SET-2

Series ONS

Code No. 1/2

Roll No.

Candidates must write the Code on the

title page of the answer-book.

• Please check that this question paper contains 12 printed pages.
• Code number given on the right hand side of the question paper should be written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.

<math>\blacktriangle</math> Please check that this question paper contains 13 questions.

• Please write down the Serial Number of the question before attempting it.

• 15 minute time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the students will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on the answer-book during this period.

ENGLISH (Core)

Time allowed: 3 hours

Maximum Marks: 100

General Instructions:

(i) This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.

1. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these instructions very carefully and follow them faithfully.
2. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

P.T.O. 1/2 1

SECTION - A (READING) (Marks:30)

12

1. Read the passage given below:

1. accomplished so much grandeur during his reign that his glory surpassed

the boundaries of countries and time turning him into an immortal personality. He along with his kingdom became a synonym for valour, sacrifice and patriotism. Mewar had been a leading Rajput kingdom even before Maharana Pratap occupied the throne. Kings of Mewar, with the cooperation of their nobles and subjects, had established such traditions in the kingdom, as augmented their magnificence despite the hurdles of having a smaller area under their command and less population. There did come a few thorny occasions when the flag of the kingdom seemed sliding down. Their flag once again heaved high in the sky thanks to the gallantry and brilliance of the people of Mewar.

1. The destiny of Mewar was good in the sense that barring a few kings, most of the rulers were competent and patriotic. This glorious tradition of the kingdom almost continued for 1500 years since its establishment, right from the reign of Bappa Rawal. In fact only 60 years before Maharana Pratap, Rana Sanga drove the kingdom to the pinnacle of fame. His reputation went beyond Rajasthan and reached Delhi. Two generations before him, Rana Kumbha had given a new stature to the kingdom through victories and developmental work. During his reign, literature and art also progressed extraordinarily. Rana himself was inclined towards writing and his works are read with reverence even today. The ambience of his kingdom was conducive to the creation of high quality work of art and literature. These accomplishments were the outcome of a longstanding tradition sustained by several generations.

3. The life of the people of Mewar must have been peaceful and

prosperous during the long span of time; otherwise such extraordinary accomplishment in these fields would not have been possible. This is reflected in their art and literature as well as their loving nature. They compensate for lack of admirable physique by their firm but pleasant nature. The ambience of Mewar remains lovely thanks to the cheerful and liberal character of its people. 1/2 <math>\mathbf{2}</math>