Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Past Chapter 8

Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 8

History study means analysing people, their actions, choices, interactions, and behaviours. Because it encompasses themes like power, vulnerability, corruption, tragedy, and triumph, it exposes the human condition in all of its manifestations and has universal appeal. Various historians will have different perspectives on how the past and present are related. The eighth chapter of Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts is Vital Villages, Thriving Towns. The development of settlements, towns, and civilisations depended on iron. Villages had a significant role in huge kingdoms meanwhile. Kings seized huge revenues from the villagers. Learn more about thriving towns and vital villages in Chapter 8 Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Important Questions. Students can easily access all this and more on the Extramarks website.

The Social Science subject experts  at Extramarks used the NCERT textbook, other reference books, old exam papers, and other sources to create Social Science Our Pasts Class 6 Chapter 8 Important Questions. Our Social Science subject experts  have created a list of step-by-step answers to help students comprehend each chapter. Students can register with Extramarks and access Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 8 Important Questions.

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Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 8- with Solutions

Social Science experts at Extramarks have designed an entire list of Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 8 using many different sources. Iron was necessary for the development of cities, towns, and civilisations. In contrast, villages played a significant role in vast kingdoms. Kings  collected vast sums of money from the villagers in the form of revenues. These questions and solutions help students better comprehend the chapter- Vital Villages, Thriving Towns. 

What students need for examination purposes is a set of important questions that can help them understand the core concepts easily and make them revise quickly. So students are recommended to get the Important Questions from Extramarks website and enjoy the process of learning conveniently and effortlessly at their own pace. Mentioned below are a few Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 8 and their solutions:

Question 1. Describe the functions of the grambhojka. Why do you think he was powerful?

Answer 1. The village headman,  grama bhojaka, occasionally held the title of the most significant landowner. He was a prominent community member who served as a judge, collected taxes from the people on behalf of the king, and uphold the village law by acting as a judge and occasionally as a policeman.

Question 2. Talk about the NBPW Ware, also known as Northern Black Polished Ware, produced in  ancient India.

Answer 2. The following is known about NBP Ware:

  • It is an urban Iron Age Indian culture of the Indian Subcontinent, lasting c. 700–200 BCE. We have archaeological proof of ancient Indian crafts. These include the Northern Black Polished Ware, exceptionally fine with a shiny black surface.  (or NBP Ware in short form).
  • Because it is typically found in the northern region of the subcontinent, Northern Black Polished Ware derives its name. It’s typically black in colour (illustration) and has a glossy mirror-like shine.
  • The Rampurwa Bull can be used as an example in this regard.. This was once a piece of a Mauryan pillar, and it is currently at Rashtrapati Bhawan (New Delhi). It is an excellent example of the artistry of the time’s sculptures.

Question 3. Which of the iron tools shown on page 79 (of the NCERT textbook) would have been important for agriculture? What would the other tools have been used for?

Answer 3. Tongs, axes, and a sickle are the iron tools shown on page 79. Axe for clearing forest and sickle could have been used for gathering firewood, farming, and felling trees. A blacksmith could have used tongs to shape hot iron into implements.

Question 4. What do you mean when you say “punch-marked coins”? Describe briefly.

Answer 4. Several thousands of coins from this early historical period of ancient India have been discovered by archaeologists. The first coins had punch marks and were used roughly 500 years ago. They were generally rectangular or sometimes square or round in shape.Because they were not inscribed but were stamped with symbols using dies and punches, they were given this name.

Coins served as the primary means of exchange. But it’s essential to keep in mind that coins were not just used for trade. Paddy, salt, and various animals were among the additional items that were traded.

Question 5. List the crafts persons who were present in both villages and cities.

Answer 5. In both cities and villages, there were artisans, including weavers, carpenters, blacksmiths, and potters. They were essential in supplying the commodities and services needed to ensure that any settlement functioned well.

Question 6. Before and throughout the Buddha’s time, who resided in the villages in the subcontinent?

Answer 6. Inhabitants of the villages who resided before and during Budha’s time are given below:

  •  Majority of the villages in the southern and northern regions of the subcontinent, there were at least three different types of inhabitants.
  • Large landowners were referred to as Vellalar in the Tamil region, common ploughmen were called Uzhavar, and landless labourers, including slaves, were called Kadaisiyar and Adimai.
  • The village chief was referred to as the gramabhojaka in northern India. Typically, the roles were held for generations by male members from the same families. The position was, therefore, hereditary. The largest landowner was frequently the gramabhojaka. Typically, he hired workers and kept slaves to work the land. In addition, the king often employed him to collect taxes from the community because of his strength. He served as a judge and occasionally a police officer as well. Other independent farmers, known as grihapatis, existed in addition to the gramabhojaka, most of whom owned smaller pieces of land. Then there were some men and women, like the dasa karmakara, who did not own land and were forced to work in other people’s fields in order to survive.
  • The majority of communities also had some artisans, including blacksmiths, potters, carpenters, and weavers.

Question 7. Compare the drainage system in your locality with that of the cities mentioned in the lesson. What similarities and differences do you notice?

Answer 7. The drainage system in our area is a more modern version of the drainage system employed by earlier civilisations. Mud bricks, porcelain, and thatch were once used to construct them. The materials were not strong and might collapse upon repeated use, which was a disadvantage. Modern drainage systems are constructed of solid materials like metal and concrete. But, much like in the past, drainage is created by several rings stacked on top of one another. There is also a tube-like structure out of the rings. These are the parallels that we can see now.

Question 8. How can we learn more about the ancient cities of the subcontinent?

Answer 8. The following sources provide information about the early cities of the subcontinent:

  • Sailors and Travellers: The tales of sailors and other travellers who visited early cities are other  sources of information. . An unidentified Greek sailor wrote an in-depth narrative that has been discovered. Each port he visited was described in detail.
  • Stories: The Jatakas are collections of stories that were most likely created by commoners and subsequently recorded and preserved by Buddhist monks. The Jatakas provide enough insight into the life of those who once enjoyed them.
  • Archaeologists: Archaeologists have discovered rows of pots or ceramic rings stacked one on top of the other in numerous ancient cities. The archaeologists have shown us a few ring wells in ancient cities. In addition to serving as sewers and waste dumping areas, these ring wells appear to have occasionally served as toilets. Individual homes typically contain these ring wells. We rarely have remnants of palaces, markets, or ordinary people’s homes. Maybe there are still some that archaeologists need to find. It’s possible that others composed of wood, mud brick, and thatch did not endure.
  • Sculptures: To learn more about life in some of these ancient towns, we can explore different types of evidence. Scenes from peoples’ daily life in cities, villages, and forests are carved into sculptures. Many of these sculptures were employed to adorn the railings, pillars, and entrances  of public buildings. For instance, Sanchi, a stupa-filled location in Madhya Pradesh, comes to mind. This location provides us with some breathtaking views of the city.

Question 9. If you have seen craftspersons at work, describe in a short paragraph what they do. (Hint: how do they get the raw materials, what kind of equipment do they use, how do they work, what happens to the finished product)

Answer 9. I have seen artisans like carpenters and cobblers in the cities and villages. A cobbler may be seen sitting on practically every corner of the town, which is a frequent sight. They repair shoes by glueing the flapping sole or repairing the damaged leather. To sell locally or in urban marketplaces for a reasonable price, people in villages make leather slippers and shoes by hand.

Question 10. Describe the activities carried out in ancient towns like Mathura.

Answer 10. In general, certain cities were considered important for several reasons (or various functions performed in them). Let’s examine the scenario at  Mathura.

  • It has a long history of over 2500 years as a significant settlement.
  • The city, which was situated at the intersection of two essential communication routes from the northwest to the east and from the north to south, was fed by farmers and herders from neighbouring areas.
  • Around the city, there were defences and a number of shrines.
  • Another important centre for the creation of sculpture was Mathura.
  • Mathura became the second Kushana capital around 2000 years ago (remember, their first capital was Purshpur or modern Peshawar in Pakistan).
  •  Mathura was a religious centre with Buddhist and  Jain shrines and an important centre for Lord Krishna’s adoration and worship.

Inscriptions have been discovered at Mathura on surfaces, including slabs of stone and statues. These are often brief inscriptions that list contributions that both men and women gave to monasteries and shrines. These were created by city-dwelling monarchs, queens, officers, merchants, and artisans. For instance, inscriptions from Mathura mention perfumers, basket makers, blacksmiths, weavers, and goldsmiths.

Question 11. Briefly describe the key characteristics of the Arikamedu village.

Answer 11. Following are some of the key characteristics of the Arikamedu village:

  •  Arikameduis situated in Pondicherry. This location was a coastal community between 2200 and 1900 years ago.
  • An enormous brick structure that might have been a storehouse was discovered there.
  • Other discoveries (from Arikamedu) include red-glazed pottery with stamped designs called Arretine Ware, named after a city in Italy, and amphorae, tall double-handled jars used to store liquids like wine or oil (or ancient Roman Empire). Despite using Roman motifs, this was produced locally by pressing.
  • At the location, Roman lamps, glassware, and gems have also been discovered (i.e., Arikamedu).
  • Small tanks that were apparently used as dyeing vats for fabric have been discovered.
  • There is enough proof that beads were made from glass and semi-precious stones.

Question 12. Choose the correct answer:

  • Ring wells were used for:
  • Bathing
  • Washing clothes
  • Irrigation
  • Drainage 
  • Punch-marked coins were made of:
  1. Silver
  2. Gold
  3. Tin
  4. Ivory 
  • Mathura was important:
  • Village 
  • Port 
  • Religious centre
  • Forested area
  • Shrenis were associations of:
  • Rulers
  • Craftspersons
  • Farmer
  • Herders

Answer 12. The answers are given below:

  1. (4) Drainage: Ring wells, also known as rows of pots or ceramic rings stacked one on top of the other, were discovered by archaeologists. They were occasionally used as latrines, drains, and waste dumps.
  2. (1) Silver: The coins that were punched with designs are known as “the punch-marked coins.” They are metallic coins made of copper and silver.
  3. (3) Religious centre: For more than 2500 years, Mathura has been a significant community, and the walled city contains several shrines. It contained Buddhist temples and Jain shrines and was an important centre for Lord Krishna’s worship.
  4. (2) Craftspersons: An organisation of merchants and artisans was called Shrenis. These shrenis of artisans handled distribution, raw material acquisition, and training for the final product.

Question 13. Briefly describe the Shrenis’ (guilds’) role or purposes throughout the Mauryan Period.

Answer 13.  A brief description of the Shrenis: 

  • Now, a large number of artisans and merchants have organised into groups called Shrenis.
  • Craftspeople’s Shrenis offered instruction, acquired raw materials, and distributed finished goods.
  • Trade was organised by merchants Shrenis.
  • Rich men and women would deposit their money at Shrenis, which also served as banks. This was invested, and a portion of the interest was sent back or used to finance monasteries and other religious institutions.

Question 14. Write a brief note on “Iron Tools and Agriculture.”

Answer 14.  A short note on “Iron Tools and Agriculture”:

  • Today, we typically take iron consumption for granted. In fact, we use several items composed of iron (as well as steel) regularly.
  • Around 3000 years ago, the Indian subcontinent saw the first use of iron.
  • The megalithic tombs had some of the biggest iron implements and weapons collections.
  • There is evidence that the use of iron implements is increasing. For instance axes for clearing the forest, and iron ploughshare for increasing agricultural output. 

Question 15. Describe the scene of a smith’s shop.

Answer 15.  The scene of a smith’s shop can be described as:

  • A modest bench with tools lined out and ready for purchase is visible at the smith’s store.
  • A dazzling fire is also visible, along with two guys heating and forging metal rods.
  • Even though it is frequently scorching and noisy, it is intriguing to observe what is happening.

Question 16. What exactly do you mean when you say “Sangam literature”? What makes these Sangam?

Answer 16. Sangam literature refers to some of the earliest Tamil writings. These texts date back to almost 2300 years.

 It is known as Sangam because it was supposed to be compiled and composed in the gatherings and assemblies of poets that took place in the city of Madurai.

Question 17. What activities and factors helped the man’s increase in output?

Answer 17. Production is enhanced through new equipment and transplantation. It was also used to irrigate. Before 600 B.C., irrigation works like canals, wells, tanks, and artificial lakes were constructed.

Question 18. Describe the Jatakas.

Answer 18. The Jatakas are collections of stories that were most likely created by commoners and subsequently recorded and preserved by Buddhist monks.

Question 19. Define the meaning of the term “Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions”.

Answer 19. Tamil was written in the early Brahmi script, and found on several pottery pieces. These inscriptions are known as Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions.

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Q.1 Read the following passage and answer the following questions.
The most famous Kushana ruler was Kanishka, who ruled around 1900 years ago. He organised a Buddhist council, where scholars met and discussed important matters. Ashvaghosha, a poet who composed a biography of the Buddha, the Buddhacharita, lived in his court. Ashvaghosha and other Buddhist scholars now began writing in Sanskrit.
I) What was the contribution of Kanishka to Buddhism (2 marks)
II) Who was Ashvaghosha (3 marks)

Marks:1

Ans

I) Kanishka, the best-known ruler of the Kushana dynasty, organized a Buddhist council. This was a council where many scholars discussed over crucial and significant matters related to Buddhist religion.
II) Ashvaghosha was a poet who composed the very famous work, Buddhacharita (Buddhas biography). He is known to have lived in the court of the most famous Kushana ruler, Kanishka. He, along with some other Buddhist scholars, started writing their works in Sanskrit.

Q.2 This is an image of Vishnu discovered in Eran. Answer the following questions related to this picture:

1. Which deities were worshipped during the Bhakti period
2. In this picture, Vishnu is depicted as which animal
3. Why did Vishnu take the shape of an animal
4. In which state is Eran located

Marks:4

Ans

1. Shiva, Vishnu and goddesses such as Durga were worshipped during the Bhakti period.
2. In this picture, Vishnu is depicted as Varaha or boar.
3. Vishnu took the form of a boar in order to rescue the earth, which had sunk into water.
4. Eran is located in Madhya Pradesh.

Q.3 Read the passage and answer the questions given below: Xuan Zang, and other pilgrims spent time studying in Nalanda (Bihar), the most famous Buddhist monastery of the period. This is how he describes it:

“The teachers are men of the highest ability and talent. They follow the teachings of the Buddha in all sincerity. The rules of the monastery are strict, and everyone has to follow them. Discussions are held throughout the day, and the old and the young mutually help one another. Learned men from different cities come here to settle their doubts. The gatekeeper asks new entrants difficult questions. They are allowed to enter only after they have been able to answer these. Seven or eight out of every ten are not able to answer.”

1. Name one foreign traveller who visited the Buddhist Monastery at Nalanda

2. Was it easy to enter the Buddhist Monastery at Nalanda

3. Who taught in this Monastery [1 + 2+ 1 = 4]

Marks:4

Ans

1. Xuan Zang visited and studied in the Buddhist Monastery at Nalanda.

2. It was very difficult to enter this Monastery. New entrants were asked difficult questions by the gatekeeper. Only those who gave correct answer were allowed to enter. Mostly seven or eight out of ten were not able to answer the questions asked by them.

3. Men of the highest ability and talent taught in this Monastery.

Q.4 Name the travelers who came to India to visit Buddhist places.

Marks:3

Ans

As traders journeyed to distant places in caravans and ships, pilgrims also joined and travelled with them. Very famous Chinese Buddhist pilgrims were Fa Xian, who came to the subcontinent about 1600 years ago. Another popular pilgrim from China was Xuan Zang who visited about 1400 years ago.

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The village head in the northern villages was known as Grama Bhojaka. In the village, he held inherited positions of authority. He frequently owned the most land in the community. He occasionally performed the roles of a judge and a policeman while collecting taxes from the village for the king. Additionally, the Grama Bhojaka had the power to employ labourers to develop the land. Students can go on the Extramarks website and click on Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 8 to know the chapter in detail.