KNOWLEDGE TRADITIONS AND PRACTICES OF INDIA

(CODE NO. 073)

MARKING SCHEME
CLASS XII (2024-25)
Time allotted: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
PART A:
1. This question paper contains four sections, Section I to IV.
2. Section I has 16 questions carrying 01 mark each.
3. Section II has 07 Short Answer type questions carrying 02 marks each.
4. Section III has 04 descriptive type questions carrying 05 marks each.
5. Section IV has 04 descriptive type questions carrying 05 marks each.
6. One internal choice is given in Q15.
PART B:
This question paper contains the following types of competency based questions as follows:

m
Type A: Knowledge / Understanding
Type B: Application

co
Type C: Analysis / Synthesis (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
Type D: Evaluation (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
a.
SECTION - I
di
Q.No Question M Chapter No. Type
& Name
1 Study the picture and answer the question that follows: 1 CH 1- A
rin

Agriculture -
a survey
e
a re
.c

Which of the following option best describes the given

w

picture?
w
w
 a) The 329-metre long ‘Grand Anicut’ across the Kaveri River
was built by the Chola king Karikala.
b) The ‘Grand Anicut’ is built across the river Ganges.
c) The 329-metre long ‘Grand Anicut’ across the Kaveri River
is in Dholavira.
d) The series of interconnected reservoirs at Sringaverapura.
a) The 329-metre long ‘Grand Anicut’ across the Kaveri
ANS
river was built by the Chola king Karikala.
2 Identify the correct statement which deals with various 1 CH 4- A
disciplines of teaching and learning. Educational
a) Upavedas are knowledge texts and it is one of the Practices &
systems
disciplines.
b) The word ‘vedanga’ literally means limbs of Vedas and are
classified as six types.
c) Under pauruseya, there are atleast nine disciplines.
d) All of the above
ANS d) All of the above

m
3 Match the items in Column A with that of Column B. 1 CH 5-Ethics A

co
Column A Column B

1. Sikh i. Bhakthi movement

a.
2. Kabir, Mira,Namdev ii. triratna

3. Jainism iii. Four noble truths

di

4. Buddhism iv. ethikos

rin

5. Ethics v. Guru Nanak

Options:
e

a) 1-iv, 2-ii, 3-v, 4-iii,5-i

b) 1-ii, 2-iii, 3-i, 4-v, 5-iv
re

c) 1-v, 2-i, 3-ii, 4-iii, 5-iv

d) 1-v, 2-iv, 3-iii,4-ii,5-i
a

ANS c) 1-v, 2-i, 3-ii, 4-iii, 5-iv

.c

4 Study the picture and answer the question that follows: 1 CH 6-Martial A
Arts
w
w
w
 Which of the following options best signifies this particular
martial art?
a) It is performed to the accompaniment of drums and music
and each stroke is aimed at particular varnam of the
human body.
b) It is also one kind of training in javelin or spear fighting.
c) It is a training in remote resistance of or attack on an
enemy.
d) A wooden stick and a shield are usually used in the
sparring match and points are scored when vital points in
the body are touched.
ANS d) A wooden stick and a shield are usually used in the
sparring match and points are scored when vital points
in the body are touched.
5 The first appearance of glass objects in India, according to 1 CH 8-Other A
current knowledge, is from Technologie
a) The upper Ganga-Yamuna region s
b) The Kaveri river basin
c) The Brahmaputra region

m
d) Downstream of the Srirangam Island
ANS a) The upper Ganga-Yamuna region

co
6 There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and a 1 CH 1- C
Reason (R). Mark your answer as per the codes provided Agriculture -
below. a survey
a.
Assertion (A): Rigveda deals with cow protection, cattle
management, tree cutting, desire for rain and contented
di
animals and farmers.
Reason (R): Rigveda insists that natural forces must remain
in harmony with each other and humanity must not disturb the
rin

balance between them.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of
A.
e

b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation

of A.
re

c) A is true, R is false.
d) A is false, R is true.
a

ANS a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation

of A.
.c

7 There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and a 1 CH 4- C

Reason (R). Mark your answer as per the codes provided Educational
w

below. Practices &

Assertion (A): Nalanda had an imposing library called systems
w

‘Dharmaganja’ which consisted of four multi-storey buildings.

Reason (R): It contained lakhs of manuscripts and it had
w

great teachers such as Nagarjuna, Sthiramathi, Silabadra and

Santaraksita.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of
A.
 b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
of A.
c) A is true, R is false.
d) A is false, R is true.
ANS d) A is false, R is true.
8 Silambam was originally practiced with bamboo sticks and 1 CH 6-Martial C
later with steel swords and shields. The bamboo staff used is Arts
usually 5 feet in length and is swirled while attacking the
enemy.
Assertion (A): Silambam was played using bamboo sticks
and later steel swords and shield.
Reason (R): It is an ancient martial art played for defense.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of
A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
of A.
c) A is true, R is false.
d) A is false, R is true.
ANS a) Both A & R are correct and R is the correct reason
for A.

m
9 There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and a 1 CH 1- C
Reason (R). Mark your answer as per the codes provided Agriculture -

co
below. a survey
Assertion (A): In India as in every country, agriculture was
an integral part of popular culture and gave rise to annual
a.
fairs, cattle melas, festivals and rituals, all of which were
occasions for celebration.
di
Reason (R): Lohri in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam, Nabanna
in Bengal, Onam in Kerala or Pongal in Tamil Nadu not only
helped to bond local communities together, but have
rin

promoted national integration.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
of A.
e

b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation

of A.
re

c) A is true, R is false.
d) A is false, R is true.
a

ANS a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation

of A.
.c

10 There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and a 1 CH 4- C

Reason (R). Mark your answer as per the codes provided Educational
w

below. Practices &

Assertion (A): William Adam’s reports on indigenous systems
w

education included voluntary donations from interested and

wealthy citizens, with even illiterate peasants pitching in their
bit.
w

Reason (R): The system of village schools is extensively

prevalent that the desire to give education to their children
 must be deeply seated in the minds of parents even of the
humblest classes.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of
A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
of A.
c) A is true, R is false.
d) A is false, R is true.
ANS a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
of A.
11 There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and a 1 CH 5-Ethics C
Reason (R). Mark your answer as per the codes provided
below.
Assertion (A): The four ends of life righteousness, material
wellbeing, fulfilment of desires and liberation from all worldly
ties give right direction and purpose to human life.
Reason (R): Ancient Indian education gave importance to
both higher knowledge and lower knowledge.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of
A.

m
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
of A.

co
c) A is true, R is false.
d) A is false, R is true
ANS a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
of A
a.
12 Apart from wrestling there were other exercises that were 1 CH 6-Martial C
recommended in order to increase physical strength as a Arts
di
preparation to the mastering of martial arts. These exercises
were, bhāraśrama or weightlifting both by hands and feet,
rin

bhramaṇaśrama, walking and running and taking brisk walks in

the morning, salilaśrama, swimming in a tank, lake or river
Assertion (A): These exercises involved the entire body and
also the mind.
e

Reason (R): They involved more than one part of the body
re

and there was need to apply mind.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of
A.
a

b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation

.c

of A.
c) A is true, R is false.
d) A is false, R is true.
w

ANS a) Both A & R are right and R is the right reason for A.
13 Assertion (A): Wells would not collapse inward due to 1 CH 8-Other C
w

pressure of underground infiltrations. Technologie

s
w

Reason (R): Harrapans invented trapezoid bricks

a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of
A.
 b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
of A.
c) A is true, R is false.
d) A is false, R is true.
ANS a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
of A.
14 “The Chinese scholars I-tsing (Yijing, left) and Hsüantsang 1 CH 4- B
(Xuanzang, right) visited Nālandā in the 7th century CE. Educational
Education was free and there were more than 5,000 students Practices &
and 1,500 teachers. A hundred lectures were conducted systems
every day and the practice of learning through debates and
discussions was highly developed.
Comment on the effectiveness of the system as observed by
the Chinese Scholars. Would this system work today in our
Schools?

a) this would work partially

b) would work exactly as described
c) Will not work at all
d) can work only through Govt intervention

m
ANS a) this would work partially
15 Study the following picture and the textual description given 1 CH 8-Other B

co
below and answer the question given: Technologie
a. s
di
e rin
re

TEXT MATRIAL: India’s love for bangles is traceable to the

Harappans’ manufacture of large numbers of gold, bronze,
a

conch-shell, glazed faience or humble terracotta bangles.

Weavers used wheel-spun thread and, besides widely used
.c

cotton, evidence of silk has recently come to light at two sites.

Other crafts included stone and ivory carving, carpet making
w

and inlaid woodwork.

We can infer that woman during the Harappan period
w

were:
a) Fashionable
w

b) Designed outdated jewellery

c) Creative designers
d) Loved only metal jewellery
 Options
1. a and d
2. a and b
3. a and c
4. b and d
ANS 3) a and c
OR
15 Study the following picture and the textual description given 1 CH 8-Other B
below and answer the question given: Technologie
s

m
Q: What phrases would aptly assess this system of
drainage?

co
a) Efficient
b) Proactive
c) Clumsy
a.
d) Not futuristic
e) Practical even today
di
Options:
1. a,d,e
rin

2. a,b,e,
3. b,c,e
4. a,b,d
e

ANS 2) a,b,e,
re

16 Which of the following options doesn’t signify the 1 CH 5-Ethics A

qualities of a dharmic leader?
a
.c
w
w
w
 a. He should never inflict extreme punishments.
b. By means of virtue should he attain success, by means of
virtue should he sustain it.
c. He should ignore persistent sufferings of those that
depends on him.
d. He should set heart on inflicting misery on any group.
Options
a) a and d
b) a and b
c) c and d
d) b and d
ANS c) c and d only
SECTION – II
17 The application of kunapajala on crops is still practised by 2 CH1- A
farmers. State the reason. Agriculture -a
survey
ANS  Crops grown with natural manure will give good yield.
 The liquid manure (Kunapajala) is prepared by boiling

m
a mixture of animal excreta, bone marrow, flesh and
dead fish in an iron pot and then adding to it sesame

co
oil cake, honey,soaked black gram and a little ghee.
 No fixed quantities of materials were required and so
farmers find it easy to follow
a.
18 Truthfulness and humility are ethics. Justify your stand with 2 CH 5-Ethics A
example.
di
ANS Truthfulness is important to build up the character of a
man.
 It promotes trust, fosters healthy relationships,
rin

strengthens organisations and societies.

 Raja Harischandra gave up all in order to uphold his
word to adhere truthfulness.
 Humility is a very important spiritual principle to
e

imbibe in our lives.

re

 A Rishis/ saints are known for their nature of humility.

19 In what ways does the study of Dhanurveda have modern 2 CH6-Martial B
a

relevance, and how can its principles and techniques be Arts

applied in contemporary contexts such as self-defense,
.c

physical fitness, and stress management?

ANS The study of Dhanurveda has modern relevance in
w

several ways. Its principles and techniques can be

applied in contemporary contexts such as self-defense,
w

physical fitness, and stress management.

 Emphasizes physical and mental discipline, which
w

can be beneficial for individuals seeking to improve

their overall well-being.
 Practices improve physical fitness by increasing
strength, agility, and endurance.
  Has self-defense techniques that can help individuals
feel more empowered and prepared to protect
themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
 Includes breathing techniques and meditation, which
can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
 Overall, the study of Dhanurveda offers a holistic
approach to wellness that is relevant and applicable
in modern times.
20 How can Pyrotechnic methodology be applied in current 2 CH 8-Other B
situation in India. Elaborate Technologies
ANS  Pyrotechnic practices, or fireworks, appear to have
been current in India in the 13th or 14th century.
 Gunpowder became an article of warfare at the
beginning of the 16th century.
 Rockets too began being used in wars waged in India,
as testified by military annals of the period. For
instance, the Mahrattas are reported to have fired
rockets at the 1761 battle of panipat.
 At present, as a major fire hazard, pyros can also

m
cause damage to grounds and surroundings. It is
illegal to bring them into stadiums and there are
consequences for anybody who breaks the law and

co
ground regulations.
21 Indian concept of education was not focused on the intellect 2 CH4- C
alone. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Educational
a.
Practices &
systems
di
ANS  Yes, I do agree with this.
 Indian education aimed at both the inner and the outer
dimension of a person.
rin

 The outer goal was mastering a discipline, history, art

of debate, law, medicine etc.
 The realisation of purusartha catustaya and inner
e

values such as truth, patience, regularity, humility,

self-denial was the inner goal.
re

22 Analyse the contributions on any Indian historical 2 CH 5-Ethics C

personality of your choice, who, in your opinion, would be
a

an embodiment of the concept of nishkama karma.

ANS  (Students can share their views about any National
.c

Patriotic leaders)
23 The five stages of the practice of kalarippayattu, including 2 CH 6-Martial D
w

body conditioning, flexibility training, basic techniques, Arts

advanced techniques, and free-style practice.Based on your
w

study of Kalarippayatty, would you agree or disagree that

these stages build upon each other to develop the physical
w

and mental skills necessary for mastery of the martial art.?

ANS I agree with this because:
  All the 5 stages need to be completed in the order
prescribe, to derive the maximum benefits of mental
and physical skills
 Skipping any one stage would mean lopsided
development of both mental and physical skills
SECTION – III
24 The martial arts apart from being sources of popular 5 CH6-Martial A
entertainment also provide training in skills required by Arts
professionals, including soldiers. India has an ancient
tradition in diverse martial arts. Nearly every part of India has
evolved one or the other form of a popular stick combat
martial art. Analyse the statement.
ANS i. Lathi khela:
a. Popular martial art in North India.
b. Metal tipped –to ward off the enemy through various
wielding techniques, steps and posturing.
c. The wielder of the lathi is known as a lethal or lathial.
ii. Silamabam
a. Literally Bamboo fight

m
b. Practised with Bamboo sticks
c. Later with steel swords and shields
d. Bamboo staff used is usually 5 feet in length and is

co
swirled while attacking the enemy.
e. It is one of kind of training in javelin or spear fighting.
iii. Kuruntadi
a.
a. Short sticks roughly of two-palm length.
b. Accompaniment of drums and music
di
c. Each stroke is aimed at particular varnam or vital points
of the human body
25 i) Elucidate how the ancient education traditions of the guru- 2 CH4- B
rin

sisya parampara is relevant and can be integrated in today’s Educational

system. Practices &
systems
e

ANS  The Guru-Shishya parampara of Vedic times, the Guru

was expected to become a mentor who understood
re

the personal needs of every student.

 The Guru would differentiate the education and skills
a

taught to each student based on individual needs.

 Today also the role of mentoring of students based on
.c

individual needs has been recommended by NEP.

25 ii) The student and the teacher had a symbiotic relationship. 2 CH4- B
w

Comment on this statement and how this applies to schools Educational

of today. Practices &
w

systems
ANS  In Gurukula system of the Vedic times, the acharya
w

and the student had a symbiotic relationship and

students were treated as members of the teacher’s
family.
  Students living with the teacher led a life of self-
control, abstinence, obedience and devotion.
 Today also it is strongly recommended to treat
students with equity and the teacher demonstrates
the value systems expected of the pupil.
25 iii) Physical education was given importance in ancient 1 CH4- B
education Is this applicable and valid even today? Justify Educational
your answer. Practices &
systems
ANS  Physical education was important and students
participated in krida, vyama prakara, dhanurveda for
acquiring martial skills and yoga-sadhana for
developing control over the sense organs.
 Schools of today are expected to lay equal emphasis
on holistic development including self defence skills
as part of the Health and Physical Education
curriculum
26 i) Explain how Dharma that is emphasized in Mahabharata 3 CH 5-Ethics C
is applicable even today? What role can Schools play in

m
this?
ANS  The concept of right and wrong is emphasized in
Mahabharata· It pertains rightful order and morality.

co
 Dharma is the moral law combined with spiritual
discipline that guides one’s life.
 This is very relevant in today’s world where we can
a.
see several acts of treason, wrong doings, child
abuse, black marketing, misuse of medical sciences,
di
education and so on. There seems to be a loss of
rightful order and moral doing.
 Hence, schools should give top priority to
rin

discussions on morality and rightful order and ethics.

Students should be given opportunities to examine
the right versus wrong and the implications of wrong
e

doing on the self, family, nation.

26 ii) “Values are caught not taught”. How far do you agree with 2 CH 5-Ethics C
re

this statement? Reflect on some values you have acquired

from your
❖ family
a

❖ school
.c

ANS Students will share their own experiences regarding the

values that they have imbibed.
w

27 TEXT EXTRACT: Water conservation and management is 5 CH 8-Other D

an area of great importance, and the great variety and Technologies
w

sophistication of water structures in ancient India testify to

the care with which people harvested and conserved water
w

and managed its distribution.

 How would you evaluate the efficacy and relevance of the
water conservation management of ancient India with
regard to their usage in modern times?
ANS  Harappans invention of trapezoid bricks for the
construction of wells - is still in use in many towns
and villages that stand testimony to the efficacy of the
well construction methods
 A step well dug at the bottom provided for extended
storage by recharging the water table during the
monsoon-the step wells are used even today to
recharge water tables
 In later periods, we find such networks of reservoirs
spreading to other parts of India. In the Ganges valley,
excavations at Sringaverapura, brought to light a
simple but effective series of interconnected
reservoirs. These reservoirs exist today and are the
best and most effective ways to store water
 The earthen embankment meant to contain a reservoir
or divert a stream-has been adapted in many villages
today.

m
Any other relevant points to be accepted
SECTION – IV

co
28 i) The findings of the British reports on the ancient Gurukula 3 CH4- A
system cultivated culture and discipline. Do you agree? Give Educational
arguments in support of your answer. Practices &
a.
systems
ANS  In gurukula pupils gathered and lived with the teacher.
di
 The teacher, the guru, the acharya, was highly
honored and was seen as the guide who helped
students escape the darkness of ignorance and attain
rin

the light of knowledge.

 The teacher and the student had a symbiotic
relationship and students were treated as members of
e

the teacher’s family.

 Students living with the teacher regulated their lives
re

by adhering to yama and niyama – sauca, satosa,

tapas, svadhyaya and isvarapranidhana.
a

 Two kinds of knowledge were given importance.

Lower knowledge and the higher knowledge.
.c

 Lower knowledge is the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the

Sama Veda, nirukta, chandas adnd jyotis.
w

 Higher knowledge is that by which the imperishable

Brahman is attained.
w

28 ii) Women savants also played a vital role. Support the 2 CH4- A
statement with examples. Educational
w

Practices &
systems
ANS  Women had access to education.
  Women savants played a vital role in ancient
education.
 Gargi, Maitreyi or Lopamudra find mention in the
Upanishads as leading acaryas and dialecticians.
29 The term ‘dharma’ does not mean mere religion. Then what 5 CH 5-Ethics B
does it stand for? If Dharma transcends religious barriers,
how can the tenets of ‘Dharma’ be practiced as a Universal
code of conduct?
ANS  Dharma is that which leads to the highest common
good (śreyas).
 Dharma is “right living” defined by the practice of
universal ethics and personal morals.
 Dharma is the science of conduct, the systematized
principles according to which one should act.
 The purpose of morality is to bring about happiness
for the maximum number of people by creating
harmony.
 Harmony between individuals of a family, between
families of a community, between communities that

m
live together in a nation. Harmony between nations
that make up humanity.
 Harmony between humankind and the environment

co
and other creatures that share our earth and harmony
between earthlings and the inhabitants of other
worlds. Where there is harmony there is happiness,
a.
disharmony cause unhappiness.
 The ultimate object of morality is to bring about
di
universal happiness.
 The underlying principle of Dharma is the recognition
of the unity of the Self and the diversity of the not-self.
rin

30 Present an argument to support the statement that 5 CH 6-Martial C

“Kalarippayattu is not solely a physical combat technique for Arts
self-defense”. Justify your argument by your understanding
e

of the cultural, spiritual, and holistic aspects of this traditional

Indian martial art form.
re

ANS The cultural, spiritual, and holistic aspects of

Kalarippayattu provide ample evidence to support the
a

argument that it is not solely a physical combat

technique or for self-defense. As a combat training, it
.c

increases agility and includes a wide range of

techniques, including kicks, punches, joint locks,
w

throws, and strikes to vital points on the body along

with the usage of weapons such as sticks, swords, and
w

spears for combat /self-defense

a) Integrated Martial Art - Incorporates meditation and
w

breathing exercises to promote inner peace and mental

discipline, in addition to physical training.
b) Healing - Kalarippayattu includes a range of
therapeutic practices that are used to treat injuries and
 illnesses. These practices include massage, herbal
medicine, and acupuncture. The knowledge of
traditional healing practices is passed down through
generations of practitioners and is an important aspect
of the tradition.
c)As an art form - Kalarippayattu is not only a martial art
but also an art form that combines fluid and graceful
movements with precise and powerful techniques.
d)Spiritual: Kalarippayattu is that it is believed to help
practitioners develop a deeper connection between the
body, mind, and spirit.
e) Physical fitness and coordination, how to react
quickly and effectively to unexpected attacks, as well as
how to defend themselves against multiple attackers.
(Self-defense)
Overall, it aims at the holistic development of the
individual, encompassing physical, mental, and
spiritual aspects of well-being.
31 Text material: 3 CH1- D
Since crop production often depended on seasonal Agriculture -a

m
monsoon rains, scholars worked out methods to predict survey
rainfall. Kṛṣiparāśara and Bṛhat Saṁhitā describe such

co
methods in every season. Parāśara’s main technique was
based on the positions of the Moon and the Sun in the sky.
Varāhamihira in his Bṛhat Saṁhitā considered lunar
a.
mansions (nakṣatras) in predicting seasonal rainfall.
Because of the confidence they have in ancient methods, a
large number of farmers in India even today carry out farm
di
operations based on them.
i) Based on the passage /text extract given above – and the
rin

methods used by farmers even today to predict the

monsoons, how would you evaluate the Indian Farmer’s
dependence on these predictions?
Ans  The farmers believe more in the ancient methods as
e

they have blind belief in these predictions.

re

 Farmers have not updated themselves about scientific

predictions by organizations like the Indian
Meteorological Department.
a

 Farmers have blind beliefs as they have experienced

.c

some seasons of successful crop production based

only on these ancient predictions.
 Farmers are confident about their beliefs in these
w

methods as they have been tutored by their

forefathers to consider only these methods
w

31 TEXT MATERIAL: 2 CH1- D

Varāhamihira’s chapter on treatment of trees mentioned that Agriculture -a
w

trees are vulnerable to disease when exposed to cold survey

weather, strong winds, and hot sun; this possibly laid the
foundation of classifying tree diseases based on humours
 such as vāta, pitta and kapha. Surapāla suggests using a
number of plant species that we know today have
antimicrobial properties, including mustard paste and milk.

ii) Based on this textual material -what can we infer about

the ancient practices of management of crop diseases?
ANS Farmers were very advanced in disease management of
trees as they were fully aware of weather conditions and
impact on trees. They were environmental
conservationists as they used only natural materials to
treat diseases
(Any other similar/relevant phrases that assess the
farmers can be accepted)

m
co
a.
***ALL THE BEST***
di
e rin
a re
.c
w
w
w