TLDR;
Alright, so this video is a marathon session for class 12th History pre-board exams, covering all three books. It includes important questions from the past 10-12 years, aiming to help students score well. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding chapters and encourages students to join the Telegram group and visit the website for notes.
- Covers important questions from all three history books for class 12th.
- Stresses the need to understand chapters and not just rote learn questions.
- Provides resources like Telegram group and website for additional study material.
Introduction [0:05]
The video is a marathon session covering all the important questions from class 12th History for the pre-board exams. It's designed to help students prepare effectively by covering questions from all three books in one go. The video is going to be long because it covers all 12 chapters.
Importance of Question Analysis [0:36]
The questions included are based on an analysis of past 10-12 years' question papers. If you watch this video at least twice, you should be well-prepared for your pre-board exams. This video aims to alleviate any pre-board exam stress.
Resources and Syllabus [1:02]
The video covers important questions from Book 1, Book 2, and Book 3. You can follow the creator on Instagram at Eklavya Study Point for direct messages. This video is useful for students from CBSE, RBSE, MP Board, UP Board, and other state boards following the NCERT syllabus. Make sure to join the Telegram group for notes and visit the website eklavyastudypoint.com. It's important to study the chapters in detail using the playlist.
Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones - Social and Economic Differences [2:14]
Archaeologists use several methods to understand the socio-economic differences in Harappan society. One way is by studying burials, where the structure of graves and the items buried with the bodies indicate wealth. Rich people's graves have expensive items, while poor people's graves have normal items. Another method is identifying luxury goods, which only the wealthy could afford, unlike common people who used locally available items.
Chapter 1: Identifying Craft Production Centers [4:59]
Archaeologists identify craft production centers by looking for specific items. These include stone pieces, shells, copper ore, raw materials, tools, unfinished objects, discarded materials, and waste. Finding these items helps them determine what type of craft was produced at that location, such as items made of copper, metal, shells, or statues.
Chapter 1: Economic Activities of Harappan People [6:15]
The Harappan people engaged in various economic activities to earn a living. These included agriculture, trade, craft work, and animal husbandry. They produced crafts, traded goods, farmed crops, and raised animals.
Chapter 1: The Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro [6:46]
The Great Bath in Mohenjo-daro is a rectangular reservoir located in a courtyard, surrounded by a corridor. Steps lead down to the water, and it was likely used for ritualistic bathing during religious festivals or special occasions.
Chapter 1: Reasons for the Decline of Harappan Civilization [7:42]
The decline of the Harappan civilization is attributed to several reasons. Some theories suggest floods, external invasions, droughts, changes in river courses, or earthquakes led to its end.
Chapter 1: John Marshall's Contribution to Indian History [8:34]
John Marshall was the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India. Under his leadership, Daya Ram Sahni and R. D. Banerji discovered the Harappan civilization. In 1924, Marshall announced to the world that they had discovered an ancient civilization, one of the oldest in the world.
Chapter 1: Main Achievements of Harappan Civilization [9:01]
The Harappan civilization made significant contributions, including advanced city planning with large houses and an excellent drainage system. They had granaries for storing grains and a Great Bath. Other achievements include reservoirs, wells, and remarkable building construction, along with a well-organized social and public life.
Chapter 1: Town Planning of Harappan Civilization [10:24]
The Harappan civilization was an urban civilization with amazing town planning. It had an excellent drainage system with well-planned roads and houses. The cities were built on a grid pattern, with streets intersecting at 90-degree angles. Homes had bathrooms, and privacy was a priority. The settlements were divided into two parts: the citadel and the lower town. They had granaries for storing grains and a Great Bath for public rituals. The houses were made of strong, baked bricks.
Chapter 1: Agriculture and Agricultural Technology in Harappan Culture [12:15]
The Harappan people practiced agriculture and used technology for farming. They grew wheat, barley, lentils, white gram, and sesame. Evidence of this comes from the grains found at Harappan sites. In Gujarat, millet grains were found, indicating millet cultivation. Rice grains were rare, suggesting limited rice cultivation. They used plows and bulls for plowing fields. In Kalibangan, Rajasthan, there is evidence of ploughed fields. Irrigation was done using wells, ponds, and canals. They also used tools for harvesting crops.
Chapter 1: Economic and Religious Characteristics of Indus Valley Civilization [14:36]
The economic characteristics of the Indus Valley Civilization included agriculture, trade, craft work, and animal husbandry. For religious characteristics, seals show ritual scenes, indicating they performed rituals. They worshiped nature, such as trees, rivers, and the sun. They also worshiped a one-horned animal, Adi Shiva, and the Mother Goddess, along with Pashupatinath.
Chapter 1: General Cunningham's Failure to Understand Harappa [15:30]
Cunningham was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India. He believed that Indian civilization began with urbanization in the Ganges Valley. He failed to recognize the importance of Harappa because he didn't know that a civilization existed there before. When an English officer showed him an ancient seal from Harappa, he didn't understand its significance.
Chapter 1: Drainage System of Harappan Civilization [17:02]
The Harappan civilization was known for its excellent drainage system. Drains were made of clay and gypsum, covered with large stones. This allowed for easy cleaning and maintenance. First, drains and roads were constructed, and then houses were built alongside them. Water from the houses flowed into larger drains, which then carried the water out of the city.
Chapter 1: The Mysterious Script of Harappa [17:59]
The Harappan script is considered mysterious because it has not been deciphered yet. It is not an alphabetical script but a pictorial script. It is estimated to have around 375 to 400 symbols and was written from right to left.
Chapter 1: Trade Relations of Harappa with West Asia [18:28]
Harappa had good trade relations with West Asia. They traded with Oman, importing copper, and also traded with Iran and Iraq. Indian goods were exported to West Asia.
Chapter 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns - Agricultural Features of Mauryan Empire [19:27]
In the Mauryan Empire, agriculture was enhanced by using plows to increase crop production. In areas with heavy rainfall, iron plows were used to effectively till the wet soil. Irrigation was facilitated by using wells, tanks, and canals.
Chapter 2: The Concept of Divine Kingship [20:19]
The concept of divine kingship involved rulers portraying themselves as god-like. For example, Kushan kings erected large statues of themselves in temples, attempting to present themselves as deities. Some rulers also adopted titles like "Devputra," meaning "son of God," to further emphasize their divine status.
Chapter 2: Main Features of Mauryan Administration [20:48]
The Mauryan Empire had five major political centers, including the capital at Pataliputra and four provincial centers: Taxila, Ujjain, Tosali, and Swarnagiri. Transportation was maintained through both land and river routes. Travelers were provided with food and lodging facilities. The army ensured security, and a committee with six sub-committees managed military activities, each responsible for navy, transport, infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants.
Chapter 2: Economic and Political Achievements of Mauryan Empire [21:49]
The Mauryan Empire had five political centers, including the capital Pataliputra and four provincial centers. Their rule extended to Afghanistan and Balochistan in the northwest. They had a strong military and an excellent intelligence system. For economic achievements, the empire had sculpture, trade, agriculture, and crafts, including beads, jewelry, and pottery. Gold mines were also present.
Chapter 2: Ashoka's Contribution to Indian History [23:22]
Ashoka is considered one of the most famous rulers of early India. He conquered Kalinga (Odisha). Ashoka was the first emperor to inscribe messages on natural stones and polished pillars for his officials and subjects. He promoted Dhamma through his inscriptions, which included moral teachings such as respecting elders, being kind to ascetics and Brahmins, treating slaves well, and respecting other religions and traditions. He also appointed officials called "Mahamatras" to spread Dhamma.
Chapter 2: What are Inscriptions? [25:19]
Inscriptions are writings engraved on stone, metal, or pottery. They are a major source of historical information. They help us understand the language, names of rulers, and dates of events. They also provide information about wars and victories. However, inscriptions have limitations. Sometimes the letters are too faint to read, or the inscriptions are broken. The exact meaning can be unclear, and they don't provide information about daily life.
Chapter 2: Rise of Magadha as a Powerful Mahajanapada [27:10]
Magadha became the most powerful Mahajanapada due to its fertile land, which supported good agriculture. It had iron mines, providing access to iron resources. The forests provided elephants for the army, and rivers facilitated transportation. Additionally, Magadha had capable rulers.
Chapter 2: Features of Ashoka's Dhamma [28:55]
Ashoka's Dhamma included respecting elders, practicing non-violence, being kind to slaves and servants, and respecting other religions and their traditions.
Chapter 2: Megasthenes' Account of Military Activities in Mauryan Empire [29:27]
Megasthenes described the Mauryan military as having a committee with six sub-committees. These committees managed the navy, transport, infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants.
Chapter 2: Major Sources of Information about Mauryan Empire [29:56]
Information about the Mauryan Empire comes from Ashoka's coins and inscriptions, Chanakya's Arthashastra, Megasthenes' Indica, and Jain and Buddhist literature.
Chapter 2: Limitations of Inscriptional Evidence in Understanding Indian History [30:27]
Inscriptions have limitations. They are often incomplete, broken, or have faint letters. Sometimes the inscriptions cannot be read, or their true meaning is unclear. They also do not provide information about the daily lives of ordinary people.
Chapter 2: Importance of Coins in Indian History [30:56]
Coins were used to facilitate trade. Silver and copper coins were the first to be minted. Gold coins were issued on a large scale by the Kushan kings in the first century BCE. The purest gold coins were issued during the Gupta period.
Chapter 2: Main Features of Ancient Indian Mahajanapadas [31:26]
Most Mahajanapadas were ruled by kings. Each Mahajanapada had its own capital, which was fortified. Inscriptions provide information about the achievements and activities of those who commissioned them. They include details about the activities of kings and donations made to religious institutions by men and women. Inscriptions also provide information about the date of construction and who commissioned it.
Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class - Determining Women's Gotra in Brahmanical System [31:52]
In the Brahmanical system, a woman's gotra was determined by two rules. First, after marriage, a woman had to adopt her husband's gotra instead of her father's. Second, members of the same gotra could not marry each other.
Chapter 3: How Brahmins Dealt with Complex Social Life [33:19]
To address the challenges of complex social life, Brahmins created a code of conduct called "Achar Sanhita," which included rules that Brahmins and the rest of society had to follow. These rules were compiled in Sanskrit texts called Dharmashastras and Dharmasutras around 500 BCE, with the Manusmriti being the most important.
Chapter 3: The Critical Edition of Mahabharata [34:15]
The critical edition of the Mahabharata was an ambitious project led by V. S. Sukhankar, starting in 1919 and taking 47 years to complete. The team collected manuscripts of the Mahabharata in different languages from different parts of the country. They then studied these manuscripts and selected verses that were common across all versions.
Chapter 3: Rules for Chandalas in Manusmriti [35:11]
In the Manusmriti, Chandalas were required to live outside the village. They used discarded utensils and wore clothes of the deceased. They wore iron ornaments.
Chapter 3: Mahabharata - A Male Dominant Society [35:42]
The Mahabharata reflects a male-dominant society. The society was patriarchal, with fathers having authority. Men had rights to ancestral property. Sons were considered important for continuing the lineage.
Chapter 3: Original Author of Mahabharata [36:14]
The original story of the Mahabharata was written by Bhat Sarathis, also known as Sutas. They accompanied Kshatriya warriors to the battlefield and wrote poems about their victories. These compositions were transmitted orally. In the fifth century BCE, Brahmins took over this tradition and began writing it down, eventually leading to its literary form.
Chapter 3: Three Rules Related to Marriage in Mahabharata [36:45]
Three rules related to marriage in the Mahabharata period include marrying outside the gotra (exogamy), which was considered correct. Kanyadaan (giving away the daughter) was the most important religious duty for a father. After marriage, a woman had to change her gotra, using her husband's gotra instead of her father's.
Chapter 3: Caste System in Mahabharata [37:12]
Like Varna, caste was based on birth. The number of Varnas was limited to four: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra. However, there was no fixed number of castes. Whenever Brahmins encountered a new community that could not be included in the Varna system, they divided it into castes.
Chapter 3: Property Rights of Men and Women in Mahabharata [37:39]
During the time of the Mahabharata, property rights were not equal for men and women. According to the Manusmriti, ancestral property was divided equally among sons after the death of the parents, with the eldest son receiving a special share. Women did not have rights to this property. However, women had rights over the gifts received during their marriage, known as "stri-dhan."
Chapter 3: Three Features of Varna System [38:39]
The Varna system was considered a divine arrangement by Brahmins. According to the Varna system, there were four Varnas: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra. The duties of each Varna were predetermined. Brahmins studied the Vedas, taught, performed worship, and received donations. Kshatriyas governed and protected the people. Vaishyas engaged in trade and agriculture. Shudras served the other three Varnas. Brahmins held the highest position in the Varna system.
Chapter 3: Evidence That Brahmanical Rules Were Not Followed Everywhere [41:51]
Brahmanical rules about kinship and marriage were not followed everywhere. Some societies considered cousins as blood relatives, while others did not. Brahmanical rules favored exogamy (marrying outside the gotra), but the Satavahana rulers married within their families. Satavahana queens often retained their father's gotra after marriage. Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras mentioned eight types of marriages, with only the first four considered proper. These marriage practices were not universally followed.
Chapter 3: Main Features of Society During Mahabharata [46:02]
The main features of society during the Mahabharata included the Varna system and the caste system. Brahmins held the highest position, while Shudras and untouchables were at the bottom. The duties of the four Varnas were predetermined. According to the scriptures, only Kshatriyas could be kings, but there is evidence of others becoming kings. The number of castes was not fixed.
Chapter 3: Features of Mahabharata [47:02]
The ancient name of the Mahabharata is Jaya Sanhita. It is the world's largest epic, containing more than 100,000 verses. Its composition took place over a thousand years. The original author was Bhat Sarathi, who narrated the victory stories of warriors on the battlefield. The Mahabharata provides information about the social rules, Varna system, and code of conduct of the time. It also details the conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas.
Chapter 3: Mahabharata - A Dynamic Text [48:04]
It is not possible that the Mahabharata was written by a single author because its composition took place over a thousand years. The original story was written by Bhat Sarathi, but later Brahmins took over. The Mahabharata is considered a dynamic text because it was written in different languages and translated. Different stories were added to it later. The stories of the Mahabharata have been presented through plays, dances, and other means.
Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings - Bhopal Begums and Sanchi Stupa [51:21]
The Begums of Bhopal contributed to the preservation of the Sanchi Stupa. They prevented the French and English from taking away the Toran Dwar by giving them a plaster replica. They also provided funds for the preservation of the Sanchi Stupa and for building a museum and guesthouse.
Chapter 4: Reasons for Rapid Spread of Buddhism [51:50]
Buddhism spread rapidly because people were dissatisfied with contemporary religious practices. The Hindu religion had many malpractices. Buddhism did not believe in superiority based on birth but on conduct. It emphasized friendship and compassion towards the small and weak.
Chapter 4: Gautam Buddha's Middle Path [52:21]
Gautam Buddha's middle path advises kings and householders to be compassionate and renounce ego and desire. One must find their own path to liberation. It advocates for a simple life, respecting others, and avoiding both extreme asceticism and luxury.
Chapter 4: Difference Between Hinayana and Mahayana [52:48]
Hinayana considers Buddha a great man, opposes idol worship and rituals, and adheres to old ideas. Mahayana considers Buddha as God, practices idol worship, and adopts new ideas.
Chapter 4: Features of Buddhist Sculpture [53:17]
Buddhist sculptures often depict Buddha in symbolic form rather than human form. Each symbol has a special meaning related to Buddha's life, such as his enlightenment, birth, first sermon, and death.
Chapter 4: How Stupas are Constructed [53:49]
Stupas are made of donations and have a dome-like shape. They are initially made of raw materials but later made of baked materials. Toran Dwars are added later.
Chapter 4: Importance of 6th Century BCE in Indian History [54:20]
The 6th century BCE is considered important in Indian history because it saw the rise of Jainism and Buddhism. The early Upanishads were composed during this time.
Chapter 4: Rules for Bhikshus and Bhikshunis in Buddhist Sangha [54:46]
The rules for Bhikshus and Bhikshunis are found in the Vinaya Pitaka. They had to live a simple life, keeping only essential items. They had to give up their old identity after becoming a Bhikshu.
Chapter 4: How Sanchi Sculpture is Related to Buddhist Literature [55:09]
Many sculptures at Sanchi are not directly related to Buddhism. Some depict beautiful women, such as the Shalabhanjika, who is shown swinging from a tree. Scholars were initially confused by these sculptures. However, after studying literary traditions, they learned that the Shalabhanjika was believed to cause trees to bloom when touched. This suggests that people who converted to Buddhism brought their previous beliefs with them.
Chapter 4: Features of Vaishnavism Ideology [58:32]
Vaishnavism considers Lord Vishnu as the main deity. It includes the concept of Dashavatara, where Vishnu incarnates in different forms to destroy evil. These incarnations are depicted in statues and human forms.
Chapter 4: Features of Indian Philosophy from 600 BCE to 600 CE [59:02]
The features of Indian philosophy from 600 BCE to 600 CE include the rise of Jainism and Buddhism, the composition of early Upanishads, the rapid spread of Jainism and Buddhism, the development of early stupas and Mahayana Buddhism, and the emergence of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Devi worship traditions.
Chapter 4: How Buddhist Texts Were Prepared and Preserved [59:32]
After the death of Buddha, his disciples held a meeting in Vaishali. There, they compiled his teachings, which were called Tripitaka, meaning "three baskets."
Chapter 4: Jainism - Origin, Teachings and Expansion [1:00:02]
The origin of Jainism is attributed to Swami Rishabhdev, who is considered the founder and first Tirthankar. Jainism existed long before Buddhism. There were 24 Tirthankars, with the 24th being Mahavir, who was a contemporary of Buddha. Jainism teaches that the entire world is alive, including stones and water. It emphasizes non-violence towards all living beings. Its teachings include not committing violence, not killing, not stealing, not lying, practicing celibacy, and not accumulating wealth. Jainism spread to many parts of India and other countries, but not as rapidly as Buddhism.
Chapter 4: Rise and Main Features of Puranic Hinduism [1:00:59]
The rise of Puranic Hinduism aimed to simplify Vedic religion and present it to the common people. It is described in the Puranas and includes Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions. Vaishnava tradition focuses on Vishnu, while Shaiva tradition focuses on Shiva. Special importance is given to the worship of specific deities. Devotion is considered a relationship of love and surrender between the devotee and God. Vaishnavism includes the concept of 10 incarnations of Vishnu, who take different forms to end evil. Shiva is worshiped in the form of a lingam.
Chapter 4: Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Society and Culture [1:01:56]
Buddhism has had a profound impact on Indian society and culture. Buddha advocated for the middle path, rejecting religious ostentation. Buddhist philosophy considers the world impermanent and does not believe in God. It advocates for the middle path between extreme asceticism and luxury. It does not believe in the caste system and believes that society is created by humans, not God. Buddha advised kings and householders to be compassionate and instructed his disciples to be their own light.
Chapter 4: Organization and Rules of Buddhist Sangha [1:03:26]
The Buddhist Sangha was a community of Buddha's disciples. They lived a simple life, keeping only essential items. Initially, only men were allowed, but later women were also included. Bhikshus and Bhikshunis had to give up their old identity.
Chapter 4: Stupas and Their Significance [1:03:53]
Stupas are related to Buddhism, although the tradition of building stupas existed before Buddhism. The remains of Buddha were buried in stupas. Stupas were built in places considered sacred, with special plants and beautiful scenery. They were initially made of mud but later made of baked materials.
Chapter 5: Through the Eyes of Travellers - Bernier's View on Sati [1:05:42]
Bernier's perspective on Sati was that he witnessed it in Lahore and was deeply disturbed. He viewed it as a social evil where a wife was burned alive with her deceased husband.
Chapter 5: Abul Fazl on Land Revenue [1:06:11]
Abul Fazl described land revenue as the remuneration for royalty. He said that the land tax is the payment for the protection provided by the ruler to his subjects. It is not a tax on land owned by the ruler but a tax collected from everyone.
Chapter 5: Importance of Travelogues in History Writing [1:07:08]
Travelogues are important in medieval history because foreign travelers came to India and wrote about their experiences. These accounts provide valuable insights into the society of that time. Examples include Al-Biruni's Kitab-ul-Hind, Ibn Battuta's Rihla, and Bernier's Travels in the Mughal Empire.
Chapter 5: Ibn Battuta on Indian Agriculture and Trade [1:08:07]
Ibn Battuta noted that Indian agriculture was highly productive due to fertile soil, allowing farmers to grow two crops a year. He also observed that the subcontinent was well-connected to inter-Asian trade networks. Indian goods were in high demand in Central and Southeast Asia. The textile industry, including cotton, muslin, silk, and satin, was thriving, with these items being exported.
Chapter 5: Problems Faced by Al-Biruni in Understanding India [1:09:40]
Al-Biruni faced several problems in understanding India, including language barriers, differences in religious beliefs and practices, and a sense of superiority.
Chapter 5: Bernier's Description of 17th Century Cities [1:10:09]
Bernier compared everything he saw in India to European countries, often portraying India negatively. He claimed that the emperor owned all the land, which is not supported by Mughal documents.
Chapter 5: Ibn Battuta on Communication System in India [1:10:38]
Ibn Battuta was amazed by the Indian communication system. The state provided inns on trade routes to encourage merchants. There were two types of postal systems: the horse post and the foot post. These systems allowed for quick communication. It took 50 days to travel from Sindh to Delhi, but news could reach the Sultan in just 5 days.
Chapter 5: Kitab-ul-Hind by Al-Biruni [1:12:01]
Kitab-ul-Hind was written by Al-Biruni in Arabic. It is a simple and clear book that discusses religion, philosophy, festivals, astronomy, traditions, sculpture, law, and more. It is divided into 80 chapters, each starting with a question followed by a detailed answer.
Chapter 5: Ibn Battuta on Unsafe Travel [1:13:29]
Ibn Battuta described travel as unsafe due to the time it took, the risks involved, and the threat of robbers. Travelers also faced the risk of illness without access to proper medical care.
Chapter 5: Ibn Battuta on Delhi [1:13:57]
Ibn Battuta found Delhi to be full of opportunities. He said that if someone had skills, there was no shortage of opportunities. The city was densely populated and vibrant. He described Delhi as a large city, though he compared it to Daulatabad. There were markets, temples, and mosques.
Chapter 5: How Foreign Travelers Help in Reconstructing History [1:15:58]
Foreign travelers help in reconstructing history. Al-Biruni's Kitab-ul-Hind provides information about Indian law, religion, and philosophy. Ibn Battuta's Rihla provides information about social life, the slave system, cities, trade, agriculture, and the communication system. Bernier's accounts describe land ownership, cities, and the Sati practice.
Chapter 5: Ibn Battuta's Description of India [1:17:17]
Ibn Battuta described India as having a unique communication system.
