History (38) - 2024
Maharashtra Board HSC Class 12 Question Paper Solution
Q. 1. (A) Choose the correct alternatives
(1) In 1440 _____ started printing press.
- (a) James Watt
- (b) Gutenberg
- (c) Aristotle
- (d) Homer
Answer: (b) Gutenberg
(2) ‘Declaration of Independence’ of America was drafted by _____.
- (a) George Washington
- (b) Thomas Jefferson
- (c) Lord Amherst
- (d) Lord Cornwallis
Answer: (b) Thomas Jefferson
(3) The ‘Third Battle of Panipat’ was fought between the marathas and _____.
- (a) British
- (b) Abdali
- (c) Ahmad Khan Bangash
- (d) Najib Khan
Answer: (b) Abdali
(4) The first atom bomb was dropped on the city of _____ during the aerial attack of America on Japan.
- (a) Nagasaki
- (b) Hiroshima
- (c) Pearl Harbour
- (d) Stalingrad
Answer: (b) Hiroshima
(5) The headquarters of SEATO was located at _____.
- (a) Thailand
- (b) Philippines
- (c) Pakistan
- (d) United Kingdom
Answer: (a) Thailand
(6) The birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand is observed as _____.
- (a) National Education Day
- (b) National Youth Day
- (c) National Integration Day
- (d) National Science Day
Answer: (b) National Youth Day
Q. 1. (B) Find the incorrect pairs and write the correct ones
(1) Administrative Officers
- (a) Arcebispo — Chief Executive officer
- (b) Chancellor — Judge
- (c) Vedor da Fazenda — Incharge of company’s possession
- (d) Capitaon — Captain
Incorrect Pair: (a) Arcebispo — Chief Executive officer
Corrected Pair: Arcebispo — Archbishop
Corrected Pair: Arcebispo — Archbishop
(2) Leaders of Integration/Liberation
- (a) Merger of the princely state of Hyderabad — Swami Ramanand Tirth
- (b) Merger of the princely state of Kashmir — Shaikh Abdulla
- (c) Significant contribution in the ‘Goa’ liberation movement — Mohan Ranade
- (d) The trade unionist leader in Puducherry — V. Subaiyya
Incorrect Pair: (b) Merger of the princely state of Kashmir — Shaikh Abdulla
Corrected Pair: Merger of the princely state of Kashmir — Maharaja Hari Singh
Corrected Pair: Merger of the princely state of Kashmir — Maharaja Hari Singh
Note: While Sheikh Abdullah was the popular leader of the movement, the Instrument of Accession (Merger) was signed by Maharaja Hari Singh.
(3) Organizations and Headquarters
- (a) Headquarters of CENTO — Ankara
- (b) Headquarters of SAARC — New Delhi
- (c) Secretariat of Commonwealth — London
- (d) Headquarters of NATO — Paris
Incorrect Pair: (b) Headquarters of SAARC — New Delhi
Corrected Pair: Headquarters of SAARC — Kathmandu
Corrected Pair: Headquarters of SAARC — Kathmandu
(4) Organizations and Objectives
- (a) National Human Rights Commission — Protection of Human rights
- (b) Centre for Science and Environment — Study of Pollution in Delhi
- (c) SEESCAP — Institute for conservation of turtles
- (d) INTACH — Organisation creating awareness for conservation of heritage
Incorrect Pair: (c) SEESCAP — Institute for conservation of turtles
Corrected Pair: Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra — Institute for conservation of turtles
Corrected Pair: Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra — Institute for conservation of turtles
ЁЯУЬ12th History Board Papers with Solution
HSC History
- History - March 2025 - English Medium View Answer Key
- History - March 2025 - Marathi Medium View Answer Key
- History - March 2025 - Hindi Medium View Answer Key
- History - March 2024 - English Medium View Answer Key
- History - March 2024 - Marathi Medium View Answer Key
- History - March 2024 - Hindi Medium View Answer Key
ЁЯМ│ 12th Geography Board Papers with Solution
HSC Geography
- Geography - March 2025 - English Medium View Answer Key
- Geography - March 2025 - Marathi Medium View Answer Key
- Geography - March 2025 - Hindi Medium View Answer Key
- Geography - March 2024 - English Medium View Answer Key
- Geography - March 2024 - Marathi Medium View Answer Key
Q. 2. (A) Write the names of historical places/persons/events
(1) Portuguese seafarer who arrived in India in 1498:
Vasco da Gama
(2) The princely state in Saurashtra that did not merge in India immediately after its independence:
Junagadh
(3) Organisation that played an important role in decolonisation after Second World War:
United Nations (UN)
(4) The city in which metro railway was flagged off in 2002:
Delhi
Q. 2. (B) Choose the correct reasons and complete the sentences
(1) The Industrial Revolution first began in England because _____
Answer: (c) England had big market.
(2) The British wanted to gain control over Myanmar because _____
Answer: (b) it was very important for them to control the natural resources and the market in Myanmar.
(3) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj levied octroi on the salt trade to _____
Answer: (a) oppose the Portuguese.
(Note: The salt trade was primarily dominated by Portuguese merchants from Bardez territory.)
(4) Japan surrendered in the Second World War because _____
Answer: (b) America launched aerial attacks on two Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Q. 3. (A) Map Observation
(Based on the Map of Freedom Struggle of 1857)
(1) To which topic is this map related?
Freedom Struggle of 1857
(2) Name any one centre of independence struggle of 1857 in present Bangladesh.
Dhaka (Dacca) or Chittagong
(3) Name any one centre of independence struggle of 1857 in present Pakistan.
Peshawar, Lahore, or Karachi
(4) Name any one place of independence struggle of 1857 in present Maharashtra.
Satara, Kolhapur, Nagpur, or Aurangabad
(5) Name the Indian island located in Arabian Sea.
Lakshadweep
Q. 3. (B) Complete the concept maps (Any FOUR)
(1) Islands of Mumbai (Seven Islands)
Islands of Mumbai
Mumbai
Wadala
Mazagaon
Colaba
Mahim
Parel
Worli
(2) Revolutionary organisations in Indian independence struggle
Revolutionary Organisations
Abhinav Bharat
Anushilan Samiti
Ghadar Party
Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)
(3) Newspapers published by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
Newspapers
Mooknayak
Bahishkrit Bharat
Janata
Samata
(4) Countries that became independent from the control of French
French Colonies
Vietnam
Laos
Cambodia
Morocco / Tunisia
(5) Indian sports awards
Sports Awards
Arjuna Award
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
Dronacharya Award
Dhyan Chand Award
(6) Factors responsible for India’s increased share in the software sector
Factors
Proficiency in English Language
Skilled Human Resources
Economic Liberalization (1991)
Computer/IT Education
Q. 4. (A) Write short notes (Any THREE)
(1) Economic Nationalism
Answer: Economic nationalism is the ideology of asserting a nation's control over its own economy to prevent foreign dominance. In the Indian context, it was developed by leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji (who propounded the 'Drain Theory') and R.C. Dutt. It involved:
- Belief that political independence is incomplete without economic independence.
- Promotion of 'Swadeshi' (indigenous goods) and boycott of foreign goods.
- Development of indigenous industries and banks to stop the economic drain of wealth to Britain.
(2) Prarthana Samaj
Answer:
- Foundation: Established in Mumbai in 1867 by Dadoba Pandurang Tarkhadkar. It was inspired by the Brahmo Samaj and Keshub Chandra Sen.
- Key Members: Justice M.G. Ranade, Dr. R.G. Bhandarkar, and Justice K.T. Telang were prominent leaders.
- Principles: It believed in monotheism and opposed idol worship. It did not reject the Vedas but focused on social reform rather than just religious rituals.
- Social Reforms: It advocated for women's education, widow remarriage, raising the age of marriage, and opposed the caste system. They opened orphanages and schools for the downtrodden.
(3) Decolonisation
Answer: Decolonisation is the process by which colonies gain political independence from colonial powers.
- Period: It accelerated significantly after World War II.
- Causes: The weakening of European powers (like Britain and France) due to the war, the rise of strong nationalist movements in Asia and Africa, and the anti-colonial stance of the USA and USSR played a key role.
- Role of UN: The United Nations also provided a platform supporting the sovereignty of nations.
- Example: India (1947), Sri Lanka (1948), and Indonesia (1949) are prime examples of early decolonisation.
Q. 4. (B) Explain the following statements with reasons
(1) The European Renaissance is supposed to have reached its zenith in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Reason:
- This period saw the blossoming of all aspects of human creativity, including art, architecture, science, and literature.
- Genius artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo created masterpieces during this time.
- The invention of the printing press (mid-15th century) facilitated the rapid spread of knowledge and new ideas.
- Rationalism and the scientific method began to replace blind faith, marking the peak of the cultural rebirth in Europe.
(2) Indian rulers found it difficult to fight the Portuguese.
Reason:
- The Portuguese had a very strong navy compared to Indian rulers.
- They built strong forts along the coast (like in Goa, Diu, Vasai) that were difficult to breach.
- They had advanced weaponry, including naval cannons, which Indian rulers lacked.
- The Portuguese effectively used "Cartaz" (permits), forcing Indian ships to pay for safety, establishing total control over the seas.
(3) The British Government in India decided to return home.
Reason:
- After World War II, Britain became economically weak and could no longer maintain its vast empire.
- The Indian freedom struggle had reached its peak (Quit India Movement, INA trials, Naval Mutiny of 1946), making it impossible to govern India by force.
- International pressure from the USA and USSR, along with the Labour Party coming to power in Britain (which was sympathetic to Indian independence), compelled them to leave.
Q. 5. State your opinion (Any THREE)
(1) Spain became prosperous after establishing colonies in America.
Opinion: I agree with this statement.
Explanation: Spain conquered civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas in the Americas. They extracted immense quantities of gold and silver from these colonies and shipped it back to Spain. This influx of bullion made Spain the wealthiest and most powerful nation in Europe during the 16th century, funding their wars and trade expansion.
Explanation: Spain conquered civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas in the Americas. They extracted immense quantities of gold and silver from these colonies and shipped it back to Spain. This influx of bullion made Spain the wealthiest and most powerful nation in Europe during the 16th century, funding their wars and trade expansion.
(2) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built naval force.
Opinion: It was a visionary and highly strategic decision.
Explanation: Shivaji Maharaj realized that "He who has the navy, owns the sea." The foreign powers like the Portuguese, British, Siddis, and Dutch were strong at sea. To protect the Konkan coast, secure trade routes, and ensure the sovereignty of Swarajya, building an indigenous and strong navy was essential.
Explanation: Shivaji Maharaj realized that "He who has the navy, owns the sea." The foreign powers like the Portuguese, British, Siddis, and Dutch were strong at sea. To protect the Konkan coast, secure trade routes, and ensure the sovereignty of Swarajya, building an indigenous and strong navy was essential.
(3) According to Swatantryaveer Savarkar, the Independence War of 1857 was the first war of Independence.
Opinion: I agree with this perspective.
Explanation: Before 1857, resistance was localized. However, in 1857, kings, sepoys, zamindars, and common people from various religions and regions united with the single aim of overthrowing foreign British rule. It was a national uprising for 'Swaraj' and 'Swadharma', making it a true War of Independence rather than just a mutiny.
Explanation: Before 1857, resistance was localized. However, in 1857, kings, sepoys, zamindars, and common people from various religions and regions united with the single aim of overthrowing foreign British rule. It was a national uprising for 'Swaraj' and 'Swadharma', making it a true War of Independence rather than just a mutiny.
Q. 6. Answer the following questions in detail (Any TWO)
(1) Explain the causes and effects of European Crusades.
Answer:
Causes:
Causes:
- Religious Zeal: The desire to recapture Jerusalem and other holy places from Islamic rule was the primary motivation. The Pope promised forgiveness of sins to participants.
- Political Ambition: European kings wanted to expand their territories and influence.
- Commercial Interests: Merchants from Venice and Genoa supported the Crusades to establish trade bases in the East.
- End of Feudalism: The feudal system in Europe began to decline as many lords died or sold lands to fund the wars.
- Cultural Exchange: Europeans were exposed to Eastern science, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy, which contributed to the Renaissance.
- Trade Expansion: Trade between Europe and Asia increased significantly, enriching Italian city-states.
- Decline of Pope's Prestige: The eventual failure to hold the Holy Land led to a decline in the absolute authority of the Pope.
(2) Write the information about merger of Kashmir in India.
Answer:
- Initial Stance: Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir initially decided to remain independent and did not join either India or Pakistan immediately after partition.
- Pakistan's Aggression: In October 1947, armed tribal raiders, supported by the Pakistani army, invaded Kashmir to force its accession to Pakistan. They reached near Srinagar.
- Instrument of Accession: Hari Singh appealed to India for military help. India agreed on the condition of accession. On 26th October 1947, Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, merging Kashmir with India.
- Role of Sheikh Abdullah: The popular leader Sheikh Abdullah and his National Conference supported the accession to India and rejected Pakistan's two-nation theory.
- Aftermath: The Indian army was airlifted to Srinagar and repelled the invaders. However, a part of Kashmir remained under Pakistan's illegal occupation (PoK).
(3) Write the information about the defence affairs of India.
Answer:
- Structure: The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The Ministry of Defence handles administration. The forces comprise the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Primary Objective: To protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of India from external aggression and internal disturbances.
- Modernization & Research: The DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) was set up to develop indigenous defence technology. India has developed missiles like Agni, Prithvi, and Akash.
- Self-Reliance: India has focused on indigenization (e.g., Tejas aircraft, INS Vikrant) to reduce dependency on imports.
- Paramilitary Forces: Forces like BSF (Border Security Force), CRPF, and Coast Guard assist the main armed forces in maintaining security.
Q. 7. Answer with the help of given points (Any THREE)
(1) Write detailed answer about the nature of European colonialism.
(a) Meaning of colonialism: Colonialism is the practice where a powerful country controls a less powerful country, exploiting its resources and people for its own economic and political gain. It involves establishing settlements and imposing the colonizer's culture and laws.
(b) Causes of colonialism:
(b) Causes of colonialism:
- Industrial Revolution: European nations needed cheap raw materials for their factories and new markets to sell their finished goods.
- Mineral Wealth: Discovery of gold, diamonds, and coal in Africa and Asia attracted colonizers.
- Civilizing Mission: Europeans believed it was their "White Man's Burden" to civilize the so-called "backward" people of Asia and Africa.
- Economic Exploitation: Colonies were drained of wealth; local industries (like Indian textiles) were destroyed.
- Political Enslavement: Local people lost their freedom and right to self-governance.
- Psychological Impact: Colonizers imposed their language and culture, creating an inferiority complex among the natives. However, it also introduced modern education and ideas of liberty, which eventually fueled nationalist movements.
(2) Explain the Portuguese Maratha relations.
(a) Relationship with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:
The relationship was of conflict. The Portuguese supported the Siddis against the Marathas. Shivaji Maharaj imposed restrictions on the Portuguese salt trade to protect the local salt industry. He built sea forts like Sindhudurg to check their power. However, they occasionally supplied ammunition to the Marathas.
(b) Relationship with Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: Relations were very hostile. The Portuguese allowed the Mughals to pass through their territory to attack the Marathas. In retaliation, Sambhaji Maharaj attacked Goa in 1683 and captured the St. Estevam fort. He almost conquered Goa, but had to retreat due to a Mughal invasion on Raigad.
(c) Relationship with Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj: During his reign, the Maratha general Chimaji Appa launched a campaign against the Portuguese to liberate the Vasai region. In the famous Battle of Vasai (1739), the Marathas defeated the Portuguese, capturing the strong fort of Vasai and ending Portuguese dominance in the north Konkan region.
(b) Relationship with Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: Relations were very hostile. The Portuguese allowed the Mughals to pass through their territory to attack the Marathas. In retaliation, Sambhaji Maharaj attacked Goa in 1683 and captured the St. Estevam fort. He almost conquered Goa, but had to retreat due to a Mughal invasion on Raigad.
(c) Relationship with Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj: During his reign, the Maratha general Chimaji Appa launched a campaign against the Portuguese to liberate the Vasai region. In the famous Battle of Vasai (1739), the Marathas defeated the Portuguese, capturing the strong fort of Vasai and ending Portuguese dominance in the north Konkan region.
(3) Write information about first session of Indian National Congress.
(a) First session: The first session of the Indian National Congress was held on 28th December 1885 in Mumbai at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College.
(b) Present delegates: It was attended by 72 delegates from different provinces of India. The session was presided over by W.C. Bannerjee. Allan Octavian Hume played a key role in its formation.
(c) Resolution passed: Nine resolutions were passed. Key demands included the appointment of a royal commission to inquire into Indian administration, reduction in military expenditure, holding Civil Services exams in India and England simultaneously, and the inclusion of elected Indian representatives in legislative councils.
(b) Present delegates: It was attended by 72 delegates from different provinces of India. The session was presided over by W.C. Bannerjee. Allan Octavian Hume played a key role in its formation.
(c) Resolution passed: Nine resolutions were passed. Key demands included the appointment of a royal commission to inquire into Indian administration, reduction in military expenditure, holding Civil Services exams in India and England simultaneously, and the inclusion of elected Indian representatives in legislative councils.
