Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Past Chapter 3

Class 6 Social Science Chapter 3 Landforms and Life from the new NCERT textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond explains the main landforms of the Earth (mountains, plateaus and plains) and how people live in each of them. Students learn how rivers shape plains, why plateaus are called storehouses of minerals, and how mountain communities adapt to steep slopes and harsh weather.

These CBSE important questions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 3 cover the formation of the Himalayas, life in deserts, terrace farming, biodiversity in the mountains, why plains are densely populated, black soil of the Deccan Plateau, river pollution and sustainable mountain tourism. Every question comes with a clear answer in simple English for practice and revision.

CBSE Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Chapter 3 – Landforms and Life

Q1. Why are the Himalayas called young fold mountains?
Assertion (A): The Himalayas are one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world.
Reason (R): The Himalayas were formed by the collision of the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
(c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong, but R is correct.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
The Himalayas are geologically young. They were formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, which is still pushing the range higher.

Q2. Why are deserts sparsely populated?
Assertion (A): Deserts have extreme temperatures and little water.
Reason (R): Deserts are located far from oceans, which affects rainfall.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
(c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong, but R is correct.

Answer: (b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
Lack of water and harsh temperatures are the main reasons few people live in deserts. Distance from the oceans is one factor, but it does not fully explain the assertion.

Q3. Why is terrace farming practised in mountains?
Assertion (A): Terrace farming prevents soil erosion on mountain slopes.
Reason (R): It involves cutting steps into the slopes for farming.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
(c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong, but R is correct.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
The flat steps slow down running water and reduce soil erosion, which makes the slopes fit for farming.

Q4. Why are mountains important for biodiversity?
Assertion (A): Mountains support a wide variety of plants and animals.
Reason (R): Climate in mountains is consistent and stable throughout the year.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
(c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong, but R is correct.

Answer: (c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
Mountain climate changes a lot with altitude, and this variety creates many different habitats.

Q5. How do plains support agriculture?
Assertion (A): Plains are ideal for agriculture due to their fertile soil.
Reason (R): Sediments deposited by rivers make the soil rich in nutrients.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
(c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong, but R is correct.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
Sediments deposited by rivers make the soil fertile, which gives high farm yields.

Q6. How do mountains influence river systems?
Assertion (A): Mountains are the source of origin for many rivers.
Reason (R): Melting snow from mountains flows into rivers, feeding them continuously.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
(c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong, but R is correct.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
Melting snow on mountains is a main source of water for many rivers.

Q7. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.
Rivers originating from mountains flow into plains, creating fertile floodplains. They provide water for irrigation, support fishing and aid transportation. However, overuse of river water and pollution threaten these ecosystems.
1. How do rivers support agriculture and trade in plains?
2. What are the effects of pollution on river ecosystems?
3. Suggest one way to reduce the overuse of river water.

Answer: 1. Rivers provide water for irrigation, so farmers can grow crops like rice, wheat and vegetables. Sediments deposited by rivers make floodplains fertile. Rivers also act as natural highways: boats carry food, building materials and other goods, which helps trade.
2. Chemicals from factories and waste from cities make river water dirty and unsafe. Fish and other water animals fall sick or die, and polluted water used for irrigation harms crops and reduces the quality of food and water for everyone.
3. Use water more carefully. Farmers can use drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to plant roots. At home, people can fix leaks and reuse water, for example for watering plants.

Q8. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.
Mountains offer scenic beauty and fresh air, attracting tourists. However, living in mountains comes with challenges like landslides, avalanches and limited farming land. Terrace farming and tourism are key ways people adapt to these challenges.
1. What are some natural challenges faced by people living in mountains?
2. How does terrace farming help in mountain agriculture?
3. Explain how tourism benefits mountain communities.

Answer: 1. Landslides and avalanches can suddenly destroy homes and roads. Steep slopes make farming and building difficult. Heavy snowfall in winter can block roads and cut villages off, and the thin air at high altitudes can make breathing hard.
2. Farmers cut flat steps, or terraces, into the slopes. The terraces stop water from rushing down, prevent soil erosion and keep moisture in the soil, so crops like rice, wheat and vegetables can be grown in hilly areas.
3. Tourists come for the fresh air, views, hiking and skiing. This creates jobs in hotels, restaurants and as guides. Tourists also buy local crafts and food, and festivals help communities share their culture while earning money.

A bare mountain slope loses soil to running water, while terraced steps slow the water and hold the soil for crops

Q9. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.
Plains are vast, flat landforms ideal for agriculture. Rivers flowing through plains deposit fertile sediments, enriching the soil. This makes plains the most densely populated landform, supporting large-scale farming and settlements.
1. Why are plains considered the most suitable landform for farming?
2. How do rivers enhance soil fertility in plains?
3. Explain why plains are densely populated compared to other landforms.

Answer: 1. Plains are flat and have rich soil. The flat surface makes it easy to use machines like tractors, the fertile soil helps grow crops like rice, wheat and sugarcane, and the gentle slope lets water flow evenly, which makes irrigation simpler.
2. Rivers carry tiny pieces of soil, sand and minerals, called sediments, from the mountains. When the rivers slow down in the plains, these sediments settle on the land and make the soil rich and fertile.
3. Flat land makes it easy to build homes, roads and cities. Fertile soil gives plenty of food, and rivers provide water for drinking and irrigation. These advantages and the many job opportunities attract large numbers of people.

Q10. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.
Plateaus are elevated flatlands, often called 'storehouses of minerals.' They support mining and are rich in resources like coal, iron and gold. Some plateaus, like the Deccan Plateau, also have fertile black soil, making them suitable for farming.
1. Why are plateaus important for mining industries?
2. How does black soil in the Deccan Plateau benefit agriculture?
3. Describe one challenge people face when living on plateaus.

Answer: 1. Plateaus contain large amounts of valuable minerals such as coal, iron and gold, which makes them good places for mining.
2. Black soil is very fertile and holds water well, which makes it ideal for crops like cotton and sugarcane.
3. In some areas the rocky soil makes farming difficult. The uneven land also makes it harder to build roads and homes than in the plains.

Q11. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.
Mountains are towering landforms with steep slopes and narrow peaks. They host unique biodiversity due to their varying climates at different altitudes. From montane forests to high-altitude grasslands, mountains are home to plants and animals adapted to extreme conditions.
1. How do changing altitudes in mountains affect biodiversity?
2. Why are coniferous trees commonly found in montane forests?
3. Explain how mountains contribute to the water cycle.

Answer: 1. Temperatures are cooler at higher altitudes and warmer lower down. These different climates allow different plants and animals to live at different heights, giving mountains a wide variety of life.
2. Coniferous trees like pines and firs survive cold climates. Their needle-shaped leaves reduce water loss, and their cone shape helps snow slide off easily.
3. Mountains store water as snow and ice. In warmer seasons it melts and feeds rivers, which supply fresh water to plants, animals and people.

Q12. Imagine you are an environmentalist. Propose a creative solution to reduce the impact of tourism on mountain ecosystems.

Answer: Irresponsible tourism harms mountain ecosystems through littering, off-trail hiking, soil erosion, cutting of trees and disturbance to wildlife. A sustainable tourism plan could include:
• Eco-friendly tourism zones with buildings made from local, renewable materials and energy-efficient designs.
• Limits on visitor numbers in sensitive areas to prevent overcrowding.
• Educating tourists through guided eco-tours and workshops about local plants, animals and conservation.
• Encouraging low-impact activities such as hiking, bird watching and nature photography.
• Involving local communities in managing tourism so they earn from it and help protect the environment.
• Strong waste management and recycling to reduce pollution.
This model balances economic growth with protection of the mountain environment.

Related Study Material on Extramarks

Q.1 Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
I) Stone statue of a famous man has been found from Dholavira.
II) Cloth pieces were found attached to the lid of a silver vase or copper objects at Mohenjodaro.
III) Spindle whorls made of faience and terracotta have been found by archaeologists.

Only II

Only I

I, II, III

II, III

Marks:1

Ans

A very famous stone statue of an eminent man has been recovered from Mohenjodaro. At Mohenjodaro, cloth pieces have been found attached to the lied of a silver vase or copper objects. Archaeologists have also discovered spindle whorls, which were made of terracotta or faience.

Q.2 Which of the following cities did NOT have a store house?

Lothal

Dholavira

Mohenjodaro

Harappa

Marks:1

Ans

Dholavira was the only city which did not have a store house.

Q.3 Goods were carried from one place to another.
I) Why was there a need to transport goods? (2 marks)
II) What are some of the evidences that indicate transport and travel by Harappans? (3 marks)

Marks:5

Ans

I) Since certain raw materials were not available locally, these were to be procured from distant lands, for which transport and travel was needed.
II) There is evidence of a terracotta model of a bullock cart, which was probably a toy for Harappan children. But it also sheds a great deal of light on transport and travel at those times. Similarly, there is a seal which depicts a ship or a boat. This is also a reflection about the transport and travel life of the Harappans.

Q.4 Cotton was probably grown at Mehrgarh from about 7000 years ago. Actual pieces of cloth were found attached to the lid of a silver vase and some copper objects at Mohenjodaro. Archaeologists have also found spindle whorls, made of terracotta and faience. These were used to spin thread.
I) Where was cotton grown from around 7000 years ago? (1 mark)
II) What were spindle whorls used for? (1 mark)
III) What were spindle whorls made of? (1 mark)

Marks:3

Ans

I) It was at Mehrgarh where cotton was grown probably from 7000 years ago.
II) Spindle whorls in the Harappan period were used for spinning thread to make textiles.
III) Spindle whorls were made of raw materials, like faience and terracotta.

Q.5 How do archaeologists identify a workshop of ancient times?

Marks:2

Ans

A building where unfinished beads and pieces of stones have been found lying, along with tools, can be identified as a workshop by the archaeologists.

Q.6 Some raw materials were available to the Harappans locally.
I) Name some of the raw materials that were obtained from distant lands. (2 marks)
II) What were the distant lands from where the raw materials were obtained? (3 marks)

Marks:5

Ans

I) Materials like tin, copper, silver, precious stones, and gold had to be brought by people from distant lands.
II) The raw materials that were not available locally were procured from Afghanistan and Iran. There were certain raw materials, like copper, which were available in the subcontinent but were also procured from faraway lands, like Oman and Rajasthan. Gold was procured from Karnataka.

Q.7 A Harappan city was a very busy place. There were people who planned the construction of special buildings in the city. These were probably the rulers. It is likely that the rulers sent people to distant lands to get metal, precious stones, and other things that they wanted. They may have kept the most valuable objects, such as ornaments of gold and silver, or beautiful beads, for themselves. And there were scribes, people who knew how to write, who helped prepare the seals, and perhaps wrote on other materials that have not survived.
I) Who were the scribes? (2 marks)
II)What could possibly be the role of the rulers in Harappa? (3 marks)

Marks:1

Ans

I) Scribes were the people who knew how to write and hence, had a significant role in preparing seals. They probably wrote on other surfaces, many of which have not survived.
II) Rulers might have planned construction of some special kinds of buildings in the city. They might also have sent people to procure raw materials from distant lands. They might have taken the decision of what to keep for themselves (most valuable objects) and what to trade.

Q.8 What are some of the evidences that indicate the practice of farming by the Harappans?

Marks:3

Ans

Archaeologists have recovered a toy plough, made of terracotta, from the Harappan settlements The plough was a tool used to plant seeds by digging and turning the soil. There are also remains of plants found by archaeologists, which indicate that Harappans cultivated pulses, wheat, mustard, etc. Such evidence throws light on the practice of farming by the Harappans.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Harappa’s history and the locals’ daily lives are among the aspects covered in Chapter 3 of the NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History book. This chapter goes into considerable length about the Harappan people’s craft, food, city life, seals, and other facets of their way of life. Also highlighted is the mystery of their untimely end. To gain a deeper perspective on the chapter, students can refer to Extramarks Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 3.

Although it depends on the student’s aptitude, many students find this subject easier than others. This is primarily a theoretical subject; thus, if one can grasp the logic behind each idea, one may quickly achieve excellent grades and understand the subject. In addition, practice is necessary to master every subject and achieve high exam scores. Students who wish to gain in-depth knowledge can refer to Extramarks Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 3.

The Harappan Civilisation and the Indus Valley Civilisation were the oldest ancient Indian towns that archaeologists uncovered. Similar to modern cities, these cities featured well-organised dwelling arrangements. They farmed crops including wheat, rice, barley, mustard, pulses, fruits, etc., and had well-developed drainage systems and irrigation facilities to help with agriculture. Unlike earlier farmers, they farmed using ploughs. Writing on stones was a common form of communication then.