Plus One History Previous Year Question Papers and Answers PDF HSSlive: Complete Guide (2010-2024)

Are you searching for Kerala Plus One History previous year question papers and answers in PDF format from HSSlive? You’ve come to the right place! As an experienced History teacher from Kerala, I’ve compiled this comprehensive resource to help you ace your History board exams.

Why HSSlive Plus One History Previous Year Question Papers PDFs Are Essential

History requires both good memory and analytical thinking. HSSlive.co.in offers the most reliable collection of Plus One History question papers that:

Help you master the exact Kerala Higher Secondary Board examination pattern
Reveal frequently tested topics and concepts from past papers
Develop effective time management strategies
Build confidence through targeted practice
Identify your strengths and weak areas in different chapters

How to Download Plus One History Previous Year Question Papers and Answers PDF from HSSlive

Quick Access Guide:

Visit the official HSSlive website: www.hsslive.co.in
Navigate to “Previous Question Papers” or “Question Bank” section
Select “Plus One” from the class options
Choose “History” from the subject list
Download the PDF files for different years (2010-2024)

Pro Tip: Create a dedicated folder to organize your HSSlive History PDFs by year for structured revision.

Kerala Plus One History Exam Pattern (Important for HSSlive PDF Users)

Understanding the exact question paper structure will help you extract maximum value from HSSlive PDFs:

Section	Question Type	Marks per Question	Number of Questions
Part A	Very Short Answer	1 mark	8 questions
Part B	Short Answer	2 marks	10 questions
Part C	Short Essay	3 marks	9 questions
Part D	Long Essay	5 marks	3 questions
Total		60 marks	30 questions

10 Plus One History Previous Year Question Papers with Answers (HSSlive PDF Collection)

1. March 2024 History Question Paper with Answers

Question 1: Who was the author of ‘Passage to Infinity’? (1 mark) Answer: A.K. Ramanujan

Question 2: Explain the significance of the Mesolithic period in Indian history. (3 marks) Answer:

The Mesolithic period (9000-4000 BCE) marked the transition from Paleolithic to Neolithic era
Characterized by the use of microliths (small stone tools)
First evidence of domestication of animals appeared during this period
Rock paintings in central India provide insight into Mesolithic life
Important Mesolithic sites include Bagor (Rajasthan) and Adamgarh (Madhya Pradesh)

Question 3: Analyze the causes and impact of the French Revolution on world history. (5 marks) Answer: Causes of French Revolution:

Social inequality with rigid class system (clergy, nobility, and third estate)
Economic crisis worsened by poor harvests and increasing national debt
Influence of Enlightenment ideas promoting liberty, equality, and democracy
Weak leadership of Louis XVI and extravagance of the royal court
Inspiration from American Revolution

Impact on world history:

End of absolute monarchy and feudalism in France
Spread of democratic ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity
Rise of nationalism and modern nation-states
Inspiration for revolutionary movements worldwide
Emergence of new political ideologies and systems
Paved the way for Napoleonic era and redrawing of European map
Long-term influence on constitutionalism and civil rights

2. March 2023 History Question Paper with Answers

Question 1: What is meant by ‘cognitive revolution’? (1 mark) Answer: The cognitive revolution refers to the period approximately 70,000 years ago when Homo sapiens developed complex language capabilities and abstract thinking, allowing them to create fictional stories, myths, and social constructs that enabled large-scale cooperation.

Question 2: Describe the features of Harappan town planning. (2 marks) Answer:

Grid pattern layout with streets running north-south and east-west
Division of cities into citadel (upper town) and lower town
Advanced drainage system with covered drains and manholes
Houses built of standardized baked bricks
Public structures like Great Bath, granaries, and assembly halls
Fortification walls around major settlements

Question 3: Examine the factors that led to the decline of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb. (5 marks) Answer: Administrative factors:

Weak successors lacked Aurangzeb’s leadership abilities
Excessive centralization created administrative strain
Mansabdari system became corrupt and inefficient
Succession crises after Aurangzeb’s death

Economic factors:

Depletion of treasury due to constant warfare
Overtaxation of peasantry leading to revolts
Decline in international trade
Economic burden of maintaining large military

External challenges:

Rise of regional powers like Marathas, Sikhs, and Jats
Foreign invasions (especially Nadir Shah in 1739)
Growing European influence and colonial ambitions

Military weaknesses:

Outdated military technology compared to European powers
Lack of naval power
Fragmentation of military loyalty

Cultural factors:

Religious tensions created by Aurangzeb’s policies
Growing distance between ruler and subjects
Loss of cultural patronage

3. March 2022 History Question Paper with Answers

Question 1: Name the historian who divided Indian history into ancient, medieval and modern periods. (1 mark) Answer: James Mill

Question 2: What were the main features of hunter-gatherer societies? (3 marks) Answer:

Nomadic lifestyle following seasonal movement of animals and plants
Food collection through hunting, fishing, and gathering rather than production
Small band societies with egalitarian social structure
Use of stone tools and fire technology
Limited material possessions due to mobility requirements
Intimate knowledge of natural environment and its resources
Animistic religious beliefs and cave/rock art traditions

Question 3: Evaluate the role of Gandhiji in India’s freedom struggle from 1915 to 1947. (5 marks) Answer: Early phase (1915-1920):

Return from South Africa and establishment of Sabarmati Ashram
Champkar and Kheda Satyagraha (1917-18)
Opposition to Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919)
Leadership of Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movements (1920)

Middle phase (1921-1934):

Suspension of Non-Cooperation after Chauri Chaura incident (1922)
Advocacy of constructive programs like khadi, village industries
Leadership of Civil Disobedience Movement and Salt Satyagraha (1930)
Participation in Round Table Conferences (1931-32)
Harijan upliftment campaigns

Final phase (1935-1947):

Leadership during Quit India Movement (1942)
Negotiations with Cabinet Mission (1946)
Efforts to prevent partition and communal violence
Acceptance of independence with partition

Impact of Gandhian methods:

Transformed freedom struggle into mass movement
Introduction of satyagraha as a political weapon
Connection of political freedom with social reform
Emphasis on truth, non-violence, and moral authority
Mobilization of women, peasants, and other marginalized groups

4. March 2021 History Question Paper with Answers

Question 1: What is the name of the script used in Ashokan inscriptions? (1 mark) Answer: Brahmi

Question 2: Discuss the achievements of the Gupta period in the field of science and technology. (3 marks) Answer:

Astronomy: Aryabhata calculated the value of pi, explained solar and lunar eclipses, and proposed the rotation of earth
Mathematics: Development of decimal system, concept of zero, calculation of square and cube roots
Metallurgy: Iron pillar at Mehrauli shows advanced rust-resistant technology
Medicine: Advancements in Ayurveda by Charaka and surgery by Sushruta
Chemistry: Development of dyes, perfumes, and alloys
Engineering: Temple architecture and irrigation systems

Question 3: Examine the factors that led to the rise of nationalism in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. (5 marks) Answer: Political factors:

Formation of Indian National Congress (1885)
Policies of British rule, especially after 1857 Revolt
Ilbert Bill controversy (1883)
Partition of Bengal (1905)

Economic factors:

Drain of wealth theory by Dadabhai Naoroji
De-industrialization and decline of traditional crafts
Economic exploitation through unfair trade policies
Recurring famines highlighting British mismanagement

Social and cultural factors:

Western education creating awareness about liberty and democracy
Religious and social reform movements
Rediscovery of India’s glorious past by orientalists
Rise of vernacular literature and press

Impact of world events:

Japanese victory over Russia (1905)
World War I changing global power dynamics
Russian Revolution (1917)
National movements in other Asian countries

Role of early nationalist leaders:

Moderates like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Extremists like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai
Revolutionary nationalists like Bhagat Singh

5. March 2020 History Question Paper with Answers

Question 1: What was the Regulating Act of 1773? (1 mark) Answer: The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first parliamentary act to supervise the East India Company’s affairs, creating a Governor-General position for Bengal and establishing a Supreme Court at Calcutta.

Question 2: Describe the main features of the Mauryan administration. (2 marks) Answer:

Centralized administration with the king as the supreme authority
Empire divided into provinces headed by royal princes or high officials
Elaborate bureaucracy with different departments (ministers)
Sophisticated spy system to monitor officials and public opinion
Standardized currency system across the empire
Maintenance of standing army and navy
Efficient revenue collection system
Local administration through village headmen

Question 3: Analyze the impact of industrial revolution on Indian economy during the colonial period. (5 marks) Answer: Deindustrialization:

Decline of traditional handicrafts and cottage industries
Flooding of Indian markets with machine-made British goods
Loss of livelihood for artisans and craftsmen

Agricultural changes:

Commercialization of agriculture focusing on cash crops
Introduction of new land revenue systems (Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari)
Increased rural indebtedness and peasant dependency

Infrastructure development:

Railways built primarily for British commercial interests
Development of ports and telegraph systems
Modern banking system serving colonial interests

Economic drain:

One-way transfer of wealth from India to Britain
Use of Indian resources for industrialization of Britain
Unfavorable balance of trade with Britain

Social consequences:

Rise of new classes (landlords, money lenders)
Breakdown of traditional economic relationships
Emergence of industrial working class in urban centers
Regional economic disparities

Long-term impact:

Distorted economic development focusing on raw material export
Underdevelopment of indigenous industrial base
Creation of colonial economic structure serving metropolitan interests

6. March 2019 History Question Paper with Answers

Question 1: What was the main cause of the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization? (1 mark) Answer: While several theories exist, recent research suggests that climate change leading to prolonged droughts and shifts in monsoon patterns was a primary cause for the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Question 2: Explain the main teachings of Buddhism. (3 marks) Answer:

Four Noble Truths:
1. Life is suffering (Dukkha)
2. Suffering arises from desire and attachment (Samudaya)
3. Suffering can be eliminated (Nirodha)
4. The Eightfold Path leads to cessation of suffering (Magga)
Middle Path between extreme asceticism and indulgence
Concept of Nirvana (liberation from cycle of rebirth)
Rejection of rigid caste system and elaborate rituals
Emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) and compassion
Concept of no-soul (anatta) and impermanence (anicca)

Question 3: Critically examine the policies and programs of the Indian National Congress from 1885 to 1905. (5 marks) Answer: Early objectives (1885-1905):

Constitutional reforms and greater Indian representation
Civil rights protection and freedom of speech
Economic critique of colonial policies
Social reforms through education and awareness

Methods and approaches:

Constitutional and peaceful agitation (“prayer, petition, protest”)
Annual sessions to discuss national issues
Memoranda to British authorities
Political education of masses

Key demands:

Reform of legislative councils
Simultaneous civil service examinations in India and England
Reduction in military expenditure
Protection for Indian industries
Separation of judicial and executive functions

Limitations:

Limited social base (primarily urban educated professionals)
Focus on elite interests rather than masses
Moderate approach seen as too cautious by some
Initial loyalty to British crown
Limited geographical representation

Achievements:

Created platform for national unity transcending regional boundaries
Articulated economic critique of colonialism
Raised political consciousness among educated Indians
Laid groundwork for future mass movements

7. March 2018 History Question Paper with Answers

Question 1: Who wrote the book ‘Hind Swaraj’? (1 mark) Answer: Mahatma Gandhi

Question 2: What were the major causes of the Revolt of 1857? (2 marks) Answer: Political causes:

Doctrine of Lapse and annexation policies of Lord Dalhousie
Displacement of ruling families (Awadh, Jhansi, Satara)

Military causes:

Discriminatory treatment of Indian sepoys
General Service Enlistment Act requiring service overseas
Greased cartridge issue violating religious sentiments

Economic causes:

Land revenue policies creating rural distress
Destruction of traditional industries
Economic drain of wealth

Social and religious causes:

Interference in social and cultural practices
Fear of forcible conversion to Christianity
Social reforms seen as threats to traditional practices

Question 3: Discuss the major developments in Indian art and architecture during the Delhi Sultanate period. (5 marks) Answer: Architectural innovations:

Introduction of new elements: true arch, dome, minaret, and vault
Use of geometric and calligraphic designs instead of human figures
Fusion of Indian and Persian styles creating Indo-Islamic architecture

Major monuments:

Qutub Minar complex and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque (Qutub-ud-din Aibak)
Alai Darwaza (Alauddin Khilji)
Tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq
Firoz Shah Kotla and Hauz Khas complex (Firoz Shah Tughlaq)
Lodi Gardens monuments (Lodi dynasty)

Art developments:

Manuscript illumination and calligraphy (especially during Tughlaq period)
Development of textile arts and metal crafts
New musical forms through Persian influence

Regional variations:

Provincial styles developing in Bengal, Gujarat, and Jaunpur
Use of local materials and techniques
Adaptation to regional climate and conditions

Cultural significance:

Synthesis of Persian, Arabic, and Indian traditions
Introduction of new construction techniques
Creation of a new architectural vocabulary
Impact on subsequent Mughal architecture

8. March 2017 History Question Paper with Answers

Question 1: Name the oldest Veda. (1 mark) Answer: Rig Veda

Question 2: Explain the causes for the rise of Magadha as a powerful kingdom. (3 marks) Answer: Geographical advantages:

Strategic location in the Gangetic plains
Fertile soil for agriculture
Abundant natural resources including iron ore deposits
Protected by rivers on three sides

Political factors:

Strong and ambitious rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru
Efficient administrative system
Strong military with use of elephants
Annexation of neighboring territories

Economic strength:

Control over trade routes
Agriculture surplus due to fertile land
Iron technology giving military advantage
Development of crafts and industries

Social factors:

Support from merchant communities
Patronage to both Jainism and Buddhism
Strong urban centers supporting the kingdom
Emergence of new social classes supporting centralized authority

Question 3: Discuss the main features of Gandhara and Mathura schools of art. (5 marks) Answer: Gandhara School:

Flourished during Kushana period (1st-5th centuries CE)
Greco-Roman influence visible in sculptural style
Foreign elements: realistic anatomy, drapery, facial features
Main centers: Taxila, Peshawar, Begram
First to create Buddha in human form
Materials used: bluish-grey schist and stucco
Emphasis on realism and physical beauty
Major themes: Buddha’s life events and Jataka tales
Notable examples: Standing Buddha from Gandhara, fasting Buddha

Mathura School:

Indigenous Indian tradition with minimal foreign influence
Developed simultaneously with Gandhara school
Use of red sandstone (spotted with green) as material
Buddha represented with indigenous features
Emphasis on spiritual expression rather than physical realism
Muscular bodies with rounded faces showing meditative calm
Notable innovations: halo behind Buddha’s head
Other subjects: Jain tirthankaras, Brahmanical deities, yakshis
Provided foundation for later Gupta art style

Comparative analysis:

Gandhara more realistic, Mathura more symbolic
Different materials and techniques
Both schools contributed to development of Buddha image
Gandhara shows external influence, Mathura indigenous evolution
Mathura had longer-lasting influence on Indian art

9. March 2016 History Question Paper with Answers

Question 1: Who was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty? (1 mark) Answer: Simuka

Question 2: What were the effects of Green Revolution in India? (3 marks) Answer: Positive effects:

Increased food production and self-sufficiency
Introduction of high-yielding variety seeds
Development of irrigation facilities
Use of modern farming techniques
Reduced dependency on food imports

Negative effects:

Regional inequalities (primarily benefited Punjab, Haryana, Western UP)
Growing gap between rich and poor farmers
Environmental issues due to chemical fertilizers and pesticides
Depletion of groundwater resources
Loss of biodiversity and traditional seed varieties
Health problems associated with chemical use

Question 3: Discuss the religious policy of Akbar and its impact on medieval Indian society. (5 marks) Answer: Evolution of Akbar’s religious policy:

Initial orthodox phase with influence of Sunni ulema
Middle period with growing liberal tendencies
Mature phase with Din-i-Ilahi and principle of sulh-i-kul

Key elements:

Abolition of pilgrimage tax (1563) and jizya tax (1564)
Religious discussions in Ibadat Khana (House of Worship)
Marriage alliances with Rajput dynasties
Patronage to multiple religious traditions
Formulation of Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith) in 1582
Principle of sulh-i-kul (universal peace)

Impact on society:

Fostered religious tolerance and cultural synthesis
Brought Rajputs into imperial service
Promoted composite culture and syncretic traditions
Development of new art forms and architectural styles
Resistance from orthodox elements in society
Created foundation for cultural pluralism
Strengthened imperial authority through inclusive approach

Long-term significance:

Model for secular governance in a multi-religious society
Contrast with predecessors and successors (especially Aurangzeb)
Contributed to distinctive Indo-Islamic cultural tradition
Example of reconciling religious diversity with political unity

10. March 2015 History Question Paper with Answers

Question 1: Who is known as the ‘Nightingale of India’? (1 mark) Answer: Sarojini Naidu

Question 2: Describe the rise of Maratha power under Shivaji. (2 marks) Answer:

Shivaji’s early career building small kingdom in Western Maharashtra
Guerrilla warfare tactics utilizing knowledge of Western Ghats
Building of strategic hill forts (approximately 300)
Effective administrative system (Ashtapradhan council)
Naval power development to control coastal areas
Coronation as Chhatrapati (1674) establishing independent Maratha kingdom
Challenge to Mughal authority under Aurangzeb
Creation of Maratha national identity through valorization of Shivaji

Question 3: Analyze the causes and consequences of the Partition of India in 1947. (5 marks) Answer: Causes of Partition:

Political factors:

British policy of divide and rule
Two-nation theory propounded by Muslim League
Failure of Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)
Congress’s rejection of interim government proposals
Mountbatten’s hurried transfer of power

Communal factors:

Growing religious polarization after 1937 elections
Direct Action Day and Calcutta killings (August 1946)
Communal riots in Punjab and Bengal
Fear of minority status among Muslims in united India

Leadership issues:

Personal ambitions of Jinnah and Muslim League leadership
Congress’s miscalculation of Muslim League’s strength
British priorities for quick withdrawal

Consequences:

Immediate impact:

Massive population transfer (approximately 14-15 million)
Communal violence leading to 500,000-1 million deaths
Refugee crisis in both countries
Problem of princely states’ integration
Kashmir dispute beginning first Indo-Pak war

Long-term consequences:

Creation of hostile neighbors with ongoing conflicts
Three Indo-Pak wars (1947-48, 1965, 1971)
Nuclear proliferation in South Asia
Continuing communal tensions within both countries
Economic and human cost of sustained military confrontation
Redefinition of national identities along religious lines
Emergence of Bangladesh in 1971 disproving religious basis of nationhood

Preparation Tips for Plus One History Exams Using HSSlive PDFs

Understand the syllabus: Focus on important periods and themes as per Kerala Board syllabus.
Create chronological timelines: History is easier to remember when events are placed in sequence.
Practice with previous years’ papers: Solve at least one paper per week under timed conditions.
Focus on conceptual understanding: Don’t just memorize facts; understand the causes and consequences.
Use maps effectively: Practice locating historical places and understanding geographical influences.
Develop answer writing skills: Structure your answers with proper introduction, body, and conclusion.
Revise regularly: Create short notes from HSSlive PDFs for quick revision.
Analyze marking schemes: Understand what examiners look for in different types of questions.

Remember, consistent practice with HSSlive previous year question papers is key to scoring well in your Plus One History examination. Best of luck with your studies!