powerful rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatasattu and
Mahapadma Nanda and their policies.

4

vi. Capitals of Magadha was Rajagaha (house of the king) which
was a fortified settlement located amongst hills. Later capital
was shifted to Pataliputra, on commanding routes of
communication along the Ganga.

Any four points to be explained

OR

Main features of Maurayas Administration

i. There were five major political centres in the empire. They were
Pataliputra, Taxila, Ujjayni, Tosali and Suvarngiri. Pg-32-34 5+3=8
ii. Administrative control was strongest in areas around the capital
and the provincial centres.
iii. Communication along both river and land routes were vital.
iv. Army was an important means for ensuring protection for those
who were on the move.
v. Megasthenes mentions a comitte with six subcomittes for
coordinating military activity.
vi. Ashoka try to hold his empire through propogating Dhamma.
Any five points to be explained

Principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma

i. The principles of Ashoka‟s Dhamma were simple and virtually
universally applicable.
ii. According to Ashoka, this would ensure the well-being of
people in the world and the next.
iii. Ashoka inscribed his messages to the subjects on stones or
rocks.
iv. This included respect for elders and generosity towards
Brahmins and those who renounced worldly life.
v. Treating slaves and servants kindly.
vi. Respect for religion and tradition other than one‟s own.
vii. Special officers, Known as the dhamma mahamatta, were
appointed to spread the message of Dhamma.
Any three points to be explained

26. Role of Village Panchayats And Headmen During The Mughal Pg-202-204 8
Period:

i. Village Panchayat was an assembly of elders.

ii. In mixed castes the Panchayat was normally a heterogeneous
5

body.

iii. The decisions made by Panchayats were binding on the people.

iv. The Panchayat was headed by a headman known as Muqaddam
or Mandal.

v. The chief function of the headman was to supervise the
preparation of village accounts.

vi. The Panchayat derived its funds from contributions made by
individuals to a common financial pool.

vii. Community welfare activities were undertaken.

viii. The Panchayat ensured that caste boundaries among the various
communities inhabiting the village were upheld.

ix. In Eastern India all marriages were held in the presence of the
Mandal.

x. Panchayats levied fines and inflicted more serious forms of
punishment as a deterrent to violation of caste norms.

xi. Each caste in the village had its own jati panchayat.

xii. In Rajasthan jati panchayats arbitrated civil disputes between
members of different castes.

xiii. Any other relevant point.

To be assessed as a whole.

OR

Village Artisans:

i. Nearly 25% of the village households were of artisans. Pg-204-205 4+4

ii. Distinction between artisans and peasants in village society was
a fluid one.

iii. Dyeing, Textile printing, baking and firing of pottery, making
and repairing agricultural implements.

iv. Potters, Blacksmiths, Carpenters, Barbers, Goldsmiths were the
craftsmen.

v. For sale of craft production with the cultivating class was the
6

barter system.

vi. Any other relevant point.

Any four points to be explained

Village As A Little Republic:

i. The village communities were significant.

ii. They shared resources and labour in collective.

iii. There was individual ownership of assets and deep inequities
based on caste and gender distinctions.

iv. A group of powerful individuals decided the affairs of the
village.

v. Any other relevant point.

Any four points to be explained

h
Colonial Architectural Styles Of Bombay:
27.
i. The architectural style of Bombay was to reflect imperial vision.

ii. Buildings included forts, government offices, educational Pg-338-343 8
institutions, religious structures, commemorative towers,
commercial depots, docks and bridges.

iii. They represent imperial power, nationalism and religious glory.

iv. The architectural style was usually European.

v. It expressed the British desire to create a familiar landscape in
an alien country.

vi. European styles symbolized their superiority, authority and
power.

vii. European style buildings would mark out the difference and
distance between the colonial masters and their Indian subjects.

viii. The colonial bunglows were set up.

ix. For public buildings, three different architectural styles were

7

used.

x. Neo-classical style which included geometrical structures
fronted with lofty pillars eg. Town hall in Bombay, Elphinstone
circle or Horniman circle.

xi. Neo-Gothic style characterized by high pitched roofs, pointed
arches and detailed decoration eg. Victoria terminus, the station
and headquartes of the Great Indian Peninsular Railway
Company.

xii. New hybrid style called Indo-Saracenic eg-the Gateway of India,
Taj Mahal Hotel.

xiii. Any other relevant point.

To be assessed as a whole

OR

Changes in Urbanisation in India after 1800:

i. After 1800 Urbanisation in India was sluggish.

ii. Even in 19th century and 20th century early decades urbanization
was slow.

iii. Between 1900 and 1940 urban population increased from about Pg-322-327 8
10% to 13%.

iv. The smaller towns had little opportunity to grow economically.

v. Calcutta, Bombay and Madras grew as new commercial and
administrative centres and important ports.

vi. The introduction of railways in 1853 meant a change in the
fortunes of towns.

vii. Economic activity gradually shifted away from traditional
towns.

viii. Railway network, railway workshops and railway colonies were
established for example Jamalpur, Waltair and Bareilly.

ix. The majority of working population was shifted towards towns.

x. The development of mills in the cities gave impetus to
Urbanisation.

8

xi. Industrial cities like Kanpur, Jamshedpur developed.

xii. Majority of working population shifted towards towns.

xiii. Godowns, Merchantile offices, insurance agencies for shipping,
transport depots, banking establishments along the sea coast
developed.

xiv. The majority of working population shifted towards towns.

xv. New urban spaces called „Civil Lines‟ were set up mainly for the
British people.

xvi. White Town and Black Town based on racial distinctions
became sharper.

xvii. Any other relevant point .

To be assessed as a whole

SECTION-D

The Pilgrimage Of The Mughal Princess Jahanara-1643
28.
28.1 How did Jahanara exhibit her faith and devotion to the Shaikh? Pg-157 2

i. She performed two cycles of optional prayers.

ii. She did not sleep on a leopard skin at night for several days

iii.She did not extend her feet in the direction of the blessed
sanctuary.

iii. She did not turn her back towards him.

iv. She passed the days beneath the trees.

Any two points

28.2 Why did she consider Dargah as a special place for pilgrimage
and reverence? Pg-157 2

i. Due to her faith and devotion towards Lord.

ii. She was the murid of her Murshid(Guru).

9

iii. This was the family ritual and tradition.

iv. For seeking blessings

v. Any other relevant point.

Any two points

28.3 How did she pay her obeisance at the Dargah? Pg-157 2
i. She rubbed her face with the dust of the threshold.

ii. She went bare-footed kissing the ground.

iii. She went round the tomb several times.

iv. She sprayed the finest quality of itar on the perfumed tomb.

v. She had also takes off the rose scarf that she had on her head and
placed it on the top of the blessed tomb.

Any two points

“Without a shot being fired”
29.
29.1 Examine the causes for the collapse of the administrative
system?
Pg-392 2
i. Partition was in process.

ii. Issue of political governance was in conflict.

iii. Breakdown of authority.

Any two points

29.2 Why could the British officials not take any action to control
Pg-392 2
the situation?

i. The British did not know how to handle the situation.

ii. Big dilemma over authority and power.

iii.Britishers were preparing to quit India.

Any two points

10

29.3 Do you think the role of District Magistrate was justified?
Pg-392 2
Answer could be justified or unjustified.

(views of the student should be taken into consideration)

Proper social roles
30.
30.1Why did Drona refuse to accept Ekalavya as his pupil? Pg-62 2

i.Drona knew the dharma and taught only to the Kuru princess.

ii. Eklavya was a forest dwelling Nishada.

iii.Drona was a Brahman and he taught archery to the Kuru princes
only.

Any two points

30.2 How did Ekalavya acquire the supreme skill of archery? Pg-62
2
i. Ekalvya, on refusal, returned to the forest.

ii. He prepared an image of Drona out of clay and practiced
intensively in front of it.

iii.He acquired great skill in archery.

Any two points

30.3 Why did Ekalavya introduce himself to the Pandavas as a pupil
Pg-62 2
of Drona?

i. When the Kuru Princes dog began to bark at him ,he got
annoyed.

ii. He shot seven arrows into his mouth.

iii. The Pandavas amazed at this superb display of archery, tracked
him down.

iv. He introduced himself to the Pandavas as pupil of Drona.

Any two points

11

See attached filled map 3+3=6
31.
For Visually Impaired Candidates

31.1 Mature Harappan sites (Any Three): 1x3=3

Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, Nageshwar, Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi,
Banawali, Dholavira, Chanhudaro, Nageshwar, Balakot

OR

Centres of Revolt of 1857(Any Three): 1x3=3

Kanpur, Jhansi, Meerut, Delhi, Azamgarh, Lucknow, Calcutta, Benaras,
Gwalior, Jabalpur, Agra, Awadh

31.2 Centres of National Movement(Any Three): Champaran, 1x3=3
Kheda, Ahmedabad, Benaras, Amritsar, Chauri Chaura, Lahore, Bardoli,
Dandi, Bombay, Karachi

Any three

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