Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Past Chapter 5

Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 5

History is the study of continuity and changes that have occurred across time through the research and interpretation of humankind’s past. Class 6 Social Science Our Past’s fifth chapter is Kingdoms, Kings and an early Republic. India has the oldest recorded history in the entire world. As a result, the kingdoms that ruled during the subcontinent’s golden eras provide a superb archaeological study of our past. Chapter 5 of CBSE Class 6 Social Science (History) explains how the rulers, or “rajas,” were chosen. The process of selecting the leader has progressed a lot from the early days of Ashvamedha to the present. Taxes have gradually developed along with the expansion of kingdoms. We have moved away from the rule of kings and are now a republic where the common people elect the leader of the government. Chapter 5 Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Important Questions help students understand the chapter. Students can easily access all this and more on the Extramarks website.

Extramarks Faculty of Social Science has recently created Social Science Our Pasts Class 6 Chapter 5 Important Questions using NCERT Textbook, other reference books, past exam papers, and other sources. To help students understand each chapter, our Social Science experts have compiled a list of step-by-step solutions. Students can register with Extramarks and access Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 5 Important Questions.

Along with Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 5, materials like NCERT Solutions, CBSE revision notes, past year question papers, and NCERT books, students can easily find much more on the Extramarks website.

Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 5- with Solutions

Social Science experts at Extramarks have curated an entire list of Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 5 with the help of various sources. The world’s oldest historical accounts are from India. Because of this, the kingdoms that ruled during the golden ages of the subcontinent offer an excellent archaeological study of our past. The selection of the kings, or “rajas,” is covered in Chapter 5 of the CBSE Class 6 Social Science (History) textbook. From the beginning of Ashvamedha to the present, the method of choosing the leader has advanced significantly. As kingdoms grew, taxes gradually evolved alongside them. We no longer live under the kings’ rule; instead, we live in a republic where the ordinary people choose their government. These questions and solutions help students better comprehend- Kingdoms, Kings and an early Republic. 

Mentioned below are a few Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 5 and their solutions:

Question 1. Who were the groups who could not participate in the assemblies of the ganas?

Answer 1. The following groups were prohibited from attending the ganas assemblies:

• Dasas, the slaves
• Kammakaras, the landless labourers
• Women

Question 2. Describe the Magadha Mahajanpada.

Answer 2. In about 200 years, Magadha rose to prominence as the most important Mahajanapada. The Son and the Ganga were just two important and rich rivers flowing through Magadha. These rivers were essential for the supply of water, transportation, and soil fertility. Magadha contained several forests. Wild elephants were taken from the forests and trained for the army. Additionally, wood from forests was used to build homes, chariots, and waggons. Iron ore mines that might be used to produce powerful tools and weapons may be found in the Magadha region.

Question 3. Why did the rajas of Mahajanapadas build forts?

Answer 3. To protect their capital city from invasions by other rajas, the rajas of Mahajanapadas constructed forts. It’s also likely that they built high-quality walls to demonstrate how wealthy and strong they were. The more practical explanation might be that fortified cities were simpler to rule over.

Question 4. How did taxes work? Explain.

Answer 4. As fortifications and large armies gained importance for the Mahajanada rulers, acquiring resources and money became increasingly important. A number of officials were chosen to collect money. There were numerous methods used to collect taxes:

• Trading Taxes – Every good that was bought or sold had a tax attached to it.
• Crop taxes – The king had to be paid Bhaga, or a portion equal to one-sixth of the entire crop.
• Worker taxes: Each and every labourer was obligated to provide one day of service to the king each month. It didn’t matter if they were Blacksmith or Waiver. Herders had to pay taxes in the form of animals and animal byproducts.

Question 5. In what ways are present-day elections different from the ways in which rulers were chosen in janapadas?

Answer 5. Men in janapadas attained the status of “rajas” by offering the Ashvamedha sacrifice. By allowing the Ashvamedha horse to travel through their territories, the rajas acknowledged the superiority of the raja who desired to carry out the sacrifice.

In the current era, democratic elections are used to choose leaders. Voting is legal for any citizens who are at least 18 years old. Candidates that receive the majority of votes go on to become elected officials.

Question 6. What did the priests claim to be the foundation of the Varna system? Why did people object to the Varnas system?

Answer 6. The foundation of the Varna system:

• The priests identified four distinct groups of people as being determined by birth. For instance, one would automatically become a brahmin if both their parents were brahmins, and so on.
• Later, some people were designated as untouchables by the priests. Some of these were artisans, hunters, gatherers, and those who assisted with funerals and cremations. According to the priests, interaction with these groups was polluting.

Causes of the Varnas system’s passion. The Varna system established by the Brahmins was not well received by the population at large.

• Some rulers believed themselves to be above the priests.
• Others believed determining a person’s varna based on their date of birth was impossible.
• Additionally, other people believed that there shouldn’t be any distinctions made based on a person’s line of work.
• Others were in favour of allowing everyone to do rituals.
• And other individuals criticised the use of untouchability.
• In many parts of the subcontinent, such as the northeast, social and economic inequalities were not as pronounced, and the power of the priests was not as strong.

Question 7. Give a brief understanding of the four Varnas of the later Vedic period.

Answer 7. Ancient Indians (of the Later Vedic Age) were divided into four divisions, or Varnas, by the priests. They claimed that each Varna has a unique set of duties to complete.

• The brahmins: The brahmin Varna was the first Varna. The Vedas were to be studied and taught, sacrifices were to be made, and presents were to be given to Brahmins.
• The Kshatriyas: The ruling class came in second, commonly referred to as the Kshatriyas. They were required to engage in combat and defend citizens.
• The Vaishyas: The third group was known as the Vishs or Vaishyas. They were anticipated to work as dealers, farmers, and herders. The Kshatriyas and Vaishyas were likewise capable of offering sacrifices.
• The Shudras came last and were restricted from performing any rituals while they had to serve the other three groups. Women were typically grouped with the Shudras as well. Shudras and women were both prohibited from studying the Vedas.

Question 8. Give a short note on the social structure of the Later Vedic Period.

Answer 8. The following points give a brief about the composition of the society during the later Vedic period:

• There were various social classes at this time, including priests and warriors, farmers, herders, traders, craftspeople, labourers, fishermen, and people who lived in the forest.
• Certain farmers, traders, and some priests and soldiers were wealthy.
• Others, such as a large number of herders, artisans, labourers, fishermen, hunters and gatherers, were impoverished.

Question 9. Define the phrase “Later Vedic.”

Answer 9. Numerous books were written in northern India during the later Rigvedic period, particularly in the regions irrigated by the Ganga and the Yamuna. These writings are typically referred to as later Vedic because they were written after the Rigveda (or later Vedic literature). These include many books and the Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. These were written by priests and provided instructions on how rituals should be carried out. They also contained social rules.

Question 10. Prepare a list of people who were usually present during a sacrifice.

Answer 10. The following people were required to be present during a sacrifice:

• Raja, who wanted to make the sacrifice.
• Priests with specialised training.
• A charioteer who travelled with the raja (who desires to perform the sacrifice).
• A few of the raja’s kin, especially his sons and spouses.
• Other minor rajas stood by as spectators.
• The Vish or Vaishyas and the commoners brought presents for the king.

Question 11. When did armies become regulated?

Answer 11. Around 2500 years ago, armies were under control when the Mahajanapadas and forts were being constructed. They had no wages or other compensation. Armies were kept up all year long. As empires grew, people were more afraid of war, which made it necessary to control armies. Punch marks could be seen on several payments made to the soldiers.

Question 12. Present the basics about the Mahajanapadas.

Answer 12. Following their creation, some Janapadas attained higher importance than others. Their most notable Janpadas were referred to as Mahajanapas. All of this took place approximately 2500 years ago. Since Mahajanpadas were the most important place for every emperor, kings fortified many of them to keep them safe from invasion.

Question 13. What changes did agriculture undergo at this time?

Answer 13. Around this time, there were two notable changes in agriculture:

• Iron ploughshares were increasingly used, which improved grain output. An iron ploughshare would work better than a wooden one at turning over heavy, clayey soil.
• Paddy was first transplanted. This meant that saplings were produced and then planted in the fields rather than scattered seeds on the ground from which the new plants would sprout. As a result of the fact that many plants survived, production increased.

Question 14. Prepare a short note on the ‘ganas’ or ‘sanghas’ system of government.

Answer 14. In “ganas” or “sanghas,” there were many rulers rather than just one. Each man was referred to as a “raja,” even if several were present. Together, they carried out rituals. They had assemblies where they made choices. In these assemblies, women, “dasas” and “kammakaras”, were not permitted.

Question 15. What exactly was the ‘Ashvamedha’ ritual?

Answer 15. A ritual called “Ashvamedha” (horse sacrifice) was used to declare males as “rajas.” A horse was allowed to roam free. They would have to engage in combat if it ventured into another country and the ruler of that realm stopped it. The “raja” who won the contest was acknowledged as being more powerful. The sacrifice would then be made, and other kings would attend.

Question 16. State whether true or false:

• Rajas who led the Ashvamedha horse pass through their lands were invited to the sacrifice.

• The charioteer sprinkled sacred water on the king

• Archaeologists have found palaces in the settlements of the janapadas

• Pots to store grain were made out of Painted Grey Ware

• Many cities in Mahajanpadas were fortified

Answer 16. The following are the answers the true and false:

1. True: The Rajas who permitted the Ashvameda horse to travel through their territories demonstrated their acceptance of the Raja making the sacrifice as the supreme ruler. Then, these Rajas received an invitation to the sacrifice.
2. False: The charioteer, who accompanied the raja on the battlefield, saw many of his achievements and deeds. Thus, the charioteer was the one who sang poetry and told stories extolling the Raja’s exploits, while priests carried out the ceremonies and sprinkled holy water on the king.
3. False: Archaeologists have found that in the numerous Janapadas communities, people raised cattle and other animals and lived in huts.
4. False: The most popular items created with Painted Grey Ware are plates and bowls. These served extraordinary cuisine on big occasions and to prominent individuals.
5. True: The majority of Mahajanpadas had a fortified capital city.

Question 17. What were the various roles that different people played in the sacrifice?

Answer 17. The “raja” served as the main focus of the sacrifice. He was given a unique chair that resembled a throne. His charioteer would try to enlighten others with tales of the deeds of the “rajas.” His sons and spouses would carry out several small ceremonies. Other “rajas” would observe while sitting. On the king, priests sprinkled holy water. The ordinary people brought gifts for the king.

Question 18. Briefly discuss the P.G.W. or Painted Grey Ware.

Answer 18. The Painted Grey Ware, or P.G.W:

• The most popular items created with Painted Grey Ware are plates and bowls. These have a lovely, smooth surface and are incredibly delicate to the touch.
• Perhaps significant individuals and unique foods were served on special occasions using Painted Grey Wares.

The above section of Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 5 covers all the chapter’s important concepts.

Benefits of Solving Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 5

For the students preparing for the upcoming examination, students can consult Extramarks Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 5. For a subject such as History, these important questions play a vital role. These important questions prove very helpful for them. Students gather confidence by answering the important questions and going over their solutions.

Mentioning below are some benefits of solving Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 5:

• These solutions help students save time while preparing for the upcoming examination and cover the entire chapter.
• Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 5 covers the concepts of the entire chapter- Kingdoms, Kings and an early Republic.
• Students can entirely rely upon these important questions as these are made following all the guidelines laid by CBSE.

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