Bricks, Beads, Bones (Harappan, 6 marks)
- Significance of Harappan seals; script undeciphered.
- Town planning: Great Bath Mohenjo-Daro purpose.
- Decline theories: Aryan invasion vs climate.
- Burial practices vs modern cemeteries.
- Trade with Mesopotamia evidence.
Kings, Farmers, Towns (Early States, 8 marks)
- Mauryan administration: Ashokan dhamma.
- Ring wells in early cities.
- Sangam literature sources.
- Land grants to Brahmins impact.
- Punch-marked coins.
Kinship, Caste, Class (8 marks)
- Mahabharata social norms; Draupadi polyandry.
- Jatakas on social hierarchy.
- Normative vs actual caste practices.
- Women in epics vs reality.
- Gotra system.
Thinkers, Beliefs, Buildings (8 marks)
- Stupa architecture: Sanchi features.
- Shaivism vs Vaishnavism.
- Buddhist sangha rules.
- Shaan-i-Islam at Quwwat-ul-Islam.
- Vaishnava bhakti saints.
Bhakti-Sufi Traditions (8 marks)
- Kabir’s critique of rituals.
- Chishti silsila practices.
- Mirabai devotion.
- Sufi shrines role.
- Lingayats rejection of caste.
Vijayanagara Empire (8 marks)
- Amuktamalyada by Krishnadeva Raya.
- Hampi ruins: Vitthala temple.
- Battle of Talikota 1565.
- Nayaka system.
- Foreign travelers: Abdur Razzaq.
Peasants, Zamindars, Mughal State (8 marks)
- Zabt revenue system Akbar.
- Zamindari vs jagirdari.
- Peasant revolts causes.
- Ain-i Akbari data limitations.
- Paharias tribes.
Mughal Courts (10 marks)
- Akbar’s mansabdari.
- Jahangir: Nur Jahan influence.
- Aurangzeb policies reversal.
- Mughal painting schools.
- Zabt vs jagir crisis.
Colonialism & Countryside (8 marks)
- Bengal Permanent Settlement effects.
- Mahalwari vs Ryotwari.
- Indigo rebellions 1859.
- Deccan riots.
- Official archives bias.
Rebels & Raj 1857 (8 marks)
- Causes: cartridges, annexation.
- Leaders: Rani Lakshmibai, Tantia Tope.
- British representations vs Indian.
- Aftermath: Doctrine of Lapse end.
- Sepoy grievances.
These are the most important question for class 12th history for boards exam 2025-2026 for cbse and state boards as well .