CBSE Class 12 Question Paper 2026 Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India

FOR CBSE CLASS 12 EXAM PREPARATION

CBSE Class 12 2026
Question Paper ·
Knowledge Tradubg
EXAM YEAR TYPE SUBJECT

CBSE Class 12 2026 Question Paper Knowledge Tradubg

Notes · Sample Papers · Previous Year Papers · Mock Tests

m
m .co

m .co s e m
se g l a
a SET-4
Series : SR3PQ - 
Q.P. Code 39
 .  -   - 
Roll No. -    
Candidates must write the Q.P. Code
on the title page of the answer-book. m
m .co
.co s e m
s em       l a
g la KNOWLEDGE TRADITIONS ag
a
AND PRACTICES OF INDIA
  : 3    : 70
Time allowed : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 70

       -    23  

m
-        -    -  -   
       -  31    .co
         s e, m-        
la

 
a g
  -     15        -     10.15 
   10.15   10.30     -       
 -      
 Please check that this question paper contains 23 printed pages.
 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.
o m
Please check that this question paper contains 31 questions.
m

. c
c. o Please
 write down the serial number of the question in m
s e the answer-

e m book at the given place before attempting it. a
l paper. The question
as 15 minute time has been allotted to read this question g
l paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15aa.m. to 10.30 a.m., the


ag candidates will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on
the answer-book during this period. {}

39 * 2371 1 P.T.O.

m .
.co s e m
s em l a
g la ag
a For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 1 of 24

  :
1.  -  I  IV     
2.  I – 16 ,   1    
3.  II – 07    ,   02    
4.  III – 04    ,   05    
5.  IV – 04    ,   05    
6.  15        
 - I

1.             : 1

              ?
(A)   ,     
(B)      
(C)      
(D)     

2.      : 1
    -    :  ()   2800  
          ________   
(A)     
(B) -  
(C)     
(D)      

39 * 2 {}

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m
m .co

m .co s e m
se g l a
General Instructions :
a
1. This question paper contains four sections, Section I to IV.
2. Section I has 16 questions carrying 01 mark each.
3. Section II has 07 short answer type questions carrying 02 marks each.
4. Section III has 04 descriptive type questions carrying 05 marks each.
5. Section IV has 04 descriptive type questions carrying 05 marks each.
6. One internal choice is given in Q. 15 m
m .co
m .co SECTION – I
s e m
1. s e
Study the picture carefully and answer the question that follows : l a
ag
1

g l a
a

m
.co
s em
la Nalanda University, Bihar.
Which of the following option best describes the given picture ?

a
(A) A view of the ruins of thegancient
(B) Traditional structures at the district of Coimbatore.
(C) A view of the University of Nadia in Bengal.
(D) Residences for scholars at Dholavira.

2. Choose the most appropriate option : 1
The Harappans practised plough-based agriculture: at Kalibangan
m
m
(Rajasthan) dated to about 2800 BCE revealed two perpendicular sets of
.co
m .co furrows, suggesting ___________.
s e m
s e (A) advanced technique of ploughing the field
g l a
g la (B) the practice of intercropping a
a (C) highly efficient method
(D) Farmers capability of designing ploughs

39 * 3 {}

m .
.co s e m
s em l a
g la ag
a For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 3 of 24

3. -A    -B      : 1
-A -B
1.     i.  
2.   ii.       

3.   iii.    
4.   iv. 
 :
1 2 3 4
(A) ii i iv iii
(B) iii ii iv i
(C) iv i ii iii
(D) iv iii ii i

4.             : 1

          ( ) ‘’   
   ?
(A)                
(B)                 
               
(C)          , ,    
   
(D)             
39 * 4 {}

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m
m .co

m .co s e m
se g l a
3.
a
Match the items in Column A with that of Column B. 1
Column-A Column-B
1. Third stage of āśramas i. Eight fold path
2. N īti Śatakam ii. A small manual on civil and criminal laws
3. LaghuArhannīti
. iii. Hundred verses on ethics
m
.co
4. Buddhist Ethics iv. Vanaprastha
m
Options :
.co s e m
1
s e2m 3 4
l a
(A) iila i
g iv iii ag
(B)a iii ii iv i
(C) iv i ii iii
(D) iv iii ii i

4. Study the picture carefully and answer the question that follows : 1

m
m .co
s e
g la
a

Which of the following options best signifies this particular martial art
called ‘Gadka’ ?
o m
m(A) It is a training in remote resistance of or attack on an enemy.. c
c. o (B) A wooden stick and a shield are usually used in the sparring
s
m
e match
e m a
l touched.
l as ag
and points are scored when vital points in the body are

ag (C) The practice of this martial art form requires training with
dangerous weapons dagger, mace, sword.
(D) The training involved encircling the pillar with twisting movements.

39 * 5 {}

m .
.co s e m
s em l a
g la ag
a For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 5 of 24

5.                   -
  , _____  1

(A)  ()   ()
(B)   
(C)   
(D)     

6.         (A)   (R)          
      : 1

 (A) :           ,    
     ,        
 (R) :        ()   ,   
  
(A) (A)  (R)     (R), (A)     

(B) (A)  (R)   ,  (R), (A)      

(C) (A)  , (R)   

(D) (A)  , (R)   

7.         (A)   (R)          
      : 1

 (A) :    :   ,              ?
 (R) :     ,       
(A) (A)  (R)     (R), (A)     

(B) (A)  (R)   ,  (R), (A)      

(C) (A)  , (R)   

(D) (A)  , (R)   

39 * 6 {}

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 6 of 24

m
m .co

m .co s em
se g la
5.
a
Harappan craftsmen took bead-making to a different level. Their
favourite semiprecious stones were, ________. 1
(A) jasper and soapstone
(B) agate and jasper
(C) soapstone and carnelian
m
.co
(D) synthetic faience and agate
m
.co
m statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Write las e m
6. There are etwo
l as
your answer as per the codes provided below : ag1
a g
Assertion (A) : A good quality land yields good results to everyone,
confers good health on the entire family, and causes growth of
money, cattle and grain.
Reason (R) : Seeds which are treated and preserved are all good for use.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

m
.co
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true, (R) is false.
e m
(D) (A) is false, (R) is true. las
ag
7. There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Write
your answer as per the codes provided below : 1
Assertion (A) : Saunaka asked: Revered sir, what is that by the knowing
of which all this becomes known ?
Reason (R) : A mere intellectual apprehension of truth, a reasoned m
m conviction, is sufficient.
c. o (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation mof (A). .co
s e
s em g l a
la (B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correctaexplanation of (A).
ag (C) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, (R) is true.

39 * 7 {}

m .
.co s e m
s em l a
g la ag
a For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 7 of 24

8.                  
                    
            1
 (A) :               
 (R) :              
(A) (A)  (R)     (R), (A)     
(B) (A)  (R)   ,  (R), (A)      
(C) (A)  , (R)   
(D) (A)  , (R)   

9.         (A)   (R)          
      : 1
 (A) :     ()        ,  
     
 (R) :      -      
(A) (A)  (R)     (R), (A)     
(B) (A)  (R)   ,  (R), (A)      
(C) (A)  , (R)   
(D) (A)  , (R)   

10.         (A)   (R)          
      : 1
 (A) :   ,    -      
    
 (R) :
        
(A) (A)  (R)     (R), (A)     
(B) (A)  (R)   ,  (R), (A)      
(C) (A)  , (R)   
(D) (A)  , (R)   
39 * 8 {}

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m
m .co

m .co s em
se g la
8.
a
Kuruntadi is played with short bamboo sticks roughly of two-palm length.
Kuruntadi is performed to the accompaniment of drums and music and
each stroke is aimed vital spots of the human body. It is an art that gives
training in physical combat. 1
Assertion (A) : It is an art that is performed to the accompaniment of
drums and music.
m
.co
Reason (R) : Each stroke of this art form is not aimed at the whole body.
m
.co
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
mand (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). las e m
(B) Both e (A)
l
(C) (A) as
is true, (R) is false. ag
g
(D)a (A) is false, (R) is true.

9. There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Write
your answer as per the codes provided below : 1
Assertion (A) : The Arthashastra gives an elaborate description of the
rations that a bull, cow or buffalo should be supplied with.
m
.co
Reason (R) : Maintenance of pastures far from villages was encouraged.

em
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
s
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but
g la (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true, (R) is false. a
(D) (A) is false, (R) is true.

10. There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Write
your answer as per the codes provided below : 1
Assertion (A) : In ancient India, pupils were trained to guide their life in
m
m consonance with dharma.
c. o Reason (R) : The student and the teacher had a symbiotic relationship.
m .co
s e
s em (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation
g l a of (A).
la (B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correctaexplanation of (A).
ag (C) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, (R) is true.

39 * 9 {}

m .
.co s e m
s em l a
g la ag
a For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 9 of 24

11.         (A)   (R)          
      : 1
 (A) :            
           
 (R) :               
(A) (A)  (R)     (R), (A)     
(B) (A)  (R)   ,  (R), (A)      
(C) (A)  , (R)   
(D) (A)  , (R)   

12.         ,         
( )        , ,          
  ,            1
 (A) :   ,           
 (R) :               
(A) (A)  (R)     (R), (A)     
(B) (A)  (R)   ,  (R), (A)      
(C) (A)  , (R)   
(D) (A)  , (R)   

13.         (A)   (R)          
      : 1
 (A) :                
 (R) :    ,           
(A) (A)  (R)     (R), (A)     
(B) (A)  (R)   ,  (R), (A)      
(C) (A)  , (R)   
(D) (A)  , (R)   

39 * 10 {}

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 10 of 24

m
m .co

m .co s em
se g la
a
11. There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Write
your answer as per the codes provided below : 1
Assertion (A) : It is only by performing one's righteous duties or dharma
that one can hope to attain the supreme path to the highest good.
Reason (R) : It is dharma alone that gives both prosperity and the
supreme spiritual good.
m
.co
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
m
.co
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
s e m
em
(C) (A) is true, (R) is false.
s l a
g lais false, (R) is true.
(D) (A) ag
a
12. Gonitaka is divided in two varieties, the large and the small. This
traditional stone ring occurs in two varieties. It requires to be lifted,
swung, put on head etc. This large Gonitaka is useful in developing thigh,
neck and the whole body. 1
Assertion (A) : The large Gonitaka is useful in developing thigh, neck
and the whole body.
o m
c
. done with stone rings.
Reason (R) : Gonitaka is a type of exercise
m
e is the correct explanation of (A).
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true ands(R)
la
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true,gbut (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
a
(C) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, (R) is true.

13. There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Write
your answer as per the codes provided below : 1
Assertion (A) : At Dholavira, baked or mud bricks were the only building m
m material used.
c. o Reason (R) : In the Rann of Kachchh, stone was also used onseamhuge scale. .co
s em (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation
g l a of (A).
la a
ag (B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, (R) is true.
39 * 11 {}

m .
.co s e m
s em l a
g la ag
a For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 11 of 24

14.             ,         
      ,     ? 1
(A)        
(B)            
(C)  ,  ,       
(D)             

15. (a)                   1
      

  :
   – , ,    –     ,
               
   ,     ,      ,  
        
            -
(i)       
(ii)     
(iii)       
(iv)      
 :
(A) (i)  (iv) (B) (i)  (ii)
(C) (i)  (iii) (D) (ii)  (iv)

39 * 12 {}

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m
m .co

m .co s em
se g la
14. The Mun. daka
.
a
Upanis. ad talks about two kinds of knowledge. They are the
higher knowledge and the lower knowledge. To whom should the teacher
impart higher knowledge, the knowledge of Brahman ? 1
(A) Who would work exactly as the teacher says.
(B) Who is stable and can follow guidelines of the discipline.
(C) Who is a master in Vedas, the Yajurveda, the Sāmaveda, and the
m
.co
Atharvaveda.
m
.co
(D) Whose mind is completely serene and whose senses are controlled.
s e m
s em l a
l a
15. (a) Study the following picture and the textual description given belowag
agcarefully and answer the question. Choose the most appropriate option. 1

m
m .co
s e
Text material :
g la
Wells have been made a
in many shapes - circular, square, vertical or
horizontal – and sizes, and with bricks, stone or terracotta rings.
There is a long way from Dholavira’s modest step well to those of
classical times, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, which are not
only engineering marvels but works of art.
We can infer that, wells in Gujarat and Rajasthan
(i) were made in desired shapes.
m
m (ii) were engineering marvels.
.co
m .co (iii) were made of bricks only.
s e m
s e (iv) had better architectural designs.
g l a
g la Options : a
a (A) (i) and (iv) (B) (i) and (ii)
(C) (i) and (iii) (D) (ii) and (iv)
OR
39 * 13 {}

m .
.co s e m
s em l a
g la ag
a For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 13 of 24

(b)                 
   1

  :
                
                 
         ,       
    - ( )   ,     
                 
     ,      ,    
        
       
(i)           
(ii)  -       
(iii)                
(iv)      
 :
(A) (i)  (iv) (B) (i)  (ii)

(C) (iii)  (iv) (D) (i)  (iii)

16.          ? 1

(A)          
(B)              :  
 
(C)           
(D)            

39 * 14 {}

For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 14 of 24

m
m .co

m .co s em
se g la
a
(b) Study the text given below carefully and answer the question.
Choose the most appropriate option. 1

Text Material :

–
The Mahabharata views the digging of water reservoirs as far more
important than that of wells. Indeed, a tank restores water to the
m
.co
earth, while a well draws from it. For building or improving
m
.co
irrigation facilities, the exemptions from payment of water rates
e m
em
shall be granted. Waterworks such as reservoirs, embankments and
l as
l as g
tanks can be privately owned and the owner shall be free to sell or
a
agmortgage them. The ownership of tanks shall lapse, if they had not
been in use for a period of five years, except in cases of distress.

We can infer that :

(i) under certain circumstances ownership of tanks can lapse.

(ii) some waterworks can be privately owned.

m
(iii) causing any kind of obstruction in water management work was
penalized.
m .co
s e
(iv) it is better to dig wells.
g la
Options : a
(A) (i) and (iv) (B) (i) and (ii)

(C) (iii) and (iv) (D) (i) and (iii)

16. Which of the following is not a feature of Buddhist Ethics ? 1
m
m (A) It believes in alleviating the suffering of humanity.
c. o (B) It believes that prayers and rituals will completelysem .co
e m l a remove the

l as suffering of humanity.
ag
ag (C) The ethical values are based on the life and teachings of the Buddha.

(D) It believes that there is way to remove suffering.

39 * 15 {}

m .
.co s e m
s em l a
g la ag
a For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 15 of 24

 – II
17.                   
            2

18. ‘’   ‘ ’     ? 2

19.                
       :       ,   -
         – -,        ,
                 
        ,  -       
              /   2

20. “  ,        ”       2

21. “                 
   ”       2

22. -               
        2

23.                 
   ? 2

39 * 16 {}

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m
m .co

m .co s e m
se g l a
SECTION – II
a
17. Every religious and every philosophical system of India has a prominent
ethical component. Comment on the statement highlighting the ethical
component in Jainism. 2

18. What were the duties of 'superintendent of cattle' according to m
m .co
.co
–
Arthaśastra ?
e m 2

em l as
l as
19. The humblest but perhaps most important water structure was the villagea
g
agor reservoir. What made it important was its ability to recharge
pond
ground water, but also its being connected to many neighbouring ponds —
sometimes in networks extending over hundreds of kilometres, as in
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Such networks, which enabled water-rich
areas to contribute to less favoured ones, were maintained by village
committees.
m
.co
Comment on the statement and provide two examples/methods of

s em
conservation of water in present day. 2

g la
a expert also becomes a healer.” Analyse the
20. “After the training, the kal. ari
statement. 2

21. “A true knowledge of ethics would be attained if one practices and imbibes
these moral values.” Analyse the statement. 2

m
m – that will have a meaningful
c. o impact, if incorporated in present day. education system.
22. Highlight any two aspects of guru-śisyaparampara
m.co
s e
em
2
s g l a
g la a
a 23. If you were to introduce any one Indian traditional martial art form in
your school, which one would that be and why ? 2

39 * 17 {}

m .
.co s e m
s em l a
g la ag
a For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 17 of 24

 – III
24.                  ; 
                  
 -               
   , ()      ,   - 
                 
               ; :     
  -      5

 -               
 ?       -     

25. (i)         -:      
              2

(ii)                  
          -   
  2

(iii)       -, ,      
      (-)   (   ) 
               
    ,     1

26. (i)    , 3

  -:   ,
    ,
    –  
       ,
        
        ?          
       
39 * 18 {}

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m
m .co

m .co s e m
se g l a
SECTION – III
a
24. The dress worn by the Indians is made of cotton, as Nearchus tells us.
But this cotton is either of a brighter white colour than any cotton found
elsewhere, or the darkness of the Indian complexion makes their apparel
look so much the whiter. Contrary to their simplicity in general, [Indians]
like to adorn themselves, for they wear apparel embroidered with gold
and use ornaments set with precious stones, and wear gay-coloured linen m
m
garments, and are accompanied with sun-shades. For, since they esteem .co
.co
beauty, they practise everything that can beautify their appearance. e m
em textual material - what can we infer about traditional style glas
Based onsthis
g la ? Draw a comparison with today’s style of dressing and textilea
of dressing
a
material. 5

25. (i) The Indian concept of education was to prepare students to face the
vicissitudes of life. Comment in view of your student life. 2
(ii) In the Br. hadāranyaka Upanisad,
. we are told that the path to knowledge

m
consists of three stages. Mention any two stages and compare it with
your process of learning.
m .co 2

s e
(iii) Students living with the teacher led a life of self-control, abstinence,

g la
obedience and devotion and regulated their lives by adhering to
a
yama (self-restraint) and niyama (five observances). Mention any one
niyamas and its importance in your life. 1

26. (i) The friend who is a helper, 3
The friend in weal and woe,
The friend who gives good counsel,
o m
m . c
.co
The friend who sympathizes — these the wise man should know
e m
e m As his four true friends,
l as
las And should devote himself to them. a g
ag
How far do you agree with the above given text ? Reflect on your life
experiences where you have exhibited these values.

39 * 19 {}

m .
.co s e m
s em l a
g la ag
a For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 19 of 24

(ii)     
   ?
“       
         ” 2

27.   :
                  
        
               5

 – IV
28. (i)  /             ? 3

(ii) “    (   )       
    ”      2

29.    ‘’          
                   
     ?
        5

30.                  
                 
                 
       5

39 * 20 {}

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m
m .co

m .co s e m
se g l a
a
(ii) What message do you infer from the text below ?

“To stock ill-got wealth is to store

Water in unburnt clay.” 2

27. Text Extract : m
m .co
.co
India has an ancient tradition in diverse martial arts. Every part of India
s e m
has evolved
s emone or the other form of martial art. g l a
l a a
ag the statement and provide an example from the southern part of
Analyse
India. 5

SECTION – IV

28. (i) How different was the examination system in ancient India as
compared to modern times / today ?
om
3

(ii) . c
“Learners were taught to grow by pursuing the realisation of
e m
las
puruśārtha catus. t. aya (four ends of life).” Comment. 2

ag
29. As per Bhagwad Gita ‘Dharma’ the concept of performing one’s righteous
duties and selfless actions lead to attain highest goals of life. What would
be your path to attain the highest good ?

Comment in the wake of contemporary India. 5

o m
30.mApart from wrestling there were other exercises that were recommended. c
c. o order to increase physical strength as a preparation to the mastering
in
m
e of martial
e m a s
l Jyes. t. hīmallas,
l as arts. Based on your study of the wrestling traditions of a gthe
ag provide benefits of any three śramas or exercises and mention three
modern day exercises with similar benefits. 5

39 * 21 {}

m .
.co s e m
s em l a
g la ag
a For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 21 of 24

31.   :

    ,             -
               , , ,
, ,   ,           
;                 
           – , , , ,
, , , ,      

(i)       –  -    ,   
   ? 3

  :

              ,  
                - 
        ,  ,       
                  
  -   -  

(ii)        –           2

_______________

39 * 22 {}

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m
m .co

m .co s e m
se g l a
a
31. Text material :

In the 3rd millennium BCE, Dholavira in the Rann of Kachchh could

sustain itself in an arid climate only thanks to vast reservoirs and water

harvesting on a massive scale. In the Ganges plains, embankments,
m
reservoirs, sluices, channels, interconnected tanks, wells of various kinds
c o m m .co
became common
m . –
features in the 1 millennium BCE; in his Arthaśastra,
st
s e
s e
referred to many of them and lay down strict rules for the g l a
Kautilya
g l a a
a
management of water structures. The rich Indian vocabulary attached to

them — kulls, kunds, ahars, pokhars, khadins, arakere, kolas, surangam,

tadagams, eris.

(i) Based on this textual material - what can we infer about the ancient

water management practices ? 3

. c om
Text material :
e m
s
la and civilization and has evolved a
India has been an agriculturalgeconomy
a
long, rich and diverse tradition of agricultural practices. In India as in

every country, agriculture was an integral part of popular culture and

gave rise to annual fairs, cattle melas, festivals and rituals, all of which

were occasions for celebration. Almost every part of India had its own

dates and customs for the purpose. m
m
c. o (ii) Based on the text given above - evaluate the role of sagriculture
m .co
e in

s em Indian communities. g l a 2
la a
ag _______________

39 * 23 {}

m .
.co s e m
s em l a
g la ag
a For more Question Papers, Sample Papers, Notes & Syllabus visit Page 23 of 24

39 2371
* 24 {}

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