NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 1

1. 1. What , Where, How and When The chapter introduces what, where, how and when class then unveils the detective work involved in uncovering the past. Historians, like detectives, use various tools and techniques to piece together the puzzle of past events. ● Manuscripts: These are handwritten documents, like diaries, letters, records, and even religious texts, offering a window into the thoughts, activities, and events of the time they were written. ● Inscriptions: These are writings etched onto hard surfaces like stones, monuments, or cave walls. They can be decrees, religious hymns, or even personal messages, providing insights into the lives, beliefs, and activities of people from the past. ● Artifacts: Archaeologists play a crucial role in unearthing these objects left behind by past societies, such as tools, weapons, pottery, jewelry, or even buildings. By studying these artifacts, we learn about the technology, daily lives, and cultural practices of those who came before us. Understanding the timing of these events is equally important. The chapter introduces the concept of dating the past, using terms like BC (Before Christ) and CE (Common Era) to distinguish between events before and after the birth of Jesus Christ. Additionally, it mentions other dating methods like calendars and specific historical occurrences to create a chronological timeline. NCERT Solutions for class 6 History Chapter 1 Let’s Recall 1 . Match the following: Column I Column II Narmada Valley The first big kingdom Magadha Hunting and gathering Garo hills Cities about 2500 years ago

2. Indus and its tributaries Early agriculture Ganga Valley The first cities Ans : Column I Column II Narmada Valley Early agriculture Magadha The first big kingdom Garo hills Hunting and gathering Indus and its tributaries The first cities Ganga Valley Cities about 2500 years ago 2. List one major difference between manuscripts and inscriptions. Ans : Manuscripts: Written on soft surfaces like palm leaves, bark, papyrus, or parchment. ● Inscriptions: Engraved on hard surfaces like stone, metal, or cave walls. Let’s discuss 3. Return to Rasheeda’s question. Can you think of some answers to it? Ans : 1.Written records: Historians can learn about the past by studying manuscripts (handwritten documents) and inscriptions (writings on hard surfaces). These records provide firsthand accounts, official documents, and even creative works that offer glimpses into the lives, thoughts, and events of the time period they were created in. 2.Archaeological finds: By studying artifacts (objects left behind by past societies) unearthed by archaeologists, we can learn about the technology,

3. daily life, and cultural practices of those who came before us. These artifacts can be anything from tools and weapons to pottery, jewelry, and even buildings. 3.Other sources: Other sources of information about the past include oral traditions (stories and songs passed down through generations), folklore, and artistic expressions like paintings, sculptures, and architecture. By studying these diverse sources, historians can paint a more complete picture of the past. 4 . Make a list of all the objects that archaeologists may find. Which of these could be made of stone? Ans : Archaeologists can find a wide variety of objects, depending on the location and time period they are excavating. Here are some examples: ● Tools and weapons: These could be made from stone, flint, bone, metal, or wood. ● Pottery: This is a common find at archaeological sites and can be used to learn about the culture and technology of the people who made it. ● Buildings: The remains of buildings can tell us about the architecture, social organization, and even the economy of a past society. ● Jewelry: Jewelry can be made from a variety of materials, including precious metals, stones, and shells. It can tell us about the social status, wealth, and even the religious beliefs of the people who wore it. ● Coins: Coins can provide information about the economy, politics, and even the art of a past society. ● Skeletons and other human remains: These can be used to learn about the health, diet, and even the lifestyles of the people from the past. ● Animal bones: These can tell us about the animals that were hunted or domesticated by the people who lived in the area. ● Seeds and other plant remains: These can tell us about the plants that were grown and eaten by the people who lived in the area. 5 . Why do you think ordinary men and women did not generally keep records of what they did? Ans : Ordinary men and women in the past often did not keep records of their daily lives for several reasons:

4. 1. Lack of literacy: In many societies throughout history, a large portion of the population, particularly the working class and women, did not have access to education and remained illiterate. 2. Lack of materials: Writing materials like parchment, papyrus, or even clay tablets were often expensive and scarce, especially for ordinary people who might have struggled to afford basic necessities. 3. Focus on daily survival: For most ordinary people throughout history, daily life was a constant struggle for survival. 4. Absence of perceived need: Unlike rulers, nobles, or religious figures whose lives and actions held historical significance, ordinary people might not have perceived a need to record their daily activities. 5. Reliance on oral traditions: In many cultures, information and stories were passed down through generations through oral traditions. 6 . Describe at least two ways in which you think the lives of kings would have been different from those of farmers. Ans : Here are two major ways in which the lives of kings would have been different from those of farmers: 1. Day-to-day activities and responsibilities: ● Kings: Their primary responsibility was to govern the kingdom, which involved making decisions about war and peace, enacting laws, and overseeing the administration of justice. T ● Farmers: Their lives revolved around agricultural activities like planting, tending to crops, harvesting, and raising livestock. 2. Standard of living and access to resources: ● Kings: They lived in luxury and comfort, occupying grand palaces with access to the finest food, clothing, and entertainment.. ● Farmers: They lived a simple and often harsh life, working with their hands and facing physical demands.