So, you have a history project for class 12 to complete? Let Duniakagyan help you.
History is all about studying the happenings of the past. Be it events, ideas, cultures, or societies of the bygone era, the subject uncovers them all while also finding the causes and results of the same. Historians dig deep into primary and secondary sources to gather and analyze data critically before presenting the findings.
The curriculum is designed to help you learn how historians gather, evaluate, verify, and assemble the information to write history. In class 11, you study global history, while the class 12 curriculum deals with Indian history in detail.
Since the academic session 2013-14, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made history project work mandatory for classes 11 & 12. The point is to allow you to research materials and gather, analyze, and present historical information. Simply put, the history project for 11th and 12th enables a better understanding of how to construct history. Plus, it takes learning out of the classroom, which helps develop cognitive skills and deepen students’ interest in the subject.
Want more reasons to pursue your history project seriously enough? Let’s know more. The written exam is worth 80 marks, and the internal assessment accounts for 20 marks. Impressive project work can help you achieve better grades in internal assessment, leading to a better overall score. It’s wise not to take the project work lightly unless you are ready to lose some easy marks.
CBSE has laid down the following steps to conduct a history project for Class 12
- Step-1: Select a suitable topic
- Step-2: Detail the goals of the study
- Step-3: Create a hypothesis
- Step-4: Gather Content – Timeline, Maps, Pictures
- Step-5: Organize the Material/Data
- Step-6: Present the Material/Data
- Step-7: Draw a logical conclusion upon analyzing the Material/Data
- Step-8: Bibliography
Things to Consider When Creating a History Project for Class 12
Let’s elaborate on how you should create a history project for class 12 in line with the CBSE guidelines. The idea is to make things easier, quicker, and more rewarding for you.
1. Select the Topic Wisely:
In history, there is no shortage of topics to research. However, you must choose the topic carefully to create an impressive history project without investing much time and effort.
- The topic should interest you, as working on something that holds your imagination is easier.
- Remember that you will be answering questions in Viva Voce related to your chosen topic.
- It needs to have plenty of material because you won’t like to waste time gathering data.
- Choosing a familiar topic can help you finish the project work easily and quickly.
- A syllabus-related topic can help you prepare well for your written history exam.
- Avoid a lengthy or complicated topic if you lack sufficient time.
2. Research Well:
Research is the most important and tedious aspect of the history project. Mind you, the depth of your research will determine the impact of your project. So, once you have identified your topic, it’s time to choose an appropriate historical research method. Visiting museums is ideal for getting up close and personal with history. But if it’s impossible, go through library historical records. You can also refer to famous works of some modern historians to build an argument.
You’ll be researching two types of materials to derive information:
- Primary Sources
Think of them as oral or penned eyewitness accounts of historical happenings. Recorded when the event unfolded, the primary sources are reliable sources for interpreting history. These include letters, speeches, folk songs, legislations, interviews, newspaper & magazine columns, MOM, legal verdicts, drawings, photographs, diaries, biographies, relics, monuments, and more. You can access them at government archives, libraries, private collections, and elsewhere.
- Secondary Sources
These are second-hand accounts of historical happenings that draw information from primary sources. While primary sources document an event, secondary sources offer background and analysis. Although they aren’t as reliable as the primary ones, they help understand an event and shape an argument. They come in the form of newspaper articles & editorials, video & audio recordings, documentaries, encyclopedias, textbooks, and research works.
Tips: Try to base your history project on primary resources for authenticity. However, you’ll need secondary sources to build an argument and draw a logical conclusion. When surfing the internet for information, ensure the resource is credible and backed by proper references. Also, list the resources you base your research on for the bibliography.
3. Organize the Data
Once the research is over, it’s time to organize all the information you gathered. A well-organized project leaves a lasting impression and makes it easier for the evaluator to go through it.
Here’s how to keep the history project for class 12 concise, sharp, and coherent.
- To start with, introduce the topic with a quick reference to key information
- Next, you need to identify the reasons that led to the historical event
- Then discuss the event with proper dates and chronology
- Now it’s time to analyze the consequences of the event on everyone involved.
- Detail the pros and cons of the event or issue
- Draw a logical conclusion based on the information provided
- Cite the sources in the footnotes and in the resources & bibliography sections.
Tips: Edit the researched material multiple times to ensure the presented data is valid, credible, appropriate, and relevant. Although history projects are theoretical, you can use pictures, charts, infographics, newspaper cuttings, and more to make it authentic, engaging, and in-depth.
4. Be Good with the Presentation
The presentation can be the difference between an ordinary and an impactful history project.
File Suggestions:
- Ensure keeping the project work within 20 to 25 sheets.
- Use inter-leaf sheets for appropriate presentation of images and text.
- Avoid using colored sheets for the project body. Use them only for the title page.
- Prefer a properly covered shoe-lace file cover to hold the sheets together.
- Keep the file cover simple and tidy. At all costs, avoid over-embellishing it.
Writing Suggestions:
- Handwrite the entire project from start to finish.
- Do not use whiteners to rectify writing errors. Instead, rewrite the page.
- Discuss the topic in detail but don’t drag the information.
- Keep the paragraphs short and highlight key information.
- Ensure the content is sharp, verbose-free, and in active voice.
- Use pictures, figures, maps, graphs, and infographics wherever possible.
- Maintain consistency with the tense. Don’t hump between tenses frequently.
- Stick to facts and figures. Stay away from propaganda and negativity.
5. Final Layout:
The history project work should have the following components in the suggested sequence:
1. Front Page: It’s the first page of your history project work, typically bearing:
TITLE OF PROJECT, AUTHOR NAME, SCHOOL, ACADEMIC SESSION, & ROLL NO
2. Acknowledgment: In this section, you acknowledge the support of your teacher, school, or any person or institution in completing the project. Here is a sample for ready reference.
I …….(your name)……. would like to take the opportunity to show my gratitude towards my history teacher Mr./Ms./Mrs. …….(your teacher’s name)…….. for helping me at every step, from research to presentation. I would also like to thank …….(the name of a person or institute)……. for extending help for the project’s timely completion.
3. Certificate: A dually signed certificate has to be there. Here’s a sample certificate:
This is to certify that …….…….. bearing roll number …….…….. of class 12 has completed his/her project on topic …….…….. under the guidance of Mr./Miss/Mrs. ……….……. during the academic session,….……. in line with the CBSE guidelines.
Note: You should allot the space below the certificate body for the seal of the school and signatures of the external examiner & your teacher. The entire project is handwritten but you can print the certificate.
4. Index: It’s a content table featuring what’s inside.
5. The Project Work: You present the information and shape the arguments herein. It starts with an “Introduction” where you introduce the topic and state reasons for opting for it. Conclude it with an evidence-based, rational conclusion upon analyzing the presented material.
6. Bibliography: Last but not least, state all references you used in the project.
Top History Project for Class 12
Now that the planning part is over, it’s time to choose a suitable topic for the history project for class 12.
1. Harappan Civilization
Harappan civilization, or Indus-Sarasvati Civilization or Indus Valley Civilization, was one of the world’s 3 oldest civilizations, alongside Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. The bronze-age civilization thrived between 7000 and 600 BCE on the banks of the Indus River in northwest India and eastern Pakistan. It was an advanced urban culture with systematically planned cities.
The Indus Valley civilization is an excellent history project topic for classes 11 & 12. It’s an extensive and dynamic topic that offers a vast scope for research and analysis. You can take up the entire civilization or pick a subtopic like town planning or artifacts for your history project.
Objectives:
- Get a deeper understanding of a technologically and culturally advanced civilization
- Getting familiar with the advances made in metallurgy, arts & crafts, and metrology
- Understanding how artifacts are used to interpret and analyze the history
- Knowing how the grid system was used to plan urban centers
What to Include?
- Introduction:
You can begin with a brief introduction to the Indus Valley Civilization. Here, you can provide details about its geographical location, time period, and importance in ancient world history.
- Chronology:
In this section, you need to discuss the different stages of the civilization. These include Pre-Harappan, Early Harappan, Mature Harappan, Late Harappan, and Post-Harappan stages.
- Urban Centers:
This section should discuss the prominent urban centers in the Indus Valley Civilization, such as Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Ganeriwala, Dholavira, Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi, Rupar, Lothal, and more.
- City Planning:
The Indus Valley Civilization was known for its advanced city planning. So, you need to cover it in this section. Herein, you can talk about Grid Systems, Citadels (Great Baths), Granaries, Roads, and more. Also, feel free to give a passing reference to the type of bricks used and how they were made.
- Systems and Social Life:
You cannot forget to discuss the social life and governance system of the Indus Valley Civilization. Besides, you can also offer information on religion, agricultural practices, writing systems, food, trade and commerce, language, and other aspects of life across the entire Harrapan Civilization.
- Sciences:
The civilization is regarded among the most advanced civilizations of its time. That’s why it is important to discuss the advances it made in metallurgy, metrology, calibration, and brick kilning.
- Art & Crafts:
Herein, you can walk the readers through the famed art and crafts of the civilization. Your options include Bronze Vessels, Seals, Terracotta Figurines, Jewelry, Bead Making, Ceramics, Pottery, Shell Working, Toys & more. Don’t forget to mention the motifs, styles, and materials used for crafts.
- Possible Reasons for the Downfall:
A project on IVC isn’t complete without mentioning the possible reasons for its downfall. You can discuss several popular arguments, such as the drying up of the Sarasvati River, climate change, the Aryan invasion, famine, and flooding. If possible, you can suggest your own reason as well. Make sure to back up your reasons with conclusive evidence.
- Conclusion:
In this section, you have to give your take on the IVC and elaborate on which reason you find the most plausible for IVC’s decline. It’s advisable to include images, maps, diagrams, references to primary and secondary sources, models, and visual presentations for more impact.
- Tips:
You can make a trip to the National Museum in Delhi a first-hand account of IVC artifacts. Also, discuss the possible uses of artifacts and how they help us interpret and understand history.
Suggested Reading:
- Moen Jo Daro: Metropolis of the Indus civilization (2600-1900 BCE)
- Harappa Excavation Reports 1986-1990
- Trade winds to Meluha
- Finding Forgotten Cities
Online Resources:
- https://www.worldhistory.org/Indus_Valley_Civilization/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilisation
- https://byjus.com/cbse-notes/class-6-social-science-history-chapter-3-in-the-earliest-cities/
- https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldcivilization/chapter/cities-of-the-indus-valley-civilization/
2. Critical Analysis of Mahabharata
Mahabharata is more than just an epic. Rather, it is a masterpiece in literature, a window into the past, and a source of wisdom. With 1 lakh Shlokas, 2 lakh verse lines, and a word count of 1.8 million, it is the world’s longest epic. The epic touches practically every emotion and situation conceivable in personal and state affairs, which makes it the greatest story ever told. Despite a complicated plot and larger-than-life characters, it takes a balanced look at people, kinship, societies, and statecraft.
Objectives:
- You will gain a new perspective on the social, political, and cultural life in ancient India.
- It is your opportunity to know the epic’s different versions, translations, & derivative works.
- A critical analysis will allow you to get familiar with ways to derive history from literary works.
What to Include?
- Introduction:
| Basic Information | Textual Background |
- Structure:
| 18 Parvas | Harivamsha | Accretion |
| Redaction | Popular Stories | Summary |
- Mahabharata in Popular Culture:
| Translations | Regional Adaptations | Jain Version |
| Derivative Works | Comparative Works | Comic Adaptation |
| Inspired Dances | TV and Cinema | Folklores |
- What it tells us about
| Caste System | Polity | Culture |
| Status of Women | Social Norms | Types of Marriages |
| Kinship | Property Rights |
Tips: For more impact, you can depict the Kuru family tree & 18 Parvas in a table format. Also, provide a passing reference to the types of marriages prevalent in ancient India. Don’t forget to evaluate the historicity and importance of Mahabharata in the Conclusion section. Detailing the art forms that retell the Mahabharata stories is also a good idea to highlight the epic’s cultural impact.
Suggested Reading:
- “Mahabharata,” The Chambers Dictionary
- Retelling by C Rajagopalachari
- The Kaunteyas by Madhavi. S Mahadevan
- The Curse of Gandhari by Aditi Banerjee
- A Broken Sun by Aditya Iyengar
Online Resources:
- https://www.livemint.com/Sundayapp/0dhd6sLQWkG4T1i5qbsjrI/The-Mahabharata-seen-in-the-clear-light-of-reason.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharata#:~:text=The%20Mah%C4%81bh%C4%81rata%20is%20the%20longest,)%2C%20and%20long%20prose%20passages
- https://study.com/academy/lesson/mahabharata-summary-characters.html#:~:text=Mahabharata%20revolves%20around%20the%20belief,the%20world%20is%20short%20lived
3. Ashokan Administration
Ashoka The Great held sway over a massive empire extending from modern-day Afghanistan in the west to Bangladesh in the east. Despite the vastness, the empire was well-governed through laws based on Dhamma, a progressive taxation system, and efficient civil services.
Rather, history credits Ashoka for creating the first-ever documented welfare state with safe roads, schools, hospitals, public wells, farmer loans, an elaborate irrigation system, rest houses for travelers, and more.
Short yet informative, this is an ideal topic for a history project for class 12 if you are short on time.
Objectives:
- The project will help you understand how Ashoka administered such a vast empire
- You also get a closer look at aspects of politics, society, religion & more in ancient India
What to Include?
- Introduction:
| Who was Ashoka | Ancestry | Historical background | The extent of his empire |
- Ashoka’s Relationship with Buddhism:
| Rein before embracing Buddhism | Kalinga war |
| First contact with Buddhism | Rein after embracing Buddhism |
- Central Government:
| Centralized system | Mantriparishad |
| Mantriparishad-Adhyakshya | Tirthas |
| Adhyakshya | Mahamattas |
| Amatyas | Lower level officials |
- Local Administration:
| Village | Gramika | Pradeshika | Sthanika |
| Durgapala | Antapala | Akshapatala | Lipikaras |
- Law & Order:
| Police system | Prison system |
- Revenue:
| Revenue Department | Revenue %age | Revenue Sources |
| Samharta | Sannidhata |
- Spy System:
| Role of spies | Mahamatyapasarpa | Sansthana |
| Sanchari | Gudhapurushas | Vishakanyas |
Tips: Write a short note on welfare activities, land reforms, farmer loans, and foreign trade laws implemented by Ashoka. This will not only add depth to the project work but also help you derive a conclusion. Also, mention edicts, seals, and other sources of information on Ashoka’s administration.
Suggested Reading:
- Ashoka The Great by Wyzte Keuning
- Ashoka, The Search for India’s Lost Emperor by Charles Allen
- Ashoka and The Decline of The Mauryas by Romila Thapar
Online Resources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashoka
- https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/ncert-notes-mauryan-administration/
- https://prepp.in/news/e-492-ashokas-administration-and-economy-ancient-india-history-notes
4. Akbarnama
The Akbarnama is a well-illustrated Persian manuscript depicting the life and times of Akbar. In this biography, the author, Abu’l-Fazl ibn Mubarak, traces the roots of the Mughal Empire back to the Timur Dynasty while also detailing contemporary events.
In three volumes, Akbarnama takes us through the religious, cultural, and socio-economic landscape during Akbar’s reign. Although Akbar ordered the creation of Akbarnama, it is an important source for medieval Indian history nonetheless.
Objectives:
- A history project on Akbarnama will give you insights into the social, political, cultural, and economic conditions during Akbar’s reign.
- It will help you extract history from a biography written at the emperor’s behest by his court historian & biographer.
What to Include?
- Introduction:
The section should cover all the basic information, such as who wrote it & when, Naksh Script, and the chronology of the biography’s whereabouts.
- About the Author:
| Ancestry | Education | Court Status | Other Works |
- Volume 1:
| Story of Akbar’s Birth | Akbar’s upbringing | His Lineage |
- Volume 2:
| Humayun (Exile and Recapturing Power) | 2nd Battle of Panipat |
| Akbar’s accession to the throne | Akbar’s reign till 1602 |
- Volume 3: The Ain-I-Akbari
| The extent of the empire | Revenue System | The Royal Household |
| Hindu religion | Army | & More |
- The Akbarnama of Faizi Sirhindi:
- Translations in English & Other Languages:
Tips: You are better off mentioning the paintings in the biography, what they depict, and how they enriched Indian art. Also, give a passing reference to Henry Beveridge’s English translation.
Suggested Readings:
- The Akbarnama of Abu-L-Fazl by Henry Beveridge
Online Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akbarnama
- https://smarthistory.org/akbarnama/
- https://hkeshani.github.io/darc/akbarnama/
5. Mughal Harems
Harem was an important part of Mughal emperors’ private & family lives. Contrary to popular perception, it served a lot bigger function than just housing emperors’ wives and female relatives. It was a forbidden place for “outsiders” but a town in itself replete with markets, madrasas, kitchens, baths, playgrounds, and more. All the royal kids were born and raised in the confines of an imperial harem. Despite being a closely guarded space, it was open to speculations, intrigue, and politics.
Objectives:
- The prime objective is to understand the hierarchy and function of the Mughal harems
- The project work will help bust misconceptions and speculations about the imperial harems.
What to Include?
- Introduction:
In this section, provide a definition of a harem, followed by its etymology, which should include its origins in Arabic, Persian & Turkish culture. Also, give a passing reference to a harem’s functions.
- Characteristics:
| Ladies of harems | Hierarchy & Rules |
| Physical Features of the designated area | Employees (eunuchs & slaves) |
- Functions:
| Emperor’s gratification | Protection for women & kids |
| Economic Activities | Nursery for Royal Kids |
- Reforms:
In this section, elaborate on Akbar’s reforms and restructuring of harems.
- Major Sources of Information:
Mention a few authentic sources that detail the functioning of harems, notably Humayun Nama.
- Conclusion:
Herein, you can build an argument for or against the ideal of seclusion that harems stood for.
Tips: You can always consider providing Pre-Islamic origins of harems in the Introduction session. Plus, discuss the role of eunuchs in the management of harems and how harems promoted slavery. If time permits, you can also consider researching the influence some harem women wielded.
Suggested Readings:
- The Mughal Harems by KS Lal
- The Women of Mughal Harems by Sugandha Rawat
- The Mughal Harem: Secrets Untold by Vama Gaur
Online Resources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_Harem
- https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2013/nov/28/Inside-the-harem-of-the-mughals-542659.html
- https://www.dailyo.in/variety/mughal-royal-harem-voyeurism-erotic-instincts-shah-jahan-14650
- https://servantspasts.wordpress.com/2019/08/12/third-gender-and-service-in-mughal-court-and-harem/
6. Revolt Of 1857
The Revolt of 1857 is an important event in modern history. What started as a sepoy mutiny went on to become a major uprising that changed the course of history. Even though the British managed to suppress the revolt with brute force, it marks the beginning of Indian nationalism, which culminated in the independence of India in 1947. Such a key event deserves a history project for class 12. However, if you find it too vast, feel free to cover selective parts of the project.
Objectives:
- The project will help you trace the origin of the anti-colonial movement in India.
- It will allow you to understand the causes, extent, and results of the uprising.
- You will be able to build an argument for or against calling it the 1st War of Independence.
What to Include?
- Introduction:
In this section, mention when & where the mutiny started, its spread, and its immediate cause. Also, provide a brief background of the British East India Company’s expansion in the subcontinent.
- Religious, Social & Political Causes:
| Racial Discrimination in Army | Doctrine of Lapse |
| Policy of misgovernance | Forced Socio-religious reforms |
| Introduction of modern education | Heavy Taxation on peasants |
| Ill-treatment of landowners and princes | Discriminatory economic policies |
- Eruption and Spread of the Revolt: Timeline
| Enfield Rifles | Initial Stages | Annexation of Delhi | Spread to other provinces |
- Regions & Regional Leaders:
| Delhi | Kanpur | Awadh | Jhansi |
| Assam | Bengal | Orissa | Punjab |
| Bihar | Tripura | Gujarat | Indore |
- Suppression:
Herein, you should detail how the British suppressed the revolt with the help of local kings. Also, elaborate on the lack of unity, coordination, planning, and ammunition the rebels faced.
- Consequences:
| Death and Destruction | End of the Mughal Empire | Scrapping Board of Control |
| Government of India Act 1858 | Military Reforms |
- The Revolt in popular culture:
| Cinema | TV series | plays | novels | poetry | folk songs |
- Conclusion:
Conclude the project work with your take on the nomenclature – whether to call it a Sepoy Mutiny, the Great Rebellion, or the 1st War of Indian Independence. Back your argument with reasons.
Tips: You can consider providing a passing reference to the Vellore mutiny to trace the history of discontentment in British-Indian armed forces. Also, mention the atrocities both sides committed.
Suggested Readings:
- Mutiny Memoirs by Col. A.R.D. Mackenzie
- Great Mutiny by Christopher Hibbert
- The Indian Mutiny of 1857 George Bruce Malleson
- The Skull of Alum Bheg by Kim A. Wagner
Online Resources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Rebellion_of_1857
- https://byjusexamprep.com/revolt-of-1857-i
- https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/why-did-indian-mutiny-happen
- https://www.britannica.com/event/Indian-Mutiny
7. Urbanization of Colonial India
While city centers continue to exist since antiquity, urbanization picked pace In India only in the 19th century under colonial rule. Once insignificant fishing hamlets, Madras (Chennai), Calcutta (Kolkata), and Bombay (Mumbai) emerged as the leading urban centers where culture, commerce, and education flourished.
The colonial rulers also came up with a variety of cities that served a variety of purposes. Some were hill towns, some industrial towns, and some were cantonment towns.
Tracing the urbanization of India could be a great history project idea for class 12.
Objectives:
- The project will help you understand how different cities evolved during the colonial rule.
- It will help you get familiar with the characteristics of colonial urban centers.
- Also, you will get insights into the social changes that urbanization has brought.
What to Include?
- Introduction:
Introduce the project with a brief insight into the cities of the pre-colonial era, which will serve as a background to the need for urbanization. It’s advisable to offer a passing reference to the decline of Delhi and Agra. Also, provide figures related to urbanization in 19th-century India.
- Why Colonial Towns were built?
| Promote Trade & Commerce | Strengthen Administration | Leisure Activities |
| Boost Military preparedness | Build Infrastructure |
- How growth was tracked?
In this section, you can provide details about the importance of record-keeping in tracking the growth of colonial cities. Don’t forget to mention the all-India Census started in 1887 to map the population.
- Types of Colonial Towns:
| Hill Towns | Railway Station Towns | Industrial Cities | Cantonment Towns |
| Court Towns | Presidency Cities | Port Cities |
- Prominent Architectural Styles:
| Neoclassical | Gothic Revival | Baroque | Indo-Saracenic |
- The Impact of Urbanization:
| Spread of Education | Growth of Nationalism |
| The emergence of the Middle class | The inflow of Rural migration |
| Businessmen as the new elites | New avenues for recreation* |
*Herein, you can relate the emergence of clubs, racecourses, and other avenues of recreation to the changing urban lifestyle.
- Conclusion:
Upon analyzing the material, you can draw a logical justification for the establishment of colonial cities across India and their prime characteristics. Don’t forget to take up the colonial records that trace the urban history.
Tips: When writing about the need for developing towns, make it clear that the British did it for their own sake. However, these colonial cities later became the epicenter of anti-colonial movements.
Suggested Reading:
- COLONIAL CITY AND THE CHALLENGE OF MODERNITY by Hazareesingh Sandip
- NCERT Text Book Class 12th
Online Sources:
- https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/lehs303.pdf
- http://ijrar.com/upload_issue/ijrar_issue_1586.pdf
- https://www.oneyoungindia.com/class-12-history/colonial-cities-notes
- https://unacademy.com/content/upsc/study-material/ncert-notes/features-of-colonial-cities/
8. The Human Aspect of Partition of India
1947 was a landmark year in the history of the subcontinent. On one hand, it gained freedom from British imperial rule, while on the other, it got partitioned into two dominions, India & Pakistan. While 77.3% of the total assets went to India, the remaining were claimed by Pakistan.
However, it wasn’t a partition of assets only, as a significant percentage of the population migrated across borders. Eventually, it turned out to be the bloodiest partition in the history of mankind.
As partition is a sensitive topic, it can be a wonderful history project for class 12.
Objectives:
- It will help you know the catastrophe of partition with 20 million displaced and 2 million dead.
- You will explore the causes, actors, processes, and basis of partition.
What to Include?
- Introduction:
Introduce the project with all the basic details of partition, including the division of assets, two nation theory, the Indian Independence Act, and more. Also, provide relevant stats related to deaths and displacement to develop a narrative against such disasters, and bring human aspects to the fore.
- Reasons for the Partition:
| Role of Muslim League | Support for the two-nation theory |
| Acceptance of Indian National Congress | Hindu Reaction & Communal Violence |
- Historical Background:
| The emergence of the 2-nation theory: 1924 | Cripps Mission 1940 |
| Quit India Resolution: 1942 | Change of Government in Great Britain |
| Provincial Polls: 1946 | Cabinet Mission: 1946 |
| Direct Action Day: 1946 | Plan for partition: 1946–1947 |
| The Indian Independence Act | Radcliffe Line |
| Mountbatten Plan | Punjab Boundary Commission |
- Execution of Partition and Violence
This section provides data on the migration and violence that followed the independence of India. Also, provide a short reference to the resettlement of the displaced population in both dominions.
- Impacted Provinces:
| Punjab | Bengal | Sindh | Gujarat | Delhi | J&K |
- Partition in popular culture:
| Cinema | TV series | Theater | Fiction | Poetry | Folk Art |
- Conclusion:
In this section, you can mention how the travesty of partition could have been avoided or at least minimized.
Tips: Plenty of partition-related pictures and stats are readily available on the internet. So, make the most of them. For impactful project work, you can also provide a timeline of events that led to the partition. Don’t forget to present maps depicting India before and after the partition.
Suggested Reading:
- Memories of Madness by Khushwant Singh
- Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie
- The Great Partition by Yasmin Khan
- Midnight’s Furies by Nisid Hajari
Online Sources:
- https://www.partitionmuseum.org/partition-of-india/
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-62467438
- https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/06/29/the-great-divide-books-dalrymple
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partition_of_India#:~:text=The%20Partition%20of%20India%20in,assets%20was%20on%20the%20agreed
- https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/postcolonialstudies/2014/06/21/partition-of-india/
9. Constitution Framing
WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA
The Constitution of India is perhaps the most important, extensive, and progressive document ever written in the subcontinent. Upon 11 sessions of deliberation, the 299-member committee came up with the final draft, which was adopted on 26 November 1949 by the Constituent Assembly of India. However, it became effective on 25th January 1950. How the Constitution came into being is an engaging story that needs to be told through a well-researched history project for class 12.
Objectives:
- The project informs you about the events, processes, and people that created the Constitution.
- It will also help you know which constitutions influenced the constitution of India.
What to Include?
- Introduction:
The introduction section should include the basic information on the constitution, such as the date of ratification and implementation, what it declares & guarantees, and a passing reference to the acts it replaced. Also, discuss the whereabouts of the original document, who handwrote it, the total expenditure it incurred, the first and last signatories, and other relevant information.
- Structure:
In this section, you can provide details on the structure of the Indian Constitution, including the Preamble, 22 Parts, 448 Articles, 12 Schedules, 5 Appendices, and 115 Amendments. Also, discuss the fundamental rights, and unique provisions like reservation policies, secularism, and more.
- Historical Background:
In this section, mention briefly the previous legislations, notably the Govt. of India Act 1935 & Indian Independence Act 1947. Also, mention the Nehru Report presented at the All Parties Conference in Lucknow in 1928. You can also list the articles implemented on 26th November 1949 and why.
- Constituent Assembly:
Create a timeline for all the events that led to the creation of the constituent assembly, from the emergence of the idea in December 1934 to the implementation of the constitution in 1950. Plus, you can also provide details of the members of the constituent assembly for impactful project work.
- Bag of Borrowings:
The Indian constitution is termed as a “Bag of Borrowings” because it has taken so much from constitutions of:
| US | Canada | UK | Ireland | France | Japan | Germany | USSR | & more |
Note: Time permitting, you can mention what was acquired from which constitution.
- Critics and Supporters:
Herein, you can mention prominent voices for and against the constitution of India.
- Conclusion:
Upon critically analyzing the pros & cons, you should present your take on the constitution of India.
Suggested Reading:
- The Framing of India’s Constitution by B. Shiva Rao
- The Indian Constituent Assembly by Udit Bhatia
- Voices in the Wilderness by Anjoo Balhara Sharma
Online Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_India
- http://www.mati.gov.in/docs/Constitution_of_India.pdf
- https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/evolution-and-framing-of-the-constitution/
- https://prepp.in/news/e-492-criticism-of-indian-constitution-indian-polity-notes
- https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-3061-framing-of-indian-constitution.html
10. Vijayanagara: An Imperial Capital
Vijayanagar was both an empire and an imperial city that existed from 1336 to 1565 in South India. Unlike North India, the Vijayanagar Empire resisted constant Muslim invasions and helped nurture Hindu life and administration.
It emerged as the most powerful and prosperous empire known for its town planning, elaborate water distribution system, and some majestic structures. As one of the world’s ten leading cities, Vijayanagar attracted traders and travelers from across the world.
Objectives:
- The project will allow you a deeper understanding of a prosperous and powerful empire.
What to Include?
- Introduction:
Give a brief description of the empire’s time period, founders, geographical location, extent, and more. Also, mention the historical importance of Hampi and its status as a World Heritage site.
- Rediscovery & Preservation:
Elaborate on the roles of a few prominent people in the rediscovery & preservation of the Hampi relics.
| People | Role |
| Colin Mackenzie | Discovery of the remains of Hampi |
| Alexander Greenlaw | First Comprehensive Photography of Hampi |
| J.F. Fleet | Compilation & Documentation of the inscription |
| John Marshall | Conservation of the Hampi Relics |
- History of Vijayanagar City:
- Ancient Pilgrimage Center:
| Pampa Tirtha | Kishkinda |
- The Ruling Dynasties:
| Sangama | Saluvas | Tuluva | Aravidu |
- The Empire’s Rise Under Krishnadeva Raya:
| History of Krishnadeva Raya | Conquests | Administration | Art & Literature |
- City Planning & Architecture:
| Town Planning | Fortification | Gateways | Temples |
| Mahanavmi Box | Meeting Halls | Palaces | Watch Towers |
| Water Distribution System | Courtly Buildings |
Tips: You can provide a passing reference to the legend of Parvati (Pampa) and her beloved Shiva mentioned in Sthala Purana in the “Ancient Pilgrimage Center” section. Feel free to cite accounts of the Portuguese and Persian traders about city planning, architecture, people, and more.
Suggested Reading:
- Hampi by George Michell
- The Forgotten Empire by Robert Sewell
- Sources of Vijayanagar History by S. Krishna Swami Aiyangar
Online Sources:
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Vijayanagar
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayanagara
- https://notes.crisscrossclasses.com/class-12-history-chapter-7-notes-in-english/
- https://mycbseguide.com/blog/imperial-capital-vijayanagara-class-12-notes-history/
Conclusion
So, we come to an end of a comprehensive list of the best history project for class 12 topics. Our experts handpicked the best 10 topics to let you choose the one that suits your unique requirements. With CBSE guidelines for history projects and key factors to consider, we have tried to make things quicker and simpler for you.
Please feel free to provide feedback in the comments section below.