CBSE Class 12 Question Paper 2025 History

Series : W1XZY SET ~ 1

Q.P. Code 61/1/1
Roll No.
 -   - 
-    
Candidates must write the Q.P. Code
on the title page of the answer-book.



HISTORY
  : 3 
 
: 80
Time allowed : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 80

NOTE
(I)       -   (I) Please check that this question
 32 ( )   paper contains 32 printed pages
(Including Map).
(II)       -  34  (II) Please check that this question
  paper contains 34 questions.

(III) -        - (III) Q.P. Code given on the right hand
   -  -  side of the question paper should be
written on the title page of the
 
answer-book by the candidate.
(IV) (IV) Please write down the serial
number of the question in the
answer-book at the given place
before attempting it.
(V)  -     15   (V) 15 minute time has been allotted to
     -    read this question paper. The
question paper will be distributed at
 10.15     10.15  
10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30
10.30     -  a.m., the candidates will read the
       - question paper only and will not
      write any answer on the answer-
book during this period. ~

61/1/1 724-1 Page 1 of 32 P.T.O.

(i)  -  34      

(ii) -     – , , ,  

(iii) :   1  21         1    

(iv) :   22  27 -        3    
    60  80    

(v)
:   28  30 - (LA)           
    300  350    

(vi)
:   31  33  -  -      
  

(vii)
:   34 -        
       5       -     

(viii)
-         , -  -    

                   
 

(ix)
 ,              

                  

61/1/1 Page 2 of 32

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General Instructions :

Read the following instructions carefully and follow them :

(i) This question paper contains 34 questions. All questions are compulsory.

(ii) Question paper is divided into five Sections – Section A, B, C, D and E.

(iii) Section A – question number 1 to 21 are Multiple Choice type Questions.
Each question carries 1 mark.

(iv) Section B – question number 22 to 27 are Short Answer type Questions.
Each question carries 3 marks. Write answer to each question in 60 to 80
words.

(v) Section C – question number 28 to 30 are Long Answer (LA) type
Questions. Each question carries 8 marks. Write answer to each question
in 300 to 350 words.

(vi) Section D – question number 31 to 33 are Source-based Questions
having three sub questions. Each question carries 4 marks.

(vii) Section E – question number 34 is Map Based Question that includes
the identification and location of significant test items. This question
carries 5 marks. Attach the Map with the answer-book.

(viii) There is no overall choice. However, an internal choice has been provided
in section B and C of question paper. A candidate has to write answer for
only one of the alternatives in such questions.

(ix) In addition to this, NOTE that a separate question has been provided for
Visually Impaired Candidates in lieu of questions having visual inputs,
Map etc. Such questions are to be attempted by Visually Impaired
Candidates only.

61/1/1 Page 3 of 32 P.T.O.

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21 1 = 21

1.               ? 1

(A)     
(B)        
(C)           
(D)          

2.               ? 1

(A)    (B)    
(C)    (D)   

3.      ,  (A)   (R)        
  : 1

(A) :                
(R) :               
        

(A) (A)  (R)     (R), (A)      

(B) (A)  (R)     (R), (A)       

(C) (A)  ,  (R)   

(D) (A)  ,  (R)   
61/1/1 Page 4 of 32

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SECTION – A
(Multiple Choice type Questions) 21 1 = 21
1. Which of the following is correct regarding Harappan script ? 1

(A) This script was alphabetical.

(B) It was written from left to right.

(C) This script has not been deciphered so far.

(D) This script has a few signs or symbols.

2. In which of the following sites of Harappan civilization, the terracotta

models of plough have been discovered ? 1

(A) Kalibangan and Dholavira (B) Shortughai and Lothal

(C) Banawali and Cholistan (D) Sanghol and Rakhigarhi

3. Two statements have been given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R).

Read the statements and choose the appropriate answer : 1

Assertion (A) : Buddhism grew rapidly both during the lifetime and

after the death of Buddha.

Reason (R) : Many people were dissatisfied with existing religious

practices and confused by the rapid social changes taking

place around them.

Options :

(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct reasoning of (A).

(B) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct reasoning of (A).

(C) (A) is true, (R) is untrue.

(D) (A) is untrue, (R) is true.

61/1/1 Page 5 of 32 P.T.O.

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4.                : 1

I.            
II.       
III.           
IV.      

(A) I, II  III (B) II, III  IV

(C) I, II  IV (D) I, III  IV

5. -I   -II            : 1

-I -II

a.  I.  ( )
b.  II.  ( )
c.  III.  ()
d.  IV.  ( )

a b c d
(A) III II I IV
(B) IV II I III
(C) III IV I II
(D) II I III IV

61/1/1 Page 6 of 32

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4. Consider the following statements regarding Jainism and choose the
correct option : 1

I. The cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through Karma.

II. There is a need to renounce the world.

III. Worldly existence is a necessary condition for attaining salvation.

IV. Principle of Ahimsa is important.

Options :

(A) I, II and III (B) II, III and IV

(C) I, II and IV (D) I, III and IV

5. Match Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option from the
following : 1

Column-I Column-II

(Ancient Mahajanpadas) (Present Region)

a. Magadh I. Qandhar (Eastern Afghanistan)

b. Avanti II. Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh)

c. Gandhara III. Patna (Bihar)

d. Koshala IV. Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)

Options :

a b c d

(A) III II I IV

(B) IV II I III

(C) III IV I II

(D) II I III IV
61/1/1 Page 7 of 32 P.T.O.

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6.              ? 1

(A)        
(B)         
(C)        
(D)         

7.                   
    : 1

(A)   (B)  
(C)   (D)  

: 7

          ? 1

(A)   (B) 
(C)  (D)  
61/1/1 Page 8 of 32

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6. Prabhavati Gupta is best known for which of the following roles ? 1
(A) Wife of Ashoka and Promoter of Buddhist Sangha
(B) Queen of Mauryan Empire and Promoter of Buddhism
(C) Wife of Samudragupta and Poet of the Gupta Era
(D) Daughter of Chandragupta-II and Wife of Vakataka King

7. The following picture shows the structure of a temple carved out of single
piece of rock. Identify this temple correctly from the given options : 1

Options :
(A) Deogarh Temple (B) Kailashnatha Temple
(C) Mahabalipuram Temple (D) Brihideshwara Temple

Note : The following question is only for Visually Impaired
Candidates in lieu of Question No. 7.
In which of the following states Kailashnatha Temple is located ? 1
(A) Uttar Pradesh (B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Maharashtra (D) Andhra Pradesh

61/1/1 Page 9 of 32 P.T.O.

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8. -    ‘--’          1

        ?
(A)      
(B)      
(C)   -    
(D)      

9.               
              ? 1

(A)    
(B)    
(C)    
(D)    

10.      
          ?      : 1

I.    1800 .        
II.         
III.          
IV.          

(A) I, II  III (B) II, III  IV

(C) I, III  IV (D) I, II  IV

61/1/1 Page 10 of 32

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8. Al-Biruni’s major work ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’ is significant for its comprehensive
study of India. Which of the following was the primary aim of this work ? 1

(A) Promote Islamic teaching

(B) Map geographical locations

(C) Critique culture and traditions

(D) Document Indian culture

9. Throughout his extensive travels, Ibn Batuta was able to explore
unfamiliar cultures and societies. Which of the following competencies did
he most likely develop ? 1

(A) Leadership and Judicial Management

(B) Cultural Competencies and Skills

(C) Knowledge of Administration and Army

(D) Scientific and Technical expertise

10. Which of the following statements regarding Colonel Colin Mackenzie are
correct ? Choose the correct option : 1

I. The ruins of Hampi were brought to light in 1800 by him.

II. He was an official of East India Company.

III. He prepared the first survey maps of the site.

IV. He received information of Vijayanagara empire from the Duarte
Barbosa.

Options :

(A) I, II and III (B) II, III and IV

(C) I, III and IV (D) I, II and IV

61/1/1 Page 11 of 32 P.T.O.

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11. -I   -II            : 1
-I -II

a.   I. 
b.   II. 
c. - III. 
d. -- IV. 

a b c d
(A) III IV I II
(B) II III I IV
(C) I II IV III
(D) II I III IV

12. 16  17               
  ? 1
(A)      
(B)      
(C) --,    
(D)         

13.       16  17         
  ? 1
(A)        
(B)          
(C)          
(D)             

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11. Match Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option from the
following : 1
Column-I Column-II
(Foreign Travellers) (Countries)

a. Afanasi Nikitin I. Persia
b. Domingo Paes II. Russia
c. Abdur-Razzak III. Portugal
d. Nicolo de Conti IV. Italy
Options :
a b c d
(A) III IV I II
(B) II III I IV
(C) I II IV III
(D) II I III IV

12. Which of the following is a major source to understand agrarian history of
16th and 17th century India ? 1
(A) Revenue records of Agra & Delhi
(B) Relationship between peasants and zamindars
(C) Important chronicle – the Ain-e-Akbari
(D) Types of agricultural crops grown at that time

13. Which one of the following statements is most appropriate regarding the
zamindars of 16th and 17th century India ? 1
(A) The zamindars were the exploitative class for the peasants.
(B) The zamindars collected revenue on behalf of the state.
(C) They always maintained cordial relations with the villagers.
(D) The zamindars had small piece of lands for personal use.

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14.    ,              
                   
                  
      ? 1

(A)      

(B)      

(C)       

(D)       

15.    1855          ? 1

(A)    

(B)    

(C)    

(D)     

16. 1793            1

(A)  

(B)   

(C)  

(D)   
61/1/1 Page 14 of 32

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14. In a modern city, a group of friends discusses the relevance of Kabir’s
teachings in today’s society. Some believe these are outdated, while others
see their significance in promoting equality and love. Which of the
following scenario best reflects Kabir’s relevance today ? 1

(A) A debate on Kabir’s historical context

(B) A discussion dismissing spirituality irrelevant

(C) Focus on societal norms and traditions only

(D) Seeking simple connection with the divine

15. Which one of the following was the main cause of the Santhal Rebellion of
1855 ? 1

(A) Imposition of the Summary Settlement

(B) Cultural suppression by the British

(C) Imposition of Western education

(D) Heavy taxes and land annexation

16. Find the odd one out regarding the Permanent Settlement of 1793. 1

(A) The Sunset law

(B) The Burdwan’s Auction

(C) The Fifth Report

(D) The Deccan Riots Commission
61/1/1 Page 15 of 32 P.T.O.

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17. -I   -II         : 1

-I -II

1857

a.  I. 
b.   II. 
c.   III. 
d.   IV. 

a b c d
(A) II III IV I
(B) III IV I II
(C) III II I IV
(D) IV II III I

18.             
 : 1

I.    
II.   
III.   
IV. - 

(A) II, III, I  IV (B) II, IV, III  I

(C) III, II, I  IV (D) IV, III, I  II

61/1/1 Page 16 of 32

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17. Match the Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option : 1

Column-I Column-II

(Leadership of the (Regions)
Revolt of 1857)

a. Shah Mal I. Lucknow

b. Kunwar Singh II. Kanpur

c. Birjis Qadr III. Baraut

d. Nana Sahib IV. Arrah

Options :

a b c d

(A) II III IV I

(B) III IV I II

(C) III II I IV

(D) IV II III I

18. Arrange the following historical events in a correct chronological order
and choose the correct option : 1

I. Making of the Constituent Assembly

II. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

III. Quit India Movement

IV. Gandhi-Irwin Pact

Options :

(A) II, III, I and IV (B) II, IV, III and I

(C) III, II, I and IV (D) IV, III, I and II

61/1/1 Page 17 of 32 P.T.O.

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19. 1798         ‘ ’        
 ? 1

(A)       
(B)      
(C)    -   
(D)      

20.         ? 1

-I -II

(A)   – .. 
(B)    –   
(C)   – . 
(D)   – .. 

21.             : 1

       
        
(A)  
(B)  
(C) .. 
(D)  

61/1/1 Page 18 of 32

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19. Which one of the following was a key feature of the ‘Subsidiary Alliance’
introduced by Lord Wellesley in 1798 ? 1

(A) Free Trade Policy brought by British

(B) Maintenance of native army by British

(C) Imposition of Western Customs by British

(D) Protection of native territory by British

20. Which one of the following pair is correctly matched ? 1

List-I List-II

(Name of Important Committees (Name of President)
of Constituent Assembly)

(A) Flag Committee – H.C. Mookerjee

(B) Union Power Committee – Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

(C) Rules of Procedure Committee – S. Varadachariar

(D) States Committee – J.B. Kripalani

21. Identify the member of the Constituent Assembly with the help of the
following information : 1

 He was the President of the Constituent Assembly.

 He was the first President of the Independent India.

(A) Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

(B) Zakir Hussain

(C) V.V. Giri

(D) Rajendra Prasad
61/1/1 Page 19 of 32 P.T.O.

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6 3 = 18

22. (a) “              ” 
     3

(b) ‘         ’       3

23. “-              ”   
   3

24. (a)              3

(b) -             ?
   3

25.                 
  3

26. “1857              
      -
   ”       3

27.    . ..        3

61/1/1 Page 20 of 32

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SECTION – B

(Short Answer type Questions) 6 3 = 18

22. (a) “Ashokan inscriptions are the most significant sources to understand

the administration of Ashoka.” Explain the statement. 3

OR

(b) “The history of Mauryan empire has been constructed on the variety
of sources.” Explain the statement. 3

23. “The mid-first millennium BCE is considered as a significant turning
point in the course of World History.” Justify the statement. 3

24. (a) Analyse the causes that led to the ruin of Vijayanagara empire. 3

OR

(b) Analyse why was Amaranayaka system considered as a major
political innovation of the Vijayanagara empire. 3

25. Examine the role of Panchayat in advocating for the rights of common
people during the Mughal era. 3

26. “The rebellion of 1857 was seen as a war in which both Hindus and
Muslims had equally to lose or gain.” Analyse the statement. 3

27. Describe the role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Constituent Assembly. 3

61/1/1 Page 21 of 32 P.T.O.

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3 8 = 24

28. (a) “            ”   

     8

(b) “                  
        ”       ..  
     8

29. (a)             8

(b)                8

30. (a) 1915  1931             

  8

(b)             8

61/1/1 Page 22 of 32

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SECTION –

(Long Answer type Questions) 3 8 = 24

28. (a) “There were specific features of the familial relationship during the

Mahabharata period.” Explain the statement with examples. 8

OR

(b) “The political power or kingship was rarely dependent on birth as

Kshatriyas but also open to anyone who could muster support and

resources.” Explain the statement with the examples from sixth

century BCE onwards. 8

29. (a) Explain the main beliefs and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev. 8

OR

(b) Explain the major beliefs and teachings of Chishtis during medieval

India. 8

30. (a) Analyse the impact of national movement in India from 1915 to 1931

on the Indian masses. 8

OR

(b) Analyse the role of Gandhiji after independence of India. 8

61/1/1 Page 23 of 32 P.T.O.

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3 4 = 12

31.           :
    

       : “         
   ”                  
                     
                    
                    
                   
   “, :   -  :     -  
   .....              ”
 ,   , 1948
                
      ;             
,         

31.1               

  1

31.2                 1

31.3           2

61/1/1 Page 24 of 32

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SECTION – D

(Source Based Questions) 3 4 = 12

31. Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow :

The most ancient system yet discovered

About the drains, Mackay noted : “It is certainly the most complete
ancient system as yet discovered.” Every house was connected to the
street drains. The main channels were made of bricks set in mortar and
were covered with loose bricks that could be removed for cleaning. In
some cases, limestone was used for the covers. House drains first
emptied into a sump or cesspit into which solid matter settled while
waste water flowed out into the street drains. Very long drainage
channels were provided at intervals with sumps for cleaning. It is a
wonder of archaeology that “little heaps of material, mostly sand, have
frequently been found lying alongside drainage channels, which shows...
that the debris was not always carted away when the drain was cleared”.

From Ernest Mackay, Early Indus Civilisation, 1948

Drainage systems were not unique to the larger cities, but
were found in smaller settlements as well. At Lothal for example, while
houses were built of mud bricks, drains were made of burnt bricks.

31.1 Analyse the possible reason behind the uniformity in the drainage
systems across the Harappan cities. 1

31.2 Analyse the implications of finding little heaps of material, mostly
sand, alongside drainage channels. 1

31.3 Assess the impact of Harappan drainage system. 2

61/1/1 Page 25 of 32 P.T.O.

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32.                 :

               :
          ,     ,  , 
  -                
  ;               
         ,         
           ( )
...                 , 
   ,        ,     
     ,        
32.1           1
32.2               ? 1
32.3       -       
  2

33.                 :

         ,    :
       ;      ,     
 ,                 
,                ,    
               -
        ;          
                    
33.1            ? 1
33.2               ? 1
33.3               ? 2
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32. Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow :
A warning for Europe
Bernier warned that if European kings followed the Mughal model :
Their kingdoms would be very far from being well-cultivated and
peopled, so well built, so rich, so polite and flourishing as we see them.
Our kings are otherwise rich and powerful; and we must avow that they
are much better and more royally served. They would soon be kings of
deserts and solitudes, of beggars and barbarians, such as those are
whom I have been representing. (the Mughals)
.... We should find the great Cities and the great Burroughs (boroughs)
rendered uninhabitable because of ill air, and to fall to ruine (ruin)
without anybodies (anybody) taking care of repairing them; the hillocks
abandon’d, and the fields overspread with bushes, or fill’d with
pestilential marishes (marshes), as hath been already intimated.
32.1 Mention any one prominent contribution of Bernier. 1
32.2 How did Bernier describe the difference between European kingdom
and the Mughal territories ? 1
32.3 Explain Bernier’s views on the socio-economic status of people under
Mughal rule. 2

33. Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow :
On clearance and settled cultivation
Passing through one village in the lower Rajmahal hills, Buchanan wrote :
The view of the country is exceedingly fine, the cultivation,
especially the narrow valleys of rice winding in all directions, the cleared
lands with scattered trees, and the rocky hills are in perfection; all that
is wanted is some appearance of progress in the area and a vastly
extended and improved cultivation, of which the country is highly
susceptible. Plantations of Asan and Palas, for Tessar (Tassar silk
worms) and Lac, should occupy the place of woods to as great an extent
as the demand will admit; the remainder might be all cleared, and the
greater part cultivated, while what is not fit for the purpose, might rear
Plamira (palmyra) and Mowa (mahua).
33.1 How did Buchanan describe the view of the lower Rajmahal hills ? 1
33.2 Why did Buchanan believe that the area had high potential for
improved cultivation ? 1
33.3 How did Buchanan propose utilising the land for economic benefits ? 2

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( ) 5

34. 34.1      -        
    :
(i)  -     1

(ii)  -   1

(iii) (a)  -     1

(b)  –       1

34.2       -  1857         A
 B                
    2

: 34

34.1            1

34.2           1

34.3 (a)           1

(b)         1

34.4 1857            2

____________

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SECTION – E

(Map Based Question) 5

34. 34.1 On the given political outline map of India, locate and label the
following with appropriate symbols :

(i) Kalibanga - a mature Harappan site 1

(ii) Amravati - a Buddhist site 1

(iii) (a) Amber - a territory under the Mughals 1

OR

(b) Bijapur – An important town of Medieval India 1

34.2 On the same outline map, two places have been marked as A and B,
as the centres of revolt of 1857. Identify them and write their names
on the lines drawn near them. 2

Note : The following questions are for the Visually Impaired
Candidates only in lieu of Question No. 34.

34.1 Mention any one mature Harappan site in India. 1

34.2 Mention any one Buddhist site in India. 1

34.3 (a) Name any one territory under the Mughals. 1

OR

(b) Name the capital of Vijayanagara empire. 1

34.4 Write any two important centres of revolt of 1857. 2
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