NCERT Class 12 History (Themes in Indian History) is a core foundational text for UPSC Civil Services Prelims, Mains, and State PSC exams. Here is a high-yield chapter-wise MCQ practice set with detailed explanations.
Theme 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones (The Harappan Civilisation)
Q1. Which of the following Harappan sites provides evidence of a dockyard?
(A) Kalibangan
(B) Lothal
(C) Mohenjodaro
(D) Banawali
Answer: (B) Lothal
Explanation: Lothal in Gujarat featured a massive brick basin identified as a dockyard, proving maritime trade with Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf.
Theme 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns (c. 600 BCE – 600 CE)
Q2. Who among the following deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts used in Asokan inscriptions?
(A) Alexander Cunningham
(B) James Prinsep
(C) John Marshall
(D) R.D. Banerji
Answer: (B) James Prinsep
Explanation: James Prinsep, an officer in the Mint of the East India Company, deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi in 1837, revealing King Piyadasi (Ashoka).
Theme 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings (Cultural Developments)
| Buddhist Council | Venue | Patron King | Presided By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Buddhist Council | Rajagriha (483 BCE) | Ajatashatru | Mahakassapa |
| 2nd Buddhist Council | Vaishali (383 BCE) | Kalasoka | Sabakami |
| 3rd Buddhist Council | Pataliputra (250 BCE) | Ashoka | Moggaliputta Tissa |
| 4th Buddhist Council | Kashmir (72 CE) | Kanishka | Vasumitra |
Theme 13: Mahatma Gandhi & The Nationalist Movement
Q3. Arrange the following Gandhian movements in correct chronological order:
1. Kheda Satyagraha
2. Champaran Satyagraha
3. Ahmedabad Mill Strike
4. Non-Cooperation Movement
(A) 2-1-3-4
(B) 2-3-1-4
(C) 1-2-3-4
(D) 3-2-1-4
Answer: (B) 2-3-1-4
Explanation: Champaran (1917) → Ahmedabad Mill Strike (Feb 1918) → Kheda Satyagraha (March 1918) → Non-Cooperation Movement (1920).