CBSE Board Class 12 History Previous Year Question Papers 2005

HISTORY CLASS 12
Time allowed : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 100

General Instructions :
(i) Answer  all  the questions. Marks are indicated against each question.
(ii) Answers to questions carrying  2 marks should not exceed  30 words each.
(iii) Answers to questions carrying  5 marks should not exceed  100  words each.
(iv) Answers to questions carrying  8 marks should not exceed  250  words each.
(v) Attach the maps with the answer scripts.

1. Explain any two main achievements of Hyder Ali of Mysore. 2

2. What is meant by the ‘divide and rule’ policy of the British, pursued in India ? 2

3. Who was considered to be the spiritual guru of Swami Vivekananda ? Mention one of his
social reforms. 2

4. Explain the concept of Secularism as described in the Constitution. 5
OR
Explain why and when the Individual Satyagraha began. 4+1=5
5. Explain the main contributions of Lala Lajpat Rai to the nationalist struggle. Mention a
newspaper published by him. 4+1=5
OR
Examine the significance of the Swadeshi Movement of 1905 in the freedom struggle.
Mention any prominent leader who championed the cause of the movement outside
Bengal.

6. Describe the role of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the freedom struggle of India. 5
OR
Describe the role of Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan in social and religious awakening among
the Muslims.

7. Explain four main provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935. Mention one outcome
of the Act on Burma. 4+1=5
OR
Why were the Round Table Conferences held ? Explain the Congress’ response to the
First Round Table Conference.3

8. Examine  the  main  commonalities  between  the  Arya  Samaj   and  the  Satya  Shodhak
Samaj. Mention the main book authored by the founder of Arya Samaj. 4+1=5
OR
Explain the main characteristics of the Indian Association of 1876. Who were the two
founder members of this Association ?

9. Describe the main developments which compelled many Indian rulers to lead the Revolt
of 1857. Mention three main consequences of the Revolt. 5+3=8
OR
Describe the causes of the Santhal Rebellion of 1855. What were its long-term effects ?
How was the Rebellion suppressed by the British ? 4+2+2=8

10. Explain how the Battle of Buxar proved more decisive than the Battle of Plassey in the
establishment of the British rule in India. 8
OR
Explain the main provisions of the Regulating Act of 1773. Examine its limitations. 4+4=8

11. Analyse the circumstances under which the Simon Commission was appointed. Explain
its recommendations and the reasons for its failure. 2+3+3=8
OR
Read the following statement carefully and answer the questions that follow :
“To sound the order of retreat just when public enthusiasm was reaching the
boiling-point was nothing short of a national calamity. The principal lieutenants of the
Mahatmaji, Desbandhu Das, Pandit Motilal Nehru and Lala Lajpat Rai, who were all
in prison, shared the popular resentment.”
(i) In which context and by whom was this statement made ? 2
(ii) What was this ‘retreat’ ? 2
(iii) Critically examine the development which followed the so-called ‘retreat’. 4

12. On the given political outline map of  India  locate and label the following : 5
Any five main centres of the Revolt of 1857 in Southern India.
OR
On  the  given  political  outline  map  of  India  locate  and  label  the  places  where  the
Congress sessions were held in the following years :
1888,  1907,  1916,  1929,  1938
Write the names of five centres of the Revolt of 1857 in Southern India.
OR
Write the names of the places where the following Congress sessions were held :
1888, 1907, 1916, 1929, 1938
13. In what way did Japan violate the League of Nations in 1931 ? 2

14. Explain one main development which forced Italy to surrender during World War II. 2

15. Mention the nature of US intervention in the Iran-Iraq War. 2

16. Explain any characteristic of the writings of Bankim Chandra. 2
17. What is GATT ? 2

18. Mention any two main international broadcasting agencies. 2

19. Describe the main reasons for the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Who led
the Spanish Fascists ? 4+1=5
OR
What was the Great Depression ? Describe its three main causes. 2+3=5

20. Explain how the cause-effect approach is not a sufficient tool for writing contemporary
history. Give one example in support of your argument. 3+2=5
OR
Explain  the   terms   of the  Treaty  of Portsmouth  (1905)  between  Russia  and  Japan.
Explain its far-reaching implications for the Tsarist regime.

21. Examine the nature of the movement for democracy in China in the 1980s. Mention the
reaction of the authorities to the movement. 4+1=5
OR
What is apartheid ? Explain the nature of the movement against it in South Africa in the
late 20th century. 2+3=5

22. When did the World War II break out ? Explain its main causes. Discuss two main
consequences of the World War II on the world development. 1+5+2=8
OR
Examine the relations between the USSR and China after 1950. What were its effects ?
4+4=8

23. On the given outline map of  Europe  mark and show any three NATO member countries
and any two member countries of the Warsaw Pact. 3+2=5
OR
On the given outline map of  Europe  mark and show any five countries which were
members of the Warsaw Pact. 5