CLASS 11 CBSE TBSE BOARD HISTORY FINAL SUGGESTION 2026

 

Class 11 History – Chapter 1: From the Beginning of Time

1. Who are Primates?
   Mammals with long infancy and well-developed brains.

2. When did primates exist?
   36–24 million years ago.

3. Where did primates live?
   Asia and Africa.

4. What are Hominoids?
   Apes and humans.

5. When did Hominoids appear?
   About 24 million years ago.

6. Who evolved from Hominoids?
   Hominids.

7. Where did Hominids originate?
   Africa.

8. What does Homo mean?
   Man.

9. When did Homo appear?
   About 2.5 million years ago.

10. Who were Homo habilis?
    Early intelligent humans.

11. Who were Homo erectus?
    Humans who could walk upright.

12. Who were Homo sapiens?
    Modern humans.

13. What were Neanderthals?
    Early humans found in Germany.

14. Where were Homo habilis fossils found?
    Omo and Olduvai Gorge.

15. Where was fire first used?
    Chesowanja and Swartkrans.

16. What tools did early humans use?
    Stone tools.

17. What were hand axes?
    Stone cutting tools.

18. What are fossils?
    Remains of ancient life.

19. What are artefacts?
    Human-made objects.

20. What is anthropology?
    Study of human evolution.

21. What is ethnography?
    Study of living communities.

22. Where are Altamira caves?
    Spain.

23. What is Lascaux?
    A cave painting site in France.

24. Who discovered Olduvai Gorge?
    Louis and Mary Leakey.

25. What did early humans hunt?
    Animals and fish.

26. What were harpoons used for?
    Fishing.

27. When did humans live in caves?
    Around 400,000 years ago.

28. What is Cave Lazaret?
    Earliest cave dwelling in France.

29. When was needle invented?
    21,000 years ago.

30. Why was fire important?
    For cooking, warmth, and safety.

Q1. Explain the evolution from Primates to Homo sapiens.

Human evolution began with primates, who lived about 36–24 million years ago. From primates evolved hominoids, which included apes and early human ancestors. Around 5.6 million years ago, hominids emerged in Africa.

Later came Homo habilis, who used tools. Homo erectus could walk upright and use fire. Finally, Homo sapiens, modern humans, appeared around 0.19 million years ago. They had advanced thinking, language, and tools.

Q2. Describe the importance of fire and tools in early human life.

Fire was one of the greatest discoveries of early humans. It provided warmth, light, protection, and cooked food. Fire also allowed humans to live in cold areas.

Stone tools such as hand axes, choppers, and flakes helped humans hunt animals, cut meat, and make shelters. Tools and fire changed human life completely and led to progress.

Q3. What do cave paintings and artefacts tell us about early humans?

Cave paintings at Altamira, Lascaux, and Chauvet show animals, hunting, and daily life. They tell us that early humans were creative and intelligent.

Artefacts such as tools, sculptures, and needles show that early humans could think, design, and plan. These discoveries prove that early humans had culture and communication.

Class 11 History – Chapter 2: Writing and City Life

1. What does Mesopotamia mean?
   Land between two rivers.

2. Which two rivers formed Mesopotamia?
   Tigris and Euphrates.

3. Modern Mesopotamia is in which country?
   Iraq.

4. Who first developed civilization in Mesopotamia?
   Sumerians.

5. What is Sumer?
   Southern part of Mesopotamia.

6. Name two Mesopotamian cities.
   Ur and Uruk.

7. What crops were grown?
   Wheat and barley.

8. What type of script did Mesopotamians use?
   Cuneiform.

9. What does cuneiform mean?
   Wedge-shaped writing.

10. Who was Hammurabi?
    A famous Babylonian ruler.

11. What was Hammurabi’s great contribution?
    Code of Laws.

12. How many laws were in Hammurabi’s Code?

14. Name Mesopotamian epic.
    Epic of Gilgamesh.

15. Who wrote Gilgamesh?
    Uruk’s ruler.

16. What were temples used for?
    Religious activities.

17. Name three types of cities.
    Religious, commercial, royal.

18. What animals were domesticated?
    Cow, goat, sheep.

19. Who belonged to upper class?
    Kings and nobles.

20. Who were slaves?
    War captives and debtors.

21. What is a stele?
    Stone slab with writing.

Q1. Describe the importance of writing in Mesopotamian civilization.

Writing was one of the greatest achievements of Mesopotamian civilization. The Sumerians developed cuneiform script around 3200 BCE. It was used to record trade, taxes, laws, and daily activities. Writing helped in administration and business.

It also preserved knowledge. Literature such as the Epic of Gilgamesh was written. Mathematics, religion, and science were recorded. Writing made Mesopotamia a highly organized and advanced civilization.

Q2. Explain the social structure of Mesopotamian society.

Mesopotamian society was divided into three classes.
The upper class included kings, nobles, and high officials who lived luxurious lives.
The middle class included merchants, artisans, traders, and landlords.
The lower class consisted of slaves, who were war prisoners, debtors, or children sold by parents.

Slaves were badly treated and had no rights. This social system maintained order in society.

Q3. What was the role of Hammurabi in Mesopotamian history?

Hammurabi was a great ruler of Babylon. His greatest achievement was the Code of Hammurabi, containing 282 laws. These laws covered marriage, trade, crime, and family life.

The laws were written on stone steles so that everyone could read them. They ensured justice and order in society. Hammurabi made Mesopotamia a well-governed and powerful kingdom.

Class 11 History – Chapter 3: An Empire Across Three Continents

1. Which three continents did the Roman Empire cover?
   Europe, West Asia and North Africa.

2. Who founded the Roman Empire?
   Augustus.

3. What was the period of Augustus’ rule?
   27 BCE to 14 CE.

4. What were the official languages of Rome?
   Latin and Greek.

5. Who was Augustus’ successor?
   Tiberius.

6. Which emperor expanded the empire greatly?
   Trajan.

7. Which two centuries were peaceful?
   First and second centuries.

8. Who attacked Rome from Iran?
   Shapur I.

9. Which tribes attacked Roman frontiers?
   Germanic tribes.

10. What type of family system existed?
    Nuclear family.

11. Name two regional languages.
    Aramaic and Coptic.

12. Name two Roman gods.
    Jupiter and Mars.

13. Which religion worshipped Jehova?
    Judaism.

14. What was Mithraism?
    A religious sect.

15. What was Denarius?
    A silver coin.

16. Who made Christianity official?
    Constantine.

17. Who reorganised the empire?
    Diocletian.

18. Who were slaves?
    Captives and debtors.

19. Who were the Visigoths?
    Germanic people.

20. Who destroyed Roman rule?
    The Arabs.

Q1. Describe the political and military expansion of the Roman Empire.

The Roman Empire was founded by Augustus, who restored peace after chaos. He reformed the army and administration. Under emperors like Trajan, the empire expanded to its greatest size.

Rome controlled vast territories across Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. Strong armies protected borders. However, by the third century, invasions by Germanic tribes and Persian rulers weakened Rome.

Q2. Explain the social and economic life of the Roman Empire.

Roman society had three classes: aristocracy, middle class, and slaves. Slaves worked long hours in farms and estates. The middle class included traders and officials.

The economy was strong due to trade in olive oil, wine, metals, and pottery. Harbours, mines, and roads supported commerce. Spain supplied olive oil in Dressel 20 containers.

Q3. Discuss religion and the fall of the Roman Empire.

Romans were polytheists worshipping many gods. Judaism and Mithraism were popular. Emperor Constantine made Christianity the state religion.

Later, Rome weakened due to invasions. The Arabs defeated Roman and Persian empires, spreading Islam across Asia, Africa and Spain. This marked the end of Roman antiquity and beginning of m

Class 11 History – Chapter 4: The Central Islamic Lands

1. Who were the Bedouins?
   Nomadic tribes of Arabia.

2. What was the condition of women before Islam?
   Very poor and oppressed.

3. What was the basic unit of Arabian society?
   Family.

4. Who was Prophet Muhammad?
   Founder of Islam.

5. Where was Muhammad born?
   Mecca.

6. In which year was he born?
   570 CE.

7. What is Hijrat?
   Migration from Mecca to Medina.

8. Who were Caliphs?
   Successors of Prophet Muhammad.

9. What was the Umma?
   Muslim community.

10. What is Zakat?
    Religious tax.

11. What is Jaziya?
    Tax on non-Muslims.

12. Who founded the Umayyad dynasty?
    Muawiya.

13. Who founded the Abbasid dynasty?
    Abu-ol-Abbas.

14. Capital of Umayyads?
    Damascus.

15. Capital of Abbasids?
    Baghdad.

16. Who were Sufis?
    Spiritual Islamic saints.

17. Who was Ibn Sina?
    Great physician and philosopher.

18. What is a Dhimmi?
    Protected non-Muslim.

19. What are Synagogues?
    Jewish places of worship.

20. What religion does Islam oppose?
    Idol worship.

Q1. Describe Arabian society before the rise of Islam.

Before Islam, Arabian society was tribal and dominated by Bedouins. There was no central government and the principle of “might is right” prevailed. Society was patriarchal. Women were treated badly. Slavery existed and slaves were punished harshly. Trade was unsafe due to raids. Idol worship was common. Society was socially and morally weak.

Q2. Explain the rise and expansion of Islam under Prophet Muhammad and the Caliphs.

Prophet Muhammad preached equality, unity and worship of one God. After Hijrat to Medina, Islam spread rapidly. After his death, Caliphs expanded Islam into Syria, Iraq, Iran and Egypt. They established political unity and spread Islamic faith.

Q3. Describe the Umayyad and Abbasid rule in Islamic history.

The Umayyads ruled from Damascus and expanded Islam widely. The Abbasids ruled from Baghdad and promoted science, learning and trade. They encouraged scholars like Ibn Sina. Islamic civilization flourished during Abbasid rule until Mongol invasion.

Class 11 History – Chapter 5: Nomadic Empires

1. Who were the Mongols?
   Nomadic tribes of Central Asia.

2. What was Genghis Khan’s childhood name?
   Temujin.

3. Who was Temujin’s father?
   Yesugei.

4. In which year was Genghis Khan born?
   1162 CE.

5. Who was his mother?
   Oelun-eke.

6. What title was given to Temujin in 1206?
   Genghis Khan.

7. What was Quriltai?
   Assembly of chiefs.

8. What was the Yasa?
   Law code of Genghis Khan.

9. What was the Mongol army unit of 10,000 called?
   Tuman.

10. Who founded the Yuan dynasty?
    Qubilai Khan.

11. What was Yam?
    Courier system.

12. What was Ulus?
    Conquered territory.

13. What did Mongols mainly eat?
    Meat and milk.

14. What kind of society was Mongol society?
    Patriarchal.

15. Which cities were conquered between 1219-22?
    Bukhara and Samarqand.

16. What was Paiza?
    Travel permit.

17. Who succeeded Genghis Khan?
    Ogodei.

18. What is Anda?
    Blood brother.

19. What was Yasa used for?
    Maintaining discipline.

20. Name one important Mongol source.
    Secret History of the Mongols.

Q1. Describe the life and achievements of Genghis Khan.

Genghis Khan was born as Temujin in 1162 CE. His father was killed early, and he faced hardships. With help from allies, he united Mongol tribes. In 1206, Quriltai declared him Genghis Khan.

He conquered China, Central Asia and Persia. He introduced Yasa, reorganized the army and created a strong empire. He is remembered as a national hero.

Q2. Explain the administrative and military system of the Mongols.

The Mongol army was organized in decimal system – units of 10, 100, 1000 and 10,000 (Tuman). Discipline was strict. Yam was a courier system.

The empire was divided into Ulus. Taxes like Qubcur and Bjg were collected. Paiza ensured free movement.

Q3. Discuss the lifestyle and culture of the Mongols.

Mongols were nomads, lived in tents, ate meat and milk. They wore woollen clothes. Trade existed. They had no written literature; knowledge comes from travellers like Marco Polo.

They valued loyalty, bravery and family. They followed patriarchal system.

Class 11 History – Chapter 6: The Three Orders

1. What were the three orders of medieval Europe?
   Clergy, Nobility and Peasantry.

2. Who formed the first order?
   Clergy.

3. Who formed the second order?
   Nobility.

4. Who formed the third order?
   Peasantry.

5. Which class was tax-free?
   Clergy and Nobility.

6. Who paid heavy taxes?
   Peasants.

7. What was feudalism?
   A land-based system of governance.

8. Where did feudalism originate?
   France.

9. What was a manor?
   House and estate of the lord.

10. Who were serfs?
    Bound peasants tied to land.

11. Who were free peasants?
    Peasants who paid fixed rent.

12. What is a fief?
    Land given to a knight.

13. Who was Pope?
    Head of the Church.

14. What was tithe?
    1/10th tax to Church.

15. What is a monastery?
    Religious home of monks.

16. Who founded St. Benedict monastery?
    St. Benedict.

17. What replaced barter system?
    Money.

18. Name a medieval town.
    Venice.

19. What caused decline of feudalism?
    Rise of nation states.

20. What happened in 1789 in France?
    French Revolution.

Q1. Explain the three orders of medieval European society.

Medieval European society was divided into three orders. The Clergy were religious leaders who prayed for people. They owned land and did not pay taxes. The Nobility were kings, lords and knights who fought wars and ruled land. They also enjoyed tax exemptions.

The Peasantry worked on land. They were of two types: free peasants and serfs. Serfs were bound to land and worked 12–16 hours daily. They lived in poverty and paid taxes.

Q2. Describe the feudal system of medieval Europe.

Feudalism was a land-based system. Kings gave land (fief) to lords in exchange for loyalty. Lords gave land to knights for military service. Peasants worked on land.

The manor was the centre of feudal life. Lords had power. Feudalism created social hierarchy but also caused exploitation of peasants.

Q3. How did feudalism decline and nation-states rise?

Feudalism declined due to growth of towns, trade and money economy. Peasants revolted. Monarchs became strong. The French, German and Russian Revolutions ended feudal rule and created modern nation-states.

Class 11 History – Chapter 7: Changing Cultural Traditions

1. What does Renaissance mean?
   Rebirth.

2. Where did Renaissance begin?
   Italy.

3. Who is the Father of Humanism?
   Petrarch.

4. Who wrote The Divine Comedy?
   Dante.

5. Who invented the printing press?
   Gutenberg.

6. When was the first press set up in Europe?

8. Who translated the Bible into English?
   William Tyndale.

9. Who wrote Decameron?
   Giovanni Boccaccio.

10. Who painted Mona Lisa?
    Leonardo da Vinci.

11. Who painted The Last Judgement?
    Michelangelo.

12. Name one Renaissance scientist.
    Copernicus.

13. Who proposed gravitation?
    Isaac Newton.

14. What is Humanism?
    Focus on human life and reason.

15. What was Reformation?
    Protest against Church.

16. Who wrote the Ninety-Five Theses?
    Martin Luther.

17. What were indulgences?
    Certificates for forgiveness of sins.

18. Who founded the Society of Jesus?
    Ignatius Loyola.

19. What book did Thomas More write?
    Utopia.

20. Who painted the Sistine Chapel?
    Michelangelo.

21. Which city was a trade centre?
    Florence.

Q1. What was the Renaissance? Describe its causes and impact.

The Renaissance was a cultural rebirth in Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries. It began in Italy due to decline of feudalism, contact with Islamic learning, growth of trade and towns, and fall of Constantinople.

It encouraged art, literature, science and education. People started questioning church beliefs. Renaissance promoted individualism, creativity and equality.

Q2. Explain the contribution of Renaissance artists and scientists.

Artists like Leonardo da Vinci painted Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Michelangelo created The Last Judgement and Sistine Chapel.

Scientists like Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and Newton changed understanding of the universe. Newton’s gravitation explained natural laws. These discoveries broke old beliefs.

Q3. What was the Reformation? How did it affect Europe?

Reformation was a movement against the corruption of the Church. Martin Luther challenged the Pope by writing the Ninety-Five Theses.

It weakened Church power, strengthened kings, and led to new Christian churches. It encouraged freedom of thought and growth of nation-states.

Class 11 History – Chapter 8: Confrontation of Cultures

1. Who discovered America in 1492?
   Christopher Columbus.

2. Who named America the New World?
   Amerigo Vespucci.

3. What helped sailors to find directions?
   Compass.

4. Which instrument helped sailors measure stars?
   Astrolabe.

5. Who conquered Mexico?
   Hernan Cortes.

6. Who conquered the Inca Empire?
   Francisco Pizarro.

7. Who were Conquistadors?
   Spanish conquerors.

8. Who lived in the Caribbean islands?
   Arawaks.

9. What crops did Arawaks grow?
   Corn and sweet potatoes.

10. Where did Aztecs live?
    Mexico.

11. What was the capital of the Inca Empire?
    Cuzco.

12. Who founded Inca kingdom?
    Manco Capac.

13. Who were Maya?
    Ancient American civilization.

14. What is Quipu?
    Inca record-keeping system.

15. What is Capitulaciones?
    Spanish royal agreements.

16. Who reached Calicut in 1498?
    Vasco da Gama.

17. Who sailed around the world?
    Magellan.

18. What is Reconquista?
    Re-conquest by Spain.

19. Where were the Aztecs defeated?
    Mexico.

20. Which civilization lived in Central America?
    Maya.

Q1. Describe the causes of European geographical discoveries.

European explorations were motivated by trade, religion and curiosity. The fall of Constantinople blocked old trade routes. Europeans wanted new routes to Asia. New inventions like compass, astrolabe and maps helped navigation. Kings wanted wealth and glory. Missionaries wanted to spread Christianity. These factors led to voyages.

Q2. Describe the social and political life of the Aztecs and Incas.

The Aztecs ruled a large empire in Mexico. Their rulers had great power. Women had respectable status. They practiced agriculture.

The Incas lived in South America. Their society was well organized. Education was compulsory. They used Quipu to keep records. Women were respected.

Q3. Explain the impact of European conquests on native civilizations.

Spanish conquest destroyed Aztec and Inca empires. Europeans took gold and land. Native people were killed or enslaved. Their culture was damaged. Christianity was imposed. European companies later controlled trade. Thus old civilizations declined.

Class 11 History – Chapter 9: The Industrial Revolution

1. Where did the Industrial Revolution begin?
   England.

2. Who first used the term ‘Industrial Revolution’ in English?
   Arnold Toynbee.

3. Who invented the Flying Shuttle?
   John Kay.

4. Who invented the Spinning Jenny?
   James Hargreaves.

5. Who invented the Water Frame?
   Richard Arkwright.

6. Who improved the steam engine in 1769?
   James Watt.

7. Who built the first locomotive?
   George Stephenson.

8. What was ‘The Blutcher’?
   A locomotive engine.

9. Which act banned child labour in mines?
   Mines and Collieries Act, 1842.

10. What was Luddism?
    Workers’ protest against machines.

11. Who invented the steam engine first?
    Thomas Newcomen.

12. What industry first grew rapidly?
    Textile industry.

13. What is carding?
    Cleaning cotton before spinning.

14. What fuel was used in blast furnaces?
    Coal.

15. Who revolutionized iron production?
    Abraham Darby.

16. What was a vagrant?
    A homeless person.

17. Which canal helped industry?
    Worsely Canal.

18. What law limited working hours?
    Ten Hours Bill.

19. What is Industrial Revolution?
    Use of machines in production.

20. What class emerged?
    Working class.

Q1. What were the causes of the Industrial Revolution in England?

England was politically stable and economically strong. Agricultural revolution increased food supply and population. Colonies provided raw materials and markets. The presence of rivers, coal and iron helped industries. Scientific inventions and capital investment also played an important role.

Q2. Describe the major inventions of the Industrial Revolution.

John Kay invented the Flying Shuttle. James Hargreaves invented the Spinning Jenny. Arkwright invented the Water Frame. James Watt improved the steam engine. George Stephenson built the locomotive. These inventions increased production speed.

Q3. Explain the impact of Industrial Revolution on workers.

Workers lived in poor conditions. Long working hours, child labour and unhealthy factories were common. Diseases spread. Laws like Ten Hours Bill and Mines Act later improved conditions.

Class 11 History – Chapter 10: Displacing Indigenous Peoples

1. Who were settlers?
   Europeans who settled in new lands.

2. Who were indigenous people?
   Original inhabitants of a land.

3. Who discovered America?
   Christopher Columbus.

4. What was subsistence economy?
   Producing only for basic needs.

5. Who were the Hopis?
   Native tribe of California.

6. What is Wampum belt?
   Shell belt used by natives.

7. Who reached Australia first?
   William Jansz.

8. Who named Tasmania?
   A.J. Tasman.

9. Who discovered New Zealand?
   A.J. Tasman.

10. Who founded New South Wales?
    James Cook.

11. When did Gold Rush occur?
    1840s.

12. Who abolished slavery in USA?
    Abraham Lincoln.

13. What is Terra Nullius?
    No one owns the land.

14. What is oral history?
    History passed by speech.

15. Which animals boosted Australian economy?
    Merino sheep.

16. When was Canada formed?

18. What is multiculturalism?
    Equal respect to cultures.

19. Who declared American independence?
    Thirteen colonies.

20. What was Gold Rush?
    Search for gold.

21. Capital of Australia?
    Canberra.

Q1. Describe the life of indigenous people before European arrival.

Indigenous people lived simple lives. They depended on farming, hunting and fishing. They had no private ownership of land. Knowledge was passed orally. They respected nature and lived in harmony with it.

Q2. Explain the impact of European settlement on native people.

Europeans took land, destroyed forests and displaced natives. Diseases killed many people. Natives lost culture, land and livelihood. They were forced into reserves.

Q3. Describe colonisation in America and Australia.

America was colonised after Columbus. Gold Rush and railways followed. Australia was settled by British. Sheep rearing and mining led to economic growth. Natives suffered greatly.

Class 11 History – Chapter 11: Paths to Modernization

1. What physical contrast existed between China and Japan?

China is a vast continental country, while Japan is a group of islands.

2. Name the three major rivers of China.

Huang He, Yangtse, and Pearl River.

3. Which ethnic group dominates China?

The Han ethnic group.

4. What is the main language of China?

Putonghua (Chinese).

5. What kind of country is Japan geographically?

An archipelago (group of islands).

6. What are the four main islands of Japan?

Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and Hokkaido.

7. Why is Japan called the “Land of the Rising Sun”?

Because it lies east of Asia and sees the sunrise first.

8. Who were Daimyo?

Feudal lords of Japan.

9. Who were the Samurai?

Warriors who served the Shogun.

10. What was Edo?

The capital of Japan, now called Tokyo.

11. Who was the Japanese Emperor called?

Mikado.

12. What was the Meiji Restoration?

A period of modern reforms in Japan starting in 1868.

13. When was feudalism abolished in Japan?

In 1871.

14. What was Fukoku Kyohei?

A Meiji slogan meaning “Rich country, strong army”.

15. What was the Sino-Japanese War?

A war between China and Japan in 1894–95.

16. What treaty ended the Sino-Japanese War?

Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895).

17. Who founded Guomindang?

Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

18. When was the People’s Republic of China formed?

19. What were the Opium Wars?

Wars between China and Britain over trade and opium.

20. Who ruled China after 1949?

The Communist Government.