Class 12 History – Section C (Long Answer Questions, English Only, ~100 Words Each)
Q16A. From which sources is information about the Maurya Dynasty obtained?
Answer (~100 words): Information about the Mauryan Empire comes from archaeological, literary and foreign sources. Ashokan edicts engraved on rocks and pillars reveal his policies and administrative system. Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Megasthenes’ Indica, Buddhist and Jain chronicles like Mahavamsa and Divyavadana, and archaeological remains at Pataliputra provide evidence of political, economic and urban life during the Mauryan period.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Q16B. Write about the major political centers of the Maurya Empire.
Answer (~100 words): The Mauryan Empire had several important political centers, each serving administrative and strategic functions. Pataliputra was the imperial capital and administrative hub. Taxila in the northwest controlled frontier provinces and trade routes, while Ujjain served as the western headquarters. Tosali and Suvarnagiri were provincial centers overseeing governance, defense and revenue collection.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Q17A. Explain the main teachings of Buddhist Philosophy.
Answer (~100 words): Buddha’s teachings revolve around the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. He taught that suffering exists, desire is its cause, cessation of desire ends suffering, and the Eightfold Path leads to nirvana. Buddhism emphasizes morality, meditation and wisdom. The ideals of non-violence, compassion and moderation form the essence of Buddhist philosophy.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Q17B. How did Vaishnavism develop?
Answer (~100 words): Vaishnavism evolved as the worship of Vishnu and his incarnations like Rama and Krishna spread through devotional movements. The Bhagavad Gita and Puranas popularized the concept of bhakti (devotion). Temples and Vaishnava sects emerged during the Gupta period, promoting personal devotion, moral duty and the idea of divine preservation of the universe.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Q18A. In Mughal India, it was sometimes difficult to differentiate between peasants and artisans. Discuss.
Answer (~100 words): In Mughal India, many peasants were also engaged in craft production. Agricultural families wove cloth, made tools, and produced goods during non-harvest seasons. They combined farming and handicrafts to supplement income. This overlap between agriculture and artisanal work blurred the distinction between peasants and artisans, showing a mixed rural economy.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Q18B. Discuss the function of Panchayat in Mughal India.
Answer (~100 words): The village Panchayat in Mughal India was a local self-governing institution managing rural affairs. It resolved disputes, maintained order, and coordinated tax collection. It consisted of village elders led by a headman (Muqaddam) and assisted by the patwari. Panchayats served as key social, judicial, and administrative units in the countryside.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Q19A. How did the movement of 1857 start? Describe.
Answer (~100 words): The Revolt of 1857 began with sepoy discontent over greased cartridges rumored to contain cow and pig fat, which hurt Hindu and Muslim sentiments. Deep-seated resentment against British policies, annexations, and economic exploitation intensified unrest. On 10 May 1857, sepoys at Meerut rebelled and marched to Delhi, declaring Bahadur Shah II emperor.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Q19B. Why were people believing the rumours of 1857?
Answer (~100 words): Rumours during 1857 spread rapidly due to fear and mistrust of British intentions. People believed that the British planned to destroy Indian religions by mixing bone dust in flour and greasing cartridges with animal fat. Religious sensitivities, social tension, and poor communication made such rumours credible and fuelled the revolt.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————