🧾 CBSE Sample Paper (History – Class 12, Course C)

Chapter: Rebels and the Raj – The Revolt of 1857 and Its Representations

Time: 3 Hours  Maximum Marks: 40
(Answer all questions as per marks distribution.)

🧩 Section A – Very Short Answer Questions (1 × 4 = 4 Marks)

(Answer each question in about 30 words)

Q1. What was the immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857?
Q2. Who was declared the symbolic leader of the revolt at Delhi?
Q3. Name any two main leaders of the revolt and the regions they led.
Q4. Which British policy was responsible for the annexation of Awadh in 1856?

✏️ Section B – Short Answer Questions (3 × 4 = 12 Marks)

(Answer each question in about 80–100 words)

Q5. Explain any three major grievances of Indian sepoys against the British before 1857.
Q6. Describe the role of Begum Hazrat Mahal in the revolt of 1857.
Q7. How did the taluqdars and peasants of Awadh participate in the revolt?
Q8. What administrative changes did the British introduce after the suppression of the revolt?

📘 Section C – Long Answer Questions (6 × 2 = 12 Marks)

(Answer each question in about 150–180 words)

Q9. Discuss the main causes of the Revolt of 1857.
Q10. “The Revolt of 1857 was not just a sepoy mutiny but a mass uprising.” Explain with suitable examples.

🖋️ Section D – Long Answer/Analytical (8 × 1 = 8 Marks)

(Answer in about 200–250 words)

Q11. Analyse the different ways in which the Revolt of 1857 was represented by the British and the Indians.
OR
Q11. Discuss how the Revolt of 1857 became a symbol of unity and the first step towards Indian nationalism.

🗺️ Section E – Map Question (4 × 1 = 4 Marks)

On the given outline map of India (pre-1947), mark and label the following:

1. Meerut – the place where the revolt began.
2. Delhi – where Bahadur Shah Zafar was proclaimed emperor.
3. Lucknow – major centre under Begum Hazrat Mahal.
4. Jhansi – led by Rani Lakshmibai.

✅ Answer Key / Marking Scheme

Section A (1 mark each)

Ans 1. The immediate cause was the introduction of the Enfield rifle whose cartridges were believed to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending both Hindus and Muslims.

Ans 2. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, was declared the symbolic leader of the revolt at Delhi.

Ans 3.

• Rani Lakshmibai – Jhansi
• Nana Saheb – Kanpur

Ans 4. The Doctrine of Lapse and annexation policy of Lord Dalhousie were responsible for the annexation of Awadh in 1856.

Section B (3 marks each)

Ans 5.
Major grievances of sepoys:

1. Discrimination in salary and promotions compared to British soldiers.
2. Religious interference, such as the use of greased cartridges.
3. Foreign posting and travel orders hurt caste and religious sentiments.
4. Many sepoys were from peasants’ families affected by British revenue policies.

Ans 6.

• Begum Hazrat Mahal, the wife of deposed Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, led the revolt in Awadh (Lucknow).
• She established her rule in the name of her minor son Birjis Qadr.
• She united taluqdars, peasants, and soldiers against British control.
• She encouraged both Hindus and Muslims to fight jointly.
• Despite brave resistance, Lucknow was later recaptured by the British.

Ans 7.

• Taluqdars, whose lands were confiscated after annexation, became the backbone of the revolt.
• Peasants joined because British revenue systems increased taxes and hardships.
• Rebels promised to restore old land rights and traditions.
• Thus, rural Awadh became a powerful base of the 1857 uprising.

Ans 8.
After the revolt:

1. The East India Company was abolished (Act of 1858).
2. India came under direct rule of the British Crown.
3. Secretary of State for India was appointed in London.
4. Policy of Divide and Rule was implemented.
5. The Indian Army was reorganized to prevent unity among sepoys.

Section C (6 marks each)

Ans 9. Causes of the Revolt:

(a) Political Causes:

• Annexation of Indian states under Doctrine of Lapse.
• Disrespect to Mughal dynasty and other rulers.

(b) Economic Causes:

• Heavy taxation and land revenue.
• Destruction of artisans due to British goods.

(c) Military Causes:

• Discrimination between Indian and British soldiers.
• Religious insult through Enfield rifle cartridges.

(d) Religious & Social Causes:

• Fear of conversion to Christianity.
• Interference in customs and caste.

(e) Immediate Cause:

• Cartridge controversy at Meerut sparked open rebellion.

Ans 10.
“The Revolt of 1857 was more than a sepoy mutiny”:

1. Initially started by sepoys at Meerut but soon involved peasants, landlords, and rulers.
2. Civilians supported rebels by destroying records, cutting telegraph wires, and boycotting British goods.
3. Leadership was diverse:
   • Rani Lakshmibai (Jhansi)
   • Nana Saheb (Kanpur)
   • Begum Hazrat Mahal (Lucknow)
   • Kunwar Singh (Bihar)
4. Religious unity – both Hindus and Muslims fought together.
5. Rebels aimed to restore old order and remove British rule, not merely oppose military injustice.
6. Hence, it was a broad-based anti-colonial movement and not just a military mutiny.

Section D (8 marks)

Ans 11. Representation of the Revolt:

A. British Representation:

1. British artists and officials portrayed it as a “mutiny” – an act of treachery.
2. Paintings and literature emphasized British heroism and Indian cruelty.
3. Events like the Kanpur massacre were exaggerated to justify revenge and repression.
4. Artworks such as Relief of Lucknow glorified British bravery.
5. Aim: to justify imperial rule and depict Indians as barbaric.

B. Indian Representation:

1. Indians viewed 1857 as a heroic struggle for freedom.
2. Songs and poems celebrated Rani Lakshmibai, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Tantia Tope, etc.
3. The revolt became a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and patriotism.
4. Later nationalists termed it the First War of Independence.
5. Folk traditions and oral histories preserved the memory of resistance.

Conclusion:

• British saw it as rebellion against authority; Indians saw it as the birth of nationalism.
• The contrasting representations reflect colonial dominance vs. indigenous pride.

Section E – Map Question (4 marks)

Label the following on the map of India (1857):
1️⃣ Meerut – Where the revolt began.
2️⃣ Delhi – Where Bahadur Shah Zafar was proclaimed Emperor.
3️⃣ Lucknow – Centre led by Begum Hazrat Mahal.
4️⃣ Jhansi – Led by Rani Lakshmibai.

(Each correctly marked place: 1 mark × 4 = 4 marks)

🏆 Total Marks = 40

📚 Tips for Board Preparation

• Revise dates and places using maps.
• Write answers in points, not long paragraphs.
• Quote examples of leaders and events in every long answer.
• Practice 1-mark factual questions from NCERT.
• Focus on interpretations and perspectives (British vs Indian view).