Re-Test Model (Class X-History)-2026

 1. Between medieval and modern historiography, which approach of writing would you choose to write a history? Give reasons to support your answer.                                                                                           (4)

 (Choose only ONE)

I would choose the medieval approach of writing history because

i. To write the history related to Bhutan, we need to depend mostly on the religious records as well as available local beliefs as our historical accounts are limited to oral accounts.

ii. Applying the chronological method in writing history (from the beginning to the end) will help in producing a history which will be clear and concise.

 

[OR]

I would choose modern approach of writing history because

i. We can apply scientific method to produce an authentic and true history.

ii. Historical writings should be based on various themes unlike medieval historical writing which is focused on religion.

 

2. Provide THREE merits and demerits of oral history technique in the construction and reconstruction of history.                                      (3)

Merits	Demerits
i. Provides a fuller, more accurate picture of the past by augmenting the information	i. Chances of distortion of history over time.
ii. It allows learners to learn about the perspectives of individuals who might not otherwise appear in the historical record, exposure to learn different kinds of information.	ii. Individual perspectives might be distorted overtime due to fragile memory.
iii. Oral histories serve as sources for the construction and reconstruction of histories.

 

 

3. How significant was the introduction of Choesid system of governance system by Zhabdrung for Bhutan? Give THREE significance.               (3)

i. The administrative system introduced by Zhabdrung helped unify the country into a nation-state.  

ii. It also helped in establishing Bhutan as the Drukpa Kadgyu country

iii. It strengthened the country security and sovereignty

 

4. Write THREE differences between the system of government during Zhabdrung and the present government system.       (3)

Choesid System (Zhabdrung)	Present government system
Theocratic government system (Zhabdrung as the Supreme leader)	Democratic Constitutional Monarchy (King is the Head of State and Prime Minister as Head of the Government)
Kathrim (Law of order)	Constitution of Bhutan/Tsathrim Chhenmo (main law)
Desi (Secular Leader) was the secular head

 

 

5. Bhutan and British India signed Treaty of Sinchula in 1865. Who do you think has favoured most by this treaty? Give THREE points to support your answer.   (3)

 

(Choose only ONE)

Bhutan was favoured by the treaty because:

i. Bhutan could maintain cordial relation with British

ii. Free trade was agreed in the treaty

iii. Bhutan received Rs.50000 as compensation for the lost duars, etc. These impact has been continued in the present time.

[OR]

British India was favoured by the treaty because:

i. Bhutan lost all duars by the agreement in the treaty

ii. The compensation payment received was less than the amount of land lost to British

iii. British India will intervene if Bhutan had any dispute with the other countries.

 

6. Evaluate the Bhutan-British India diplomatic relations during Desi Zhidar and Desi Jigme Singye.                                                                (4)

Desi Zhidar	Desi Jigme Singye
The relation was not cordial as Bhutan had to face a battle with British India in 1772 (Battle of Cooch Behar)	The relation was cordial as Bhutan peacefully received two British India missions during his reign (Dr. Hamilton’s mission in 1776 &1777)

 

 

7. Can we apply the medieval approach of writing history if you are to write a Bhutanese history? Give reasons to justify your answer.  (3)

Yes, because

1. Since most of the historical accounts are influenced by Buddhism, it will be easier to construct history on the basis of religious themes. (Belief in the religious ideas)

2. It will be more appropriate to apply the chronological method in producing a history from the beginning to the end. (eg. Causes, events and results of the battles and wars)

3. We can also use the idea of universal history while writing Bhutanese history as there are several accounts related to involvement of unnatural beings in the creation of things (eg. Some temples/dzongs believed to have built with the help of local deities or super natural beings).

 

8. Why did Zhabdrung introduce Choesid system after his arrival in Bhutan during the 17^th century?      (2)

i. The administrative system introduced by Zhabdrung helped unify the country into a nation-state. 

ii. It also helped in establishing Bhutan as the Drukpa Kadgyu country

iii. It strengthened the country security and sovereignty

 

9. Trongsa Poenlop Ugyen Wangchuck was a good negotiator? Do you agree? Give a reason to support your answer.      (2)

Yes, he was a good negotiator because he was able to solve the British India and Tibetan conflict by making them sign the Anglo-Tibetan Treaty (Treaty of Potala) in 1904, bringing a peaceful settlement.

 

10. Explain the role played by Trongsa Jigme Namgyal during the Duar war in the 19^th century.                                                                  (3)

i. Jigme Namgyal led the Bhutanese forces to defend the British Indian forces from the Assam Duars.

ii. Recaptured Diwangiri(Deothang) during counterattack against the British Indian forces.

iii. He was able to protect the sovereignty of Bhutan by bringing an end to the Duar War by signing the Treaty of Sinchula in 1865.