Ch. 8. Studying the Past, We and Our World, Class VI, DAV Board, The Best Solutions.  

Keywords To Remember

Something To Know         

A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.

1. Kautilya wrote the book ̶-

(a) Meghdoot

(b) Arthshastra

(c) Ramayana

(d) Harashacharita

Answer – (b) Arthshastra

2. The period when art of writing was unknown is called ̶-

(a) Prehistory

(b) Ancient history

(c) Medieval history

(d) Modern history

Answer – (a) Prehistory

3. The study of coins is known as ̶-

(a) Architecture

(b) Numismatics

(c) Calligraphy

(d) Epigraphy

Answer – (b) Numismatics

4. Who is the author of Abhigyan Shakuntalam?

(a) Kautilya

(b) Tulsidas

(c) Mahatma Buddha

(d) Kalidas

Answer – (d) Kalidas

5. The Chinese traveller who visited India was ̶-

(a) Alexander

(b) Columbus

(c) Megasthenes

(d) Fa-hien

Answer – (d) Fa-hien

B. Fill in the blanks.

1. _______________ are the remains of palaces and forts.

Answer – Monuments

2. Jain literature was written in_______________ language.

Answer – Prakrit

3. The study of inscriptions is called _______________.

Answer – Epigraphy

4. Historians divide history into two parts, namely, ______________ and _____________.

Answer – Prehistory and History.

5. _______________ literature consists of prose, plays, poetry, etc.

Answer – Secular

C. Answer the following questions in brief.

1. How does the study of the monuments help the historians?

Answer – Monuments give insight into the architectural styles, social life, religious beliefs, and economic conditions of the time.

2. The study of history help us to make the present world a better place to live in. How?

Answer – History inspires us by showing achievements of great people and teaches us lessons to avoid mistakes of the past.

3. How do skeletal studies help us to identify gender differences?

Answer – Skeletons help determine gender by analysing features like the pelvis shape; women generally have broader hips for childbearing.

4. What are the literary sources of Indian history?

Answer – Literary sources include religious texts (Vedas, Pitakas), non-religious works (plays, grammar), historical accounts, and foreign travellers’ writings.

5. Explain historical literature with an example.

Answer – Historical literature includes biographies or autobiographies like Harshacharita that give us insights into the rulers’ lives and times.

D. Answer the following questions.

1. Distinguish between archaeological and literary sources.

Answer – Archaeological sources include physical remains like inscriptions, coins, and monuments.

Literary sources are written records like texts, books, and manuscripts.

2. How do the archaeological source materials help us to learn about our past?

Answer – Archaeological materials like tools, buildings, and coins reveal information about daily life, technology, art, and beliefs of ancient people.

3. What is more important in history ̶ events, persons, places or dates? Give reasons to justify your answer.

Answer – All are important, but events give the context. They connect persons, places, and dates to broader changes in society and development.

4. How do secular literary sources throw light on the life of the people in any period of history?

Answer – Secular texts, like poems, plays, and travel accounts, provide details about lifestyle, professions, clothing, festivals, and social norms.

5. How does the study of coins help the historians?

Answer – Coins reveal information about trade, economy, ruling periods, religion, art, and technological advancement.

Value Based Question

Once, a foreign traveller came to meet Kautilya. It was dusk and darkness had just started to set in. When  Once, a foreign traveller came to meet Kautilya. It was dusk and darkness had just started to set in. When he entered his room, he saw that Kautilya was busy writing under the light of an oil lamp. With a smiling gesture Kautilya politely asked him to sit for a while. He then quickly finished the work.

After completing the work, he extinguished the oil lamp and lit another lamp. The traveller was curious to know why Kautilya did so. He asked Kautilya “Is this a custom in your country, when a guest arrives at your house?”  Kautilya replied, “No my dear, actually when you entered, I was working on an official task. The oil filled in that lamp was bought from the money of National treasury. Now, when I am talking to you, this is a personal and friendly conversation. So, I cannot use that lamp now.” 

1. Why did Kautilya decide to light another lamp?

Answer – Kautilya used government oil for official work only. For personal conversations, he used a different lamp paid with his own money.

2. What message does the story convey to the present day public servants or elected representatives of the people?

Answer – The story teaches integrity, honesty, and ethical use of public resources by separating personal and official responsibilities.

Map Skill

On the outline political map of India, locate and label the following places.

(a)  One of the cities of Harappan civilisation.

Answer – A Harappan city (in present-day Pakistan)

(b) One place of Ashokan inscription found.

Answer – Site of Ashokan inscription

(c)  Place where Red Fort is situated.

Answer – Location of the Red Fort

(d)  One of the archaeological sites.

Answer – An important archaeological site

Something To Do

1. Take any five different coins of free India. Study them carefully. List the information that you can get from them like the metal used, dates, languages, pictures, denomination or any other information.

Answer –

2. Solve the crossword.

ACROSS (→)

• Handwritten record
• Information about past
• Religious books of Jains
• Language of Vedas

DOWN ( ↓ )

• Ancient building
• Study of coins
• Home of ancient man
• Language of Buddhist literature

Answer – ACROSS (→):

Handwritten record → Manuscript

Information about past → History

Religious books of Jains → Angas

Language of Vedas → Sanskrit

DOWN (↓):

Ancient building → Monument

Study of coins → Numismatics

Home of ancient man → Cave

Language of Buddhist literature → Pali

3. Do you ever wonder how the age of ancient tools, bones and other materials is determined? Read the following information and discuss with your teacher in the class.

Info.

Carbon dating is a method of estimating the age of materials. This method, developed by Willard F. Libby can date samples that are as old as 50,000 years. It has proven to be useful in archaeology, geology, geophysics and other branches of Science.

Carbon dating is based on the fact that plants and animals contain carbon in a ratio that matches the percentages found in the atmosphere for as long as they are alive. This is true because most life on Earth is carbon-based; plants absorb it through photosynthesis and animals absorb it by eating plants or animals that eat plants. Once an organism dies, the carbon intake stops and the percentage of carbon-14 decreases. To calculate the date of an object, researchers compare the percentage of carbon-14 it contains to the normal percentage found in the atmosphere. The lower the ratio, the older the object.

Additional Questions and Answers – 01

Fill in the Blanks (with Answers):

1. The study of history helps us understand _______________ of society over time.
   Answer: changes
2. Inscriptions of Ashoka were written on _______________ and _______________.
   Answer: rocks, pillars
3. The written records of the past are called _______________ sources.
   Answer: literary
4. _______________ were used before paper was invented to write texts.
   Answer: Palm leaves
5. The science of studying old inscriptions is called _______________.
   Answer: Epigraphy
6. The epics Ramayana and Mahabharata are part of _______________ literature.
   Answer: religious
7. Coins tell us about the _______________ and _______________ of rulers.
   Answer: achievements, economy
8. The study of skeletons helps determine _______________ and _______________ of people.
   Answer: gender, health

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs with Answers):

1. Which of the following is NOT an archaeological source?
   (a) Coins
   (b) Inscriptions
   (c) Novels
   (d) Monuments
   Answer: (c) Novels
2. Which religious text belongs to Buddhism?
   (a) Vedas
   (b) Pitakas
   (c) Angas
   (d) Bible
   Answer: (b) Pitakas
3. What is Harshacharita?
   (a) An epic
   (b) A play
   (c) A biography
   (d) A coin
   Answer: (c) A biography
4. Which of the following is an example of secular literature?
   (a) Arthshastra
   (b) Vedas
   (c) Ramayana
   (d) Bible
   Answer: (a) Arthshastra
5. The language of Vedas is:
   (a) Prakrit
   (b) Pali
   (c) Sanskrit
   (d) Tamil
   Answer: (c) Sanskrit

True / False Questions (with Answers):

1. Coins can give information about ancient trade and economy.
   True
2. History is based entirely on imagination.
   False
3. The study of inscriptions is known as Numismatics.
   False (It is Epigraphy)
4. Fa-hien was a Chinese traveller who visited India.
   True
5. Skeletons cannot provide any historical information.
   False

Short Answer Questions (2–3 lines):

1. What is prehistory?
   Prehistory is the time period before writing was developed. It is known through artifacts like tools and bones.
2. Name two religious texts and their languages.
   Vedas (Sanskrit), Pitakas (Pali).
3. How do inscriptions help historians?
   They provide information about kings, their achievements, and the language of that time.
4. What is the importance of monuments in history?
   Monuments reveal architectural styles and help us understand the religious and social life of the time.
5. Why is history divided into ancient, medieval, and modern periods?
   To make the study of different time periods easier and systematic based on characteristics and developments.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning & Assertion):

Q1.
Assertion (A): Coins help us understand the economic conditions of ancient times.
Reason (R): Coins show symbols, rulers’ names, and materials used.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: (a)

Q2.
Assertion (A): Fa-hien’s travel accounts are important historical sources.
Reason (R): Fa-hien visited India as a tourist.
Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false.

Q3.
Assertion (A): Archaeological sources are more reliable than literary sources.
Reason (R): Literary sources are mostly based on myths and imaginations.
Answer: (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions:

1. Why do historians rely on both archaeological and literary sources to study history?
   Answer: Because archaeological sources provide physical evidence, while literary sources offer written records, together offering a complete picture of the past.
2. How would history be different if the art of writing was never invented?
   Answer: We would lack detailed accounts of past events, leading to limited knowledge of civilizations, their achievements, and failures.
3. What role does ethics play in studying and preserving historical sites?
   Answer: Ethics ensures that sites are preserved respectfully and studied without damaging heritage, maintaining the dignity of ancient cultures.

Long Answer Questions (40–50 words):

1. Why is the study of history important for students today?
   Answer: History teaches us about the past, great leaders, and civilizations. It helps us learn from past mistakes and appreciate progress. Understanding historical events inspires us to become responsible citizens and build a better future.
2. Describe the significance of inscriptions and coins as historical sources.
   Answer: Inscriptions give us insights into rulers, administration, and social life. Coins provide information about economy, trade, and technology. Both help historians understand the culture and achievements of past civilizations.
3. How do religious and secular literary sources differ in the study of history?
   Answer: Religious sources focus on beliefs and rituals, while secular sources deal with daily life, governance, and culture. Both are crucial as they offer a holistic view of life in the past.

Additional Questions and Answers – 02

Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers

1. The study of change over time and progress from the past to the present is called __________.
   Answer: History
2. The period when writing was unknown is referred to as __________.
   Answer: Prehistory
3. The study of inscriptions is called __________.
   Answer: Epigraphy
4. The study of coins is known as __________.
   Answer: Numismatics
5. Writings engraved on rocks, pillars, or temple walls are called __________.
   Answer: Inscriptions
6. The Vedas are part of the __________ literature of the Hindus.
   Answer: Religious
7. The __________ is a biographical sketch written about Harsha.
   Answer: Harshacharita
8. The study of skeletons helps determine details like __________ or gender.
   Answer: Jewellery
9. The __________ of Ashoka provide information about his administration and welfare measures.
   Answer: Inscriptions
10. The __________ of Samudragupta’s coin indicates trade relations with foreign countries.
    Answer: Discovery
11. The __________ are ancient texts written in Pali by Buddhists.
    Answer: Pitakas
12. The __________ literature includes works like Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
    Answer: Non-Religious
13. The temples in __________ and Cambodia show the spread of Indian culture.
    Answer: Java
14. BCE stands for __________ Common Era.
    Answer: Before
15. Manuscripts written on dried palm leaves or bhojpatras are examples of __________ sources.
    Answer: Literary

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers

1. What is history primarily the study of?
   a) Future predictions
   b) Change over time
   c) Current events
   d) Imaginary stories
   Answer: b) Change over time
2. Which period is characterized by the absence of writing?
   a) History
   b) Prehistory
   c) Medieval
   d) Modern
   Answer: b) Prehistory
3. What is the study of inscriptions called?
   a) Numismatics
   b) Epigraphy
   c) Archaeology
   d) Cartography
   Answer: b) Epigraphy
4. Which of the following is an example of a literary source?
   a) Coins
   b) Vedas
   c) Monuments
   d) Skeletons
   Answer: b) Vedas
5. What does the study of numismatics focus on?
   a) Inscriptions
   b) Coins
   c) Skeletons
   d) Temples
   Answer: b) Coins
6. Which material was NOT commonly used for ancient coins?
   a) Gold
   b) Leather
   c) Plastic
   d) Silver
   Answer: c) Plastic
7. Which ancient civilization is associated with Mohen-jo-daro?
   a) Mesopotamian
   b) Indus Valley
   c) Egyptian
   d) Chinese
   Answer: b) Indus Valley
8. Who wrote the Arthashastra, a non-religious literary source?
   a) Kalidas
   b) Kautilya
   c) Fa-hien
   d) Megasthenes
   Answer: b) Kautilya
9. What does CE stand for in historical dating?
   a) Common Era
   b) Christian Era
   c) Calendar Era
   d) Current Era
   Answer: a) Common Era
10. Which of the following is a biographical literary source?
    a) Ramayana
    b) Harshacharita
    c) Pitakas
    d) Puranas
    Answer: b) Harshacharita

True/False Questions and Answers

1. History is based on facts and not imagination.
   Answer: True
2. Prehistory refers to the period after the invention of writing.
   Answer: False (Prehistory is before the invention of writing.)
3. The study of coins is called epigraphy.
   Answer: False (It is called numismatics.)
4. Inscriptions provide information about kings and their achievements.
   Answer: True
5. The Vedas are written in Pali.
   Answer: False (The Vedas are written in Sanskrit.)
6. Monuments like temples and stupas provide information about ancient architecture.
   Answer: True
7. AD stands for ‘After Death’ of Christ.
   Answer: False (AD stands for Anno Domini, meaning ‘in the year of our Lord’.)
8. Skeletons can help determine the gender of a person based on jewellery or bone structure.
   Answer: True
9. Literary sources include accounts by foreign travellers like Fa-hien.
   Answer: True
10. The Puranas are part of non-religious literature.
    Answer: False (The Puranas are religious literature.)

Short Questions and Answers

1. What is history?
   Answer: History is the study of change over time and progress from the past to the present, based on facts.
2. What is prehistory?
   Answer: Prehistory is the period before the invention of writing, studied through artifacts like tools and pottery.
3. What is epigraphy?
   Answer: Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions engraved on rocks, pillars, or temple walls.
4. What is numismatics?
   Answer: Numismatics is the study of coins, providing insights into art, religion, and technology of the past.
5. Name one archaeological source material.
   Answer: Inscriptions
6. What are literary sources?
   Answer: Literary sources are written records of the past, such as manuscripts on palm leaves or copper plates.
7. Name a religious literary source of ancient India.
   Answer: The Vedas
8. What information do monuments provide?
   Answer: Monuments provide information about social, economic, religious beliefs, and architecture of ancient times.
9. Who was a famous foreign traveller who wrote about ancient India?
   Answer: Fa-hien
10. What is the Harshacharita?
    Answer: Harshacharita is a biographical sketch about the life of King Harsha.

Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion: History helps us learn about past cultures and people.
   Reason: It studies factual events and artifacts to understand ancient societies and their progress.
   Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.
2. Assertion: Inscriptions are valuable archaeological sources.
   Reason: They provide information about kings, their achievements, and the society of their time.
   Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason supports the assertion.
3. Assertion: Coins are studied under numismatics.
   Reason: Coins reveal details about trade, technology, and rulers of ancient times.
   Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.
4. Assertion: Prehistory relies on artifacts like tools and pottery.
   Reason: Writing was unknown during prehistory, so physical remains are the primary source of information.
   Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason supports the assertion.
5. Assertion: Literary sources include religious texts like the Vedas.
   Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.

High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers

1. Why is the study of inscriptions important for understanding ancient societies?
   Answer: Inscriptions provide direct evidence of ancient kings, their achievements, and societal conditions, such as language and administration. Engraved on durable materials like rocks, they offer reliable insights into the culture, governance, and public welfare of the time.
2. How do coins contribute to our understanding of ancient trade relations?
   Answer: Coins found in foreign countries indicate trade networks, as they show the exchange of goods and cultural influences. Their materials and designs reveal technological advancements and economic prosperity, providing evidence of ancient India’s connections with other regions.
3. Why are literary sources like the Vedas significant for historians?
   Answer: The Vedas offer insights into ancient Hindu religious beliefs, customs, and societal structures. Written in Sanskrit, they reveal philosophical, spiritual, and cultural aspects, helping historians understand the values and traditions that shaped ancient Indian society.
4. How do skeletons provide information about ancient people’s lives?
   Answer: Skeletons reveal details about gender, health, and lifestyle through bone structure and associated items like jewellery. For example, broader pelvic bones indicate a female, while artefacts found with skeletons suggest social status or cultural practices of the time.
5. Why do historians categorize history into Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods?
   Answer: Categorizing history into Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods helps historians organize events chronologically, focusing on distinct cultural, political, and technological developments. This structure aids in studying the evolution of societies and understanding progress over time systematically.

Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)

1. Explain the difference between prehistory and history.
   Answer: Prehistory refers to the period before writing, studied through artifacts like tools and pottery. History begins after writing’s invention, using written records on palm leaves or pillars to provide detailed information about events, people, and places of the past.
2. Why are inscriptions considered valuable archaeological sources?
   Answer: Inscriptions, engraved on rocks or pillars, provide direct evidence of ancient kings’ achievements, administration, and societal conditions. They reveal details about language, governance, and public welfare, like Ashoka’s welfare measures, making them crucial for understanding ancient societies.
3. How do coins help historians understand ancient civilizations?
   Answer: Coins, studied under numismatics, reveal details about ancient rulers, art, religion, and technology. Their discovery in foreign lands indicates trade relations, while materials like gold or silver reflect economic prosperity and technological advancements of the civilization.
4. Describe the role of literary sources in studying ancient Indian history.
   Answer: Literary sources, like the Vedas, Puranas, and Arthashastra, provide insights into religious beliefs, societal customs, and governance. Accounts by travellers like Fa-hien offer external perspectives, enriching historians’ understanding of ancient India’s culture, traditions, and way of life.
5. Why are monuments like temples and stupas important historical sources?
   Answer: Monuments like temples and stupas reveal ancient architecture, religious beliefs, and social life. They provide evidence of artistic styles, economic conditions, and cultural practices, such as the spread of Indian culture to Java and Cambodia, aiding historical analysis.