CBSE Class XII History
Complete Indian History Curriculum 2025-26 | Subject Code: 027
Course Overview
Theory Paper
80
Marks
Project Work
20
Marks
Duration
3
Hours
Total Parts
3
Parts
Learning Objectives
- Understanding the rich heritage and cultural developments of ancient Indian civilization
- Analyzing the social, economic, and political structures of early Indian societies
- Exploring medieval India through accounts of travelers and religious movements
- Examining the Mughal administrative system and agrarian society
- Understanding the impact of colonialism on Indian countryside and society
- Analyzing the causes, events, and consequences of the 1857 Revolt
- Studying Mahatma Gandhi's role in the national movement and civil disobedience
- Understanding the framing of the Indian Constitution and democracy
- Developing skills in historical analysis, source interpretation, and critical thinking
- Building awareness of India's diverse cultural and social traditions
NCERT Textbooks & Resources
Download official NCERT History textbooks for comprehensive study
NCERT Class XII History - Part I NCERT Class XII History - Part II NCERT Class XII History - Part IIIFollow @menturox.in for Updates
Part-wise Marks Distribution
| Part | Section Name | Marks | Percentage | Themes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Ancient India (Harappan to Gupta Period) | 25 | 31.25% | 4 Themes |
| II | Medieval India (10th to 18th centuries) | 25 | 31.25% | 4 Themes |
| III | Modern India (Colonial Period to Independence) | 25 | 31.25% | 4 Themes |
| Map | Historical Geography & Locations | 5 | 6.25% | All Parts |
| Total Theory | 80 | 100% | 12 Themes | |
Note: All three parts carry equal weightage (25 marks each) with integrated map work
Part I: Ancient India (25 Marks)
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY - PART I (c. 3000 BCE to 600 CE)
NCERT Textbook: Themes in Indian History - Part I
Comprehensive coverage of ancient Indian civilization, early states, social structures, and cultural developments
Theme 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones 6-7 Marks
The Harappa Civilisation (c. 2600-1900 BCE)
- Discovery and decipherment attempts
- Extent of Harappan civilization
- Urban planning and city layout
- Mohenjodaro and Harappa - detailed study
- Drainage system and water management
- Trade and commerce networks
- Crafts and technology
- Social and economic organization
- Religious practices and beliefs
- Decline and theories
- Recent archaeological discoveries
- Significance of seals and script
Theme 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns 6-7 Marks
Early States and Economies (c. 600 BCE – 600 CE)
- Rise of Mahajanapadas
- Magadha and its expansion
- Mauryan Empire - administration and policies
- Ashoka's Dhamma and inscriptions
- Post-Mauryan developments
- Kushana and Satavahana dynasties
- Gupta Empire - Golden Age characteristics
- Agricultural production and techniques
- Urban centers and trade
- Guilds and craft production
- Coins and monetary system
- Land grants and administration
Theme 3: Kinship, Caste and Class 6-7 Marks
Early Societies (c. 600 BCE – 600 CE)
- Sources for social history - texts and inscriptions
- Mahabharata as a source
- Varna system and its evolution
- Jati and subcaste formations
- Kinship patterns and family structures
- Status of women in society
- Marriage patterns and practices
- Property rights and inheritance
- Social mobility and restrictions
- Alternative social orders
- Impact of Buddhism and Jainism
- Regional variations in social practices
Theme 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings 6-7 Marks
Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE – 600 CE)
- Religious and philosophical traditions
- Vedic traditions and Upanishads
- Rise of Buddhism - Buddha's teachings
- Buddhist texts and councils
- Jainism - Mahavira and principles
- Popular religious practices
- Art and architecture development
- Stupas - construction and significance
- Rock-cut caves and monasteries
- Temple architecture beginnings
- Sculptures and artistic traditions
- Patronage of art and religion
Part II: Medieval India (25 Marks)
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY - PART II (c. 8th to 18th centuries)
NCERT Textbook: Themes in Indian History - Part II
Detailed study of medieval Indian society, culture, and political developments through diverse sources
Theme 5: Through the Eyes of Travellers 6-7 Marks
Perceptions of Society (c. 10th to 17th centuries)
- Al-Biruni and his observations
- Ibn Battuta's travelogue
- François Bernier's accounts
- Social and economic observations
- Religious practices and beliefs
- Court culture and administration
- Urban life and architecture
- Trade and commercial activities
- Caste system and social hierarchy
- Women's status and conditions
- Comparative perspectives on Indian society
- Limitations and biases in accounts
Theme 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions 6-7 Marks
Changes in Religious Beliefs and Devotional Texts (c. 8th to 18th centuries)
- Bhakti movement - origins and spread
- Alvars and Nayanars in South India
- Ramanuja and Vishishtadvaita
- Northern Bhakti traditions
- Kabir - life and teachings
- Guru Nanak and Sikhism
- Tulsidas and Ramayana tradition
- Sufi movements in India
- Chishti and other Sufi orders
- Sufi-Bhakti interactions
- Popular devotional literature
- Impact on society and culture
Theme 7: An Imperial Capital - Vijayanagar 6-7 Marks
Vijayanagar Empire (c. 14th to 16th centuries)
- Foundation and early rulers
- Krishnadeva Raya and expansion
- Administrative system
- Revenue and military organization
- Capital city - Hampi architecture
- Royal center and sacred center
- Temple complexes and monuments
- Water management systems
- Trade and commercial networks
- Cultural and artistic achievements
- Conflict with Bahmani Sultanates
- Battle of Talikota and decline
Theme 8: Peasants, Zamindars and the State 6-7 Marks
Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire (c. 16th-17th centuries)
- Mughal administrative structure
- Zabti system and land revenue
- Todar Mal's settlement
- Categories of peasants
- Zamindars and their roles
- Agricultural production methods
- Crops and cropping patterns
- Technology and irrigation
- Rural artisans and crafts
- Village communities and organization
- Peasant resistance and revolts
- Regional variations in agrarian systems
Part III: Modern India (25 Marks)
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY - PART III (c. 18th to 20th centuries)
NCERT Textbook: Themes in Indian History - Part III
Comprehensive study of colonial impact, resistance movements, freedom struggle, and constitutional development
Theme 9: Colonialism and The Countryside 6-7 Marks
Exploring Official Archives
- Nature of official records
- East India Company's records
- Colonial surveys and reports
- Permanent Settlement in Bengal
- Mahalwari system in North India
- Ryotwari system in South India
- Impact on rural society
- Zamindars under colonial rule
- Peasants and agricultural changes
- Commercialization of agriculture
- Famines and their causes
- Rural resistance and protests
Theme 10: Rebels and Raj 6-7 Marks
1857 Revolt and its Representations
- Background and causes of revolt
- Immediate triggers and outbreak
- Major centers of rebellion
- Leadership - Rani Lakshmibai, Bahadur Shah
- Tatya Tope, Kunwar Singh
- Nature and extent of participation
- British response and suppression
- Aftermath and consequences
- Contemporary accounts and interpretations
- British official narratives
- Indian nationalist interpretations
- Modern historical assessments
Theme 11: Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement 6-7 Marks
Civil Disobedience and Beyond
- Gandhi's early life and South Africa
- Satyagraha - philosophy and methods
- Champaran and Kheda movements
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22)
- Salt Satyagraha and Dandi March
- Civil Disobedience Movement
- Quit India Movement (1942)
- Gandhi's relationship with Congress
- Different perspectives on Gandhi
- Critiques from various quarters
- Gandhi and Ambedkar debate
- Legacy and global influence
Theme 12: Framing of the Constitution 6-7 Marks
The Beginning of a New Era
- Background to constitutional making
- Constituent Assembly formation
- Key personalities - Nehru, Ambedkar, Patel
- Debates on fundamental issues
- Language and national identity
- Separate electorates debate
- Rights of minorities
- Federal vs unitary structure
- Fundamental rights and directive principles
- Role of different committees
- Adoption and implementation
- Vision of new India
Map Work Component (5 Marks)
Historical Geography & Locations
All Parts Integration: 5 Marks | Format: Identification & Marking
Part I - Ancient India Maps
- Harappan sites - Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Dholavira
- Mahajanapadas and their capitals
- Mauryan Empire extent
- Important cities - Pataliputra, Taxila, Ujjain
- Buddhist sites - Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Sanchi
- Gupta Empire territories
Part II - Medieval India Maps
- Delhi Sultanate territories
- Vijayanagar Empire boundaries
- Mughal Empire extent
- Important medieval cities
- Bhakti and Sufi centers
- Trade routes and ports
Part III - Modern India Maps
- Major rebellion centers (1857)
- Important Congress session venues
- Salt Satyagraha route
- Provinces under British rule
- Princely states
- Partition boundaries (1947)
Project Work (20 Marks)
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT - 20% of Total Marks
Project Requirements
One project per student per academic session
Assessment: Internal Teacher + External Examiner
Format: Research-based historical investigation
Nature: Original research with primary/secondary sources
Project Assessment Criteria
Research & Sources
8 Marks
Quality of research, source analysis, and historical evidence
Analysis & Interpretation
6 Marks
Historical understanding, critical analysis, and logical conclusions
Presentation
3 Marks
Organization, clarity, and professional presentation
Viva-Voce
3 Marks
Oral examination on project understanding
Suggested Project Topics for Class XII
Ancient India Projects
- The Indus Valley Civilization - Archaeological Excavations and New Perspectives
- The History and Legacy of Mauryan Empire
- "Mahabharat" – The Great Epic of India
- The History and Culture of the Vedic period
- Buddha Charita - Life and Teachings
- A Comprehensive History of Jainism
- Comparative Study of Stupas and Pillar Edicts
Medieval India Projects
- Bhakti Movement – Multiple Interpretations and Commentaries
- The Architectural Culture of the Vijayanagar Empire
- Life of Women in the Mughal Rural Society
- The Philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev
- The Vision of Kabir
- Comparative Study of Mughal and Vijayanagar Architecture
- The Mystical Dimensions of Sufism
Freedom Struggle Projects
- Global Legacy of Gandhian Ideas
- Comparative Analysis of Land Revenue Systems by British
- The Revolt of 1857 – Causes, Planning & Coordination
- Leadership and Vision of Unity in 1857
- An Insight into the Indian Constitution
- Women's Participation in Freedom Movement
- Regional Freedom Movements
Specialized History Topics
- Oral History Projects - interviewing freedom fighters
- Local History - temples, monuments, traditions
- Art and Architecture through Ages
- Economic History - trade and commerce
- Social History - caste, class, and community
- Cultural History - festivals and traditions
- Archaeological Evidence Analysis
Project Work Guidelines
- Select topics based on course themes and personal interest
- Use both primary sources (inscriptions, documents) and secondary sources
- Include archaeological evidence, museum visits, and field work
- Maintain proper historical methodology and source citation
- Present balanced perspectives and avoid bias
- Include maps, timelines, genealogies where relevant
- Prepare comprehensive bibliography and source list
- Practice presentation skills for viva-voce examination
- Ensure originality and avoid plagiarism
- Collaborate with local museums, archaeological departments
Examination Pattern (March 2026)
Question Paper Design
Total Marks: 80 | Duration: 3 Hours
Subject Code: 027
| Question Type | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) | 21 | 1 | 21 |
| Short Answer Questions (SA) | 6 | 3 | 18 |
| Long Answer Questions (LA) | 3 | 8 | 24 |
| Source Based Questions | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| Map Work | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Total Theory + Project | 100 | ||
Competency Weightage
| Competency | Percentage | Marks | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | 26.25% | 21 | Factual information, dates, events |
| Understanding | 22.50% | 18 | Comprehension of concepts and processes |
| Application/Analysis | 30% | 24 | Source analysis, cause-effect relationships |
| Evaluation/Creation | 15% | 12 | Critical assessment, synthesis |
| Map Skills | 6.25% | 5 | Historical geography, location skills |
Assessment Features
- Equal emphasis on all three parts of Indian history
- Source-based questions from primary historical documents
- Map work integrated across ancient, medieval, and modern periods
- Multiple choice questions covering factual knowledge
- Long answer questions requiring analytical thinking
- Case study analysis of historical events and personalities
- Comparative analysis between different periods and regions
- Integration of archaeological and textual evidence
Key Success Tips
Preparation Strategy
- Study all three parts systematically with equal focus (25 marks each)
- Practice reading and analyzing primary historical sources
- Develop timeline understanding for chronological questions
- Master map work - locations, kingdoms, and historical geography
- Understand cause-effect relationships in historical events
- Practice writing analytical answers with historical evidence
- Read NCERT textbooks thoroughly with supplementary materials
- Work on project consistently throughout the academic year
- Practice previous year question papers and sample papers
- Develop skills in source criticism and historical interpretation
- Connect ancient, medieval, and modern themes for comprehensive understanding
- Visit museums and historical sites for practical learning
Career Connections
History & Research
- History (Honors/General)
- Historical Research
- Archaeology
- Ancient Indian History & Culture
- Medieval & Modern History
- Art History
- Museology
Civil Services & Administration
- Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS)
- Indian Historical Records Commission
- Archaeological Survey of India
- National Archives
- Cultural Ministry Services
- Foreign Service
- State Administrative Services
Education & Teaching
- Teaching (School & College)
- Educational Research
- Curriculum Development
- Educational Administration
- Academic Content Writing
- Online Education Platforms
- Educational Consulting
Heritage & Culture
- Heritage Conservation
- Museum Studies
- Cultural Heritage Management
- Tourism & Travel
- Art Gallery Management
- Heritage Site Management
- Cultural Documentation
Media & Communication
- Historical Writing & Journalism
- Documentary Production
- Historical Blogging
- Publishing & Editing
- Historical Commentary
- Cultural Programming
- Heritage Journalism
Digital Humanities
- Digital Archiving
- Historical Database Management
- Virtual Museum Development
- Historical App Development
- Digital Heritage Projects
- Historical Content Creation
- Online Historical Research
Important Resources
Official CBSE Resources
- NCERT Themes in Indian History - Part I (Ancient)
- NCERT Themes in Indian History - Part II (Medieval)
- NCERT Themes in Indian History - Part III (Modern)
- CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26
- Previous Year Question Papers
- CBSE Marking Schemes
Archaeological Sources
- Archaeological Survey of India Reports
- Harappan Civilization Excavation Reports
- Inscriptions and Epigraphic Sources
- Numismatic Evidence and Coins
- Art and Architecture Documentation
- Regional Archaeological Studies
Primary Sources
- Ancient Texts - Vedas, Puranas, Buddhist Literature
- Medieval Accounts - Ibn Battuta, Al-Biruni
- Colonial Records and Archives
- Freedom Movement Documents
- Constitutional Assembly Debates
- Oral History Collections
Museums & Institutions
- National Museum, New Delhi
- Indian Museum, Kolkata
- Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai
- Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
- Local State Museums
- Archaeological Site Museums
Maps & Visual Resources
- Historical Atlas of India
- Survey of India Historical Maps
- Dynastic Maps and Genealogies
- Trade Route Maps
- Battle and Campaign Maps
- Administrative Division Maps
Study Tools
- Timeline Templates
- Source Analysis Worksheets
- Map Practice Sheets
- Project Format Guidelines
- Viva-Voce Question Banks
- Historical Fact Sheets
Important Dates & Timeline
| Event | Timeline | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Project Topic Selection | July - August 2025 | Choose historical topic with teacher guidance |
| Research & Data Collection | September - November 2025 | Visit libraries, museums, conduct interviews |
| Project Completion | December 2025 - January 2026 | Finalize project, prepare presentation |
| Project Assessment | February 2026 | Present to internal and external examiners |
| Theory Examination | March 2026 | 3-hour comprehensive theory paper |
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