Class 12 History – Section D (Essay Type Questions, English Only, ~250 Words Each)
Q20A. Which teachings of Baba Guru Nanak are relevant even today?
Answer (~250 words): Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, preached a universal message of equality, simplicity, and devotion to one God. He rejected caste discrimination, idol worship, and ritualism, teaching that true religion lies in honest living (kirat karni), sharing with others (vand chhakna), and remembering God (naam japna). He emphasized the dignity of labour and insisted that spiritual growth must go hand in hand with moral conduct. His concept of a formless God and fraternity of humankind transcends sectarian boundaries. Guru Nanak’s insistence on equality between men and women, his compassion for the poor, and his denunciation of hypocrisy remain timeless. In today’s divided and materialistic world, his principles of humility, truthfulness, service (seva), and communal harmony continue to guide humanity toward peace and social justice. His teachings form the ethical foundation of Sikhism and stand as a reminder of unity in diversity.
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Q20B. In your opinion, which ideas of Alvar and Nayanar saints influenced the people?
Answer (~250 words): The Alvar (Vaishnava) and Nayanar (Shaiva) saints of South India were key figures in the Bhakti movement from the 6th to 9th centuries CE. They composed devotional hymns in Tamil that brought religion closer to the common people. Rejecting Brahmanical exclusiveness, they taught that intense personal devotion (bhakti) was superior to ritual sacrifices. Their message of equality appealed to all classes—farmers, artisans, and women—thus creating a democratic spiritual culture. Through their poetry, temple hymns, and pilgrimages, they united diverse communities and regional cults. The saints stressed love for God, compassion for all beings, and moral integrity. Their compositions, later compiled as Divya Prabandham (Alvars) and Tevaram (Nayanars), helped popularize vernacular literature and temple traditions. The Bhakti movement initiated by them bridged caste divisions and prepared the ground for later devotional trends across India, deeply influencing Indian spirituality and social reform.
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Q21A. Quit India was genuinely a mass movement. Explain.
Answer (~250 words): The Quit India Movement of 1942 was a turning point in India’s struggle for independence. Launched by the Indian National Congress under Mahatma Gandhi’s call of ‘Do or Die,’ it urged the British to leave India immediately. Unlike earlier movements, it spread spontaneously across the country, involving students, workers, peasants, and even government employees. Though top leaders were arrested, people continued protests through strikes, sabotage of communication lines, and establishment of underground networks. Women played an active role—Aruna Asaf Ali, Usha Mehta, and Matangini Hazra became symbols of courage. The movement reflected India’s unified demand for complete independence. Though suppressed by force, it demonstrated the strength of popular nationalism and convinced the British that their rule could not last. The unity, sacrifice, and self-reliance it fostered marked the final phase of India’s freedom struggle.
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Q21B. Discuss the Civil Disobedience Movement in detail.
Answer (~250 words): The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934) was launched by Mahatma Gandhi following the Salt March to Dandi, protesting against the British monopoly on salt. It marked the second major phase of the national struggle after Non-Cooperation. Gandhi’s 240-mile march inspired millions to break unjust laws—making salt, boycotting foreign cloth, and refusing taxes. The movement united different social classes: peasants protested land revenue, merchants opposed British goods, and women joined picketing campaigns. Though the Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931 led to temporary suspension, the movement resumed when British repression continued. Civil Disobedience emphasized satyagraha, non-violence, and moral courage. It spread nationalist consciousness to rural India and exposed the exploitative nature of colonial rule. Despite partial failure, it strengthened Indian unity, prepared the nation for self-rule, and made independence inevitable within two decades.
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