Q.(Map Based Question) (31.1) On the given political outline map of India (on page 19), locate and label the following with appropriate symbols. (1×3=3)

Concept: Map Interpretation and Historical Geography

This question tests your ability to locate and identify historically significant sites on India's political map, covering Mughal capitals, national movement landmarks, revolt centers, and Buddhist sites.

For 31.1 (Locating and Labeling):

1. Mughal Capitals – Mark either Agra (Uttar Pradesh, on Yamuna) or Delhi with a suitable symbol (e.g., a star or triangle). Both served as principal Mughal administrative centers under Akbar, Shah Jahan, and later emperors.

2. National Movement Centers – Mark either Champaran (Bihar, site of Gandhi's 1917 indigo satyagraha) or Dandi (Gujarat coast, terminus of the 1930 Salt March) with a distinct symbol (e.g., a circle).

3. Revolt of 1857 – Mark Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh, Bundelkhand region) with another symbol (e.g., a square). Rani Lakshmibai led fierce resistance here, making it a major revolt epicenter.

For 31.2 (Identifying Buddhist Sites): …

Understanding Map-Based Questions in History

Map work in CBSE history examinations tests your ability to connect events, movements, and periods with their geographical locations. These questions assess whether you can visualize the spatial dimension of history—where empires ruled, where revolts erupted, where religious movements flourished. The examiners want to see that you understand history didn't happen in abstract space but in real places that shaped and were shaped by events.

For the standard map question, you need to locate and mark places with appropriate symbols (a dot, triangle, or other marker as specified in your map legend). For the visually impaired alternative, you demonstrate the same knowledge by naming places from memory.

Part 31.1: Locating Historical Sites

1. Mughal Capital Cities – Agra or Delhi

The Mughal Empire had multiple capitals as different emperors chose different seats of power. Agra served as the primary capital under Akbar (who built Agra Fort) and Shah Jahan (who constructed the Taj Mahal). Delhi, specifically Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), became the capital when Shah Jahan shifted the seat in 1648, building the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.

On your map, locate either city in northern India (Uttar Pradesh for Agra, National Capital Territory for Delhi) and mark it with the symbol specified in your legend, typically a solid circle or square for capital cities.

2. National Movement Centres – Champaran or Dandi

Champaran (in Bihar) marks Gandhi's first major satyagraha in India in 1917, where he fought against the oppressive indigo plantation system. This movement established his method of non-violent resistance on Indian soil.

Dandi (in Gujarat, on the Arabian Sea coast) is where Gandhi concluded his famous Salt March on April 6, 1930, defying the British salt monopoly by making salt from seawater. This act of civil disobedience galvanized the independence movement.

Mark either location with a symbol for national movement sites—often a triangle or star.

3. Main Centre of the Revolt of 1857 – Jhansi

Jhansi (in present-day Uttar Pradesh) became a major centre of the 1857 revolt under the leadership of Rani Lakshmibai. After the British annexed Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse, the Rani led fierce resistance, becoming one of the revolt's most celebrated figures. The siege and battle of Jhansi were pivotal moments in the uprising.

Mark Jhansi with the appropriate symbol for revolt centres.

Part 31.2: Identifying Buddhist Sites

Three places related to Buddhism would typically be marked on the map from this set of significant locations:

• Lumbini (now in Nepal, but often shown on extended India maps): Birthplace of Gautama Buddha
• Bodh Gaya (Bihar): Where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree
• Sarnath (near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh): Where Buddha delivered his first sermon
• Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh): Where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (death)
• Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh): Famous for its Buddhist stupas built by Ashoka …