SECTION C — ENGLISH
Q14. How can you say that the script of the Indus Valley Civilization was an enigmatic script?
Answer (~100 words):
The script of the Indus Valley Civilization remains enigmatic because it has not been deciphered despite extensive research. The inscriptions are very short, usually containing only a few signs, which prevents understanding of grammar or context. No bilingual inscription, such as a Rosetta Stone, has been found to assist interpretation. The symbols do not clearly correspond to any known ancient writing system, adding to the mystery. The script appears on seals, pottery, and terracotta objects but offers little linguistic continuity. Due to limited material, unknown language base, and lack of deciphering clues, the Harappan script remains undecoded.
Explanation:
Short inscriptions, no bilingual text, unique symbols, and lack of linguistic continuity make it “enigmatic.”
OR
How can you say that the most unique feature of Harappan Civilization was the development of urban centres?
Answer (~100 words):
The Harappan Civilization’s most unique feature was its planned urban centres. Cities like Harappa and Mohenjodaro were built on a grid layout with streets intersecting at right angles. They had advanced drainage systems, standardized bricks, and carefully designed residential and public areas. Structures such as the Great Bath, granaries, and citadels reflect strong civic administration. Uniformity in weights, measures, and construction materials across distant sites shows centralized planning. Such sophisticated urban design was unparalleled in contemporary civilizations. The scale, organization, and uniformity of Harappan towns clearly show that urban development was the hallmark of this civilization.
Explanation:
Harappan cities show advanced planning, sanitation, public buildings, and administrative control.
Q15. Discuss the growth of Sufism.
Answer (~100 words):
Sufism emerged as a spiritual movement within Islam emphasizing love, devotion, and a personal relationship with God. It grew from the 8th century onward and spread widely across West and South Asia. Sufi saints established khanqahs where disciples learned meditation, chanting, charity, and simple living. Various Sufi orders—such as the Chishti, Suhrawardi, Qadiri, and Naqshbandi—developed with distinctive practices. Sufism appealed to common people because it rejected rigid rituals and emphasized compassion and universal brotherhood. In India, Sufi saints interacted closely with local communities, which strengthened cultural harmony and helped the tradition spread rapidly.
Explanation:
Spiritual practices, Sufi orders, khanqahs, and inclusive teachings contributed to the growth of Sufism.
OR
Discuss the early traditions of Bhakti.
Answer (~100 words):
Early Bhakti traditions originated in South India between the 6th and 9th centuries CE through the Alvars, devotees of Vishnu, and the Nayanars, devotees of Shiva. They rejected ritual sacrifices and caste hierarchies, emphasizing personal devotion and emotional surrender to God. Bhakti saints composed hymns in Tamil, making religion accessible to ordinary people. The movement promoted equality and direct relationship with the divine. These teachings gradually spread across India, influencing later Bhakti figures like Kabir, Mirabai, and Tulsidas. Early Bhakti thus laid the foundation for a devotional culture centered on love, simplicity, and spiritual unity.
Explanation:
Bhakti promoted devotion, equality, vernacular hymns, and emotional connection with God.
Q16. Write a note on the revolt in Awadh in the context of the revolt of 1857.
Answer (~100 words):
Awadh was one of the most active centres of the Revolt of 1857. The British annexed Awadh in 1856, causing anger among soldiers, nobles, talukdars, and peasants. Traditional landholders lost authority, and heavy revenue demands increased discontent. When the revolt began, Awadh’s soldiers rebelled and supported Birjis Qadr, son of exiled Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. Cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Faizabad became strongholds of resistance. Participation of both rural and urban groups made the revolt intense and prolonged. Awadh symbolized collective resentment against British policies and played a crucial role in shaping the uprising.
Explanation:
Annexation, loss of privileges, and widespread unity made Awadh’s revolt powerful.
OR
What information do we get from the pictures related to the revolt of 1857?
Answer (~100 words):
Pictures of the 1857 revolt—paintings, engravings, newspaper illustrations—provide valuable insights into events, leaders, and public sentiments. They depict scenes such as the Siege of Delhi, battles of Kanpur and Lucknow, and heroic figures like Rani Lakshmibai and Nana Sahib. British pictures often portrayed rebels as violent “mutineers,” while Indian depictions highlighted bravery and patriotism. These visual sources reveal contrasting perspectives of colonizers and Indians. They also help understand weapons, uniforms, city layouts, and the emotional atmosphere of the revolt. Thus, images serve as important historical evidence beyond written records.
Explanation:
Visual sources show events, leaders, British bias, Indian resistance, and cultural context.
Q17. Which lists were made in the Constitution of India for the division of powers between the Central Government and the States? Explain.
Answer (~100 words):
The Constitution of India created three lists to divide powers between the Centre and States. The Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence, foreign affairs, banking, and communication. The State List covers matters like police, public health, agriculture, and local government. The Concurrent List includes subjects shared by both, such as education, forests, and marriage laws. This division ensures balanced federalism, prevents conflicts, and promotes administrative efficiency. While states have autonomy, the Centre retains authority over major national issues, creating a cooperative but strong federal structure.
Explanation:
Union, State, and Concurrent Lists form the basis of India’s federal division of powers.
OR
What kind of debate took place on the language issue in the Constituent Assembly? Explain.
Answer (~100 words):
Debates on the language issue were intense and emotional. Many members wanted Hindi in Devanagari script to be India’s national language, arguing it represented the majority. Others supported Hindustani, a blend of Hindi and Urdu, as a more inclusive option. South Indian members strongly opposed imposing Hindi, fearing marginalization and administrative challenges. Some argued English should continue for official purposes. After long discussions, a compromise was achieved: Hindi became the official language, while English would remain in use for a transitional period. This balanced India’s linguistic diversity with national unity.
Explanation:
Debate centred on Hindi vs. Hindustani vs. English, regional autonomy, and national identity.