Important Questions and Answers for
Class 12 History
Chapter: Through the Eyes of Travellers
Important Questions and Answers:
1. What did the accounts of foreign travelers reveal about Indian society and culture?
Answer: The accounts of foreign travelers like Ibn Battuta, Al-Biruni, and Marco Polo
provided valuable insights into the socio-cultural conditions of India. They described the
caste system, urban centers, commerce, and the life of common people, shedding light on
India’s diversity.
2. How did Al-Biruni describe Indian society?
Answer: Al-Biruni described Indian society as highly hierarchical due to the caste system.
He also appreciated the knowledge of Indian scholars but critiqued certain customs and
rituals that seemed to him outdated and rigid.
3. What were the major observations of Ibn Battuta during his visit to India?
Answer: Ibn Battuta described the cities of India as bustling and prosperous. He observed
the wealth and diversity of the Indian cities and commented on the administration, markets,
and cultural practices. He also noted the high status of women in some sections of Indian
society.
Chapter: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions
Important Questions and Answers:
1. What were the major ideas expressed by Kabir?
Answer: Kabir emphasized the importance of a personal devotion to God without the need
for rituals and priests. He believed in the unity of God and rejected the caste system and
religious orthodoxy. His teachings focused on the equality of all human beings and the
power of love and devotion in realizing God.
2. How did the Bhakti movement challenge social hierarchies?
Answer: The Bhakti movement challenged social hierarchies by preaching equality and
rejecting caste distinctions. Bhakti saints, like Kabir and Mira Bai, emphasized devotion to
God over the ritualistic practices that were tied to caste and social status.
Chapter: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara
Important Questions and Answers:
1. Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire, and when?
Answer: The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE by Harihara and Bukka of the
Sangama dynasty. They established the empire to resist Muslim invasions in South India
and to restore Hindu rule.
2. Why was Vijayanagara an important city in the medieval period?
Answer: Vijayanagara was the capital of one of the most powerful empires in Southern
India, known for its wealth, military strength, and architecture. The city was a major center
for trade, religion, and culture. It was strategically located on the banks of the Tungabhadra
River, making it a vital hub for agriculture and commerce.
Teachings of Guru Nanak
1. Belief in One God (Ek Onkar): Guru Nanak emphasized the oneness of God, rejecting many
gods and goddesses.
2. Universal Brotherhood and Equality: He preached that all humans are equal before God,
opposing the caste system.
3. Rejection of Rituals and Superstitions: Guru Nanak rejected rituals and emphasized inner
devotion and ethical living.
Teachings of Kabir Das
1. Rejection of Rituals and Religious Orthodoxy: Kabir critiqued both Hindu and Muslim
practices, advocating for personal devotion to a formless God.
2. Universal Brotherhood and Equality: He rejected the caste system, emphasizing equality
for all.
3. Emphasis on Inner Purity and Devotion: Kabir valued inner purity and sincerity in
devotion over external rituals.
Mira Bai: The Devotee Princess
1. Background: Mira Bai, born in 1498, was a Rajput princess known for her intense
devotion to Lord Krishna.
2. Devotion to Krishna: Mira Bai considered Krishna her divine lover and renounced
worldly attachments.
3. Poetry and Songs: She wrote numerous bhajans in Braj Bhasha, expressing her deep
longing for Krishna.
