The Humanist View of History Class 11 – Concept, MCQs & Notes PDF

Topic covered: The Humanist View of History class 11 notes and MCQs questions: Changing Cultural Traditions (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 11th about “The Humanist View of History“ from the NCERT history notes for class 11th chapter 5 “Changing Cultural Traditions”.

Download the NCERT History for Class 11th Chapter 5 Changing Cultural Traditions Notes PDF

Download the NCERT History for Class 11th Chapter 5 Changing Cultural Traditions Notes PDF if you want a clear and readable explanation of how ideas, art, and knowledge began to change in medieval Europe. These notes walk you through the revival of Italian cities, the growth of universities, and the rise of humanism, showing how people started to look at history, science, and philosophy in new ways. You will also learn about the Arab contribution to knowledge, realistic art, architecture, the first printed books, and changing views about human beings and women. The chapter ends with important religious debates and scientific ideas like the Copernican Revolution, helping you understand how people began to read and interpret the universe differently.

The Humanist View of History

1. Humanist View of European History:

• Humanists believed they were restoring ‘true civilisation’
• They felt civilisation had declined after the collapse of the Roman Empire
• According to them, a ‘dark age’ followed the fall of Rome

2. Idea of a ‘New Age’:

• Later scholars accepted the humanist view without questioning it
• They believed a ‘new age’ began in Europe from the fourteenth century

3. Meaning of the Middle Ages:

• The term ‘Middle Ages’ or ‘medieval period’ was used for the thousand years after the fall of Rome
• This period was seen as an age of cultural decline

4. Role of the Church in the Middle Ages (Humanist View):

• Humanists argued that the Church had complete control over people’s minds
• They believed that Greek and Roman learning was wiped out during this period

5. Use of the Term ‘Modern’:

• Humanists used the word ‘modern’ for the period beginning from the fifteenth century

6. Reassessment by Modern Historians:

• Recent historians have questioned this rigid division of history
• Increased research has led to new findings about medieval Europe
• Scholars are now reluctant to make sharp cultural divisions between centuries
• Labeling any period as the ‘Dark Ages’ is considered unfair

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE History Class 11 Chapter 5: Changing Cultural Traditions

MCQs on NCERT History Class 11 Chapter 5 – The Humanist View of History Class 11

Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “The Humanist View of History Class 11” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:

Question 1. Humanists believed that a ‘dark age’ began after the:

A. Rise of feudalism
B. Spread of Christianity
C. Collapse of the Roman Empire
D. Fall of Constantinople

Answer: C

Question 2. According to humanists, they were restoring:

A. Religious purity
B. Political stability
C. True civilisation
D. Feudal order

Answer: C

Question 3. The term ‘Middle Ages’ refers to the period of about:

A. 500 years
B. 800 years
C. 1000 years
D. 1500 years

Answer: C

Question 4. The ‘Middle Ages’ began after the fall of:

A. Greece
B. Byzantium
C. Rome
D. Constantinople

Answer: C

Question 5. In the Middle Ages, according to humanists, the Church had:

A. Limited influence
B. Partial control over learning
C. Complete control over men’s minds
D. No role in education

Answer: C

Question 6. Humanists argued that learning of the Greeks and Romans was:

A. Preserved
B. Modified
C. Forgotten
D. Blotted out

Answer: D

Question 7. Later scholars initially accepted the humanist view:

A. Critically
B. Selectively
C. Unquestioningly
D. Reluctantly

Answer: C

Question 8. According to these scholars, a ‘new age’ in Europe began in the:

A. Thirteenth century
B. Fourteenth century
C. Fifteenth century
D. Sixteenth century

Answer: B

Question 9. Humanists used the word ‘modern’ for the period starting from the:

A. Thirteenth century
B. Fourteenth century
C. Fifteenth century
D. Seventeenth century

Answer: C

Question 10. The belief that history can be divided into dark and bright ages was mainly promoted by:

A. Medieval clerics
B. Modern historians
C. Humanists
D. Kings and rulers

Answer: C

Question 11. Recent historians have questioned the division of history because:

A. Sources were unreliable
B. New rulers emerged
C. More research has been done
D. Church opposed it

Answer: C

Question 12. Modern scholars are reluctant to make sharp divisions between centuries based on:

A. Religion
B. Politics
C. Cultural vibrancy
D. Warfare

Answer: C

Question 13. The term ‘Dark Ages’ is now considered by historians as:

A. Accurate
B. Scientific
C. Neutral
D. Unfair

Answer: D

Question 14. Recent research suggests that the Middle Ages were:

A. Entirely backward
B. Culturally inactive
C. More complex than earlier believed
D. Identical to ancient times

Answer: C

Question 15. The passage suggests that historical periods should be:

A. Rigidly classified
B. Clearly labelled
C. Judged carefully
D. Ignored

Answer: C

Question 16. The idea of a ‘Dark Age’ mainly reflects a:

A. Balanced historical view
B. Scientific conclusion
C. Humanist interpretation
D. Economic analysis

Answer: C

17. Labeling any period as the ‘Dark Ages’ ignores:

A. Political history
B. Military events
C. Cultural developments
D. Religious conflicts

Answer: C

18. The main message of the passage is that historical labels can be:

A. Helpful
B. Necessary
C. Misleading
D. Permanent

Answer: C