Commerce (English Medium) Class 12 - CBSE Question Bank Solutions for History

Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.

The flight of the written word

In Abu’l Fazl’s words:

The written word may embody the wisdom of bygone ages and may become a means to intellectual progress. The spoken word goes to the heart of those who are present to hear it. The written word gives wisdom to those who are near and far. If it was not for the written word, the spoken word would soon die, and no keepsake would be left us from those who are passed away. Superficial observers see in the letter a dark figure, but the deep sighted see in it a lamp of wisdom (chirag-i shinasai ). The written word looks black, notwithstanding the thousand rays within it, or it is a light with a mole on it that wards off the evil eye. A letter (khat) is the portrait of wisdom; a rough sketch from the realm of ideas; a dark light ushering in day; a black cloud pregnant with knowledge; speaking though dumb; stationary yet travelling; stretched on the sheet, and yet soaring upwards.

1. Why were words considered as the lamp of wisdom?    
2. How has Abul Fazal related words with knowledge?    
3. How did Abul Fazal refer to the difference between a ‘common viewer's observation’ and the ‘observation of a learned person?    

Match the following and select the correct option.

“Be lamps unto yourselves as all of you must work out your own liberation.” Identify the essence of the words of Buddha from the options given below.

Which one of the following languages was favored by Gandhiji as the national language?

"Art and Literature as much as the writing of history have helped in keeping alive the memory of 1857." Explain the statement in reference to Rani Lakshmibai.

How did Gandhiji try to bring peace in various areas after the independence of India? Explain.

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched? 

Describe the main teachings of Buddhism.

Analyse the features of the sacred centre of 'Vijaynagar Empire'. 

Identify the given image of a temple from the following options: 

Who among the following rulers rebuilt 'Sudarshan Lake'? 

Describe any three features of ancient numismatics.

Examine the position of Zamindars in the Mughal Village Society.

Identify the craft centres related to the Harapan civilization with the help of the given information.

Answer in 100-150 words

Discuss the evidence of craft production in Early Historic cities. In what ways is this different from the evidence from Harappan cities?

Write a short essay (about 500 words) on the following:

This is what a famous historian of Indian literature, Maurice Wintemitz, wrote about the Mahabharata: “Just because the Mahabharata represents more of an entire literature…. and contains so many kinds of things….(it) give(s) us an insight into the most profound depths of the soul of the Indian folk.” Discuss.

Answer in 100-150 words

Why do you think women and men joined the sangha?

Map work

On an outline world map, mark the areas to which Buddhism spread. Trace the land and sea routes from the subcontinent to these areas.

Answer in100-150 words

What were the similarities and differences between the be-shari‘a and ba-shari‘a sufi traditions? 

Write a short essay (about 250-300 words) on the following:

Discuss the major beliefs and practices that characterised Sufism.