CBSE Class 12 2025 History 61-1-3 Question Paper Set-3: Download Solutions with Answer Key

Jainism is a religion that emphasizes the importance of Karma, the need to renounce worldly attachments, and adherence to the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence). Let’s evaluate each statement:

- Statement I: The cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through Karma
This statement is correct. In Jainism, it is believed that every action (Karma) has consequences that impact an individual's next life. The accumulation of good or bad Karma determines one's future existence and eventual liberation.

- Statement II: There is a need to renounce the world
This is also true. Jainism emphasizes renunciation of material attachments and worldly pleasures in order to attain spiritual liberation (Moksha). Renouncing the world helps to minimize the accumulation of negative Karma.

- Statement III: Worldly existence is a necessary condition for attaining salvation
This statement is incorrect. Jainism teaches that liberation (Moksha) is attained by escaping the cycle of birth and rebirth, which means renouncing worldly existence rather than seeking it. Worldly existence is seen as a distraction from achieving salvation.

- Statement IV: Principle of Ahimsa is important
This statement is correct. Ahimsa (non-violence) is a core principle of Jainism. It is believed that one must avoid causing harm to any living being, whether through thoughts, words, or actions.

Therefore, the correct answer is (C): I, II and IV.
Quick Tip: In Jainism, the core teachings revolve around the concepts of Karma, renunciation of the material world, and Ahimsa (non-violence). Understanding these concepts is key when identifying the correct statements related to Jain practices.

- a. Afanasi Nikitin: Afanasi Nikitin was a Russian traveler who traveled to Persia, and his travels were one of the first detailed Russian accounts of Persia. So, he corresponds with II. Russia and I. Persia.

- b. Domingo Paes: Domingo Paes was a Portuguese traveler who traveled to India and documented his experiences there. Therefore, he corresponds with III. Portugal.

- c. Abdur-Razzak: Abdur-Razzak was a Persian traveler and ambassador in the 15^th century who traveled to India. Thus, he corresponds with I. Persia.

- d. Nicolo de Conti: Nicolo de Conti was an Italian explorer and traveler who visited various regions in Asia, including India. Hence, he corresponds with IV. Italy.


Thus, the correct matching is (B): II III I IV.
Quick Tip: When matching foreign travelers with their respective countries, remember that the nationality of the traveler typically corresponds with the country listed in Column-II. In this case, Afanasi Nikitin is Russian, and Domingo Paes is Portuguese, among others.

The matching of the committees and their respective presidents is as follows:

- Flag Committee was headed by H.C. Mookerjee.
- Union Power Committee was headed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Rules of Procedure Committee was headed by S. Varadachariar.
- States Committee was headed by J.B. Kripalani.

Thus, the correct matching is (B): Union Power Committee - Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Quick Tip: When matching committees with their presidents, remember that some of the most prominent leaders, such as Jawaharlal Nehru, headed key committees like the Union Power Committee.

- Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Constituent Assembly and the first President of Independent India, making him the correct answer.
- Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the second President of India, not the first.
- Zakir Hussain was the first Vice President of India and later became the President of India, but he was not the President of the Constituent Assembly.
- V.V. Giri was the fourth President of India and also served as the acting President before that, but he was not the first President of Independent India.

Thus, the correct answer is (D): Rajendra Prasad.
Quick Tip: Remember that Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India after independence and also served as the President of the Constituent Assembly, which played a key role in framing the Indian Constitution.

To arrange the events in chronological order, we look at the timeline of key events in India’s freedom struggle:

- II. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: This tragic event occurred in April 1919, when British troops opened fire on an unarmed crowd in Amritsar.
- IV. Gandhi-Irwin Pact: This pact was signed in March 1931, during the civil disobedience movement, between Mahatma Gandhi and the then Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin.
- III. Quit India Movement: Launched in August 1942, this movement was a mass protest against British rule, demanding an immediate end to British governance in India.
- I. Making of the Constituent Assembly: The Constituent Assembly, responsible for framing the Indian Constitution, was formed in 1946.

Thus, the correct chronological order is: II, IV, III and I.

Therefore, the correct answer is (B): II, IV, III and I.
Quick Tip: Remember the key events in India’s freedom struggle. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and Gandhi-Irwin Pact happened before the Quit India Movement and the formation of the Constituent Assembly.

The correct matching of leaders and regions during the Revolt of 1857 is as follows:

- Shah Mal led the revolt in Baraut (Option III).
- Kunwar Singh led the rebellion in Arrah (Option IV).
- Birjis Qadr was associated with Lucknow (Option I).
- Nana Sahib led the revolt in Kanpur (Option II).

Thus, the correct answer is (B): III IV I II.
Quick Tip: To remember the leaders and their regions during the Revolt of 1857, focus on the geographical spread of the rebellion. For example, Nana Sahib is closely linked with Kanpur, while Shah Mal's region was Baraut.

The decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of South India's greatest medieval empires, was the result of a combination of internal weaknesses and external challenges.

1. Military Defeat in the Battle of Talikota (1565):

The decisive blow came with the defeat of the Vijayanagara forces at the hands of the combined Deccan Sultanates in the Battle of Talikota. This led to the destruction and plunder of Hampi, the capital city.

2. Weak Successors and Administrative Disruption:

After the battle, the empire lacked strong leadership. The central administration weakened, and provinces began to assert autonomy, leading to fragmentation.

3. Internal Rebellions:

There were repeated internal conflicts among nobles and feudatories. The Amaranayakas, who were military chiefs, often became too powerful and independent, undermining royal authority.

4. Economic Strain:

The prolonged wars and loss of fertile regions reduced agricultural revenue. Trade routes also suffered disruption after Hampi's destruction.

Conclusion:

Thus, the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire was due to a combination of military defeat, weak governance, internal strife, and economic decline.


OR


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


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Solution:

The Amaranayaka System was a key feature of the military-administrative structure of the Vijayanagara Empire and reflected its unique political innovation.

1. Structure and Function:

Under this system, the empire granted land (called \textit{Amaram) to military chiefs or nobles known as \textit{Amaranayakas. In return, they were required to maintain a specified number of troops for the service of the king.

2. Military Decentralization with Royal Control:

It allowed the empire to maintain a large standing army indirectly. Although the troops were maintained by Nayakas, they could be mobilized whenever needed by the central authority.

3. Revenue Administration:

The Nayakas collected revenue from their assigned lands, a part of which funded the military, while the rest was sent to the royal treasury.

4. Local Stability and Expansion:

This system helped in maintaining control over far-flung territories and brought regional stability. It also integrated local chieftains into the empire’s political structure.

Conclusion:

The Amaranayaka system was a successful model that combined feudal military service with administrative efficiency, and it played a central role in the political and military strength of the Vijayanagara Empire. Quick Tip: For the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, focus on the key event of the Battle of Talikota and the internal factors such as weak leadership and internal rebellions. Regarding the Amaranayaka system, remember that it was an early form of decentralized military and administrative control that helped maintain stability.

The Ashokan inscriptions are among the most important sources for understanding the administration of Emperor Ashoka, who ruled the Mauryan Empire in the 3^rd century BCE. These inscriptions, found in various parts of India and neighboring regions, provide detailed information about his policies, governance, and values.

1. Administrative Structure:

The inscriptions mention the structure of the Mauryan administration, highlighting the role of local officials and the central authority. Ashoka’s inscriptions describe the different levels of governance, from regional officers to royal administrators, ensuring that the empire's vast territories were effectively managed.

2. Welfare and Law:

Ashoka’s inscriptions also provide insight into the legal and welfare measures taken during his reign. They discuss the establishment of law codes, regulations for moral conduct, and the promotion of public welfare. These laws were inscribed on pillars and rock edicts, which were publicly displayed to ensure that the general populace was informed.

3. Religious Influence:

The inscriptions are crucial for understanding Ashoka’s embrace of Buddhism after the Kalinga war. His edicts emphasize moral and ethical principles like nonviolence, religious tolerance, and respect for all living beings, reflecting the integration of Buddhist values into his administration.

Conclusion:

Thus, Ashokan inscriptions provide a unique and invaluable record of Ashoka's governance, laws, and philosophical views, making them the most significant sources for understanding his administrative system.


OR


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


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Solution:

The history of the Mauryan Empire has been reconstructed through a variety of sources, each offering different perspectives on the empire’s structure, culture, and administration.

1. Ashokan Inscriptions:

As discussed above, the \textit{Ashokan inscriptions are a key primary source, offering details about the administration, laws, and the emperor’s policies, particularly under Ashoka. These inscriptions are found in the form of rock edicts and pillar inscriptions.

2. Greek Accounts:

The writings of Greek historians like \textit{Megasthenes, who was an ambassador in Chandragupta Maurya’s court, provide important external perspectives on the Mauryan administration and the royal court. His work, \textit{Indica, although lost, is referred to in other ancient texts.

3. Buddhist Texts:

Buddhist sources, particularly the \textit{Ashvagosa’s Buddhacharita, and later Buddhist traditions provide insights into Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism, his support for the religion, and the spread of Buddhist ideas during his reign.

4. Archaeological Evidence:

Archaeological excavations in places like Pataliputra (modern Patna) and other Mauryan capitals provide evidence of the material culture, urban planning, and infrastructure of the Mauryan Empire. The discovery of \textit{Mauryan coinage also gives insights into the economy.

Conclusion:

The history of the Mauryan Empire is thus not limited to a single type of source but is constructed from a combination of inscriptions, foreign accounts, religious texts, and archaeological evidence. This diverse range of sources offers a comprehensive understanding of the empire. Quick Tip: When studying the Mauryan Empire, focus on the key sources like Ashokan inscriptions for governance, Greek accounts for external perspectives, and Buddhist texts for cultural and religious insights.

The familial relationships in the Mahabharata period were characterized by complex ties, and many of them reveal the intricate dynamics of power, loyalty, and social norms in ancient India. Several key aspects of family life during this time can be highlighted, especially through the Mahabharata's portrayal of familial structures.

1. Duty and Dharma:

In the Mahabharata, the concept of \textit{dharma (duty) played a crucial role in defining familial relationships. For example, the eldest son of a family was expected to protect and take care of the entire family, as seen in the character of Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava. His sense of duty towards his family and his adherence to dharma were central to his actions throughout the epic.

2. Role of Women:

Women had a significant role, though their rights were somewhat restricted. An example is \textit{Draupadi, who played a key role in the Mahabharata, yet faced the complex dynamics of multiple marriages (to the five Pandavas). Her role and treatment reflect the intricacies of familial roles, loyalty, and power during that time.

3. Sibling Relationships:

The Mahabharata highlights the relationships between siblings and their roles within the family. The rivalry between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, particularly the relationship between Duryodhana and Yudhishthira, reflects familial conflict. Their competition for the throne, and the contrasting values of loyalty and ambition, shaped the course of the epic.

4. Loyalty to the King or Kingdom:

Family loyalty was sometimes superseded by loyalty to the king or kingdom. For instance, Bhishma’s vow of celibacy and his commitment to his father, King Shantanu, overrode his familial desires, demonstrating how familial duty could conflict with personal desires and ambitions.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, familial relationships during the Mahabharata period were governed by concepts of duty, loyalty, and social norms that shaped the behavior of individuals within the family. These relationships were often complicated by duty to the state and moral responsibilities, as shown by key figures like Yudhishthira, Draupadi, and Bhishma.


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.


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Solution:

The statement refers to the changing nature of political power and kingship in India, especially during the 6^th century BCE. It highlights that political leadership was not solely determined by birthright (as Kshatriyas) but by an individual’s ability to gather support and resources. Several historical examples can illustrate this shift.

1. Rise of the Magadha Kingdom:

The rise of \textit{Magadha in the 6^th century BCE provides a key example of the importance of support and resources in securing political power. King Bimbisara of Magadha ascended the throne not only due to his royal lineage but also because of his political acumen in forming alliances with neighboring states and gaining control over strategic resources. His success laid the foundation for his dynasty's expansion.

2. Chandragupta Maurya:

A more prominent example is \textit{Chandragupta Maurya, who founded the Maurya Empire. Chandragupta was not born into a royal family but managed to rise to power through his intelligence, support from his teacher Chanakya, and by amassing resources. He defeated the Nanda Dynasty and established the Mauryan Empire, showcasing that power could be gained through strategic alliances, military strength, and the backing of influential figures.

3. Republics and Assemblies:

In the 6^th century BCE, there were numerous \textit{Mahajanapadas (republics) where leadership was not hereditary. The \textit{Lichchhavis of Vaishali, for example, practiced an elective monarchy. The leaders of these republics were chosen by the assembly of people or a council, thus challenging the conventional idea that kingship had to be inherited through Kshatriya lineage.

4. Darius I of Persia and Alexander the Great:

Another example is the Persian emperor \textit{Darius I and the Macedonian conqueror \textit{Alexander the Great. Both of these rulers were able to rise to power due to their ability to command military forces and resources, despite not being born into a traditional lineage of kings. Darius I expanded the Persian Empire through military conquest, while Alexander the Great's rise was due to his extraordinary leadership and military victories.

Conclusion:

Thus, during the 6^th century BCE onwards, political power and kingship were increasingly determined by an individual’s ability to gather support, military resources, and the ability to form strategic alliances, rather than solely by birthright as Kshatriyas. The examples of Magadha, Chandragupta Maurya, and republics like Vaishali highlight the changing dynamics of kingship during this period. Quick Tip: When studying political power during ancient India, focus on how kingship evolved from hereditary systems to more strategic forms of leadership. Key examples include the rise of Chandragupta Maurya and the functioning of republics like Vaishali.