Relevant Titles
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Saints, Sufis and Society — CBSE Class 12 History MCQs (NCERT-Aligned)
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Top MCQs on Bhakti and Sufi Traditions for Class 12 Board Prep
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Exam-Oriented Practice: Saints & Sufis in Medieval India — 60 MCQs
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NCERT-Based Questions: Role of Saints and Sufis in Social Change
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Quick Revision: Saints, Sufis and Society — Sample Objective Questions
Introduction
The CBSE Class 12 History MCQs — “Saints, Sufis and Society” practice test is crafted specifically to help students revise Theme 6 of Medieval India: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions – Changes in Religious Beliefs. Aligned strictly with the NCERT syllabus, this exam-oriented quiz focuses on how saintly figures and Sufi mystics shaped social values, challenged ritual formalism, and fostered communal bonds across religious communities. Through concise, multiple-choice items you will review key concepts — the role of khanqahs and dargahs, the social messages of Bhakti saints like Kabir and Mirabai, the musical and devotional practices of Sufis (qawwali, sama), and the social outreach (langar, charity) that made these traditions popular among common people. Each question provides instant feedback and a clear explanation so learners convert factual recall into deep conceptual understanding. Use this practice set to identify weak areas, reinforce important NCERT points, and develop the confidence necessary for the CBSE Class 12 History board examination. Attempt regularly to improve speed and accuracy under the 60-minute timed test format.
Sample MCQs with Explanations
Q1. Which of the following best explains why Sufi khanqahs attracted people from diverse communities?
A. They enforced strict ritual codes.
B. They served as hospices, offered langar and spiritual instruction.
C. They were exclusively royal institutions.
D. They prohibited music and gatherings.
Answer: B
Explanation: Khanqahs functioned as hospices and centres for spiritual teaching; their langar (community kitchen) and open hospitality drew devotees across religious and social lines.
Q2. Kabir’s poems are important for the study of medieval society because they:
A. Promote only temple architecture.
B. Praise ritual exclusivity.
C. Critique both Hindu and Muslim ritualism and emphasise inner devotion.
D. Advocate royal supremacy.
Answer: C
Explanation: Kabir’s dohas attack empty ritual and caste arrogance, urging inward devotion and ethical living—making him a central voice in discussions of social reform and communal harmony.
Q3. What is ‘sama’ in Sufi practice?
A. A tax register.
B. A form of devotional music and listening session aimed at spiritual ecstasy.
C. A royal decree.
D. A type of temple architecture.
Answer: B
Explanation: Sama refers to musical assemblies (including qawwali) used in Sufi practice to evoke remembrance of God and spiritual states.
Q4. Which Bhakti practice most directly undermined caste barriers?
A. Exclusive Sanskrit ritualism.
B. Temple entry restrictions.
C. Popular vernacular devotional singing and inclusive bhajan/kirtan assemblies.
D. Courtly patronage only.
Answer: C
Explanation: Vernacular bhajans and public kirtans allowed people of different castes and classes to participate equally in devotional life, challenging caste exclusivity.
Q5. Which pair correctly links a saint/sufi with his contribution?
A. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti — Chishti dargah at Ajmer and langar tradition.
B. Tulsidas — Founder of the Chishti order.
C. Basavanna — Punjabi Sufi poet.
D. Amir Khusrau — Composer of Tamil pasurams.
Answer: A
Explanation: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti established a widely revered dargah at Ajmer; the Chishti tradition emphasised service (langar) and tolerance. (Other pairings are incorrect.)