CBSE Class XI History
Complete Themes and Curriculum 2025-26 | Subject Code: 027
Course Overview
Theory Paper
80
Marks
Project Work
20
Marks
Duration
3
Hours
Total Themes
7
Themes
Learning Objectives
- Understanding major themes in world history from ancient to modern times
- Developing knowledge of early societies and the development of civilization
- Analyzing the rise and fall of empires across different continents
- Exploring cultural traditions and their transformation over time
- Understanding the process of modernization in different regions
- Building skills for historical analysis and source interpretation
- Developing awareness of global historical processes and connections
- Critical evaluation of historical evidence and multiple perspectives
Section-wise Marks Distribution
| Section | Timeline Period | Marks | Percentage | Themes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I - Early Societies | 6 MYA to 1 BCE | 10 | 12.5% | 1 Theme |
| II - Empires | c. 100 BCE to 1300 CE | 20 | 25% | 2 Themes |
| III - Changing Traditions | c. 1300 to 1700 | 20 | 25% | 2 Themes |
| IV - Towards Modernisation | c. 1700 to 2000 | 25 | 31.25% | 2 Themes |
| Map Work | All Themes | 5 | 6.25% | Related Maps |
| Total Theory | 80 | 100% | 7 Themes | |
Section I: Early Societies (10 Marks)
Timeline I: 6 MYA TO 1 BCE
NCERT Textbook: Themes in World History
Official NCERT textbook covering all world history themes from early societies to modernization
Download NCERT Book - Follow for UpdatesTheme 1: Writing and City Life 10 Marks
Focus: Iraq, 3rd millennium BCE
- Development of writing systems in ancient Mesopotamia
- Rise of city-states and urban civilization
- Social organization in early cities
- Economic systems and trade networks
- Religious beliefs and practices
- Technology and craftsmanship
- Political structures and governance
- Cultural achievements and legacy
Key Concepts to Study:
- Cuneiform script and its significance
- Sumerian civilization and city-states
- Mesopotamian society and culture
- Archaeological evidence and interpretation
- Urban planning and architecture
- Economic activities and specialization
Section II: Empires (20 Marks)
Timeline II: c. 100 BCE TO 1300 CE
Theme 2: An Empire Across Three Continents 10 Marks
Focus: The Roman Empire
- Rise and expansion of the Roman Empire
- Political system and administration
- Social structure and citizenship
- Economic foundations and trade
- Military organization and conquest
- Cultural assimilation and Romanization
- Religion and the spread of Christianity
- Decline and fall of the Western Empire
Key Areas of Study:
- Roman Republic to Empire transition
- Imperial administration and governance
- Roman law and legal system
- Architecture and engineering achievements
- Multi-cultural nature of the empire
- Economic integration across territories
Theme 3: Nomadic Empires 10 Marks
Focus: The Rise and Legacy of Genghis Khan
- Nomadic society and lifestyle
- Rise of Genghis Khan and Mongol unification
- Military tactics and strategies
- Mongol conquests and empire building
- Administrative systems in conquered territories
- Cultural exchange and trade facilitation
- Impact on Eurasian civilizations
- Legacy and long-term consequences
Focus Areas:
- Mongol social organization and values
- Military innovations and mobility
- Silk Road and trade networks
- Religious tolerance policies
- Pax Mongolica and cultural exchange
- Fragmentation and successor states
Section III: Changing Traditions (20 Marks)
Timeline III: c. 1300 TO 1700
Theme 4: The Three Orders 10 Marks
Focus: Feudalism - First, Second, Third, and Fourth Order of Society
- Feudal system and social hierarchy
- The three estates: clergy, nobility, commoners
- Manor system and agricultural economy
- Church's role in medieval society
- Knights and chivalric culture
- Peasant life and obligations
- Urban growth and merchant class
- Decline of feudalism
Key Concepts:
- Feudal contracts and obligations
- Medieval church and monasticism
- Agricultural techniques and innovations
- Rise of towns and trade guilds
- Cultural and intellectual developments
- Gothic architecture and art
Theme 5: Changing Cultural Traditions 10 Marks
Focus: Renaissance, Humanism, Realism
- Origins and characteristics of Renaissance
- Humanism and new intellectual outlook
- Artistic achievements and innovations
- Scientific revolution and discoveries
- Literature and philosophical developments
- Reformation and religious changes
- Cultural diffusion across Europe
- Impact on modern thought
Areas of Focus:
- Italian Renaissance and city-states
- Northern European Renaissance
- Art, architecture, and sculpture
- Scientific method and discoveries
- Protestant Reformation
- Printing press and knowledge dissemination
Section IV: Towards Modernisation (25 Marks)
Timeline IV: c. 1700 TO 2000
Theme 6: Displacing Indigenous Peoples 12 Marks
Focus: America and Australia
- European colonization patterns
- Impact on Native American societies
- Australian Aboriginal experiences
- Land dispossession and displacement
- Cultural destruction and assimilation policies
- Resistance movements and conflicts
- Colonial administration and policies
- Long-term consequences and modern issues
Key Study Areas:
- European settlement patterns
- Indigenous societies before colonization
- Disease, warfare, and population decline
- Land rights and treaty issues
- Cultural preservation and revival
- Contemporary indigenous movements
Theme 7: Paths to Modernization 13 Marks
Focus: Japan, China, Korea
- Traditional societies and isolation
- Western contact and pressure
- Meiji Restoration in Japan
- Chinese responses to modernization
- Korean experiences under colonialism
- Industrialization strategies
- Political and social transformations
- Modern economic development
Comparative Analysis:
- Different paths to modernization
- Role of traditional values
- Western influence and adaptation
- Educational and technological changes
- Political reforms and democratization
- Economic miracle and development models
Map Work (5 Marks)
Geographical Knowledge Component
Related to all themes studied in the curriculum
Map Topics to Study
- Ancient Mesopotamian cities and regions
- Roman Empire at its greatest extent
- Mongol Empire and trade routes
- Medieval European kingdoms and cities
- Renaissance centers in Italy and Europe
- European colonial territories in Americas
- Australian settlement patterns
- East Asian countries and regions
- Silk Road and trade networks
- Major historical cities and capitals
Skills Development
- Reading and interpreting historical maps
- Locating places on world maps
- Understanding geographical context
- Correlating maps with historical events
- Analyzing spatial relationships
- Using maps as historical sources
- Drawing sketch maps and diagrams
- Labeling important features
Project Work (20 Marks)
Research and Analysis Component
One project per student per academic session
Recommended Length: Comprehensive research presentation
Project Assessment Criteria
Relevance of Topic
5 Marks
Appropriateness and historical significance
Knowledge & Research
5 Marks
Depth of research and historical understanding
Presentation
5 Marks
Organization, clarity, and creativity
Viva-Voce
5 Marks
Oral examination and understanding
Suggested Project Topics for Class XI
Industrialization & Development
- Facets of Industrialization in 16th-18th centuries
- Development Aspects of South/Central American States
- Facets of Modernization – China/Japan/Korea
- Industrial Revolution and its global impact
- Technological innovations and society
- Economic transformation patterns
Religion & Culture
- Crusades: causes, events, outcomes
- The spirit of Renaissance (art, literature, philosophy)
- Different schools of thought: Realism, Humanism, Romanticism
- Religious reforms and counter-reforms
- Cultural exchange and synthesis
- Missionary activities and conversions
Ancient Civilizations
- Ancient History in depth: Mesopotamia
- Greek Philosophy and City States
- Contributions of Roman Civilization
- Piecing together the past of Genghis Khan
- Archaeological discoveries and interpretations
- Urban planning in ancient cities
Colonialism & Indigenous Peoples
- History of Aborigines – America/Australia
- Realms of Slavery in different periods
- European exploration and colonization
- Impact of colonialism on indigenous societies
- Resistance movements and cultural survival
- Decolonization processes
Project Work Guidelines
- Develop skills in data collection, analysis, and critical thinking
- Focus on historical research methods and source analysis
- Include both primary and secondary sources
- Maintain proper citation and bibliography
- Present work creatively through various formats
- Demonstrate understanding of historical concepts
- Show awareness of multiple perspectives
- Connect historical events to contemporary relevance
- Prepare for comprehensive viva-voce examination
- Follow academic integrity and avoid plagiarism
Examination Pattern (March 2026)
Question Paper Design
Total Marks: 80 | Duration: 3 Hours
Subject Code: 027
| Question Type | Number × Marks | Total Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) | 21 × 1 | 21 | 26.25% |
| Short Answer (SA) | 6 × 3 | 18 | 22.5% |
| Long Answer (LA) | 8 × 3 | 24 | 30% |
| Source Based Questions | 4 × 3 | 12 | 15% |
| Map Work | - | 5 | 6.25% |
| Total Theory + Project | 100 | 100% | |
Assessment Features
- Focus on understanding historical themes and concepts
- Source-based questions for developing analytical skills
- Comparative analysis of different civilizations and periods
- Map work to develop geographical awareness
- Multiple choice questions for factual knowledge
- Essay-type questions for in-depth analysis
- Integration of various skills: reading, writing, analysis
- Project work for independent research capabilities
Success Tips & Study Strategy
Preparation Strategy
- Read NCERT textbook thoroughly and make comprehensive notes
- Understand historical timelines and chronological sequences
- Practice map work regularly with focus on geographical context
- Develop skills in source analysis and interpretation
- Create concept maps linking different themes and periods
- Practice writing skills for different question types
- Use visual aids like charts, diagrams, and timelines
- Conduct regular revision with focus on key concepts
- Work on project throughout the year with teacher guidance
- Practice previous year questions and sample papers
- Develop comparative analysis skills between civilizations
- Stay updated with recent archaeological discoveries
Career Connections
Academic & Research
- History (Honors/General)
- Archaeological Studies
- Medieval & Ancient History
- Art History & Cultural Studies
- Museum Studies
- Historical Research
- Archival Science
Professional Services
- Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS)
- Archaeological Survey of India
- Tourism and Heritage Management
- Foreign Service
- Teaching and Education
- Public Administration
- Cultural Affairs
Media & Communication
- Historical Journalism
- Documentary Film Making
- Content Writing
- Publishing and Editing
- Historical Consulting
- Broadcasting
- Digital Media
Heritage & Culture
- Museum Curator
- Heritage Conservation
- Cultural Tourism
- Art Gallery Management
- Historical Site Management
- Cultural Anthropology
- International Organizations
Study Resources
Official CBSE Resources
- NCERT Themes in World History Class XI
- CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26
- Previous Year Question Papers
- CBSE Marking Schemes
- Historical Maps and Atlases
- Supplementary Reading Materials
Reference Materials
- Historical Atlases
- Archaeological Reports
- Primary Source Documents
- Academic Journals
- Documentary Films
- Museum Resources
Study Tools
- Timeline Charts
- Concept Maps
- Historical Map Templates
- Source Analysis Worksheets
- Project Formats
- Viva-Voce Questions
Additional Resources
- Follow @menturox.in for updates
- Historical Documentaries
- Online Course Materials
- Virtual Museum Tours
- Archaeological Site Videos
- Historical Simulation Games