Through the Eyes of Travellers Perceptions of Society — History STD 12 Humanities — Question

Why do archaeologist and historians find Harappan script enigmatic? Explain reasons.

How do you think that Qandhar remained a bone of contention between the Mughals and the Safavids? Explain.

Which methods of training were developed by Sufi?

Explain the features of Islamic religion which contributed to its spread through the sub-continent.

Mention any two processes involved in the task of preparing the critical edition of Mahabharata.

Examine the circumstances that led to the passing of ‘Limitation Laws’ by the British in 1859.

Summarise the central teachings of Jainism.

Read the following ‘Value-based’ passage and answer the questions that follows:
The 77-year-old Gandhiji decided to stake his all in a bid to vindicate his lifelong principle of non-violence, and his conviction that people’s hearts could be changed. He moved from the villages of Noakhali in East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh) to the villages of Bihar and then to the riot-torn slums of Calcutta and Delhi, in a heroic effort to stop Hindus and Muslims kill each other, careful everywhere to reassure the minority community. In October 1946, Muslims in East Bengal targeted Hindus. Gandhiji visited the area, toured the villages on foot, and persuaded the local Muslims to guarantee the safety of Hindus. Similarly, in other places such as Delhi he tried to build a spirit of mutual trust and confidence between the two communities.

1. Explain how the spirit of mutual trust and confidence building was initiated by Gandhiji.
2. Explain the values mentioned in this passage.

Read this short inscription and answer:
In the year 33 of the maharaja Huvishka (a Kushana ruler), in the first month of the hot season on the eighth day, a Bodhisatta was set up at Madhuvanaka by the bhikkhuni Dhanavati, the sister’s daughter of the bhikkhuni Buddhamita, who knows the Tipitaka, the female pupil of the bhikkhu Bala, who knows the Tipitaka, together with her father and mother.

1. How did Dhanavati date her inscription?
2. Why do you think she installed an image of the Bodhisatta?
3. Who were the relatives she mentioned?
4. What Buddhist text did she know?
5. From whom did she learn this text?

Discuss the attitude of Indian National Congress towards the Second World War. Also discuss the failure of the Cripps Misson and its consequences.