Source-Based Questions with Answers
CBSE Class 12 – History
Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
CBSE Board Examinations:
- Source / Case-Based Questions as per NCERT
- Designed for 4–5 mark answers
- Ideal for Boards, Pre-Boards & Revision
I. Early Religious Ideas
“Many thinkers believed that human life was marked by suffering and that liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth was possible through ethical living.”
1. What problem of human life is highlighted in the source?
The source highlights the problem of suffering in human life.
2. What solution to suffering is suggested?
Ethical living and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
II. Brahmanism
“The performance of yajnas by Brahman priests was believed to ensure cosmic order and prosperity.”
3. Who performed yajnas according to the source?
Brahman priests performed yajnas.
4. Why were yajnas considered important?
They were believed to maintain cosmic order and prosperity.
III. Buddhism
“The Buddha taught that suffering could end if desire was controlled and ethical conduct was followed.”
5. What cause of suffering is mentioned in the source?
Desire is identified as the cause of suffering.
6. How could suffering be ended?
By following ethical conduct and controlling desire.
7. Which path did the Buddha prescribe?
The Eightfold Path.
IV. Sangha and Monastic Life
“The Sangha was open to men and women from all social backgrounds, provided they followed strict monastic rules.”
8. What was the Sangha?
The monastic community of Buddhist monks and nuns.
9. Who could join the Sangha?
Men and women from all social backgrounds.
10. What condition was required to remain in the Sangha?
Strict observance of monastic rules.
V. Jainism
“Jain monks believed that complete non-violence towards all living beings was essential for liberation.”
11. What principle of Jainism is highlighted?
Ahimsa or non-violence.
12. Why was non-violence important?
It was considered essential for attaining liberation.
VI. Stupas and Buddhist Architecture
“Early Buddhist art avoided human images of the Buddha and used symbols such as the wheel and lotus.”
13. Why were symbols used instead of images?
Early Buddhists avoided depicting the Buddha in human form.
14. Name two symbols used in early Buddhist art.
The wheel and the lotus.
VII. Patronage
“Inscriptions record donations made by kings, merchants, and women for the construction of religious buildings.”
15. Who were the patrons mentioned in the source?
Kings, merchants, and women.
16. Why are inscriptions important for historians?
They provide evidence of patronage and religious practices.