SOURCE BASED QUESTIONS
Class 12 | History | Book 1,2 & 3
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Chapter 4
Source 1
Here are two verses from the Rigveda invoking Agni, the god of fire, often identified with the sacrificial fire, into which
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offerings were made so as to reach the other deities: Bring, O strong one, this sacrifice of ours to the gods,
O wise one, as a liberal giver. Bestow on us, O priest, abundant food. Agni, obtain, by sacrificing, mighty wealth for us.
Procure,
O Agni, for ever to him who prays to you (the gift of) nourishment, the wonderful cow. May a son be ours, offspring that
continues our line …
Verses such as these were composed in a special kind of Sanskrit, known as Vedic Sanskrit. They were taught orally to men
belonging to priestly families.
1. Apart from Agni, which deties are mainly 3. What were the objectives of performing sacrifices?
mentioned in Rigveda? 1M 2M
Ans- Soma, Indra, Varuna Ans-
▪ Abundant food, wealth, cows, sons, good
2. To whom Vedic Sanskrit was taught? 1M health, long life
Ans- Men from Pristly families
Source 2
Here is an excerpt from the Sutta Pitaka, describing a conversation between king Ajatasattu, the ruler of
Magadha, and the Buddha:
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On one occasion King Ajatasattu visited the Buddha and described what another teacher, named Makkhali
Gosala, had told him:
“Though the wise should hope, by this virtue … by this penance I will gain karma … and the fool should by the
same means hope to gradually rid himself of his karma, neither of them can do it. Pleasure and pain, measured
out as it were, cannot be altered in the course of samsara (transmigration). It can neither be lessened or
increased … just as a ball of string will when thrown unwind to its full length, so fool and wise alike will take
their course and make an end of sorrow.”
And this is what a philosopher named Ajita Kesakambalin taught: “There is no such thing, O king, as alms or
sacrifice, or offerings …
there is no such thing as this world or the next …
A human being is made up of the four elements. When he dies the earthy in him returns to the earth, the fluid
to water, the heat to fire, the windy to air, and his senses pass into space
… The talk of gifts is a doctrine of fools, an empty lie … fools and wise alike are cut off and perish. They do not
survive after death.”
The first teacher belonged to the tradition of the Ajivikas. They have often been described as fatalists: those
who believe that everything is predetermined. The second teacher belonged to the tradition of the Lokayatas,
usually described as materialists. Texts from these traditions have not survived, so we know about them only
from the works of other traditions.
sect? 1M
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1. Makkhali Gosala belonged to which heterodox 3. Describe one similarity and difference between
philosophy of Ajit Keshkamblin and Ajivik ? 2M
Ans- Ajivik Ans-
▪ Similarity – They both were against the
sacrifice and heavy rituals
2. What was the Philosophy of Ajivik? 1M ▪ Difference - Ajivik lived ascetic lives whereas
members of Lokayata focussed on life of
Ans- They believed that everything is pleasure
predetermined and humans can’t change
anything via any means
Source 3
This is an excerpt from the Sutta Pitaka, and contains the advice given by the Buddha to a wealthy householder named
Sigala:
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In five ways should a master look after his servants and employees … by assigning them work according to their strength,
by supplying them with food and wages, by tending them in sickness; by sharing delicacies with them and by granting
leave at times …
In five ways should the clansmen look after the needs of samanas (those who have renounced the world) and Brahmanas:
by affection in act and speech and mind, by keeping open house to them and supplying their worldly needs.
There are similar instructions to Sigala about how to behave with his parents, teacher and wife.
1. What is the source of this excerpt? 1M 3. As per the excerpt, how should one take care of
Samanas and Brahmanas? 2M
Ans- Sutta Pitaka
2. What did Buddha suggest Sigala about the Ans- Five ways were suggested and they are-
treatment of servants and employees?1M ▪ By affection in act
Ans- A master should ▪ Affection in speech
• Assign work according to strength of employee ▪ Affection in mind
• Supply them with food and wages ▪ Keeping house open for them
• Share delicacies with them ▪ Supplying worldly needs to them
• Grant leaves when needed
Source 4
When a new felt (blanket/rug) has been made by a bhikkhu, it is to be kept for (at least) six years. If after less than six
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years he should have another new felt (blanket/rug) made, regardless of whether or not he has disposed of the first,
then – unless he has been authorised by the bhikkhus – it is to be forfeited and confessed.
In case a bhikkhu arriving at a family residence is presented with cakes or cooked grain-meal, he may accept two or three
bowlfuls if he so desires. If he should accept more than that, it is to be confessed. Having accepted the two or three
bowlfuls and having taken them from there, he is to share them among the bhikkhus. This is the proper course here.
Should any bhikkhu, having set out bedding in a lodging belonging to the sangha – or having had it set out – and then on
departing neither put it away nor have it put away, or should he go without taking leave, it is to be confessed.
1. What is the source of this excerpt? 1M 3. How many pitakas are there in Buddhism?
Name them 2M
Ans- Vinaya Pitaka
Ans- Three
• Vinaya Pitaka
2. Who convinced Buddha to allow entry of
• Abhidhamma Pitaka
women in Sangh ? 1M
• Sutta Pitaka
Ans- Ananda
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Chapter 6
Source- 1
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This is an excerpt from a composition of an Alvar named Tondaradippodi, who was a
Brahmana:
You (Vishnu) manifestly like those “servants” who express their love for your feet,
though they may be born outcastes, more than
the Chaturvedins who are strangers and without allegiance to your service.
1. Alvars where the devotee of which 3. As per Tondaradipoddi, What is required to be liked
Indian diety ? 1M by lord Vishnu? 2M
Ans- In order to be likeable of Lord Vishnu, one
Ans- Lord Vishnu
should express love for his feet and become
an ardent devotee of lord Vishnu
2. What does the term Chaturvedin mean?
1M
Ans- The Knower of Four Vedas
Source- 2
This is an excerpt from a poem by Karaikkal Ammaiyar in which she describes herself:
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The female Pey (demoness) with . . . bulging veins, protruding eyes, white teeth and shrunken
stomach, red haired and jutting teeth lengthy shins extending till the ankles, shouts and wails
while wandering in the forest. This is the forest of Alankatu, which is the home of our father
(Shiva) who dances … with his matted hair thrown in all eight directions, and with cool limbs.
1. Kariakkal Ammaiyar belonged to 3. Why was Kariakkal Ammaiyaar so famous? Give
which of the following sect? 1M reasons. 2M
Ans- Nayanar Ans- Kariakkal Ammaiyar was the female
Nayanar saint.
• She was involved in extreme penance
2. Who lived in the forest of Alankatu? 1M • She went against the general perception of
women as per patriarchal norms
Ans- Lord Shiva
Source- 2
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After praising the one God … this lowly faqira (humble soul) Jahanara ... went from the capital Agra in the company of my
great father (Emperor Shah Jahan) towards the pure region of incomparable Ajmer … I was committed to this idea, that every
day in every station I would perform two cycles of optional prayer …
For several days ... I did not sleep on a leopard skin at night, I did not extend my feet in the direction of the blessed sanctuary
of the revered saving master, and I did not turn my back towards him. I passed the days beneath the trees.
On Thursday, the fourth of the blessed month of Ramzan, I attained the happiness of pilgrimage to the illuminated and the
perfumed tomb … With an hour of daylight remaining, I went to the holy sanctuary and rubbed my pale face with the dust of
that threshold. From the doorway to the blessed tomb I went barefoot, kissing the ground. Having entered the dome, I went
around the light-filled tomb of my master seven times … Finally, with my own hand I put the finest quality of itar on the
perfumed tomb of the revered one, and having taken off the rose scarf that I had on my head, I placed it on the top of the
blessed tomb ...
1. Name the source of this excerpt. 1M 3. Write a short description on Chishti Sufism? 2M
Ans-
Ans- Munis-al-Arwah • It was initiated by Khawja Moinuddin Chishti
• It has contributed largely in spread of Islam
2. Which shrine is here being mentioned? 1M • It adopted many regional features of India
• Notable saints- Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti,
Ans- Tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Nizamuddin Auliya, Qutubuddin Bhaktiyar Kaki,
Baba Fariduddin
Source- 3
Here is a composition attributed to Kabir:
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Tell me, brother, how can there be No one lord of the world but two? Who led you so astray?
God is called by many names: Names like Allah, Ram, Karim, Keshav, Hari, and Hazrat. Gold may
be shaped into rings and bangles. Isn’t it gold all the same? Distinctions are only words we
invent … Kabir says they are both mistaken. Neither can find the only Ram. One kills the goat,
the other cows. They waste their lives in disputation.
1. Where the verses associated with 3. What is the essence of this excerpt? 2M
Kabir are compiled? 1M
Ans- Kabir Bijak, Kabir Granthawali, Ans- God can be called by multiple name
Guru Granth Sahib but it is nothing but one.
2. Who is considered as the Guru of Sant
Kabir? 1M
Ans- Ramdas
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Chapter 15
Source 1
Well, Sir, I must congratulate Pandit Nehru for the fine expression he gave to the spirit of the Indian people when he said that no imposition
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from the British will be accepted by the Indian people. Imposition would be resented and objected to, he said, and he added that if need be we
will walk the valley of struggle. That is very good, Sir – bold words, noble words.
But the point is to see when and how are you going to apply that challenge. Well, Sir, the point is that the imposition is here right now. Not only
has the British Plan made any future Constitution … dependent on a treaty satisfactory to the Britisher but it suggests that for every little
difference you will have to run to the Federal Court or dance attendance there in England; or to call on the British Prime Minister Clement Attlee
or someone else. Not only is it a fact that this Constituent Assembly, whatever plans we may be hatching, we are under the shadow of British
guns, British Army, their economic and financial stranglehold – which means that the final power is still in the British hands and the question of
power has not yet been finally decided, which means the future is not yet completely in our hands. Not only that, but the statements made by
Attlee and others recently have made it clear that if need be, they will even threaten you with division entirely. This means, Sir, there is no
freedom in this country. As Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel put it some days ago, we have freedom only to fight among ourselves. That is the only
freedom we have got … Therefore, our humble suggestion is that it is not a question of getting something by working out this Plan but to declare
independence here and now and call upon the Interim Government, call upon the people of India, to stop fratricidal warfare and look out
against its enemy, which still has the whip hand, the British Imperialism – and go together to fight it and then resolve our claims afterwards
when we will be free.
1. Who is the narrator of this source? 1M 3. Which obstacles in framing the
constitution has been ? 2M
Ans- Somnath Lahiri Ans- In the presence of British multiple
obstacles were there in framing the
2. What concern is raised here in the excerpt? constitution-
1M • Final power was still in hands of British
Ans- The involvement of British during • Threat of Division was there
making of constitution. • Nehru had to negotiate with British,
even for minor changes
Source 2
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel said:
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It is no use saying that we ask for separate electorates, because it is good for us. We have heard it long enough.
We have heard it for years, and as a result of this agitation we are now a separate nation … Can you show me one
free country where there are separate electorates? If so, I shall be prepared to accept it. But in this unfortunate
country if this separate electorate is going to be persisted in, even after the division of the country, woe betide the
country; it is not worth living in. Therefore, I say, it is not for my good alone, it is for your own good that I say it,
forget the past. One day, we may be united … The British element is gone, but they have left the mischief behind.
We do not want to perpetuate that mischief. (Hear, hear). When the British introduced this element they had not
expected that they will have to go so soon. They wanted it for their easy administration. That is all right. But they
have left the legacy behind. Are we to get out of It or not ?
1. Who initiated the demand of separate 3. Was Sardar Patel against the separate
electorate in Constituent assembly of India? 1M electorates? Give reasons 2M
Ans- B Pocker Bahadur Ans- Yes he was
• He thought that separate electorate will
2. Why did British introduce separate increase the communal divide
electorate? 1M • He along with many leaders believed
that separate electorate played an
Ans- They wanted to divide Indian unity to important role in partition.
make the country easier for governance
Source 3
I believe separate electorates will be suicidal to the minorities and will do them tremendous harm. If they are
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isolated for ever, they can never convert themselves into a majority and the feeling of frustration will cripple them
even from the very beginning. What is it that you desire and what is our ultimate objective? Do the minorities
always want to remain as minorities or do they ever expect to form an integral part of a great nation and as such
to guide and control its destinies? If they do, can they ever achieve that aspiration and that ideal if they are
isolated from the rest of the community? I think it would be extremely dangerous for them if they were
segregated from the rest of the community and kept aloof in an air-tight compartment where they would have to
rely on others even for the air they breath … The minorities if they are returned by separate electorate can never
have any effective voice.
1. Who is the narrator of this source? 1M 3. Describe the negative consequences of
separate electorates highlighted by 2M
Ans- Govind Ballabh Pant
Ans- Yes he was
• He thought that separate electorate will
2. Why is narrator considering separate increase the communal divide
electorate as suicidal for minorities? 1M • He along with many leaders believed
that separate electorate played an
Ans- He believed that it would do more important role in partition.
harm to the minorities than will do benefit
to them.
Source 4
Welcoming the Objectives Resolution introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru, N.G. Ranga said:
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Sir, there is a lot of talk about minorities. Who are the real minorities? Not the Hindus in the so-called Pakistan provinces, not the Sikhs,
not even the Muslims. No, the real minorities are the masses of this country. These people are so depressed and oppressed and
suppressed till now that they are not able to take advantage of the ordinary civil rights. What is the position? You go to the tribal areas.
According to law, their own traditional law, their tribal law, their lands cannot be alienated. Yet our merchants go there, and in the so-
called free market they are able to snatch their lands. Thus, even though the law goes against this snatching away of their lands, still
the merchants are able to turn the tribal people into veritable slaves by various kinds of bonds, and make them hereditary bond-slaves.
Let us go to the ordinary villagers. There goes the money-lender with his money and he is able to get the villagers in his pocket. There is
the landlord himself, the zamindar, and the malguzar and there are the various other people who are able to exploit these poor
villagers. There is no elementary education even among these people. These are the real minorities that need protection and
assurances of protection. In order to give them the necessary protection, we will need much more than this Resolution ...
1. Who proposed the objective resolution and 3. Who are called the real minorities here
when? 1M and why? 2M
Ans- Jawahar Lal Nehru did on 13th Ans- The Poor Masses are called as the
December 1946 real minorities by N G Ranga. Because they
have very less share in the resources of
2. In this excerpt, what does the term “Free country and are often prone to the
market mean”? 1M exploitation of rich class.
Ans- It means existence of private
enterprises.
Source 5
A few months before his death Mahatma Gandhi reiterated his views on the language question:
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This Hindustani should be neither Sanskritised Hindi nor Persianised Urdu but a happy combination
of both. It should also freely admit words wherever necessary from the different regional languages
and also assimilate words from foreign languages, provided that they can mix well and easily with
our national language. Thus our national language must develop into a rich and powerful instrument
capable of expressing the whole gamut of human thought and feelings. To confine oneself to Hindi
or Urdu would be a crime against intelligence and the spirit of patriotism.
1. Which language was favoured by Mahatma 3. Why Hindustani could not become the
Gandhi to be the National language? 1M National language of India? 2M
Ans- Hindustani Ans- Because by the time of Independence,
it had highly been inclined towards
Sanskrit. Hence the element of communal
2. What made Hindustani language so much
harmony was missing.
acceptable? 1M
Ans- Because it promoted communal
harmony. It had elements from Sanskrit as
well as Persian.