CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 History Set 2 with Solutions 2023-24

CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) Sample Papers for Class 11 History are typically designed to help students prepare for their upcoming examinations. These sample papers are created by experts and are meant to simulate the format and difficulty level of the actual Class 11 History exam.

The sample papers cover various topics and chapters from the Class 11 History curriculum, allowing students to practice and assess their knowledge. They often include multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, long-answer questions, and source-based questions to provide a comprehensive review of the subject matter.

CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 History Set 2 with Solutions

Time : 3 Hours Maximum Marks: 70

Section-A Objective Type Questions

1. Which was the first known language of Mesopotamia? [1]

(A) German
(B) Japanese
(C) Urdu
(D) Sumerian

Option (D) is correct.

2. The Greeks are represented by which of the following words? [1]

(A) Hellenes
(B) Ahoms
(C) Marines
(D) None of the above

Option (A) is correct.

3. Which of these is a source for the reconstruction of history of the Mesopotamians? [1]

(A) Mathematical texts
(B) Archaeological remains
(C) Water resources
(D) None of these

Option (B) is correct.

4. What constituted the heart of Roman Empire? [1]

(A) Sahara Desert
(B) The Mediterranean Sea
(C) Rhine River
(D) Agriculture

Option (B) is correct.

5. Assertion (A): Scandinavian merchants were sailing south from the North Sea to exchange furs and hunting- hawks for cloth; English traders came to sell tin.

Reason (R): The ‘guild hall’ was a feature of every town; it was a building for ceremonial functions, and where the heads of all the guilds met formally.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect
(D) (A) is incorrect but (R) is correct

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

6. How have the sedentary societies characterised nomads? [1]

(A) Pastorals
(B) Herdsmen
(C) Primitive Barbarians
(D) Mongols

Option (C) is correct.

7. Fill in the blank.

Mongols imported ………………….. from China. [1]
(A) Horses
(B) Gold
(C) Diamonds
(D) Nickel

Option (A) is correct.

8. Who was responsible for the introduction of feudalism in England? [1]

(A) The French King William
(B) The Russian King William
(C) King Louis XVI
(D) Pope

Option (A) is correct.

9. The Warka Head was recovered from which of the following places? [1]

(A) Uruk
(B) Damascus
(C) Constantinople
(D) Ashar

Option (A) is correct.

10. The Church was granted the power to take one-tenth of the peasants total produce over the course of a year, known as: [1]

(A) Taille
(B) Toll
(C) Tithe
(D) Franks

Option (C) is correct.

11. Who was Petrarch? [1]

(A) A great poet and historian of France
(B) A great poet and historian of Italy
(C) A great poet and historian of Australia
(D) A philanthropist of France.

Option (B) is correct.

12. I was a famous painter of Italy who painted the below-given painting. My city was known by my name and work. Identify me. [1]

(A) Michelangelo
(B) Giotto De Bondone
(C) Leonardo Da Vinci
(D) Picasso

Option (B) is correct.

13. About which of the following subjects is Ptolemy’s Almagest: [1]

(A) Geometry
(B) Astrology
(C) Science
(D) Geography

Option (B) is correct

14. What do you understand by “The Great Australian Silence”? [1]

(A) Electrifying lecture given by the anthropologist W.E.H. Stanner in 1968
(B) A mourning ceremony
(C) Battle between Australia and France
(D) Both (B) and (C)

Option (A) is correct.

15. Choose the correct option.

Cherokees were an American ………………….. . [1]
(A) Elite
(B) Tribe
(C) Native
(D) Settlers

Option (B) is correct.

16.Workers who provided cheap labour in Australia were – [1]

(A) Chinese immigrants
(B) African slaves
(C) Australian aborigine
(D) Indian labourers

Option (A) is correct.

17. Indicate which of the following options is not correct: [1]

(A) China is a small continental country that has the same climate throughout the year.
(B) Chinese food reflects its regional diversity with at least four distinct types.
(C) Japan lacks a tradition of animal rearing.
(D) In eastern China, both rice and wheat are eaten.

Option (A) is correct.

18. What is the correct chronology? [1]

(i) The Chinese Communist Party founded
(ii) First Opium War
(iii) Meiji Restoration
(iv) Long March
(A) (ii), (iii), (i) & (iv)
(B) (i), (ii), (iii) & (iv)
(C) (iii), (ii), (i) & (iv)
(D) (iv), (i), (iii) & (ii)

Option (A) is correct.

19. Guomindang’s political philosophy was based on …………………… ideas. [1]

(A) Sun Yat Sen
(B) Mao Zedong
(C) Zhou Enlai
(D) Toju

Option (A) is correct.

20. Who used the term ‘Expel Asia’? [1]

(A) Fukuzawa Zukichi
(B) Fukuzawa Yukichi
(C) Fukuva Yukichi
(D) Fukuzawa Lukichi

Option (B) is correct.

21. What form of government was established by the Meiji Constitution? [1]

(A) Absolute Monarchy with a Parliament
(B) Communalism
(C) Parliamentary form of government
(D) Dictatorship

Option (A) is correct.

Section-B Short answer Type Questions

22. Briefly mention the salient features of town planning of the city of Ur. [3]

Salient Features of Ur’s Town Planning:

1. Division: Ur was tripartite, comprising:
   • Sacred area: Housing the grand ziggurat and dedicated temples, forming the religious center.
   • Walled city: Densely populated residential area protected by mudbrick walls, featuring narrow streets and clustered houses.
   • Outer town: Spread beyond the walls, encompassing agricultural and industrial activities.
2. Water Management: A sophisticated network of canals and drains ensured:
   • Flood control: Protecting the city from inundation.
   • Irrigation: Supporting agriculture and sustaining the population.
   • Domestic use: Supplying water for daily needs.
3. Advanced Infrastructure:
   • Mudbrick construction: A common and durable material for walls and houses.
   • Planned streets: Facilitating efficient movement within the city.
   • Fortifications: Walls and towers safeguarding the city’s perimeter.
4. Thriving Economy:
   • Fertile land: Supporting agriculture and trade essential for the city’s prosperity.
   • Developed trade networks: Connecting Ur to other Mesopotamian cities and beyond.
   • Specialized craft and industries: Contributing to the city’s economic diversity.

OR

What do you know about the temple construction in southern Mesopotamia? [3]

Temple construction in southern Mesopotamia was a significant aspect of their civilization, serving as:

Religious centers: Dedicated to specific deities, they housed statues, altars, and other ritualistic objects. Public ceremonies and offerings were held there to appease the gods and seek blessings.

Economic hubs: Temples often controlled vast lands and resources, employing people for agriculture, trade, and construction. They functioned as economic centers, storing and distributing goods.

Administrative centers: High priests held significant power, often advising rulers and influencing societal norms. Temples sometimes housed administrative records and functioned as centers of learning.

Architectural marvels: Temples showcased advanced architectural techniques, often featuring:

• Ziggurats: Stepped pyramid structures symbolizing the link between heaven and earth, serving as temples and astronomical observatories.
• Mudbrick: The primary building material, often decorated with glazed bricks and sculptures.
• Complex layouts: Multiple courtyards, chambers, and sanctuaries served specific functions within the temple complex.

23.Describe the life of the Christian monks in a monastery during the medieval period in Europe. [3]

The life of a Christian monk in a medieval European monastery was one of devotion, discipline, and community. While specific practices varied amongst different orders and regions, here’s a general picture:

Daily Routine:

• Strict schedule: Days revolved around prayer, manual labor, and study.
• Early rise: Monks awoke before dawn for prayers and meditation.
• Church services: Regular masses and communal prayers formed the core of their spiritual life.
• Manual labor: Time was dedicated to maintaining the monastery, farming, or crafting goods.
• Study: Some engaged in scholarly pursuits, copying and translating texts, or writing their own.
• Meals: Simple and communal, often vegetarian with periods of fasting.
• Silence: Maintained at specific times or throughout the day depending on the order.
• Sleep: Limited hours at night in shared dormitories.

Vows and Monastic Life:

• C vows: Monks took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, renouncing worldly possessions and desires.
• Simple living: Possessions were minimal, and clothing was plain and practical.
• Asceticism: Some orders practiced additional austerities like self-flagellation or limited sleep.
• Hierarchy: Abbots led the monastery, followed by priors and other officials.
• Community: Monks relied on each other for support and spiritual growth.

Contributions and Challenges:

• Preservation of knowledge: Monks copied and preserved ancient texts, contributing to learning and literacy.
• Medical care: Some monasteries offered medical services to the surrounding communities.
• Missionary work: Certain orders sent monks to convert and spread Christianity.
• Challenges: Monastic life could be isolating, monotonous, and physically demanding.
• Internal disputes: Power struggles and doctrinal disagreements sometimes arose within orders.

24. Describe the contributions made by the Arabs in the fields of science and philosophy. [3]

Contributions of Arabs in Science and Philosophy:

The Golden Age of Islam (roughly 8th-13th centuries) witnessed remarkable advancements in science and philosophy due in no small part to the intellectual contributions of Arab scholars. Here are some key areas where they made significant impacts:

Science:

• Mathematics: Introduced the Hindu-Arabic numeral system (including the concept of zero), revolutionizing numeracy and mathematical calculations.
• Astronomy: Developed sophisticated astronomical instruments (astrolabes) and made crucial observations, contributing to the understanding of the solar system and celestial bodies.
• Medicine: Compiled and expanded upon existing medical knowledge, leading to advancements in surgery, anatomy, and pharmacy. Notably, Ibn Sina’s “Canon of Medicine” remained a medical textbook for centuries.
• Chemistry: Pioneered experiments and laid the foundation for modern chemistry through figures like Jabir ibn Hayyan, known as the “father of chemistry.”
• Physics: Contributed to optics, mechanics, and motion analysis, influencing later European scientists like Galileo Galilei.

Philosophy:

• Blended Greek, Indian, and Persian philosophies: Created a unique intellectual synthesis, fostering dialogue and critical thinking.
• Emphasized rationalism and empiricism: Advocated for logic and observation as tools for understanding the world, paving the way for scientific progress.
• Key figures: Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Ibn Sina (Avicenna), and Al-Farabi made significant contributions to logic, metaphysics, and ethics, influencing both Islamic and Western philosophical thought.
• Preserved and translated ancient texts: Played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the works of Aristotle, Plato, and other classical philosophers, later rediscovered and studied in Europe during the Renaissance.

25. Describe the early encounters of the natives with the Europeans in the 17th century. [3]

The 17th century witnessed numerous encounters between European explorers, colonists, and traders with diverse indigenous cultures across the globe. These encounters were complex and varied greatly depending on specific contexts, often marked by a mix of:

Positive Interactions:

• Trade and Exchange: Indigenous peoples sometimes engaged in mutually beneficial trade, exchanging resources, goods, and knowledge. In some cases, Europeans relied on native expertise for survival and navigation.
• Cultural Exchange: Curiosity and interactions led to cultural exchanges, sharing customs, languages, and beliefs. In rare cases, cooperative relationships and even alliances formed.
• Missionary Work: While often accompanied by coercion, some missionaries genuinely aimed to spread Christianity and improve native lives, learning languages and promoting literacy.

Negative Interactions:

• Disease and Warfare: Europeans unknowingly brought devastating diseases that decimated native populations, while armed conflicts arose over land, resources, and cultural clashes.
• Exploitation and Enslavement: Europeans often exploited native labor and resources, resorting to brutal practices like forced labor, slavery, and massacres.
• Cultural Imposition: Efforts to convert natives often disregarded their existing spiritual beliefs and cultural practices, leading to cultural erosion and resistance.

26. Why did American empires of Spain and Portugal did not expand after 17th century? [3]

Several factors contributed to the decline of Spanish and Portuguese colonial expansion after the 17th century:

Economic factors:

• Drain of resources: Both empires prioritized sending precious metals like gold and silver back to Europe, neglecting investment in infrastructure and diversification of their economies. This made them vulnerable to external economic shocks and limited internal development.
• Competition from other European powers: England, France, and the Netherlands emerged as strong maritime rivals, challenging their dominance in trade routes and establishing their own colonies.
• Inefficient administration: Corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and lack of economic reforms hampered internal growth and hindered their ability to compete effectively.

Internal political issues:

• Dynastic struggles and political instability: Frequent changes in ruling dynasties and internal power struggles weakened their political stability and undermined long-term planning.
• Loss of national identity and purpose: After initial conquests, the empires lacked a clear vision for governing diverse populations and integrating them into a cohesive national identity.

Social and cultural factors:

• Rigid social hierarchies: Rigid class structures limited social mobility and stifled innovation, hindering economic and social development.
• Religious intolerance: The dominant Catholic Church suppressed other religions and discouraged independent thinking, limiting intellectual progress and adaptability.
• Neglect of education and science: Focusing on religious indoctrination and neglecting scientific advancements left them behind in technology and military capabilities compared to their rivals.

27. Explain the emperor system which prevailed in Japan. [3]

The emperor system in Japan, historically known as the Tenno system, has held a unique and complex position throughout the country’s history. Here’s an explanation:

Origins and Historical Evolution:

• Mythological Roots: The emperor’s lineage is traced back to the sun goddess Amaterasu, establishing a divine origin and legitimacy.
• Early Periods: Emperors held both religious and political authority, but real power often resided with aristocratic clans and military rulers like Shoguns.
• Meiji Restoration (1868): This pivotal event restored the emperor to a central position as a symbolic head of state, consolidating power under a centralized government.
• Constitutional Monarchy (1889): The Meiji Constitution formalized the emperor’s position as a sacred and inviolable sovereign, wielding ultimate authority over the military and state affairs.
• World War II and Post-War Reforms: While the emperor remained nominally above politics, the defeat in the war led to revisions in the constitution, stripping him of his divinity and reducing his role to a symbolic and ceremonial one.

Key Features of the System:

• Symbolic Figure: The emperor represents the unity and tradition of the Japanese nation, serving as a national symbol rather than an active political leader.
• State Shinto: Though officially separate from religion, the emperor traditionally performed rituals associated with State Shinto, blurring the lines between religion and state.
• Limited Political Power: The emperor’s powers are strictly defined by the constitution, mainly limited to approving laws and performing ceremonial duties.

OR

Discuss the political system under Tokugawa Shogun. [3]

The Tokugawa Shogunate, led by the Tokugawa clan, ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. It established a unique political system known as the Bakufu, characterized by:

Feudalism with Centralized Control:

• Shogun as Military Leader: The Shogun, based in Edo (present-day Tokyo), held ultimate military power and authority over Daimyo, provincial lords who ruled over hereditary domains (han).
• Daimyo Autonomy with Restrictions: Daimyo had significant autonomy within their domains, collecting taxes and administering their own affairs. However, the Shogunate enforced strict regulations like the Sankin Kottai system, requiring Daimyo to spend alternate years in Edo and their domains, limiting their ability to rebel.
• Samurai Class: Samurai served as the warrior class, ensuring internal security and supporting the Shogunate. They received stipends from Daimyo and were bound by a strict code of conduct (Bushido).

Social Hierarchy and Control:

• Strict Class System: Society was divided into rigid classes: Samurai, Farmers, Artisans, and Merchants. Social mobility was almost impossible, ensuring stability and control.
• Control of Information and Trade: The Shogunate controlled information flow and restricted foreign trade, limiting external influences and promoting internal stability.
• Confucianism as Ideology: Confucian values of social harmony, loyalty, and obedience were emphasized, reinforcing the existing social order.

Key Features and Impact:

• Stability and Prosperity: The system brought over 250 years of relative peace and economic prosperity, fostering cultural development and artistic flourishing.
• Isolationism (Sakoku): The Shogunate pursued a policy of isolation, restricting foreign contact and trade, protecting its power but hindering technological and cultural exchange.
• Internal Tensions: Growing economic disparities, merchant class influence, and resentment towards the rigid system eventually led to internal pressures for reform and ultimately, the overthrow of the Shogunate in the Meiji Restoration.

Section C Long Answer Type Questions.

28. Throw some light on the slavery prevalent in the Roman Empire. [8]

While the Roman Empire boasted remarkable achievements in architecture, law, and engineering, its societal fabric was deeply woven with the inhumane practice of slavery. Here’s a glimpse into this complex and troubling aspect of Roman history:

Prevalence and Sources:

• Widespread: Estimates suggest up to 40% of Italy’s population and 20% across the empire were enslaved at its peak.
• Diverse Origins: Slaves came from conquered populations, debt bondage, piracy, and internal slave markets.
• Types of Slaves: Urban slaves often served in domestic roles, skilled trades, or administration. Rural slaves toiled in mines, agriculture, and other harsh labor.

Life Under the Yoke:

• No Legal Rights: Slaves were considered property, denied basic rights, and subject to their owner’s absolute control.
• Brutal Treatment: Physical punishment, branding, and even execution were common, often exceeding legal limits.
• Few Paths to Freedom: Manumission (granting freedom) was possible but rare, usually requiring exceptional service or owner’s benevolence.

Economic Contributions:

• Essential in Various Sectors: Slaves played a crucial role in agriculture, mining, domestic work, construction, and entertainment.
• Fueling the Economy: Their labor generated significant wealth for the empire, enriching elite citizens.
• Social Hierarchy: Ownership of slaves was a mark of wealth and status, perpetuating the system.

Ethical Debates and Resistance:

• Stoic Philosophers: While some like Seneca questioned the ethics of slavery, their voices were rarely heard outside philosophical circles.
• Slave Rebellions: Spartacus’ rebellion (73-71 BCE) posed a major challenge, highlighting the brutality and injustice of the system.
• Limited Reforms: Some emperors introduced mild reforms, but the institution remained fundamentally unchanged.

Legacy and Reflections:

• Enduring Impact: Slavery shaped Roman society, influencing legal systems, social norms, and economic structures.
• Lessons for Today: Understanding this dark chapter serves as a reminder to fight against all forms of exploitation and advocate for human rights.

OR

How the third-century crisis was different than the first and second centuries a period of peace? [8]

The Roman Empire underwent a dramatic shift from the relatively peaceful and prosperous eras of the 1st and 2nd centuries CE (known as the Pax Romana) to the tumultuous 3rd century CE, marked by the Crisis of the Third Century. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Political stability:

• Pax Romana: Stable leadership characterized by strong emperors like Augustus and Trajan, with relatively peaceful transitions of power.
• Crisis of the Third Century: Frequent assassinations, political instability, and short-lived emperors struggling to maintain control. An estimated 26 emperors ruled in just 50 years.

Military threats:

• Pax Romana: Expansion and consolidation of the empire’s borders, with fewer major military challenges.
• Crisis of the Third Century: Barbarian invasions from various groups like Franks, Goths, and Persians challenged the empire’s borders on multiple fronts simultaneously.

Economic prosperity:

• Pax Romana: Stable trade networks, flourishing cities, and economic growth thanks to efficient administration and taxation.
• Crisis of the Third Century: Economic crisis with inflation, debasement of currency, and decline in trade due to disruptions caused by instability and warfare.

Social cohesion:

• Pax Romana: Relative cultural integration and assimilation of conquered peoples, contributing to a sense of unity and stability.
• Crisis of the Third Century: Social unrest and discontent due to economic hardship, political turmoil, and increasing pressure from “outsiders.”

Administrative structure:

• Pax Romana: Efficient bureaucracy established by Augustus, providing centralized control and stability.
• Crisis of the Third Century: Breakdown of the administrative system due to political instability and lack of resources, leading to decentralization and inefficiency.

Impact on the empire:

• Pax Romana: A period of cultural flourishing, artistic development, and infrastructure projects, solidifying the empire’s power and prestige.
• Crisis of the Third Century: Nearly brought about the collapse of the empire, significantly weakening its power and influence, setting the stage for transformations in the later Roman Empire.

Additional notes:

• The Crisis of the Third Century wasn’t a sudden event but rather a culmination of various long-term problems that were exacerbated by specific triggers like plagues and economic pressures.
• The empire eventually survived the crisis under emperors like Aurelian and Diocletian, but it emerged forever changed, both politically and structurally.

By understanding these key differences, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the dramatic shift the Roman Empire experienced from peace to turmoil in the 3rd century CE and its lasting impact on history.

29. Describe the social and political background of the Mongols. [8]

The rise of the Mongol Empire, known for its rapid expansion and vast territory, was deeply rooted in the unique social and political background of the steppe nomadic communities they originated from. Here’s a glimpse into this fascinating world:

Nomadic Lifestyle:

• Pastoralism: Mongols subsisted on herding animals like horses, sheep, and cattle, constantly moving across the vast Eurasian steppes to find fresh pastures and water.
• Clan-based society: Kinship and clan affiliation were fundamental, with each clan led by a chieftain chosen for skill and leadership.
• Strong warrior culture: Self-reliance, horsemanship, and military prowess were highly valued, with constant training and competitions fostering a formidable fighting force.

Political Organization:

• Tribal confederations: Clans could unite under temporary alliances led by a powerful Khan, often based on merit and strength.
• Kurultai: Major decisions were made through councils (Kurultai) involving clan leaders, where debates and negotiations ensured collective input.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Leadership structures were not rigid, adapting to changing circumstances and individual capabilities.

Social Hierarchy:

• Patriarchal society: Men held leadership positions, but women played crucial roles in household management and contributed to the mobile lifestyle.
• Shared responsibility: Tasks were distributed based on skills and needs, fostering an interdependent community spirit.
• Limited social mobility: While merit could elevate individuals, class distinctions generally remained stable.

Religious Beliefs:

• Tengrism: Animistic and shamanistic beliefs held the sky god Tengri in high regard, emphasizing harmony with nature and respect for ancestors.
• Openness to other religions: Mongols readily adopted religious elements from conquered populations, including Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.

Factors Contributing to Rise:

• Military Prowess: Superb horsemanship, archery skills, and innovative tactics combined with disciplined organization made them formidable opponents.
• Leadership and Unity: Charismatic leaders like Genghis Khan united previously fragmented tribes, leveraging their nomadic adaptability for rapid conquests.
• Technological Advancements: Adoption of stirrups and composite bows, along with efficient communication systems, enhanced their military capabilities.

Impact on History:

• Mongol Empire: The largest contiguous land empire in history, connecting East and West, facilitating trade and cultural exchange.
• Cultural Diffusion: Spread of ideas, technologies, and artistic styles across vast regions, leaving a lasting impact on civilizations they encountered.
• Shifting Geopolitical Landscape: Reshaped the world map, paving the way for new kingdoms and empires in Eurasia.

OR

Mongolia has projected Genghis Khan as an iconic figure for forging national identity, along with carrying the nation into the future. Justify this statement with suitable arguments. [8]

Whether or not Genghis Khan is a suitable figure for forging national identity and leading Mongolia into the future is a complex and multifaceted issue with various arguments on both sides. Here’s a balanced perspective:

Arguments for:

• Unifying Symbol: Genghis Khan’s undeniable role in uniting scattered Mongol tribes and establishing the largest contiguous land empire in history serves as a potent symbol of Mongolian strength and unity, fostering national pride and identity.
• Historical Legacy: His achievements in military strategy, leadership, and organizational skills are celebrated as part of Mongolia’s rich historical heritage, offering valuable lessons for the present and future.
• Economic Growth: By promoting tourism and cultural exchange centered around Genghis Khan’s legacy, Mongolia can potentially attract investments and contribute to economic development.
• Global Recognition: Linking national identity to such a globally recognizable figure can raise Mongolia’s international profile and foster cultural understanding.

Arguments against:

• Controversial Figure: Genghis Khan’s conquests were accompanied by brutality and destruction, causing immense suffering and sparking debates about his suitability as a national hero.
• Oversimplification: Focusing solely on Genghis Khan risks overlooking the diverse cultural and historical tapestry of Mongolia, potentially excluding and marginalizing certain groups.
• Future-Oriented Approach: Emphasizing past achievements might overshadow contemporary challenges and aspirations, limiting the nation’s focus on building a future beyond its historical legacy.
• Ethical Concerns: Glorifying a ruler associated with violence and conquest might raise ethical concerns and contradict Mongolia’s commitment to peace and international cooperation.

Balancing the Perspectives:

• A nuanced approach recognizing Genghis Khan’s historical significance alongside his controversial aspects is crucial.
• Public education and open discussions can foster critical engagement with history and promote tolerance and understanding.
• Mongolia can leverage its rich cultural heritage while embracing diverse narratives and focusing on building a peaceful and prosperous future for all its citizens.

Ultimately, the decision of how to view and utilize Genghis Khan’s legacy rests with the Mongolian people. It’s an ongoing conversation that requires careful consideration of historical context, diverse perspectives, and national aspirations.

30.Describe the two roads to modernisation as adopted by Japan and China. [8]

The paths to modernization chosen by Japan and China in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were indeed quite distinct, shaped by diverse historical, cultural, and political factors. Let’s explore these “two roads”:

Japan: The Meiji Restoration and Westernization:

• Triggered by Western encroachment: Facing pressure from Western powers like the US and Britain, Japan underwent a radical transformation through the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
• Centralized leadership: The new emperor consolidated power, implementing rapid Westernization efforts in military, industry, education, and infrastructure.
• Selective adoption: Instead of blindly imitating the West, Japan carefully selected and adapted Western technologies and practices to suit its own cultural and social context.
• Preserving tradition: While adopting Western advancements, Japan emphasized preserving its unique cultural identity and national values.
• Rapid success: This blend of Westernization and tradition propelled Japan to become a major Asian power and later, a global industrial and military force.

China: Internal conflicts and hesitant reforms:

• Internal division: Unlike Japan’s unified leadership, China faced internal power struggles between the Qing Dynasty and various rebellions, hindering modernization efforts.
• Gradual reforms: Reforms like the Self-Strengthening Movement adopted Western technology for military modernization but resisted deeper social and political changes.
• Internal resistance: Traditionalists and vested interests often opposed reforms, slowing down modernization and hampering national unity.
• Foreign intervention: Widespread weakness allowed for foreign powers to carve out spheres of influence, further undermining China’s sovereignty and unity.
• Limited success: Modernization efforts failed to address deep-rooted structural problems, paving the way for revolutions and continued instability in the 20th century.

Key Differences:

• Pace and focus: Japan pursued rapid modernization with a centralized focus, while China’s attempts were gradual and piecemeal due to internal struggles.
• Depth of Westernization: Japan embraced deeper cultural and social changes alongside technology, while China primarily focused on military modernization.
• Role of tradition: Japan emphasized preserving its tradition while adopting Western elements, whereas China struggled to reconcile old and new approaches.

OR

Do you agree that Mao Zedong and the Communist party of China were successful in liberating China and laying the basis of its current success? [8]

Whether Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China (CPC) were successful in liberating China and laying the groundwork for its current success is a complex issue with no easy answer. It requires examining both the positive and negative aspects of their rule while recognizing the multifaceted nature of “success.”

Arguments for:

• Ending foreign domination: The CPC, led by Mao, overthrew the Nationalist government and expelled foreign powers, ending a century of humiliation and restoring national sovereignty.
• Land reform: Early land reforms redistributed land from wealthy landlords to peasants, improving the lives of millions and reducing rural poverty.
• Unification and stability: After decades of war and division, the CPC established a unified and stable government, providing a foundation for further development.
• Early economic growth: China experienced rapid economic growth in the 1950s, laying the groundwork for future industrialization and modernization.
• Increased literacy and healthcare: Literacy rates and access to healthcare improved significantly under Mao’s rule.

Arguments against:

• Great Leap Forward (1958-1962): Mao’s radical economic policies led to widespread famine and millions of deaths, marking a devastating setback for the nation.
• Cultural Revolution (1966-1976): This decade-long political purge caused widespread social and economic disruption, persecution, and violence, leaving deep scars on Chinese society.
• Limited individual freedoms: Under Mao’s rule, individual freedoms were severely restricted, with harsh suppression of dissent and control over information.
• Personality cult and lack of succession planning: Mao’s cult of personality and lack of clear succession planning created instability and contributed to later political struggles.
• Unequal development: Economic growth under Mao primarily benefited urban areas, widening the gap between rural and urban populations.

Additional Considerations:

• Defining “liberation” and “success” is subjective and depends on individual perspectives and priorities.
• The long-term impact of Mao’s rule is still debated, with some arguing it laid the groundwork for China’s economic rise, while others emphasize its lasting negative consequences.
• China’s current success is a result of complex factors, including reforms and policies implemented after Mao’s death, making it difficult to attribute it solely to his legacy.

Conclusion:

Mao Zedong and the CPC played a significant role in shaping modern China, but their legacy is mixed. While they achieved some successes in unifying the country and improving the lives of some citizens, their rule also brought devastating tragedies and human rights abuses. Ultimately, evaluating their success requires acknowledging both sides of the equation and recognizing the intricate historical context that shaped China’s trajectory.

Section-D Source-based Questions

31. Read the below passage and answer the following questions.

In India, early stone seals were stamped. In Mesopotamia until the end of the first millennium BCE, cylindrical stone seals, pierced down the center, were fitted with a stick and rolled over wet clay so that a continuous picture was created. They were carved by very skilled craftsmen, and sometimes carry writing: the name of the owner, his god, his official position, etc. A seal could be rolled on clay covering the string knot of a cloth package or the mouth of a pot, keeping the contents safe. When rolled on a letter written on a clay tablet, it became a mark of authenticity. So the seal was the mark of a city dweller’s role in public life.
(a) Who carved the seals during Mesopotamian civilisation? [1]
(b) What do you see on each of the seals? [1]
(c) What does the inscribed sign describe? [2]

(a) Skilled craftsmen carved the seals in the Mesopotamian civilisation.
(b) The seal depicts a continuous picture which was probably rolled on clay.
(c) The inscribed sign carries the name of the owner, his God, his official position, etc. The seal was the mark of a city dweller’s role in public life.

32. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

From the ninth century, there were frequent localised wars in Europe. The amateur peasant soldiers were not sufficient, and good cavalry was needed. This led to the growing importance of a new section of people-the knights. They were linked to the lords, just as the latter were linked to the king. The lord gave the knight a piece of land (called ‘fief’) and promised to protect it. The fief could be inherited. It extended to anything between 1,000 and 2,000 acres or more, including a house for the knight and his family, a church and other establishments to house his dependants, besides a watermill and a wine press. As in the feudal manor, the land of the fief was cultivated by peasants. In exchange, the knight paid his lord a regular fee and promised to fight for him in war. To keep up their skills, knights spent time each day fencing and practising tactics with dummies.

A knight might serve more than one lord, but his foremost loyalty was to his own lord. In France, from the twelfth century, minstrels travelled from manor to manor, singing songs which told stories-partly historical, partly invented about brave kings and knights. In an age when not too many people could read and manuscripts were few, these traveling bards were very popular. Many manors had a narrow balcony above the large hail where the people of the manor gathered for meals. This was the minstrels’ gallery, from where singers entertained nobles while they feasted.
(a) Who has written these lines? [1]
(b) To whom is the Knight referring? [1]
(c) Who were the Knights? What were their duties? [2]

(a) These lines were written by a 13th-century French poet (Doon de Mayence), recounting the adventures of the knights.
(b) The knight is referring to his lord.
(c) Knights were professional mounted warriors.

33. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Following the research of David Ayalon, recent work on the yasa, the code of law that Genghis Khan was supposed to have promulgated at the quilt of 1206, has elaborated on the complex ways in which the memory of the Great Khan was fashioned by his successors. In its earliest formulation, the term was written as yasaq which meant ‘law’, ‘decree’ or ‘order’. Indeed, the few details that we possess about the yasaq concern administrative regulations: the organisation of the hunt, the army, and the postal system. By the middle of the thirteenth century, however, the Mongols had started using the related term yasa in a more general sense to mean the ‘legal code of Genghis Khan’
(a) What was yasa? [1]
(b) What are some of the subjects concerning the yasaq? [1]
(c) Which term was started to be used as the “Legal Code of Genghis Khan” by the middle of thirteenth century? What term was used for representing Genghis Khan? [2]

(a) Yasa was initially written as ‘yasaq’, which meant law, decree or order. Over time, the term evolved to also represent the ‘Legal Code of Genghis Khan’.
(b) Some of the subjects concerning the yasaq included administrative regulations related to the organization of the hunt, the army, and the postal system.
(c) The term ‘Yasa’ was started to be used as the “Legal Code of Genghis Khan” by the middle of the thirteenth century. Genghis Khan was represented by the term ‘Great Khan’.

Section-E Map-based Questions

34. On a given map of Italy mark five major cities of Italy which has experienced the golden era of the Renaissance. [5]