CUET UG 2025 History Previous Year Solved Paper

2. (A), (C), (B), (D)
The sequence of discoveries and research in Harappan Archaeology follows
a historical timeline:
• (A) Alexander Cunningham first reported a Harappan seal in 1875,
giving the earliest reference to the civilization.
• (C) In 1921, Daya Ram Sahni began the first excavations at Harappa,
confirming it as part of an ancient urban civilization.
• (B) S.R. Rao conducted excavations at Lothal during the 1950s–60s,
revealing it as an important port city.
• (D) In the 21st century, Vasant Shinde initiated archaeogenetic
research at Rakhigarhi, using DNA studies to understand Harappan
ancestry.
Hence, the correct chronological order is (A), (C), (B), (D).

1. Shortughai in Afghanistan
Traces of canals have been discovered at the Harappan site of Shortughai
(located in present-day Afghanistan). This site shows evidence of an
irrigation system, suggesting that the Harappans practiced canal-based
agriculture to support farming in the arid region. This finding highlights the
advanced water management and agricultural planning of the Indus Valley
Civilization.

1. Kushanas
The Kushana rulers, especially Kanishka, adopted the title “Devaputra”,
meaning “Son of God.” This title symbolized their divine right to rule and
reflected the influence of Central Asian traditions, where kings were often
regarded as divine or semi-divine beings. It was also meant to strengthen
their political authority and connect their rule with divine legitimacy.

4. (B), (C) and (D) only
The Gandatindu Jataka highlights the sufferings of the people under a cruel
and greedy king. It describes how rulers often exploit their subjects,
especially peasants, by imposing heavy and oppressive taxes. The text
reflects a strained relationship between the king and his rural subjects,
rather than a cordial one. Hence, it shows the plight of the subjects, the
tension between rulers and people, and the burden of excessive taxation.

2. (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)
• (A) Matriliny (III): Refers to tracing descent through the mother’s line.
• (B) Mlechchhas (IV): Denotes barbarians or outsiders who did not
follow Brahmanical traditions.
• (C) Adi-Parvan (I): The first section of the Mahabharata.
• (D) Endogamy (II): Means marriage within the same kin group, caste,
or community.
Hence, the correct matching sequence is (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) -
(II).

3. Sarthavaha
In the Sanskrit play Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart) by Shudraka, the
hero Charudatta is described as both a Brahmana (by birth) and a
Sarthavaha (a wealthy merchant or caravan leader). This reflects his dual
identity — born in a noble Brahmin family but engaged in trade due to his
poverty. It shows the social flexibility and economic reality of the period.

1. Gotami-putra Siri-Satakarni
The Satavahana ruler Gotami-putra Siri-Satakarni described himself as “eka
brahmana” (a unique Brahmana). He is remembered for reviving
Brahmanical traditions and performing Vedic sacrifices like the Ashvamedha
and Rajasuya. His reign marked the consolidation of Satavahana power and

the promotion of social order based on Vedic ideals, asserting his identity
as both a powerful ruler and a devout Brahmana.

1. Humans
The Buddha believed that the social world is created by human actions
(karma) and not by any divine being like Brahma or Vishnu. He taught that
social divisions and inequalities arise because of human behavior, greed, and
desire, not because of divine will. This idea emphasized individual
responsibility and moral conduct as the foundation for a just society.

4. Ananda
Ananda, one of the closest disciples of the Buddha, persuaded him to allow
women to join the sangha (the Buddhist monastic community). Although
the Buddha was initially hesitant, Ananda’s compassionate reasoning
convinced him. Later, Mahapajapati Gotami, Buddha’s foster mother, became
the first woman to be ordained. This marked the beginning of the Bhikkhuni
Sangha, or the community of Buddhist nuns.

1. Explanation of the caste system by looking for parallels in ancient
Persia.
Al-Biruni, a Persian scholar who came to India with Mahmud of Ghazni,
studied Indian society deeply. In his book “Kitab-ul-Hind,” he analyzed the
caste system and compared it with similar social divisions in ancient Persia.
His goal was to understand Indian customs and beliefs scientifically. He
used comparison as a method to explain complex social and religious
systems to readers outside India.

1. On death, the devotee will be united with Vishnu.
The Lingayats, founded by Basavanna in the 12th century, are devotees of
Lord Shiva, not Vishnu. They worship Shiva in the form of a linga and reject
Brahmanical rituals and caste distinctions. They bury their dead instead of
cremating them and believe that on death, the devotee will merge with
Shiva, not Vishnu. Hence, statement 1 is not true about the Lingayats.

3. (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)
• (A) Silsila (III): Refers to the spiritual lineage or chain of Sufi teachers
and disciples.
• (B) Murshid (IV): The spiritual master who guides disciples and sets
rules for conduct.
• (C) Ziyarat (I): The practice of pilgrimage to the tomb of a Sufi saint or
Shaikh.
• (D) Langar (II): The community kitchen that serves free food to all,
often run through voluntary charity (futuh).
Thus, the correct matching order is (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II).

4. To use agricultural fields as line of defense.
In the Vijayanagara Empire, agricultural tracts were included within the
fortified areas not just for cultivation but for strategic defense purposes.
These fields acted as a protective barrier, ensuring that in case of siege, the
empire had access to food supplies. The fortification design cleverly
combined economic and military needs, allowing both defense and
sustenance during conflicts.

4. Kamalapuram tank
In the Vijayanagara Empire, water from the Kamalapuram tank was carried
through a well-built network of canals and channels to supply the royal
centre of the capital city, Hampi. This advanced irrigation and water
management system ensured a steady supply for palaces, temples, gardens,
and reservoirs, showcasing the empire’s remarkable engineering and urban
planning skills.

4. Undertaken at the order of Emperor Akbar and completed at the
time of Shah Jahan.
The Ain-i Akbari was compiled by Abul Fazl, one of Emperor Akbar’s court
historians, and it was completed in 1598 during Akbar’s reign—not Shah

Jahan’s. The book is part of the Akbarnama and presents a detailed
description of Akbar’s administration, economy, and society. It provides
quantitative and statistical information about various provinces, showing
the empire from a central administrative perspective. Hence, statement 4 is
not true.

2. (A) – (B), (B) – (III), (C) – (I), (D) – (IV)
• (A) Batai system (Lang-batai): When crops are reaped and stacked,
they are divided in the presence of both parties — this is called Lang-
batai.
• (B) Kankut: After harvesting, crops are estimated in three lots —
good, middling, and inferior — this method is called Kankut.
• (C) Bhaoli: When the harvested grain is heaped and then divided
among cultivators, it is called Bhaoli.
• (D) Khet-batai: When the fields are divided after sowing, the system
is known as Khet-batai.
Thus, the correct chronological matching is: (A) – (II), (B) – (III), (C) – (I),
(D) – (IV)

3. Diwan
In seventeenth-century Rajasthan, women in agrarian society had the right
to seek justice by sending petitions to the Diwan, who was the chief revenue
officer or administrator. This shows that even within a patriarchal system,
women could access administrative authorities for redressal of grievances
related to land, property, or social injustices.

3. (B), (A), (D), (C)
• (B) Permanent Settlement in Bengal (1793): Introduced by Lord
Cornwallis, this marked the beginning of a new land revenue system.
• (A) Santhals begin to settle in the Rajmahal Hills (early 19th century):
Encouraged by the British to clear forests and cultivate land.

• (D) Santhal Rebellion (1855–56): The Santhals revolted against
oppressive landlords and colonial authorities.
• (C) Cotton Boom (1860s): Occurred during the American Civil War
when demand for Indian cotton surged.
Thus, the correct chronological order is Permanent Settlement → Santhal
settlement → Santhal Rebellion → Cotton Boom.

2. (B), (C), (A), (D)
• (B) Mutiny started in Meerut (10 May 1857): The revolt began when
Indian soldiers (sepoys) at Meerut rose against their British officers.
• (C) Delhi garrisons revolt: The rebels marched to Delhi, seized the
city, and proclaimed Bahadur Shah II as emperor.
• (A) Mutiny turned into a general revolt of the people: The uprising
spread to several regions, including Awadh, Kanpur, and Jhansi.
• (D) British forces under Havelock and Outram entered the Residency
in Lucknow (September 1857): They fought to relieve the British
garrison besieged there.
Thus, the correct chronological order is: Meerut → Delhi → General Revolt →
Lucknow.

3. Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah
When the sepoys at Meerut revolted in May 1857, they marched to Delhi
and proclaimed Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal emperor, as their leader
and symbolic head. His leadership gave the rebellion a unifying cause and
legitimacy, turning a localized mutiny into a widespread national revolt
against British rule.

1. Non-Cooperation Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922), launched by Mahatma
Gandhi, aimed at peaceful resistance against British rule. However, after the
Chauri Chaura incident in February 1922, where an angry mob of peasants
set fire to a police station, killing 22 policemen, Gandhi was deeply

disturbed by the violence. He believed that the movement had deviated
from its non-violent principles (ahimsa) and therefore withdrew the
movement immediately, emphasizing that freedom must be achieved
through peaceful means only.

1. (D), (C), (B), (A)
Here’s the chronological order of the events:
• (D) Regulating Act passed by the British Parliament (1773): It was the
first step by the British government to regulate the East India
Company’s affairs in India.
• (C) First revenue settlement in the Bombay Deccan (early 19th
century): This began after British control expanded in western India.
• (B) Slow process of agrarian expansion in the Bombay Deccan (19th
century): British policies encouraged commercial agriculture, leading
to expansion but also rising debt among peasants.
• (A) Ryots in Deccan villages rebel (1875): The Deccan Riots were a
direct result of rural distress and oppressive revenue collection
practices.
Thus, the correct order is: Regulating Act → Revenue Settlement → Agrarian
Expansion → Deccan Riots

1. (A), (B), (C), (D)
Here’s the correct chronological order of events:
• (A) 1526 – Babur defeats Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat
and establishes the Mughal Empire in India.
• (B) 1540 – Humayun is defeated by Sher Shah Suri and takes refuge at
the Safavid court in Persia.
• (C) 1739 – Nadir Shah invades India and sacks Delhi, causing
immense devastation.
• (D) 1765 – The ‘Diwani’ of Bengal (the right to collect revenue) is
granted to the East India Company by Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II
after the Battle of Buxar.

Thus, the timeline runs from the establishment of the Mughal Empire
(1526) to the rise of British control (1765) — (A) → (B) → (C) → (D).

2. The zamindars were allowed to organise troops and "cutcheries", for
increasing their authority in the rural areas.
This statement is not a reason for the zamindars’ default on payments.
The actual causes of default included —
• Very high initial revenue demands (1),
• High demand during low agricultural prices (3), and
• The invariable revenue demand, which had to be paid regardless of
harvest failure (4).
However, being allowed to organize troops and cutcheries actually
strengthened the zamindars’ local authority, not weakened it or caused
payment defaults. Hence, Option 2 is not a valid reason.

1. Transactions made in the name of a fictitious or relatively
insignificant person, whereas the real beneficiary remains unnamed.
The term “Benami” literally means “without name”.
A Benami transaction refers to one where property or assets are purchased
in someone else’s name, but the real owner or beneficiary remains hidden.
Such transactions were often used to conceal wealth or evade taxes.
Hence, Option 1 correctly defines the meaning of Benami.

1. (A) – (I), (B) – (II), (C) – (III), (D) – (IV)
Here’s how each leader matches with their respective region:
• (A) Shah Mal – (I) Pargana Barout in Uttar Pradesh
→ Shah Mal led a peasant rebellion in the Barout region during the
1857 revolt.
• (B) Goono – (II) Singhbhum in Chotanagpur

→ Goono was a tribal leader who resisted British authority in the
Singhbhum area.
• (C) Birjis Qadr – (III) Awadh
→ Birjis Qadr, son of Begum Hazrat Mahal, was declared Nawab of
Awadh during the 1857 revolt.
• (D) Kunwar Singh – (IV) Arrah in Bihar
→ Kunwar Singh was a prominent leader from Bihar who fought
bravely against the British during the revolt of 1857.
Thus, the Correct chronological and regional matching is: (A)–(I), (B)–(II),
(C)–(III), (D)–(IV)

2. From 6000 BCE to 1300 BCE
The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization,
developed over several phases:
• Early Harappan Phase: Around 6000–2600 BCE (pre-urban stage).
• Mature Harappan Phase: Around 2600–1900 BCE (urban stage with
planned cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro).
• Late Harappan Phase: Around 1900–1300 BCE (decline and
ruralization).
Thus, the total time span of the Harappan Civilization is approximately from
6000 BCE to 1300 BCE.

1. James Prinsep
In 1838, James Prinsep, a British scholar and antiquary, successfully
deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.
His work made it possible to read the inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka,
which revealed valuable historical information about the Mauryan Empire
and early Indian administration.
Hence, the correct answer is James Prinsep.

4. (B), (C) and (D) only
• (A) is incorrect because inscriptions usually record royal
achievements, donations, and public works, not daily agricultural
events.
• (B) is correct — inscriptions were used to record achievements,
activities, and ideas of rulers or patrons.
• (C) is correct — inscriptions were engraved on durable materials such
as stone, metal, and pottery.
• (D) is correct — the earliest inscriptions (like Ashokan edicts) were
written in Prakrit language using Brahmi script.
Therefore, the correct answer is (B), (C), and (D) only.

3. Aramaic and Greek
The Ashokan inscriptions found in Afghanistan (particularly at Kandahar)
were written in Aramaic and Greek.
These languages were used because the region was part of the Hellenistic
cultural sphere after Alexander’s conquests, and they were widely
understood by local populations there.
Hence, Ashoka used Aramaic and Greek to spread his messages to non-
Indian subjects in the northwestern territories.

2. (A) – (I), (B) – (III), (C) – (II), (D) – (IV)
• (A) Kula → Term used in Sanskrit texts to designate families.
• (B) Patriliny → Refers to tracing descent from father to son.
• (C) Polygyny → Means a man having several wives.
• (D) Kanyadana → Refers to the gift of a daughter in marriage.
Hence, the correct matching is: (A)–(I), (B)–(III), (C)–(II), (D)–(IV).

2. Merchants

In Sanskrit texts and inscriptions, the term ‘Vanik’ (also spelled Vanikka or
Vanija) refers to merchants or traders.
The word originates from the Sanskrit root vanij, meaning trade or
commerce.
Therefore, ‘Vanik’ = Merchant (a person engaged in trade or business).

4. (A) – (III), (B) – (IV), (C) – (I), (D) – (II)
• (A) Iran → Zarathustra (III) — Founder of Zoroastrianism.
• (B) China → Kong Zi (Confucius) (IV) — Ancient Chinese philosopher
and teacher.
• (C) Greece → Plato and Aristotle (I) — Classical Greek philosophers.
• (D) India → Mahavira and Gautama Buddha (II) — Founders of
Jainism and Buddhism respectively.
Hence, the correct match is: (A)–(III), (B)–(IV), (C)–(I), (D)–(II).

1. Ashokavadana
According to the Buddhist text Ashokavadana (a part of the Divyavadana),
Emperor Ashoka collected and redistributed the relics of the Buddha to
various important towns across his empire and ordered the construction of
84,000 stupas over them.
Therefore, the correct answer is Ashokavadana.

1. (A) – (I), (B) – (III), (C) – (II), (D) – (IV)
Let’s match correctly:
• (A) He arrived in Ghazni as a hostage, but gradually developed a liking
for this city → (I) Al-Biruni
→ Al-Biruni was taken to Ghazni by Mahmud of Ghazni and became a
great scholar there.
• (B) He reached Sind in 1333 and was later appointed Qazi of Delhi →
(III) Ibn Battuta

→ Moroccan traveler who served under Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
• (C) Physician to Prince Dara Shukoh → (II) François Bernier
→ French physician and traveler during Mughal times.
• (D) Wrote detailed account of trade and society in South India → (IV)
Duarte Barbosa
→ Portuguese traveler who described the Indian Ocean trade and
South Indian ports.
Correct match: (A)–(I), (B)–(III), (C)–(II), (D)–(IV).

4. He was ordered in 1342 to proceed to Persia as the envoy of
Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
• Statements 1, 2, and 3 are true about Ibn Battuta:
o He wrote Rihla (The Travels) in Arabic.
o He was born in Tangier (Morocco) into a family of Islamic legal
scholars.
o He noted that fine varieties of muslin were too expensive for
common people.
• Statement 4 is false:
Ibn Battuta was sent to China, not Persia, in 1342 as the envoy of
Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
Hence, the incorrect statement is Option 4.

3. Robert Redfield
The terms "Great Tradition" and "Little Tradition" were coined by Robert
Redfield, an American anthropologist.
• He used these terms in his study of Mexican communities to explain
the relationship between elite, classical traditions (Great Tradition)
and local, folk traditions (Little Tradition).
• Later, Indian sociologist M. N. Srinivas applied this framework to
Indian society, especially in the context of Sanskritization and village
studies.

Therefore, the correct answer is Robert Redfield.

3. Worship of an abstract form of god
• Saguna Bhakti means devotion to God with form and attributes (guna)
— such as Rama, Krishna, Shiva, or Devi.
• It includes personalized worship, anthropomorphic images, and
incarnations (avatars).
• In contrast, Nirguna Bhakti refers to devotion to a formless, abstract
God without attributes.
Therefore, Saguna bhakti traditions do not include the worship of an
abstract form of god → Option 3.

1. Rayas
• The rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire referred to themselves as
“Raya”, a royal title meaning king or monarch.
• For example:
o Krishnadeva Raya, the most famous ruler, used this title.
• The term “Nayakas” referred to military chiefs or local governors, not
kings.
Hence, the correct answer is Rayas.

4. Colin Mackenzie
• Colin Mackenzie was appointed as the first Surveyor General of India
in 1815.
• He was a Scottish army officer, engineer, and Orientalist.
• Mackenzie conducted extensive surveys and documentation of India’s
geography, monuments, inscriptions, and manuscripts.
• His work laid the foundation for systematic archaeological and
cartographic studies in British India.

Therefore, the correct answer is Colin Mackenzie.

2. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
The passage is from a speech by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. In it, he criticizes
the continuation of separate electorates, which were introduced by the
British to divide Indian society. Patel says that though the British have left,
their divisive policy — the “mischief” — still remains, and India must get
rid of it to ensure unity and harmony in the newly independent nation.

4. The partition of India
According to the speaker, the policy of separate electorates introduced by
the British led to deep divisions among Indians on religious lines. This
division eventually resulted in the partition of the country into India and
Pakistan. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel refers to this as the “mischief” left
behind by the British, which continued to harm national unity even after
independence.

2. The demand for separate electorate
The speaker strongly opposes the continuation of separate electorates,
which were introduced by the British to divide Indians based on religion.
He argues that this system should end after independence because it
weakens national unity and keeps alive the divisions created under British
rule.

2. The British Government
The speaker clearly states that “the British element is gone, but they have
left the mischief behind,” referring to the policy of separate electorates.
This system was created by the British Government to divide Indians along
religious lines and make their rule easier. Even after independence, its
divisive effects continued, which the speaker condemns.

1. For their easy administration
The speaker mentions that the British introduced separate electorates not
for the good of Indians but for their own convenience. By dividing Indians
on religious lines, the British found it easier to govern and control the
country. This policy weakened national unity and served as a tool for
maintaining their rule.

1. Mahatma Gandhi
The passage is taken from Young India, a weekly journal edited by Mahatma
Gandhi. In the passage, Gandhi expresses his views on machinery and its
impact on society. He opposed the blind craze for labour-saving machines
that caused unemployment and inequality. Instead, he promoted the use of
simple tools like the charkha (spinning wheel) to provide work and self-
reliance for all, especially the poor.

4. Mindless craze for machinery
In the passage, the writer (Mahatma Gandhi) criticizes the blind obsession
with machinery that saves labour but causes unemployment and poverty.
He is not against all machines but opposes the uncontrolled use of labour-
saving devices that concentrate wealth in the hands of a few. Gandhi
believed that machines should serve humanity, not harm it, and should help
provide work and dignity to everyone.

3. Employing machines instead of human beings
In the passage, “saving labour” refers to replacing human work with
machines. Gandhi says this kind of labour-saving leads to many people
losing jobs and being pushed into poverty. He accepts useful machines, but
criticizes using them in ways that cut human employment instead of
serving everyone’s welfare.

2. Machines will replace human labour and thousands will go
unemployed
The writer warns that the craze for labour-saving machines makes people
“save labour” until “thousands are without work.” This shows his fear that
excessive use of machines will take away human jobs and create
widespread unemployment and poverty.

1. Industrialisation should not result in the concentration of wealth in
the hands of a few elites
The passage clearly says the writer wants “the concentration of wealth, not
in the hands of few, but in the hands of all.” He is not against machines; he
supports their regulated use to serve the poorest. His main concern is that
blind, labour-saving industrialisation leads to unemployment and
concentrates wealth with a few. Hence, preventing concentration of wealth
is his core view, while allowing machines only in ways that benefit
everyone.