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Maharashtra Board HSC History Question Paper Solution 2025 (J-426)

Maharashtra Board HSC History Question Paper Solution 2025 (J-426)

HISTORY (38) - J-426

Maharashtra Board HSC Examination Solution - 2025
Max Marks: 80 | Time: 3 Hrs
Question Paper Page No. 1 Question Paper Page No. 2 Question Paper Page No. 3 Question Paper Page No. 4 Question Paper Page No. 5 Question Paper Page No. 6 Question Paper Page No. 7 Question Paper Page No. 8 Question Paper Page No. 9 Question Paper Page No. 10 Question Paper Page No. 11 Maharashtra Board History Question Paper

Q. 1. (A) Choose the correct alternatives and rewrite the statements

(1) The first seafarer to circumnavigate the African continent was _____.

  • (a) Henry the Navigator
  • (b) Marco Polo
  • (c) Bartholomew Dias
  • (d) Columbus
Answer: (c) Bartholomew Dias

(2) The first conference of Asian and African countries was held in 1955 at _____ in Indonesia.

  • (a) Bandung
  • (b) Paris
  • (c) Colombo
  • (d) Maldives
Answer: (a) Bandung

(3) Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde established the _____.

  • (a) Ramakrishna Mission
  • (b) Depressed Classes Mission
  • (c) Satyashodhak Samaj
  • (d) Scientific Society
Answer: (b) Depressed Classes Mission

(4) The Dutch established their first colony at _____.

  • (a) Goa
  • (b) Surat
  • (c) Machilipatnam
  • (d) Calicut
Answer: (c) Machilipatnam

(5) To maintain peace in the World after the First World War an organisation named _____ was established.

  • (a) UNESCO
  • (b) World Health Organisation
  • (c) Security Council
  • (d) League of Nations
Answer: (d) League of Nations

(6) Chimajiappa, the younger brother of Bajirao Peshwa I defeated the _____ at Vasai.

  • (a) British
  • (b) Portuguese
  • (c) French
  • (d) Dutch
Answer: (b) Portuguese

Q. 1. (B) Find the incorrect pairs in group ‘B’ from every set and write the correct ones

(1) Set:

  • (i) Christopher Columbus — Discovery of America
  • (ii) Vasco-da-Gama — Discovery of China
  • (iii) Mungo Park — Discovery of Africa
  • (iv) Abel Janszoon Tasman — Discovery of New Zealand
Incorrect Pair: (ii) Vasco-da-Gama — Discovery of China
Corrected Pair: Vasco-da-Gama — Discovery of India (Calicut)

(2) Set:

  • (i) Arcebispo — Chief Executive Officer
  • (ii) Chancellor — Judge
  • (iii) Vedor da Fazenda — In-charge of Company’s Possessions
  • (iv) Capitaon — Captain
Incorrect Pair: (i) Arcebispo — Chief Executive Officer
Corrected Pair: Arcebispo — Archbishop (Head of the Church)

(3) Set:

  • (i) Surya Sen — Bengal
  • (ii) Vinayak Damodar Savarkar — Gujarat
  • (iii) Ramsingh Kuka — Punjab
  • (iv) Shyamji Krishna Verma — London
Incorrect Pair: (ii) Vinayak Damodar Savarkar — Gujarat
Corrected Pair: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar — Maharashtra

(4) Set:

  • (i) Burma Independence Army — Aung San
  • (ii) Pan-African Congress — W.E.B. Du Bois
  • (iii) Internal autonomy to colonies — Winston Churchill
  • (iv) Indian Independence Movement — Mahatma Gandhi
Incorrect Pair: (iii) Internal autonomy to colonies — Winston Churchill
Corrected Pair: Internal autonomy to colonies — Clement Attlee (or 'Internal Autonomy denied by Winston Churchill')

Q. 2. (A) Write the names of historical places/persons/events

(1) Queen of England who encouraged explorers to undertake sea expeditions

Answer: Queen Elizabeth I

(2) Movement started by Dr. Baba Adhav

Answer: Ek Gaav Ek Panavatha (One Village One Pond) Movement

(3) American Naval base attacked by Japan

Answer: Pearl Harbor

(4) Treaty signed by Soviet Russia to counter America’s influential process in Europe

Answer: Warsaw Pact

Q. 2. (B) Choose the correct reasons and complete the sentences

(1) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj levied octroi on the salt trade to _____

Answer: (a) oppose the Portuguese.

(2) There was discontent among the rulers of the princely states during the time of Lord Dalhousie because _____

Answer: (c) he adopted the ‘Doctrine of Lapse.’

(3) NATO was created in Europe to _____

Answer: (a) protect European nations from the expansionist policy of Soviet Russia.

(4) Sachin Tendulkar was awarded with the highest award of ‘Bharat Ratna’ by Govt. of India because _____

Answer: (d) the Government of India considered the extraordinary performance of Sachin Tendulkar.

Q. 3. (A) Observe the given map and answer the questions based on it

1857 Freedom Struggle Map Placeholder

(Refer to the map provided in the question paper showing centres of the 1857 revolt)

(1) Name the ocean that lies on the east coast of India.

Answer: Bay of Bengal

(2) Name any one place on the eastern side of India involved in the revolt of 1857.

Answer: Barrackpore (or Calcutta / Dacca)

(3) In which direction does Sri Lanka lie?

Answer: South

(4) In the uprising of 1857, write the name of any one place, presently in Maharashtra.

Answer: Satara (or Kolhapur / Nagpur / Aurangabad)

(5) Name an Indian island situated in the Arabian Sea.

Answer: Lakshadweep

Q. 3. (B) Complete the concept maps (Any FOUR)

(1) Spread of British Colonialism in continents

Spread of British Colonialism
Asia
Africa
America
Australia

(2) Islands of Mumbai

Colaba
Mumbai
Mazgaon
Islands of Mumbai
Sion
Mahim
Parel
Worli

(Note: The 7 islands are Mumbai, Colaba, Old Woman's Island, Mahim, Mazgaon, Parel, Worli)

(3) Revolutionaries and Organisations

India House
Shyamji Krishna Verma
Swatantryaveer Savarkar
Abhinav Bharat
Lala Hardayal
Ghadar Party
Anusheelan Samiti
Barindra Kumar Ghosh

(4) Princely states and colonies merged in India

Princely States Merged
Junagadh
Hyderabad
Kashmir

(5) Members of BRICS

Members of BRICS
Brazil
Russia
India
China
South Africa

(6) Implementation of District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) in states

Implementation of DPEP
Maharashtra
Tamilnadu
Assam
Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
Haryana

Q. 4. (A) Write short notes (Any THREE)

(1) Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party was a significant event in American history that took place on December 16, 1773. It was a protest against the British Parliament's Tea Act, which gave the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the American colonies.

A group of colonists known as the 'Sons of Liberty', led by Samuel Adams, disguised themselves as Native Americans, boarded British ships docked in Boston Harbor, and threw 342 chests of tea into the water. This act of defiance escalated tensions between Britain and the colonies, eventually leading to the American Revolutionary War.

(2) British East India Company

The British East India Company was established on 31st December 1600 under a Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I. Initially formed for trade with the East Indies (Southeast Asia and India), it primarily traded in cotton, silk, indigo dye, salt, spices, tea, and opium.

Over time, the company transformed from a trading entity into a ruling power in India with its own private army. After key victories in the Battle of Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764), it gained 'Diwani' rights (revenue collection). The Company ruled India until 1858, when the British Crown assumed direct control following the Revolt of 1857.

(3) Arya Samaj

Arya Samaj is a Hindu reform movement founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati on 10th April 1875 in Mumbai. Its motto was "Go Back to the Vedas". It aimed to re-establish the Vedas as the ultimate truth and rejected later corruptions like idolatry, caste discrimination, and untouchability.

The Samaj advocated for gender equality, widow remarriage, and education. It established the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) schools to combine traditional Vedic knowledge with modern scientific education. The 'Shuddhi Movement' was also started by Arya Samaj to bring back those who had converted to other religions.

(4) Decolonisation of Princely States

When India gained independence in 1947, there were over 560 princely states. The British gave them the choice to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. Decolonisation here meant integrating these states into the Indian Union to ensure a unified nation.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister, played a crucial role. Through diplomacy and the 'Instrument of Accession', he convinced most rulers to join India. States like Junagadh, Hyderabad, and Kashmir presented challenges but were eventually integrated through plebiscite, police action (Operation Polo), and treaties respectively.

(5) Speed Post

Speed Post is a high-speed postal service introduced by the Department of Posts, Government of India, in 1986. It was launched to compete with the growing private courier industry and to provide a faster, time-bound delivery option for letters and parcels.

It guarantees delivery within a definite time frame, usually 24 to 72 hours depending on the destination. It also offers a tracking facility, making it a reliable service for important documents. Speed Post was a significant step in the modernization of the Indian postal system.

Q. 4. (B) Explain the following statements with reasons (Any THREE)

(1) In the pre-renaissance period the Catholic Church controlled the individual life of the people.

Reason:

  1. During the Medieval period in Europe, religion was central to human life, and the Roman Catholic Church was the supreme authority.
  2. The Pope was considered the representative of God on earth, and his orders were binding on all monarchs and subjects.
  3. The Church controlled education and knowledge. The Bible was in Latin, a language common people could not understand, making them dependent on the clergy for interpretation.
  4. The Church introduced concepts like "Indulgences" (paying for forgiveness of sins) and had the power of excommunication, which instilled fear. Thus, every aspect of an individual's life, from birth to death, was regulated by the Church.

(2) The contribution of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad of Baroda state towards social reforms is significant.

Reason:

  1. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad was a progressive ruler who believed that social reform must accompany political freedom.
  2. He made primary education free and compulsory in his state, a pioneering step in India.
  3. He worked for the upliftment of the untouchables and provided scholarships to brilliant students like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for higher studies abroad.
  4. He passed laws banning child marriage and encouraging widow remarriage. He also established libraries and gymnasiums for the overall development of his subjects.

(3) Impact of World Wars on India were severe.

Reason:

  1. Although India was not a direct combatant, being a British colony, it was dragged into both World Wars, leading to a massive drain of resources and soldiers.
  2. The wars caused severe inflation; the prices of essential commodities like food, clothes, and fuel skyrocketed, causing misery to the common people.
  3. Industries were forced to produce war materials, leading to a shortage of consumer goods.
  4. However, it also inadvertently boosted Indian industries as imports from Europe stopped. Politically, the wars fueled the freedom struggle (e.g., Home Rule after WWI and Quit India/INA after WWII) as Indians demanded independence in return for their support.

(5) Cold War began.

Reason:

  1. After the Second World War, the alliance between the USA and the Soviet Union (USSR) collapsed due to ideological differences.
  2. The USA advocated for Democracy and Capitalism, while the USSR promoted Communism and State Socialism.
  3. Both superpowers wanted to expand their sphere of influence globally, leading to the formation of rival military blocs (NATO led by USA and Warsaw Pact led by USSR).
  4. This state of extreme political tension, military rivalry, and proxy wars without direct armed conflict between the two superpowers is known as the Cold War.

Q. 5. State your opinion (Any THREE)

(1) European colonialism led to economic exploitation of India.

Opinion: I completely agree with this statement. The primary objective of the British in India was economic gain. They systematically dismantled the traditional Indian economy.

  • They purchased raw materials like cotton and indigo from India at cheap rates and exported them to England.
  • The finished goods produced in British factories were then sold in Indian markets at higher prices, destroying the local handloom and handicraft industries.
  • Heavy taxes and land revenue systems (like Permanent Settlement) impoverished the farmers.
  • This created a "Drain of Wealth" from India to Britain, as famously expounded by Dadabhai Naoroji, leaving India economically shattered by 1947.

(2) The French helped to increase the military strength of the Marathas.

Opinion: Yes, the French played a vital role in modernizing the Maratha army, specifically the artillery and infantry.

  • Mahadji Shinde, a prominent Maratha ruler, employed French general BenoĆ®t de Boigne to train his army on European lines.
  • This training introduced discipline, modern drill formations, and effective use of flintlock muskets and cannons.
  • The artillery corps developed under French guidance was one of the best in India, which gave the Marathas a significant advantage in battles against other Indian powers and initially against the British.
  • Ibrahim Khan Gardi, who commanded the Maratha artillery at Panipat, was also trained in the French style.

(3) Mahatma Jotirao Phule was the first social reformer of Maharashtra.

Opinion: Mahatma Jotirao Phule is rightly regarded as a pioneer of social reform in Maharashtra because he challenged the very foundation of the caste system and social inequality.

  • He established the first school for girls in Pune in 1848 and later schools for children of the untouchable communities, breaking the monopoly of upper castes on education.
  • He founded the 'Satyashodhak Samaj' (Truth Seekers Society) to liberate the 'Shudras' and 'Ati-Shudras' from the influence of priestly classes.
  • He strongly opposed idolatry, child marriage, and advocated for widow remarriage.
  • His work was grassroots and revolutionary, paving the way for future reformers like Dr. Ambedkar. Therefore, his status as the "Martin Luther of Maharashtra" is justified.

Q. 6. Answer the following questions in detail (Any TWO)

(1) Write in detail the nature and impact of Economic Nationalism.

Introduction: Economic Nationalism refers to the ideology where a nation prioritizes its own economic interests, often at the expense of other nations, through policies like tariffs and trade restrictions.

Nature of Economic Nationalism:

  • Protectionism: Nations imposed high import duties to restrict foreign goods and protect domestic industries.
  • Self-Sufficiency: The aim was to produce everything within the country to avoid dependence on others.
  • Colonial Expansion: Industrialized nations sought colonies to secure cheap raw materials and captive markets for their finished goods.

Impact:

  • Imperialist Rivalry: It led to intense competition among European powers (like England, France, Germany) to acquire more colonies in Asia and Africa.
  • Trade Wars: Restrictions on trade created hostility between nations.
  • Cause of War: This economic competition and the desire for dominance was a major underlying cause of the First World War. It created an atmosphere of distrust and aggression globally.

(2) Write in detail about the revolt of Umaji Naik.

Introduction: Umaji Naik was a freedom fighter from the Ramoshi community in Maharashtra who revolted against British rule in the early 19th century.

Details of the Revolt:

  • Cause: The British administration had taken away the traditional rights of the Ramoshis to collect taxes and guard forts, leading to loss of livelihood.
  • Organization: Umaji Naik organized the Ramoshis and revolted against the British in the Pune, Satara, and Ahmednagar regions. He formed a strong army of revolutionaries.
  • Manifesto: In 1827, he issued a manifesto appealing to the people to kill Europeans and overthrow the British government. He declared that the land belonged to the natives.
  • Guerilla Warfare: He used guerilla tactics to harass British troops and loot government treasuries.
  • Conclusion: The British eventually captured him in 1832. He was hanged in Pune. His revolt remains a significant early example of armed resistance against colonial rule.

(3) Explain the policy of Government of India regarding health.

Introduction: After independence, the Government of India prioritized public health to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of its citizens.

Key Aspects of Health Policy:

  • Health for All: The primary objective is to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all citizens, especially the poor.
  • Infrastructure: Establishment of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in villages, and district hospitals and premier institutes like AIIMS in cities.
  • Disease Eradication: The government launched massive vaccination drives against Polio, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and Smallpox. (e.g., Pulse Polio Abhiyan).
  • Traditional Medicine: Promotion of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy under the Ministry of AYUSH.
  • Schemes: Implementation of schemes like the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and Ayushman Bharat to provide insurance and health security.

Q. 7. Answer the following questions with the help of given points (Any THREE)

(1) Discuss England’s policy of colonialism in Asia –

(a) Nepal (b) Sikkim (c) Bhutan

(a) Nepal: The British wanted to secure their northern frontiers. This led to the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-16). The Gurkhas fought bravely but were defeated. The Treaty of Sagauli was signed, where Nepal ceded territories (like Kumaon and Garhwal) to the British and accepted a British Resident in Kathmandu. Nepal remained a buffer state.

(b) Sikkim: Sikkim was strategically important to control the trade route to Tibet. The British intervened in Sikkim's affairs. In 1890, it was declared a British protectorate. This allowed the British to cultivate tea gardens in Darjeeling and check Tibetan influence.

(c) Bhutan: The British sought control over the 'Duars' (passes) for tea cultivation. The Anglo-Bhutan War (1864) resulted in the Treaty of Sinchula. Bhutan surrendered the Duars to the British in exchange for an annual subsidy and agreed to be guided by Britain in foreign affairs.

(2) Explain the Anglo-Maratha wars in detail –

(a) First Anglo-Maratha war (b) Second Anglo-Maratha war (c) Third Anglo-Maratha war

(a) First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782): Triggered by Raghunathrao's ambition to become Peshwa, he sought British help. The Marathas, led by Nana Phadnavis and Mahadji Shinde, united against the British. The war ended with the Treaty of Salbai, maintaining the status quo and acknowledging Sawai Madhavrao as Peshwa.

(b) Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805): Peshwa Bajirao II, fearing the Holkars, signed the subsidiary alliance (Treaty of Vasai) with the British. This was opposed by Shinde and Bhosale. The British defeated the divided Maratha chieftains, and British influence increased significantly.

(c) Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818): Bajirao II tried to unite the Maratha chiefs for a last stand against British interference. The British defeated the Peshwa at Khadki and Koregaon. The Peshwa rule ended, and the Maratha empire was annexed to the British dominion in 1818.

(3) Explain the factors responsible for the Second World War –

(a) The Treaty of Versailles (b) Fascism and Nazism (c) Failure of League of Nations organisation

(a) The Treaty of Versailles: Signed after WWI, this treaty humiliated Germany. It imposed heavy war reparations, reduced its military, and took away territories. This created a sense of revenge in Germany, which Hitler exploited.

(b) Fascism and Nazism: The rise of Fascism in Italy under Mussolini and Nazism in Germany under Hitler promoted aggressive nationalism and expansionism. They glorified war and violated international treaties to expand their empires.

(c) Failure of League of Nations: Established to keep peace, the League failed to stop the aggression of Japan (in Manchuria), Italy (in Ethiopia), and Germany. Major powers like USA were not members, and others followed a policy of appeasement, making the League ineffective in preventing the war.

(4) Write about Non-Alignment Movement –

(a) Nature of Non-Alignment Movement (b) Criteria of Non-Alignment Movement (c) Belgrade Conference

(a) Nature: During the Cold War, the world was divided into two blocs (USA and USSR). The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was a group of newly independent nations that refused to join either bloc. Its nature was not passive neutrality, but active participation in world peace and maintaining independent foreign policy.

(b) Criteria: To join NAM, a country had to follow an independent policy based on coexistence, support movements for national independence, and not be a member of any multilateral military alliance (like NATO) concluded in the context of Great Power conflicts.

(c) Belgrade Conference: The first summit of NAM was held in Belgrade (Yugoslavia) in 1961. It was attended by 25 countries. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia), and Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt) played a key role. It emphasized peace, disarmament, and the end of colonialism.