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WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History Chapter 3 Ancient History Of The Indian Subcontinent Topic B Harappan Civilisation Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Describe the extent of the Harappan civilisation.
Answer:

The extent of the Harappan civilisation:

It is generally believed that Manda in Jammu formed the northern frontier of the Harappan civilisation. But archaeologists have found many traces of this civilisation further north in Afghanistan.

In the south traces of this civilisation have been found in Gujarat and Kutch. Further south in the Daimabad region of Maharashtra where some traces of this civilisation have been found.

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In the west, the civilisation spread up to Baluchistan in present Pakistan. In the east traces of this civilisation have been found till Alamgirpur.

This place is located to the east of Delhi. The civilisation spreads over approximately 7,00,000 square km of land.

WBBSE Class 6 Harappan Civilisation Notes

Question 2. What were the salient features of the Harappan civilisation?
Answer:

The salient features of the Harappan civilisation:

The Harappan civilisation is one of the earliest river valley civilisations. It has some distinct features.

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Salient features of Harappan Civilisation

1. Proto-historic civilisation:

The Harappans knew how to write but their script has not yet been deciphered. So it belongs to the proto-historic period.

2. Chalcolithic civilisation:

Since the Harappans used both stone and metals like copper and bronze, their civilisation was chalcolithic.

3. First urbanisation:

The Harappan cities were the first cities of the Indian subcontinent. This civilisation is referred to as the first phase of urbanisation.

4. Developed town planning:

The Harappan towns were planned with a grid of roads and a highly developed sewage system. Most of the cities contained a citadel.

5. Matriarchal society:

The Harappan society was probably matriarchal because a number of female figurines have been unearthed which indicates that the worship of female power was quite popular.

Question 3. Describe the granary which has been found in Harappa.
Answer:

The granary which has been found in Harappa:

A big granary was discovered at Harappa.

1. Location:

The granary was located near the old ravine of the Ravi river.

2. Structure:

There were two rows of platforms inside the granary. There was a big platform in the southern part and it contained some pits.

3. Features:

1. There were ventilators in the granary to keep the crops fresh with the help of smooth air circulation.
2. There were also provisions for grinding and threshing the grains.
3. The granary had twelve huge shelves. These shelves were arranged in two rows.
4. Adjacent to the granary two rows of small houses are found. Most probably people who used to work at the granary stayed there.

Important Definitions Related to Harappan Culture

Question 4. Give an account of the ‘Great Bath’ at Mohenjodaro.
Answer:

The ‘Great Bath’ at Mohenjodaro:

The remains of a big public bath called the ‘Great Bath’ has been found in the citadel area of Mohenjodaro. It was probably used for bathing purposes. Most probably this Great Bath was used by the city’s distinguished elites.

Features of the ‘Great Bath

1. The Great Bath was 180 ft. long and 108 ft. wide. It was surrounded by 8ft. high brick wall.
2. It was built of kiln-burnt bricks.
3. Excess water could be discharged from the tank. There was also provision for cleaning this water tank.
4. There were some steps leading to the water tank.
5. Remains of some small rooms have been found near the water tank.

Question 5. Mention the characteristics of town planning of the Harappan civilisation.
Answer:

The characteristics of town planning of the Harappan civilisation:

The town planning of the Harappan civilisation was a remarkable one.

The important features of town planning were

1. Residential area:

The residential area was divided into two zones-the citadels and the lower town. The elevated place in the city was called the citadel. Important buildings like the Great Bath and the granary were built here. The residential area for the commoners was located in the lower part of the town.

2. Houses:

Houses were in the lower town which were of different sizes. There were a number of rooms in each house but such residential houses had only one kitchen.

3. Drainage system:

There was a perfect drainage system. The big drains were all covered. From each house, smaller drains were connected to the bigger drains.

There was a provision of the drainage of water through a permanent sewerage system. Such a water sewerage system gives evidence of a progressive city administration.

4. Toilets and wells:

There were bathing rooms and toilets in each house. Many wells have also been found.

5. Roads:

Roads were wide and properly constructed which generally ran from north to south. The narrower streets generally ran form east to west. The roads were crisscrossed. The city planning seems to have followed a grid pattern.

Common Questions About Life in Harappa

Question 6. Give an account of the Harappan trade and commerce.
Answer:

The Harappan trade and commerce:

The people of Harappa greatly depended on trade and commerce. They carried on both internal and external trade.

1. Internal trade:

The exchange of goods was done through different centres like Lothal, Ropar and Kotdiji.

2. External trade:

Harappa relations with Mesopotamia, Persia, Iran, and Turkmenistan.

3. Export-Import:

The Harappans imported gold, silver, copper, precious stones, combs made of ivory, etc. Most probably donkeys and camels were also imported from. outside the Indian subcontinent. They exported millet, flour, oil, woollen materials and clothes.

4. Trades routes:

The Harappans carried on trade and commerce through both water routes and land routes. Ships were used as water transport and wheeled carts were used as land transport. Import-export with Iran and Turkmenistan took place via land routes.

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Question 7. Give an idea of the religious life of the Harappans.
Answer:

An idea of the religious life of the Harappans:

No temples have been found in the ruins of the Indus Valley civilisation but statues of gods and mostly goddesses have been found.

The religious life of the Harappans

1. Worship of goddesses:

Many female figurines found in Harappa indicate that female goddesses were mostly worshipped.

2. Pashupati Siva:

People of Harappan civilisation also worshipped a three-faced god resembling Siva or Pashupati. This God is surrounded by an elephant, a tiger, and a rhinoceros and has a buffalo below his throne.

3. Worship of animals and plants:

Different kinds of animals and plants were worshipped by the people. The worship of a mythical single-horned animal was popular. They worshipped animals like bulls. There were some trees which they treated as sacred such as the pipal tree.

4. Great Bath:

The Great Bath was used by the public during religious or ceremonial rituals.

5. Belief in the afterlife:

Graves found in different parts of Harappa indicate that they believed in an afterlife. Ornaments and pottery were placed inside the burial chamber.

Question 8. Discuss the historical importance of Harappan seals.
Answer:

The historical importance of Harappan seals:

The Harappan seals contained scripts and symbols inscribed on them. They were made of soft stone and most of them carried a reverse design, usually of some animal along with a short inscription.

They were coated with some chemical power and heated after being pressed on soft mud. Some seals contain the impression of a one-horned animal. There are also impressions of a one-horned man, ox, trees and geometric designs.

Some seals were discovered in Mesopotamia which indicates that the Harappans carried on external trade. A seal was discovered in Mohenjodaro which has the image of a man seated in a yogic posture surrounded by wild animals.

At one point it was considered to be an ancient form of Pashupati Shiva.

Practice Questions on Harappan Achievements

Question 9. What were the causes of the decline of the Harappan civilisation?
Answer:

The causes of the decline of the Harappan civilisation:

The Harappan civilisation began to decline after 1750 BC. Many factors were responsible for the decline of this civilisation.

1. Flood:

The Flood of the river Indus was one of the causes of the decline of the Indus Valley civilisation.

2. Felling of trees:

Another reason was the widespread felling of trees for fuel in kilns. As a result, there was a reduction in rainfall. From 2200 BC onwards there was lesser rainfall. The climate became dry which adversely affected agriculture.

3. Slump in trade and commerce:

After 1900 BC trade and commerce slowed down. This may have affected Harappan’s economy.

4. Weak political system:

Simultaneously the Harappan political system became weak. These problems could not be solved by the people of Harappan civilisation and the civilisation declined.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 3 Ancient History Of The Indian Subcontinent Topic B Harappan Civilisation Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What did Cunningham find when he visited Harappa?
Answer:

In 1850 when Cunningham first visited Harappa he discovered some relics. In 1872 when Cunningham revisited Harappa he found that the bricks of the region were being used for making railway tracks in the region.

He also found some ancient potteries and a few seals on which an unknown script was engraved.

Question 2. Write a short note on the potteries found from the different sites in Harappa.
Answer:

The potteries found from the different sites in Harappa:

In different sites of Harappa ceramic potteries have been found. The ordinary potteries were meant for regular use. Some potteries were hardened by burning on fire.

Sometimes red polish was applied and designs were drawn on them. Such earthenwares were called red-black earthenwares. These were comparatively lighter as well as more fragile than the others.

Question 3. What is a citadel?
Answer:

Citadel:

In every Harappan city there was an elevated place, which archaeologists called a citadel. The elevated part used to be in the east or south-eastern part of the city. It stood on a rectangular podium.

Conceptual Questions on Decline of Harappan Civilisation

Important buildings were constructed on elevated regions. These buildings were not dwelling places of common people. The citadel area was surrounded by a high fence.

Question 4. Write a note on Lothal.
Answer:

Lothal:

‘Lothal’ means ‘place of the dead’. Lothal was a port city of the Harappa. It was situated in Gujarat and possessed a dockyard and a burial ground.

We can guess from one of the seals that Lothal had trade relations with the Persian Gulf region and that overseas trade was carried on through this port. Some statues, toys and ornaments have been found here.

Question 5. What do you know about the script used by the Harappans?
Answer:

The script used by the Harappans:

The Harappans used a script which contained several symbols. There were no alphabets and the script was written from right to left. The script has not yet been deciphered but it is conjectured that the small symbols implied numbers.

The script was found on utensils, seals and copper plates. A script written on a ‘signboard’ has been discovered at Dholavira.

Question 6. What do you know about the funeral rites of the Harappans?
Answer:

The funeral rites of the Harappans:

The excavations carried out at different sites show that the Harappans perform funeral rites of dead people. They used to bury dead bodies.

The bodies were placed in the graves with their heads facing north. Inside the burial chamber, all the belongings of the dead person such as ornaments and pottery were placed.

Question 7. What are the sources of information for the Harappan civilisation?
Answer:

The sources of information for the Harappan civilisation:

We have no written records about the Harappan civilisation. Archaeology is the only source of information. Archaeological finds like remains of houses, utensils, weapons, toys, ornaments and terracotta seals are our sources of information for the Harappan civilisation.

Question 8. What did the archaeologists mean by ‘red-black earthenwares’?
Answer:

The archaeologists mean by ‘red-black earthenwares’

Most of the pottery of the Harappan civilisation were ordinary. They were reddish in colour because they were burnt. On some pottery, the red polish was applied and bright designs were drawn on them with black colour. Archaeologists call these earthenwares as ‘red-black earthenwares’.

Question 9. Mention two important sites of the Harappan civilisation.
Answer:

Two important sites of the Harappan civilisation were Lothal and Kalibangan.

Question 10. What were the food crops produced in the Harappan civilisation?
Answer:

The food crops produced in the Harappan civilisation:

The food crops produced in the Harappan civilisation were wheat, barley and other cereals, various kinds of lentils, mustard and paddy.

Question 11. What do you know about the sculpture of the Harappan civilisation?
Answer:

The sculpture of the Harappan civilisation:

Archaeologists have specimens of stone, terracotta and metal sculptures in the Harappan civilisation. The bronze figure of a girl is a masterpiece of Harappan art.

Some animal figures made of bronze have also been found in the relics of the Harappan civilisation.

Real-Life Scenarios Involving Harappan Urban Planning

Question 12. How will you prove that the Harappans were skilled weavers?
Answer:

The Harappans were skilled weavers. Evidence of weaving old clothes have been found in Mahenjodaro. Archaeologists have found the art of making different weaving patterns on clothes.

The male figure found in the remains of Mohenjodaro bears evidence to this art.

Question 13. What kind of relationship existed between civilisation and Harappan Mesopotamia?
Answer:

23 seals of the Harappan civilisation have been found in Mesopotamia. It implies that a flourishing trade existed between the Harappan civilisation and Mesopotamia. Merchants from Harappa had probably set up colonies in Mesopotamia.

One of the seals from Mesopotamia carries some text on it. It has been evident that Mesopotamia and Harappan civilisations had maritime trade links.

Question 14. What were the two occupations of the people of Harappan civilisation?
Answer:

The two occupations of the people of Harappan civilisation:

The two main occupations of the people of the Harappan civilisation were agriculture and the domestication of animals. They cultivated wheat, rice, barley and cotton. Animals like bulls, cows, dogs, buffalo, sheep, goats, camels, etc. were domesticated.

Question 15. Describe the male figure excavated in Mohenjodaro.
Answer:

The male figure excavated in Mohenjodaro:

Archaeologists have excavated a male figure in Mohenjodaro. He is bearded with his hair combed. His eyes are almost closed. He has a stone band tied on his forehand. A similar band is found on his right arm. A robe is placed over his left shoulder.

Question 16. Why was Lothal famous?
Answer:

Lothal famous:

Lothal, the port city of the Harappan civilisation, was situated on the banks of river Bhogavo in Gujarat. The dockyard of Lothal was famous. Here ships were kept, manufactured and repaired. Lothal had a trade relationship with the Persian Gulf region.

Question 17. How many symbols are there in the Harappan script? How was the script written?
Answer:

There are 375 to 400 basic symbols in the Harappan script. The script is symbolic. The script was written from right to left.

WBBSE Class 6 History

Question 18. Which civilisation is the oldest of Chalcolithic civilisations? What is the overall time frame of the civilisation?
Answer:

1. The oldest of Chalcolithic civilisations is the Harappan civilisation.
2. The overall time frame of the Harappan civilisation is usually considered to be between 3000 and 1500 BC.

Question 19. Write a note on the dress of the Harappan people.
Answer:

The dress of the Harappan people:

Archaeologists have found many figurines from the Harappan civilisation which give an idea of the dress, jewellery and overall fashion of the Harappan people. Cotton and silk clothes were used. The jewellery were made of gold, silver, copper and ebony.

Question 20. Mention two reasons of the fall of the Harappan civilisation.
Answer:

Two reasons of the fall of the Harappan civilisation were:

1. The civilisation seems to have been affected Copper-bronze Age. They knew the use of by the flood of the river Indus.
2. Widespread cutting of trees for fuel resulted in a drier climate which badly affected the civilisation.

Question 21. What kind of land and water transport were used by the Harappans?
Answer:

The Harappans used various modes of transport on land as well as in water. Carts drawn by oxen and bullocks plied on the roads. Donkeys and camels were also used to carry loads.

Boats with sails were used as a means of water transport. Travelling by waterway was much cheaper than travelling on land.

Question 22. Mention some important sites of Harappan civilisation.
Answer:

The two main sites. of Harappan Civilisation were Harappa and Mohenjodaro. Some other sites were Kuntasi, Chanhudaro, Banwali, Lothal, Surakotada, Dholavira, Kalibangan, Rupar and Kotdiji.

Traces of Harappan civilisation have also been found in Manda in Jammu, Afghanistan, Daimabad of Maharashtra, Sutkagen-dor and Alamgirpur.

Question 23. Did the Harappans know the use of iron? How do you know?
Answer:

The Harappan civilisation grew up in the Copper-bronze age. They knew the use of metals but did not know the use of iron. The craftsmen used clay, stone and metals like copper, brass and bronze.

Knives, axes and scrapers made of copper have been excavated. Utensils were also made of stone and metals.

Question 24. What do you mean by ‘first urbanisation’?
Answer:

‘First urbanisation’:

In the whole of the Indian subcontinent it was in the Harappan civilisation that cities had first developed. This phenomenon is known as the ‘first urbanisation’.

WBBSE Chapter 3 Ancient History Of The Indian Subcontinent Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Where did Charles Masson visit in 1826?
Answer: Charles. Masson visited the Sahiwal district of Punjab in 1826 AD.

Question 2. When were the ancient sites of Harappa and Mohenjodaro discovered?
Answer: The ancient sites of Harappa and Mohenjodaro were discovered in 1921 And 1922 respectively.

Question 3. Why is the Indus Valley civilisation also known as the Harappan civilisation?
Answer: The Indus Valley Civilisation is also known as the Harappan civilisation because Harappa was the first site where this civilisation was first discovered.

Question 4. Which is the largest of all the archaeological sites of the Indus Valley civilisation?
Answer: Harappa is the largest of all the archaeological sites of the Indus Valley civilisation.

Question 5. What is the importance of the Sahiwal district of the province of Punjab according to Charles Masson?
Answer: According to Charles Masson in the Sahiwal district of the province of Punjab the battle between Alexander and Porus took place in 4th century BC.

Question 6. Who was Alexander Cunningham?
Answer: Alexander Cunningham was the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Question 7. Name the archaeologist who excavated the Harappan civilisation and when?
Answer: Archaeologist Dayaram Sahni excavated the Harappan civilisation in 1920.

Question 8. Who excavated Mohenjodaro and when?
Answer: Archaeologist Rakhaldas Bandopadhyay excavated Mohenjodaro in 1921.

Question 9. Who brought out reports about Harappa and Mohenjodaro and when?
Answer: John Marshall brought out reports about Harappa and Mohenjodaro in 1924.

Question 10. Name the animal which was unknown to the Harappans.
Answer: The horse was unknown to the Harappans.

Question 11. Why is the Harappan civilisation called a proto-historic civilisation?
Answer: The Harappan civilisation is called a proto-historic civilisation because the people of Harappa knew how to write but their script has not yet been deciphered.

Question 12. What was the elevated place in the Harappan cities called?
Answer: The elevated place in the Harappan cities was called the ‘citadel’.

Question 13. Mention two aspects of Harappan civilisation which we come to know from the Harappan seals.
Answer: From the Harappan seals we come to know about the economy and religious beliefs of the people.

Question 14. What type of bricks were used for building important structures?
Answer: Oven-baked bricks were used for building important structures.

Question 15. What is the only source of information for the Harappan civilisation?
Answer: Archaeology is the only source of information for the Harappan civilisation.

Question 16. Mention one object which gives information about the art of the Harappan civilisation.
Answer: The bronze figure of a girl excavated in Mohenjodaro gives information about the art of the Harappan civilisation.

Question 17. To which age of civilisation belonged the Harappan civilisation?
Answer: The Harappan civilisation belonged to the Chalcolithic Age.

Question 18. Where have been the remains of the oldest port of the Harappan civilisation been found?
Answer: The oldest part of the Harappan civilisation has been found in Lothal.

WBBSE Chapter 3 Ancient History Of The Indian Subcontinent Topic B Harappan Civilisation Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. The Harappan civilisation extended over an area of about _______ (5/7/9) lakh sq. km.
Answer: 7

Question 2. The rise of cities in the Harappan civilisation is referred to as the _________ (first/second third) urbanisation.
Answer: First

Question 3. The elevated part of the Harappan cities was called __________ (Citadel/Ziggurat/Kuntashi).
Answer: Citadel

Question 4. A female statue made of __________ (gold/copper/bronze) was found in the ruins of the Harappan civilisation.
Answer: Bronze

Question 5. __________ (13/23/33) Harappan seals were found in Mesopotamia.
Answer: 23

Question 6. The Harappan civilisation began to decline after ________ (1250 BC/1500 BC/1750 BC).
Answer: 1750 BC

WBBSE Class 6 History  Chapter 3 Ancient History Of The Indian Subcontinent True Or False

Question 1. The other name of the Indus Valley civilisation is the Harappan civilisation.
Answer: True

Question 2. The Harappan civilisation belonged to the Copper-bronze Age.
Answer: True

Question 3. The Harappan civilisation flourished from 3000 BC to 1500 BC approximately.
Answer: True

Question 4. The Harappan civilisation extended over an area of 9 lakh square km.
Answer: False

Question 5. The urban civilisation of Harappa represents the first phase of urbanisation in India.
Answer: True

Question 6. The elevated areas of the Harappan cities were called citadels.
Answer: True

WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History Chapter 3 Ancient History Of The Indian Subcontinent Topic A Mehrgarh Civilisation Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Describe the oldest phase (or, first phase) of the Mehrgarh civilisation.
Answer:

The oldest phase (or, first phase) of the Mehrgarh civilisation:

The Mehrgarh civilisation was discovered in Baluchistan of present-day Pakistan. Mehrgarh is located at a small distance from the Bolan mountain pass.

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Oldest Phase of the Mehrgarh Civilisation

1. Period:

The oldest or the first phase of Mehrgarh civilisation was approximately between 7000 and 5000 BC.

2. Agriculture:

The people of Mehrgarh grew barley and wheat.

3. Domestication of animals:

Goats, sheep and humped bulls were domesticated.

WBBSE Class 6 Mehrgarh Civilisation Notes

4. Archaeological specimen:

Stone vessels and stone grinders have been found in Mehrgarh. Knives made of stone and tools made of animal bones were found. However, metal tools have not been discovered in this phase of civilisation.

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5. Houses:

Houses were made of burnt bricks. The houses had more than one room.

6. Granary:

The granary found in Mehrgarh is the oldest granary of the Indian subcontinent. Archaeologists believe that grains were stored in the granary.

Question 2. Describe the second phase of the Mehrgarh civilisation.
Answer:

The Mehrgarh civilisation belonged to the Copper-Stone Age.

Second Phase of the Mehrgarh Civilisation

1. Period:

The second phase of Mehrgarh civilisation was approximately between 5000 and 4000 BC.

2. Agriculture:

Along with wheat and barley cotton was also cultivated.

3. Use of sickle:

In the second phase of this civilisation, sickles were used for the first time in the entire subcontinent to harvest grains.

4. Earthen pottery:

In the second phase earthenware pottery came to be used. In the beginning, those were handmade. The use of the potter’s wheel was unknown. Towards the end of the second phase, the use of the potter’s wheel started.

5. Jewellery:

Different kinds of jewellery, made of stone and shell, were used.

Question 3. Describe the third phase of the Mehragarh civilisation.
Answer:

The Mehrgarh civilisation is the oldest civilisation in the Indian subcontinent.

Third Phase of the Mehrgarh Civilisation

1. Period:

The third phase of Mehrgarh civilisation lies between 4300 and 3800 BC.

2. Agriculture:

During this phase, different kinds of wheat and barley crops were cultivated.

3. Earthenware pottery:

In this phase, earthenwares were made with the help of a potter’s wheel. Those were burnt in fire and decorative patterns were painted on them. Earthenwares of single, double and multiple colours have been found among the ruins of Mehrgarh.

4. Settlement of people expanded:

In the third phase of Mehrgarh civilisation, the settlement of people expanded.

5. Use of copper:

In this phase use of copper also started. As it was not easy to extract copper from copper ores, stone tools were also used.

6. Use of seal:

People in this phase also started to use seals.

Thus the rural agrarian society of Mehrgarh got a complex shape.

Question 4. Discuss the various occupations of the people of Mehrgarh.
Answer:

The various occupations of the people of Mehrgarh:

Some of the occupations of the people of Mehrgarh were animal rearing, agriculture, trade and commerce.

Class 6 History WBBSE

1. Animal rearing:

An important occupation of the people of Mehrgarh was the rearing of animals like goats, sheep and humped bulls.

2. Agriculture:

The people of Mehrgarh grew barley, wheat and cotton.

3. Trade and commerce:

The people of Mehrgarh carried on trade and commerce. Shell and stone were brought from outside of Mehrgarh.

Question 5. Discuss the important features of the Mehrgarh civilisation.
Answer:

The important features of the Mehrgarh civilisation:

The important features of the Mehrgarh were burnt and decorative patterns were civilisation were:

1. Copper-Stone Age Civilisation:

Copper and stone were in use in the MehrgarhSo this is known as the Copper- Stone Age civilisation.

2. Agrarian Civilisation:

Mehrgarh civilisation was an agrarian civilisation. People grew barley, wheat and cotton.

3. Presence of graveyards:

Several graveyards have been found in the ruins of Mehrgarh. Things like shells, beads, etc. were buried with the dead bodies.

WBBSE Chapter 3 Topic A Mehrgarh Civilisation Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Mention two new facts which were added to the lives of the people of the Indian subcontinent in the New Stone Age.
Answer:

Two new facts which were added to the lives of the people of the Indian subcontinent in the New Stone Age were

1. The introduction of agriculture and
2. The use of metal along with that of stone.

Question 2. Why did the barter system begin?
Answer:

The barter system begin:

Civilised people felt the necessity of different commodities. But it was not possible for one individual to produce everything. Therefore the system of exchanging one commodity for another began which is known as the barter system.

Question 3. How were divisions created within the urban society?
Answer:

Among the primitive communities there had been a sense of equality. But in urban society, there was no such equality. To govern the society a ruling community emerged.

Another group of people emerged who performed sacrifices and religious ceremonies. In this way, different divisions were created within the urban society.

Question 4. Mention the time span of the Mehrgarh civilisation.
Answer:

The time span of Mehrgarh civilisation is divided into three phases:

1. First phase:

Approximately between 7000 beads, shells, jewellery, axe, etc. were buried and 5000 BC.

2. Second phase:

Approximately between 5000 and 4000 BC.

3. Third phase:

Roughly between 4300 and 3800 BC.

Practice Questions on Mehrgarh Archaeological Findings

Question 5. When and by whom was Mehrgarh civilisation discovered?
Answer:

The Mehrgarh civilisation was discovered in 1974 by the French archaeologist Jean Francois Jarrige. He was assisted by Richard Meadow.

Question 6. Where is Mehrgarh located?
Answer:

Location Mehrgarh:

Mehrgarh is located in Baluchistan of present-day Pakistan at a small distance from the Bolan mountain pass.

Question 7. What were the goods buried along with the dead bodies in the Mehrgarh civilisation?
Answer:

In the Mehrgarh civilisation goods like beads, shells, jewellery, axe, etc. were buried along with the dead bodies. Many domesticated animals were also buried along with the dead bodies.

Question 8. Give a brief idea about the burial system of Mehrgarh.
Answer:

A brief idea about the burial system of Mehrgarh:

Several graveyards have been found in the ruins of Mehrgarh. The dead bodies were wrapped in red shrouds and smeared with red colour and laid vertically or horizontally in the grave.

Things like shells, beads, gems, jewellery, axes and other articles of use were buried with the corpses. Many domesticated animals were also buried along with the people.

Question 9. Write what you know about the pottery of Mehrgarh.
Answer:

The pottery of Mehrgarh:

Earthenwares appeared in the second phase of Mehrgarh civilisation (5000-4000 BC). At first earthen pots were made by hand since the wheel had not been invented.

The potter’s wheel came into existence by the end of this phase and in the next phase, the wheel was widely used to make earthen pots.

The pots Were burnt and decorative patterns were painted on them. Erthnwares of single, double and multiple colours have been found among the ruins of Mehrgarh.

Question 10. Why did the fight over land begin in the New Stone Age?
Answer:

The fight over land begin in the New Stone Age:

In the New Stone Age humans began cultivation and produced their own food. They began to feel the need of permanent houses and land for cultivation. Gradually cultivation increased and the demand for cultivable land also grew.

They began to clear forests and tried to bring wasteland under cultivation. More cultivable land produced more crops. Thus began the fight over land.

Question 11. How did primitive men become civilised?
Answer:

Primitive men become civilised:

At first, primitive men used to wander desperately in search of food. Gradually they learnt to lead a settled life. They learnt to produce their own food, and began cultivation as well as animal husbandry.

At the end of the Stone Age, their lives revolved around a settled household, cultivation and animal husbandry. The change was implemented due to their own needs. Their own effort and mental prowess helped the primitive men to become civilised.

WBBSE Chapter 3 Topic A Mehrgarh Civilisation Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. When did urban civilisation develop in the Indian subcontinent?
Answer: Around 3000 BC urban civilisation developed in the Indian subcontinent.

Question 2. Why did people of ancient times begin to clear forests and reclaim land?
Answer: People of ancient times began to clear forests and reclaim land for agriculture.

Question 3. Why is the coexistence of city and village necessary for any civilisation?
Answer: The coexistence of city and village is necessary for any civilisation because urban people depend on crops from the rural areas for their maintenance.

Question 4. What were the houses like in the Mehrgarh civilisation?
Answer: The houses of Mehrgarh were made off mudbrick, which had more than one room.

Question 5. Where the oldest granary has been found?
Answer: The oldest granary of the Indian subcontinent has been found in Mehrgarh.

Real-Life Scenarios Involving Early Settlements in India

Question 6. Why is the Mehrgarh civilisation named so?
Answer: The Mehrgarh civilisation is named so because it has been discovered around the geographical region of Mehrgarh.

Question 7. Who was Jean Francois Jarrige?
Answer: Jean Francois Jarrige was a French archaeologist who discovered the Mehrgarh civilisation in 1974.

Question 8. Where, in the Indian subcontinent, sickles were used for the first time to harvest grain?
Answer: In Mehrgarh, for the first time in the Indian subcontinent, sickles were used to harvest grain.

Question 9. Which metal was used in the third phase of Mehrgarh civilisation?
Answer: Copper was used in the third phase of Mehrgarh civilisation.

Question 10. Where do we find the oldest evidence of cotton cultivation in the world?
Answer: The oldest evidence of cotton cultivation was found in Mehrgarh.

Question 11. When did the use of the potter’s wheel start in Mehrgarh?
Answer: At the end of the second phase of Mehrgarh civilisation the use of the potter’s wheel started.

Question 12. Where is Mehrgarh at present?
Answer: At present Mehrgarh is in Baluchistan of Pakistan.

WBBSE Chapter 3 Topic A Mehrgarh Civilisation Fill In The Blanks

By selecting the appropriate expression from the brackets

Question 1. After wandering desperately in search of food, humans learnt to lead a __________ (civilised/settled/nomadic) life.
Answer: Settled

Question 2. In the New Stone Age, being engaged in cultivation, the man began to feel the need of ___________ (permanent/mud-brick/small) houses.
Answer: Permanent

Question 3. The use of _________ (stone/iron/script) is the most determining factor for any civilisation.
Answer: Script

Question 4. Primitive man became _________ (civilised/ uncivilised/ignorant) with the passage of time.
Answer: Civilised

Question 5. The period in which both stone and copper were used was called ______ (Old Stone / Copper-Stone / Iron) age.
Answer: Copper-Stone

Question 6. The Mehrgarh civilisation was discovered in ________(1964/1974/1984).
Answer: 1974

Question 7. Jean Francois Jarrige was assisted by ________ (Alexander Cunningham / John Marshal / Richard Meadow) in discovering the Mehrgarh civilisation.
Answer: Richard Meadow

Question 8. One of the most significant characteristics of the Mehrgarh civilisation is the presence of _________ (graveyards/granary/mud-brick houses).
Answer: Graveyards

Question 9. One new facet added to the lives of the people of the Indian subcontinent in the New Stone Age was the introduction of ____ (iron/agriculture/pottery).
Answer: Agriculture

Question 10. People of Mehrgarh did not know the use of ________ (iron/copper/stone).
Answer: Iron

WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History Chapter 3 Ancient History Of The Indian Subcontinent Topic A Mehrgarh Civilisation True Or False

Question 1. The tradition of exchanging one commodity for another is known as a barter system.
Answer: True

Question 2. Specimens of temple architecture form a significant aspect of any civilisation.
Answer: False

Question 3. Blood and kinship ties formed the basis of modern community life.
Answer: False

Question 4. Seals were not found in the Mehrgarh civilisation.
Answer: False

Question 5. Initial earthenwares found in Mehrgarh were handmade.
Answer: True

Question 6. The Mehrgarh civilisation was discovered by Dayaram Sahni.
Answer: False

Question 7. There was widespread use of iron in Mehrgarh civilisation.
Answer: False

Question 8. There were many industries found in the Mehrgarh civilisation.
Answer: False

Question 9. In the third phase of Mehrgarh civilisation, the technique of making earthenware pottery with the potter’s wheel became widespread.
Answer: True

WBBSE Chapter 2 Primitive Man In The Indian Subcontinent Topic C Miscellaneous Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Compare the main features of the cultures of the Old Stone Age, Middle Stone Age, and New Stone Age.
Answer:

Comparison of the main features of the Old Stone Age, Middle Stone Age, and New Stone Age are discussed below

Features	Old Stone Age	Middle Stone Age	New Stone Age
Period	From approximately 2 million years BC to 10,000 BC	From approximately 10,000 to 8,000 BC	From approximately     8,000 to 4,000 BC
Livelihood	Fruit gathering and hunting small animals.	Food gathering and hunting.	The transformation from food gatherer to food producer and the beginning of agriculture.
Weapons	Use of big, heavy, and blunt stone weapons like hand-axe.	Use of comparatively smaller, lighter, and sharper weapons like harpoons and pickaxes.	introduction of more developed weapons with butts such as sickles, hammers, hatchet, and daggers.
Dwelling place	At first homeless and living under the open sky. Then seeking shelter in the caves to protect themselves from a natural disaster. Also building crude shelters with twigs and bones.	Earlier manner of dwelling was retained but there were some developments.	Apart from maintaining the earlier manner a settled community began on the banks of rivers and other sources of water.

 

Question 2. Discuss the basic differences between the weapons of the Old Stone Age and the New Stone Age.
Answer:

The basic differences between weapons of the Old Stone Age and the New Stone Age are

Weapons of the Old Stone Age	Weapons of the New Stone Age
1. The weapons of this period were less developed than those of the New Stone Age.	1. The weapons of this period were sharper and more polished than those of the Old Stone Age.
2.    The weapons had no butts.	2.    Most of the weapons had butts.
3.    In this age the same weapon was used for different purposes	3.    In this age the weapons were specialized to serve different purposes.
4.    The weapons were mainly used for food-gathering and defense.	4.    Apart from food gathering and defense the weapons were also used for some agricultural purposes

 

Question 3. How did early man gather and produce food?
Answer:

At first, early man was a food gatherer but later on they learned the art of cultivation and became a food-producer.

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History

Food gathering and production by early man

1. First phase:

Hunting by men:

The early men practiced fishing and hunting to gather food.

Women’s food collection:

Women collected fruits, vegetables, and eggs from the nearby forests.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 Geography	WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History	WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 Maths
WBBSE Class 6 Geography Notes	WBBSE Class 6 History Notes	WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 School Science
WBBSE Class 6 Geography Multiple Choice Questions	WBBSE Class 6 History MCQs	WBBSE Notes For Class 6 School Science

 

2. Second phase:

The invention of agriculture:

The women of the Middle Stone Ages discovered agriculture by planting roots and seeds near their houses.

Development agriculture:

The invention of spades, sickles, thresher instruments and other instruments led to the improvement of agriculture.

Question 4. In ancient times wood or coal was used as fuel for cooking. There has been a change in this regard at present. Nowadays gas is used for cooking. Still in many regions of India wood or coal is used. Look at the picture given. Think how the above picture is relevant here.
Answer:

India is a developing country. With the development of the country, many cities have gradually developed. Many changes have occurred in the lifestyle of the people.

For example, wood or coal was used for cooking purposes, nowadays gas is used for cooking. But due to the rising prices of cooking gas in the world market, many Indians cannot afford to purchase it.

Keeping this in mind the government has arranged for subsidies in cooking gas. But it is found that rich and poor-all are sharing the benefits of subsidy.

As a result, a section of society who still now use coal or wood for cooking purposes are deprived of the benefit. If they are provided with a subsidy they can also use cooking gas.

Real-Life Scenarios Involving Primitive Man’s Daily Life

That is why the government has taken the decision that those who are able to pay fair prices should not take the advantage of subsidies.

In my opinion, this is a good step. If this is carried out in practice many poor Indians will be able to use cooking gas which will help in nation-building in the future.

In course of the above discussion, learners will come to know about the use of fire in ancient times as well as the advantage of using cooking gas at present. Keeping in mind about nation building the learners will come to know about subsidies in gas.

As a result, social cooperation and empathy will develop among the students.

Question 5. How was primitive man benefited by the discovery of five?
Answer:

Primitive man benefited by the discovery of five:

The knowledge of igniting fire was the first and shared among themselves. They could steps of man towards modernism.
Benefits of discovering fire

Practice Questions on Nomadic Life of Early Humans

1. Security:

Earlier men could protect themselves from the attack of wild animals by lighting a fire at the mouth of the caves.

2. Improving the taste of food:

Early men found that meat tasted better if it was roasted in a fire. So they began to eat roasted meat instead of raw meat.

3. Protection from the cold:

Early men could save themselves from the intensity of cold by lighting fire.

Question 6. Why did the primitive man live in groups? How were they benefited from it?
Answer:

The primitive man live in groups:

Reason for living in groups: Primitive men at first used to live alone. But later on they began to move in groups. This was because they were mainly hunters and food gatherers.

They used to wander in forests and various places in search of food and for hunting. But they could not protect themselves from the attack of wild animals.

So to save themselves as they used to move about in groups because it was easier for a group to hunt large animals.

Benefits of living in groups:

By living in groups primitive men could easily catch prey and share among themselves. They could protect themselves from the attack of wild animals because it was more convenient and safe to hunt in groups.

Living in groups they protected themselves from wild animals and began to lead a settled life.

Question 7. According to you why is the use of fire so important in the history of man?
Answer:

The use of fire so important in the history of man:

The knowledge of igniting fire was the first step of man toward modernism.

Benefits of discovering fire

1. Security:

Early men could protect themselves from the attack of wild animals by lighting a fire at the mouth of the caves.

2. Improving the taste of food:

Early men found that meat becomes softer and tastier when roasted in a fire. So he began to eat roasted meat instead of raw meat.

3. Protection from the cold:

Early men could save themselves from the intensity of cold by lighting fire.

In the history of human civilization, the use of fire is very important. The learners can take part in discussions on the uses of fire and exchange their views.

Question 8. From the pictures given below what is known about the process of making tools and weapons by primitive men?
Answer:

1. First picture:

In this picture, we find that early man used to sharpen stone weapons by rubbing or striking them against each other. Holding the weapon in one hand it was struck with a stone in the other hand to make it sharper and usable.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 2 Questions And Answers

2. Second picture:

In this picture, we can see that early man sharpened their weapons by striking them with other hard things. A thin and hard object was held on the weapon with one hand and it was hit with a stone with the other hand. Thus stone weapons were made.

Important Definitions Related to Primitive Society

Question 9. In the picture given below, what changes can you notice in every step of primitive man?
Answer:

1. First stage:

The shape of a man’s head is elongated. His body bends forward while walking. Feet are broad, fingers are large and fat. The jaw is narrow and pointed and the nose is small.

2. Second stage:

The shape of a man’s head is comparatively less elongated. The body does not bend so much. The toes and fingers are not so broad. The fingers of the hands are smaller and thinner. The nose is sharper and the jaw is less pointed.

3. Third stage:

The head is less elongated. The body is quite straight while walking. The toes and fingers are less broad. The fingers of the hands are smaller and thinner. The jaw is much less pointed and the nose is much sharper.

History Class 6 Chapter 2 Question Answer WBBSE

4. Fourth stage:

The shape of the head is nearly circular. The body is straight while walking. The toes and fingers are much smaller and narrower. The fingers of the hand are smaller and narrower. The jaw is quite flat and the nose is quite sharp.

5. Fifth stage:

The head is circular in shape. The body is fully straight while walking. The fingers of the hands and toes are small and slender. The jaw is flat and the nose is sharp.

Question 10. What were the different aspects of importance in the way of life of people from the Old Stone Age to the New Stone age? Make an illustrated chart to show the changes.
Answer:

Modernization of weapons:

Assurance of food:

History Class 6 Chapter 2 Question Answer WBBSE

Safe and Permanent dwelling place:

Question 11. How did the standard of living of primitive men improve?
Answer:

The standard of living of primitive men improve:

Though primitive man lived like animals at first, their lifestyle gradually evolved with time.

The gradual development of primitive man’s lifestyle

1. Singular existence to group living:

Primitive men first lived alone but later on formed groups for food and defense purposes. Thus some sort of community life started.

2. Cave dwelling to family life:

Primitive men were initially cave dwellers but afterward, they began to lead settled family lives to protect their fields and crops.

3. Food gatherer to food producer:

At first primitive men were food gatherers and lived on fruits, fish, and meat of hunted animals but slowly they took to cultivation and produced their own food.

Question 12. How did early man become food pro- duces from food gatherers?
Answer:

Early man as food gatherers:

Early man in the Old Stone Age were food gatherers. They did not know how to grow crops in the fields. Finding food was not easy. They had to move about from one place to another in search of food. They collected wild fruits and nuts.

Then they started hunting animals and ate their raw flesh as they did not know how to cook. So they were only food gatherers.

Early man as food producer:

But in the New Stone Age, primitive men became food producers. For the first time, they learned to cultivate the land and therefore were able to produce their own food.

Women by observing trees could understand how saplings grew from seeds and plants from saplings. Now they could produce their own food. A man had learned agriculture and they became food producers.

WBBSE Chapter 2 Primitive Man In The Indian Subcontinent Short Answer Type

Question 1. Why is the Homo Erectus human species important? Do we find any evidence of their presence in the Indian subcontinent?
Answer:

The Homo Erectus human species important:

Homo Erectus human species are important because

1. They could stand straight on their feet.
2. They were the first to learn the use of fire.

There are evidence of the presence of Homo Erectus in Hunsgi Valley in Karnataka, Didwana in Rajasthan, and Nevasa in Maharashtra.

Question 2. Where did the primitive men of the Old Stone Age live? What do we come to know from cave paintings of Bhimbetka?
Answer:

The primitive men of the Old Stone Age live:

Primitive men of the Old Stone Age used to live under the open sky or in caves. A number of caves were discovered in Bhimbetka in 1957. Paintings of Old Stone Age men have been found on the walls of those caves.

From the paintings, we come to know that they used to hunt alone or in a group. They also wore jewels and masks on their faces. Sometimes they were accompanied by dogs.

Question 3. Why was primitive man nomadic?
Answer:

primitive man:

Primitive man did not know how to produce food. He satisfied his appetite by collecting fruits, fishing in rivers and hunting animals. He had to move from place to place in search of food. So primitive men led a nomadic life.

Question 4. How did fire change the food habits of primitive man?
Answer:

The discovery of fire played a very important part in the lives of primitive men. Fire changed the food habits of primitive men. They found that meat tasted better if it was roasted in the fire. So they began to eat roasted meat instead of the raw flesh of animals.

Question 5. How did the wandering days of primitive men come to an end?
Answer:

Primitive people used to wander around many places for hunting and grazing animals. In the New Stone Age, men had learned agriculture and could produce their own food. With the beginning of agriculture, men began to settle down around food-producing areas. With the introduction of agriculture, the wandering days of primitive men came to an end.

Question 6. What would have been the life of human beings without fire?
Answer:

The life of human beings without fire:

Fire is exceptionally important in human history. Without fire human life would have been totally different. Fire helps to cook food. Without fire, man would have to eat raw food.

Moreover, fire provides warmth and light. So without fire life would have been a lot more difficult. If the above questions are asked the learner will be able to understand the importance of the uses of fire and can go deep into the subject matter.

WBBSE Chapter 2 Primitive Man In The Indian Subcontinent Very Short Answer Type

Question 1. Man, Chimpanzee, Gorilla, Orangutans
Answer: Man

Question 2. Africa, Asia, Europe, India
Answer: India

Question 3. Water, Forest fire, Rain, Snow
Answer: Forest fire

Question 4. Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Karachi, Karnataka
Answer: Karachi

Question 5. Bhimbetka, Sanghao, Altamira, Java
Answer: Java

Question 6. Horse, Buffalo, Ox, Goat
Answer: Horse

Question 7. Hunsgi in Karnataka, Didwana in Rajasthan, Nevasa in Maharashtra, Paris in France
Answer: Paris in France

Question 8. Hide of animals, Bark of trees, Leaves of trees, Saree
Answer: Saree

Question 9. The stone axe, Branch, Stone spear, Gun
Answer: Gun

Question 10. Kurnul, Yamuna, Godavari, Ganga
Answer: Kurnul

Question 11. Why primitive man had a nomadic life?
Answer: Primitive man had a nomadic life because they had to wander around different places to satisfy their hunger by hunting and gathering fruits

Question 12. What changed the food habits of primitive man?
Answer: Fire changed the food habits of primitive man.

WBBSE Chapter 2 Primitive Man In The Indian Subcontinent Topic C Miscellaneous Exercise Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. Initially primitive man used to eat __________ (cooked food/burnt meat/raw meat and fruits).
Answer: Raw meat and fruits

Question 2. The earliest tool of primitive man was _________ (blunt stone/light chiseled stone/stone axe).
Answer: Blunt stone

Question 3. The first important discovery of primitive man was ________ (metal/wheel/fire).
Answer: Fire

Question 4. _______ (Homo Habilis/Australopithecus/ Homo Erectus) lived approximately around 2.6 to 1.7 million years back.
Answer: Homo Habilis

Question 5. A number of caves were discovered in Bhimbetka in _________ (1957/1956/1960).
Answer: 1957

WBBSE Chapter 2 Primitive Man In The Indian Subcontinent Topic C Miscellaneous State whether Following Statements Are True Or False

Question 1. In the Old Stone Age, human life was quite hard and miserable.
Answer: True

Question 2. Bhimbetka is in Uttar Pradesh.
Answer: False

Question 3. Lucy is a skeleton of the Homo Habilis category.
Answer: False

WBBSE Chapter 2 Primitive Man In The Indian Subcontinent Topic C Miscellaneous Match The Columns

Question 1.

Column A	Column B
1. Origin of Australopithecus	(A) 2,00,000 BC
2. Origin of Homo Habilis	(B) 40,00,000 BC
3. Origin of Homo Erectus	(C) 26,00,000 BC
4. Origin of Homo Sapiens	(D) 20,00,000 BC

Answer: 1. (B) 2. (C) 3. (D) 4. (A)

Question 2.

Column A	Column B
1. Ape to man	(A) Homo Habilis
2. Skillful man	(B) Australopithecus
3. Erect man	(C)  Homo Sapiens
4.  Intelligent man	(D) Homo Erectus

Answer: 1. (B) 2. (A) 3. (D) 4. (C)

Question 3.

Column A	Column B
1. Beginning of OldStone Age	(A) 10,000 BC
2. Beginning of Middle Stone Age	(B) 20,00,000 BC
3. Beginning of New Stone Age	(C) 4,000 BC
4. Beginning of Copper-Stone Age	(D) 8,000 BC

Answer: 1. (B) 2. (A) 3. (D) 4. (C)

Question 4.

Column A	Column B
1. Skeleton of Australopithecus	(A) Rajasthan in India
2. Taro	(B) Lucy
3. Altamira cave painting	(C) Ox
4. Bagor	(D) Spain in Europe

Answer: 1. (B) 2. (C) 3. (D) 4. (A)

Question 5.

Column A	Column B
1. Agriculture	(A) Madhya Pradesh
2. Animal husbandry	(B) New Stone Age
3. Bhimbhetka	(C) Middle Stone Age
4. Hunsgi	(D) Karnataka

 

Answer: 1. (B) 2. (C) 3. (A) 4. (D)

WBBSE Chapter 2 Topic B Primitive Man In The Indian Subcontinent Long Answer Type

Question 1. How was the lifestyle of man in the Old Stone Age?
Answer:

The lifestyle of man:

We get an idea about the lifestyle of man in the Old Stone Age from different archaeological specimens.

A lifestyle of man during the Old Stone Age

1. Community life:

A man had learnt to work together from the very beginning of the Old Stone Age.

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History

2. Food habits:

The food-gathering man subsisted on leaves, fruits, and birds’ eggs and hunted small animals due to the non-availability of adequate weapons.

3. Shelter:

Primitive men had no fixed dwelling place because they had to roam about from one place to another in order to gather food as well as to hunt. They sought shelter in caves and also used twigs, leaves and animal skins to build crude shelters.

4. Weapons:

Primitive man learnt to use branches of trees and stones as weapons for hunting and defence purposes.

Class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Question 2. What were the features of nomadic life?
Answer:

Features of nomadic life are:

1. Food gatherer:

The early men moved from place to place in search of food. They lived on fruits and raw meat.

2. Crude weapons:

They used blunt and heavy stones as weapons.

3. No permanent dwelling:

The primitive men were nomads and had no fixed shelter. They lived either in caves or in the open air.

4. Clothes:

The primitive people did not know how to weave or stitch clothes. So they protected themselves from the cold by wrapping animal fur, hide and bark of trees around themselves.

WBBSE Class 6 Primitive Man in India Notes

WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 Geography	WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History	WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 Maths
WBBSE Class 6 Geography Notes	WBBSE Class 6 History Notes	WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 School Science
WBBSE Class 6 Geography Multiple Choice Questions	WBBSE Class 6 History MCQs	WBBSE Notes For Class 6 School Science

 

Question 3. How did primitive society change into a more complex and advanced society?
Answer:

The primitive society underwent a radical change and gradually turned into a more complex and advanced society.

1. Advanced tools and weapons:

The tools and weapons of the New Stone Age were smaller, lighter and sharper than those of the Old Stone Age. These advanced tools helped to cultivate land as well as to make other necessary things.

2. Agriculture and settled life:

Men learnt the art of agriculture in the New Stone Age and began to settle down in the areas suitable for cultivation which were mostly river banks.

3. Cattle rearing:

Agriculture also ensured a steady supply of straw and hay besides surplus food. So more animals could be domesticated.

4. Development of crafts:

Class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Agriculture did not involve everybody and people had a lot of spare time to concentrate on other activities. So various crafts like pottery, weaving and woodwork emerged.

Question 4. How did early man gather and produce food?
Answer:

At first, early man was a food gatherer but later on, they learnt the art of cultivation and became a food-producer.

Food gathering and production by early man

1. First phase:

Hunting by men:

The early men practised fishing and hunting to gather food.

Women’s food collection:

Women collected fruits, vegetables and eggs from the nearby forests.

2. Second phase:

The invention of agriculture:

The women of the Middle Stone Ages discovered agriculture by planting roots and seeds near their houses.

Development agriculture:

The invention of spades, sickles, thresher instruments and other instruments led to the improvement of agriculture.

Question 5. Describe the cave paintings of Bhimb- etka.
Answer:

The cave paintings of Bhimb- etka:

A number of caves were discovered in 1957 in Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh). Primitive men used to live in these caves in the Old Stone Age. On the walls of the caves, paintings have been found. Most of the paintings found are hunting scenes.

There are paintings of different kinds of animals, birds, fish, squirrels, etc. There are also paintings of man hunting alone or in groups. Some of them are found to wear masks and jewels.

In some paintings, dogs are found accompanying men. Besides yellow and green colours, white and red colours were also used in those paintings.

Question 6. In what ways the New Stone Age had been ‘new’ in the history of primitive man?
Answer:

The New Stone Age had been ‘new’ in the history of primitive man because

1. Small weapons and tools were made,
2. Men learnt to cultivate the land and produce their own food.
3. Women came to know how saplings grew from seeds and plants from saplings.
4. People began to settle down in the agricultural areas.
5. Primitive people had to wander around many places for hunting and grazing animals. With the introduction of agriculture, their wandering days came to an end.

Question 7. Give an account of the Middle Stone Age in the Sarai Nahar Rai region of Uttar Pradesh.
Answer:

Evidence of the Middle Stone Age has been found in the Sarai Nahar Rai region of Uttar Pradesh.

1. Two-edged knives and arrow blades made of bone have been discovered.
2. Bones of different animals have been found but bones of sheep and goats have not been found. This shows that primitive men of the Middle Stone Age were hunters and did not know the domestication of animals.
3. They could not produce food crops. They used fire to roast animal flesh.
4. A grinder-like tool used for grinding grain has been found.
5. Skeletons of primitive people and burial pits have also been discovered.

WBBSE Chapter 2 Topic B Primitive Man In The Indian Subcontinent Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. How the different periods of the Old Stone Age can be determined?
Answer:

The different periods of the Old Stone Age can be determined:

In the Old Stone Age the process of making stone weapons and tools gradually changed. The weapons became sharper, smaller and lighter. Big stones were hammered and the small flints were used as weapons.

As a result, heavy flint stone weapons decreased. These differences in the making of tools and weapons determined the different periods of the Old Stone Age.

Question 2. How were the small stone weapons of the Middle Stone Ages used? Name two places in India where Middle Stone Age weapons have been found.
Answer:

The small stone weapons of the Middle Stone Ages used:

Small stone weapons of the Middle Stone Age were tied or fixed with branches. Such handles helped them to hold the weapons properly.

Two places in India where Middle Stone Age weapons have been found are Mahadaha in Uttar Pradesh and Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh.

Question 3. What have been discovered from Sarai Nahar Rai in Uttar Pradesh?
Answer:

From Sarai Nahar Rai in Uttar Pradesh, two-edged knife, and arrow blades made of bones have been discovered. Bones of different animals have also been found here.

Moreover, a grinder-like tool has been found here. At this archaeological site, burial pits and skeletons of primitive people have also been found.

Question 4. How did the wandering days of primi- primitive men suffer from it? In order to save Primitive men come to an end?
Answer:

Primitive people used to wander around many places for hunting and grazing animals. In the New Stone Age, men had learnt agriculture and could produce their own food.

With the beginning of agriculture, men began to settle down around food-producing areas. With the introduction of agriculture, the wandering days of primitive men came to an end.

Question 5. Why did the number of pastoral animals increase in the New Stone Age?
Answer:

Primitive men used to wander around many places for hunting and grazing animals. With the beginning of agriculture in the New Stone Age primitive men began to settle around food-producing areas.

Agriculture and settled life made rearing of animals easier by ensuring sufficient straw and hay. So the number of pastoral animals increased.

Question 6. What were the different ways by which primitive men used to protect themselves from the cold?
Answer:

Once the world was extremely cold and Primitive men suffered from it. In order to save themselves from the cold, primitive men used to cover themselves with the barks of trees. Sometimes they used animal skin to cover their body.

Practice Questions on Early Human Life in India

Question 7. Why was human life in the Old Stone Age quite hard and miserable?
Answer:

Human life in the Old Stone Age was quite hard and miserable because

1. They did not know how to prepare food and how to domesticate animals.
2. They had to move about in different places for hunting and gathering fruits.
3. They had no permanent settlements and had to live in caves or under the open sky.
4. They had to use animal furs and bark from trees to protect themselves from the cold.

Question 8. Do we find traces of primitive men in the Indian subcontinent?
Answer:

Traces of  primitive men in the Indian subcontinent:

We do not find traces of very primitive people in the Indian subcontinent. Very few bones of primitive men have been found. It is conjectured that primitive men had migrated to the Indian subcontinent from Africa.

However, specimens of tools and weapons used by primitive men have been found in a number of regions in the Indian subcontinent.

Question 9. In which part of India were the oldest stone tools discovered?
Answer:

India were the oldest stone tools discovered Part:

The oldest stone tools of the Indian subcontinent were found in the Swan valley of Kashmir, the Patawar plateau of Pakistan and the mountainous region of the Shivalik in Himachal Pradesh.

Important Definitions Related to Primitive Man

Hand axes and choppers made of heavy flint stones were mostly found. Many stone weapons were also unearthed from Hunsgi valley of Karnataka, Didwana in Rajasthan and Nevasa in Maharashtra.

Question 10. What do you mean by microlith? In which regions of India microliths have been found?
Answer:

Microlith:

‘Microlith’ means small stone weapons. The weapons of the Middle Stone Age were much smaller and sharper than those of the Old Stone Age. Some crude handles were attached to these weapons to hold them properly.

Such weapons have been found at Mahadaha in Uttar Pradesh and Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh A double-edged knife was found in Sarai Nahar Rai in Uttar Pradesh.

Question 11. How do you know that the people of Adamgarh learnt to domesticate animals?
Answer:

The people of Adamgarh learnt to domesticate animals:

Some bones of wild animals as well as cattle and dogs have been found at Adamgarh in the Narmada Valley. No mark of injury has been detected on these bones which shows that they were not slaughtered.

This shows that the people had learnt to domesticate animals.

Question 12. Where do we find evidence of cave dwellings in the Indian subcontinent?
Answer:

In some regions of the Indian subcontinent there are evidence of cave dwellings like Sanghao in north-west Pakistan, Kurnul in Karnataka and Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh.

Question 13. What does culture imply in a broader sense?
Answer:

Culture imply in a broader sense:

Culture generally implies dance and music, dress, art and literature. However, the various day-to-day activities of man are also included in culture.

It is the culture which helps human beings to adjust themselves to different kinds of environments. The manner in which they adapt themselves is also included in their culture.

Question 14. Where do we find evidence of the presence of Homo Erectus species in the Indian subcontinent?
Answer:

Evidence of the presence of Homo Erectus is found in Hunsgi valley of Karnataka, Didwana in Rajasthan and Nevasa in Maharashtra.

Examples of Cave Paintings by Primitive Man

Question 15. How did primitive men of the Old Stone Age in the Indian subcontinent satisfy their hunger?
Answer:

Primitive men of the Old Stone Age in the Indian subcontinent did not know how to domesticate animals. They wandered about in different areas and satisfied their hunger by gathering fruits and hunting animals.

Question 16. What was discovered in Bhimbetka?
Answer:

Bhimbetka:

In 1957 at Bhimbetka a number of caves were discovered. During the Old Stone Age primitive men used to live in these caves. Their paintings have been found on the cave walls.

Question 17. Where in India do we find stone weapons of the Middle Stone Age?
Answer:

Stone weapons of the Middle Stone Age have been found in Mahadaha in Uttar Pradesh, Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh and Sarai Nahar Rai region in Uttar Pradesh.

WBBSE Chapter 2 Topic B Primitive Man In The Indian Subcontinent Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. From where did primitive man come to the Indian subcontinent?
Answer: The probably primitive man had come from Africa to the Indian subcontinent.

Question 2. What have been discovered in the Patawar plateau of Pakistan?
Answer: In the Patawar plateau of Pakistan stone tools of the Old Stone Age have been discovered.

Question 3. What have been discovered in the Narmada Valley of Madhya Pradesh?
Answer: In the Narmada Valley of Madhya Pradesh, human skulls have been discovered that are more than 1,30,000 years old.

Question 4. Why primitive man had a nomadic life?
Answer: Primitive men had a nomadic life because they had to wander around different places to satisfy their hunger by hunting and gathering fruits.

Conceptual Questions on Evolution of Early Humans in India

Question 5. How were the shelters of the men of the Old Stone Age?
Answer: For shelter, Old Stone Age men used to choose natural caves or they lived under the open sky.

Question 6. What types of weapons have been found in Isampur village of the Hunsgi valley?
Answer: In the Isampur village of the Hunsgi valley varieties of the axe, knives, scrappers, etc. have been found.

History Class 6 Chapter 2 Question Answer WBBSE

Question 7. What did women of the New Stone Age do?
Answer: Women of the New Stone Age used to look after their children and gather fruits.

Question 8. What do we come to know about the primitive man from the painting of Bhimbetka?
Answer: In the paintings of Bhimbetka man is found to hunt alone or in a group wearing masks on their face and jewels.

Question 9. Mention one of the weapons of the middle period of the Old Stone Age.
Answer: One of the weapons of the middle period of the Old Stone Age was a knife.

Question 10. Describe the small weapons of the Middle Stone Age.
Answer: The small weapons of the Middle Stone Age were tied or fixed with branches which helped to hold hand tools and weapons properly.

Question 11. Why were vessels needed in the Middle Stone Age?
Answer: Men of the Middle Stone Age needed vessels to store food and milk which was ensured through the rearing of cattle.

Question 12. How were vessels made by men of the Middle Stone Ages?
Answer: Clay was applied to baskets and vessels were made out of them by the men of the Middle Stone Age.

Question 13. In many ways, the New Stone Age had been ‘new’ in the history of primitive man. Give an example.
Answer: The New Stone Age had been ‘new’ in the history of primitive man because much advancement was made in the skills of making stone tools and weapons which became smaller in size.

Question 14. What did women of the New Stone Age understand by observing the trees?
Answer: Women of the New Stone Age loved to understand by observing the trees how saplings grew from seeds and plants from saplings.

Question 15. When and where the New Stone Age man began to settle down?
Answer: With the beginning of agriculture the New Stone Age man began to settle down in the agricultural areas.

Question 16. Why did the wandering days of primitive people of the New Stone Age come to an end?
Answer: The wandering days of primitive people of the New Stone Age came to an end with the introduction of agriculture.

Question 17. Why all members of the community in the New Stone Age did not have to engage themselves in cultivation?
Answer: All members of the community in the New Stone Age did not have to engage themselves in cultivation because at the time surplus, agricultural crops were produced. Therefore to feed themselves, everyone did not have to engage in cultivation.

Question 18. In which Stone Age there was a gradual transition from primitive society to a more complex and advanced society?
Answer: In the New Stone Age there was a gradual transition from a primitive society to a more advanced society.

Question 19. How did primitive men of the Stone Age protect themselves from the cold weather?
Answer: Primitive men of the Stone Age covered themselves with barks of trees and animal skin to protect themselves from cold weather.

Question 20. In which phase of the Stone Age men learnt to cultivate the land and produce food?
Answer: In the New Stone Age men learnt to cultivate the land and therefore were able to produce their own food.

WBBSE Chapter 2 Topic B Primitive Man In The Indian Subcontinent Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. Old stone weapons have been found in the Shavlik mountainous region of ________ (Himachal Pradesh/Uttar Pradesh/Madhya Pradesh).
Answer: Himachal

Question 2. Bhimbetka cave is situated at some distance from Bhopal in _________ (Himachal Pradesh/ Uttar Pradesh/Madhya Pradesh).
Answer: Madhya

Question 3. A ______ (hatchet/knife/sickle) with two sharp ends was found at Sarai Nahar Rai in Uttar Pradesh.
Answer: Knife

Question 4. Eight thousand years old animal bones have been found at ________ (Azamgarh/ Mehrgarh/Adamgarh) in the Narmada Valley.
Answer: Adamgarh

History Class 6 Chapter 2 Question Answer WBBSE

Question 5. Skeletons and bones of primitive man have been found in Africa, Java and _______ (Japan/China/Indonesia).
Answer: China

Question 6. In the Narmada valley of ________ human skulls have been discovered (Uttar Pradesh/ Rajasthan/Madhya Pradesh).
Answer: Madhya Pradesh

Question 7. A number of caves were discovered in Bhimbetka in __________. (1957/1956/1960).
Answer: 1957

Question 8. In the Middle Stone Age burial sites have been found in __________ (Bhopal/Mahadaha/ Nevasa).
Answer: Mahadaha

WBBSE Chapter 2 Topic B Primitive Man In The Indian Subcontinent True Or False

Question 1. The oldest stone tools of the Indian subcontinent have been found in the Swan Valley of Kashmir.
Answer: True

Question 2. The painting of a huge bull on the ceiling of Altamira cave was painted by ancient cavemen almost fifty to thirty thousand years ago.
Answer: True

Question 3. Some cave paintings were found at the Bhimbetka cave.
Answer: True

Question 4. The man had been able to adjust himself to all sorts of environments due to his culture.
Answer: True

Question 5. Seven hundred years old animal bones have been found at Adamgarh.
Answer: False

Question 6. The Hunsgi Valley of Karnataka, Didwana in Rajasthan and Nevasa of Maharashtra were the dwelling places of the Homo Erectus.
Answer: True

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 2 Questions And Answers

Question 7. The use of Potter’s wheel was unknown in the Middle Stone Age.
Answer: True

Question 8. Women of the New Stone Age used to look after their children and gather fruits.
Answer: True

Question 9. There was discrimination in society during the New Stone Age.
Answer: False

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer Chapter 2 Primitive Man In The Indian Subcontinent Topic A Tales Of Primitive Man Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Why did the ‘apes’ come down from the trees and set out in search of deeper forests?
Answer:

The ‘apes’ come down from the trees and set out in search of deeper forests:

Millions of years ago a large portion of the land of the earth was covered with dense forests. The eastern part of Africa also had some dense forests. Huge animals, many kinds of birds and monkeys used to live there.

Apes, which were a big tailless monkeys, were also found. When there were changes in the climate the number of trees decreased and it became difficult to move around those trees. Fruits were also not easily available.

Thus a group of apes set out in search of deeper forests. Another group of apes came down from the trees to the ground in search of food.

Question 2. What are the differences between Old Stone Age and New Stone Age?
Answer:

The differences between Old Stone Age and New Stone Age:

The stone Age can be divided into three stages

1. Old Stone Age
2. Middle Stone Age and
3. New Stone Age.

The differences between the Old Stone Age and the New Stone Age are as follows

1. Period:

The Old Stone Age was approximately from 2 million years BC to 10,000 BC. The new Stone Age was approximately from 8000 BC to 4000 BC.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History

2. Features:

Weapons of the Old Stone Age were heavy, large, and rough. Primitive men of the Old Stone Age lived in caves or under the open sky. They were hunters and food gatherers. They could not produce their own food.

So they used to wander about in different areas to collect food. They did not know how to domesticate animals. Weapons of the New Stone Age, on the other hand, were lighter and sharper with handles.

Coming out of the caves primitive men of the New Stone Age started a settled life. They started cultivation and animal rearing. They invented the wheel. They transformed themselves from food gatherers to food producers.

Practice Questions on Early Human Life

Question 3. What were the major changes in the New Stone Age?

Answer:

The major changes in the New Stone Age:

With the end of the Middle Stone Age, the New Stone Age started. It was the last period of the Stone Age. Major changes in the New Stone Age are

1. Weapons:

Various kinds of stone weapons and tools were made which were much sharper and lighter. Some weapons were small in size.

2. Cultivation and rearing of animals:

Primitive man in this age for the first time learned to cultivate the land and began to produce their own food. They also began to rear animals.

3. Earthenware Vessel:

Primitive man also started making earthenware vessels.

4. Settlement:

Primitive man in this age abandoned their nomadic life and settled in different regions, particularly around food-producing areas.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 Geography	WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History	WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 Maths
WBBSE Class 6 Geography Notes	WBBSE Class 6 History Notes	WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 School Science
WBBSE Class 6 Geography Multiple Choice Questions	WBBSE Class 6 History MCQs	WBBSE Notes For Class 6 School Science

 

Question 4. On what basis primitive man can be divided? What are the divisions?
Answer:

Division Of Primitive man can be :

Primitive men can be divided into four types according to the shapes of their skulls.

These divisions are:

1. Australopithecus:

They lived about 4 to 3 million years ago. They could barely stand on their feet.

2. Homo Habilis:

They lived about 2.6 to 1.7 million years back. They used to live in groups and could walk. Their food was fruits of forests and raw meat.

3. Homo Erectus:

They lived about 2 million to 3,50,000 years ago. They could stand straight on two feet. They lived in groups. They were the first to learn the use of fire.

4. Homo Sapiens:

They lived about 2,30,000 years ago. They were the first intelligent human beings. They used to roast animal flesh and wear animal skin to protect themselves from the cold.

Question 5. Discuss the main features of Australo- pieces and Homo Habilis human species.

Answer:

The main features of Australo- pieces and Homo Habilis human species:

Determined by the shapes of skulls, primitive men are divided into four groups.

Two such groups are

1. Australopithecus or ape to man and
2. Homo Habilis or skilled human beings.

1. Features of Australopithecus:

The features of Australopithecus (from ape to man) are as follows

1. They lived about 4 to 3 million years ago.
2. They could barely stand on two feet.
3. They had strong jaws which helped them to eat dry fruits and solid nuts. [iv] They used to strike at trees with branches and tried to throw stones.

2. Features of Homo Habilis:

Homo Habilis were known as skilled human beings.

Some of their features are

1. They lived about 2.6 to 1.7 million years ago.
2. They could walk and live in groups.
3. They ate fruits and raw meat.
4. They were the first to use stones as weapons.
5. They could carve a stone weapon by striking one stone to another.

Question 6. What are the main features of Homo Erectus and Homo Sapiens human species?
Answer:

The main features of Homo Erectus and Homo Sapiens human species:

Determined by the shapes of human skulls, primitive man is divided into four groups.

Two such groups are

1. Homo Erectus and
2. Homo Sapiens.

1. Features of Homo Erectus:

The features of Homo Erectus are as follows

1. Homo Erectus lived about 2 million to 3,50,000 years ago.
2. They could stand straight on two feet.
3. They lived in caves in groups.
4. They could hunt and were the first to know the use of fire.

2. Features of Homo Sapiens:

The features of Homo Sapiens are as follows

1. Homo Sapiens lived about 2,30,000 years ago.
2. They used their intelligence to make small, sharp, and pointed stone weapons like spears.
3. They used fire for different purposes such as roasting of animal flesh.
4. They used animal skins to cover their body.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Chapter 2  Topic A Tales Of Primitive Man Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. How was the lifestyle of man in the Middle Stone Ages?
Answer:

The lifestyle of man in the Middle Stone Ages:

The period of the Middle Stone Age was approximately from 10,000 BC to 8000 BC. Coming out of the caves primitive man of the Middle Stone Age began to make small settlements.

Along with hunting and gathering fruits from forests, they began to rear animals which ensured them a greater supply of food and milk. Stone weapons which they used were small, light, and sharp.

Question 2. Describe the weapons of the Old Stone Age, Middle Stone Age, and New Stone Age.
Answer:

The weapons of the Old Stone Age, Middle Stone Age, and New Stone Age:

The stone Age can be divided into three stages:

1. Old Stone Age
2. Middle Stone Age and
3. New Stone Age.

In each of these stages, the stone weapons used by primitive man had certain special features which are as follows:

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

1. Old Stone Age:

Weapons of the Old Stone Age were large, heavy, rough, and ill-framed.

2. Middle Stone Age:

Weapons of the Middle Stone Age were light, small, and sharp.

3. New Stone Age:

Weapons of the New Stone Age were much lighter and sharper.

Question 3. What gradual changes came about in the anatomy of primitive man after the discovery of fire?
Answer:

The anatomy of primitive man after the discovery of fire:

After the discovery of fire primitive man began to eat roasted meat instead of the raw flesh of animals. Roasted meat were soft and for consuming it much less pressure was needed to be applied by their jaws and teeth.

This led to a change in the shape of jaws and teeth. Jaws became narrow and the front teeth, which was sharp and long, became smaller. The physical strength of primitive men increased and their intelligence also developed.

Thus some changes came about in the anatomy of primitive men after the discovery of fire.

Conceptual Questions on Evolution of Early Humans

Question 4. What do you mean by Stone Age? What are the three stages of the Stone Age?
Answer:

Meaning of Stone Age:

Stone Age is an important part of human history. The age in which man used stone to make stone tools and weapons is known as Stone Age.

Three Stages of the Stone Age:

Stone Age can be divided into three stages

1. Old Stone Age
2. Middle Stone Age and
3. New Stone Age.

Question 5. How did primitive man discover fire?
Answer:

Primitive man discover fire:

Discovery of fire was a very significant event in the course of human history. Primitive man did not know how to produce fire. Later on they discovered it.

1. Forest fire:

Primitive man used to watch forest fires lighted in some other way. Once they brought a burning branch of a tree inside their cave to make a fire. They found that rubbing two pieces of dry wood produced fire.

2 Striking of stones against each other:

While breaking stones to make weapons primitive man noticed that fire could be lit by striking two stones against each other. Thus primitive man learned how to produce fire.

Question 6. Compare the main events of the different phases of the Stone Age.
Answer:

Main events of the different phases of the stone age

Name of the age		Period	Main events
Old Stone Age	1. Early	Approximately from 20,00,000 years ago to 75,000 BC	Use of big stones. The main occupations are hunting, fishing, collecting of wild fruits
	2. Middle	Approximately from 75,000 BC to 50,000 BC	Sharpening stone weapons on both sides. Using animal skins as clothes and animal bones for other purposes.
	3. Later	Approximately from 50,000 BC to 10,000 BC	Increasing skill in making stone weapons, inventing of sewing with needles made of bone, and the invention of the harpoon.
Middle Stone Age		Approximately from 10,000 BC to 8,000 BC	Use of new weapons like bows and arrows, making rafts and boats by hollowing out tree trunks to use as a means of water transport.
New Stone Age		Approximately from 8,000 BC to 4,000 BC	Use of sharp and smooth weapons with handles, the beginning of agriculture, the invention of the wheel, and settled life.

 

Question 7. Compare the features and activities of man in the different stages of evolution.
Answer:

Features and activities of man in the different stages of evolution

Stage	Period	Physical features a food habits	Other activities
1. Australo- pithecus	Lived about 4 to 3 million years ago	1. Could barely stand on feet     2.  Well-formed and sturdy jaws  3.  Ate nuts and dry fruits	1. Struck at trees with branches              2. Tried to throw stones
2. Homo Habilis	Lived about 2.6 to 1.7 million years ago	1.    Could   Walk                      2.    Ate fruits and raw meat	1.    Used stones as weapons for the first time and could make crude weapons                                             2.    Lived in groups
3. Homo Erectus	Lived about 2 million to 3,50,000 years ago	Could stand straight on two feet	1.    Lived in caves in groups                     2.    Learned hunting and used pebbles and hand axes as weapons                                                   3.    They were the first to have learnt the use of fire
4. Homo Sapiens	Lived    about 2,30,000 years ago	1.    Completely developed brain                                       2.    Ate roasted meat	1.    Used intelligence to make small, sharp, and pointed stone weapons like spears                                                      2.    Wore animal skins                       3.    Used fire for various purposes

 

Question 8. What are the features that distinguish a human being from other animals?
Answer:

The features that distinguish a human being from other animals:

The unique features of a human being that distinguish him from other animals are the ability to walk upright on two feet, the use of hands, a long vertebral column, a large developed brain, and a large skull to accommodate the brain.

Question 9. What is meant by ‘apes’ and ‘hominids? How did the apes change into hominids?
Answer:

‘Apes’ and ‘hominids:

Apes’ were big, tailless monkeys who lived on earth before the appearance of human beings. ‘Hominids’ were the first human beings. The apes gradually transformed into hominids due to changes in climate and food habits.

Question 10. What is meant by primitive? Where did the most primitive man exist? On what basis can primitive men be divided?
Answer:

Primitive:

The word ‘primitive’ means very old.

1. The traces of the most primitive, man have been found in East Africa.
2. Primitive men can be divided into groups according to the shapes of their skulls.

Real-Life Scenarios Involving Primitive Human Activities

Question 11. What is Lucy?
Answer:

Lucy:

Lucy is the skeleton of a young girl. It was found in 1974 in the Hadar region of Ethiopia in Africa. This skeleton belonged to the Australopithecus category and has been estimated to be 3.2 million years old.

Question 12. Mention the different stages of the evolution of man.
Answer:

The different stages of the evolution of man are as follows:

1. Australopithecus (the ape-man),
2. Homo Habilis (the skilled man),
3. Homo Erectus (the upright man) and
4. Homo Sapiens (the intelligent man).

Question 13. What do you mean by Homo Habilis and Homo Sapiens?
Answer:

Homo Habilis and Homo Sapiens:

Homo Habilis were skilled human beings. Homo Sapiens were intelligent human beings.

Question 14. What do you mean by Middle Stone Age?
Answer:

Middle Stone Age:

The period between the Old Stone Age and New Stone Age is known as Middle Stone Age. The Middle Stone Age is approximately from 10,000 BC to 8,000 BC.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Question 15. How did fire change the food habits of primitive man?
Answer:

The discovery of fire played a very important part in the lives of primitive men. Fire changed the food habits of primitive men.

They found that meat tasted better if it was roasted in the fire. So they began to eat roasted meat instead of the raw flesh of animals.

WBBSE Chapter 2  Topic A Tales Of Primitive Man  Objective Type Questions

Question 1. Millions of years ago a major part of the landmass of the earth was covered with forests.
Answer: True

Question 2. Australopithecus is the first stage of transition from ape to human race.
Answer: True

Question 3. Homo Habilis is the first human race to stand erect.
Answer: False

Question 4. Homo Habilis is a skillful human race.
Answer: True

Question 5. Homo Sapiens is the first intelligent human race.
Answer: True

Question 6. Old Stone Age extended from about 2 million BC to 10,000 BC.
Answer: True

Question 7. Middle Stone Age extended from about 10,000 BC to 7,000 BC.
Answer: False

Question 8. New Stone Age extended from about 8,000 BC to 6,000 BC.
Answer: False

Question 9. The weapons of the Old Stone Age were big, heavy, and crude.
Answer: True

Question 10. The weapons of the Middle Stone Age were small, light, and sharp.
Answer: True

Question 11. The weapons of the New Stone Age were light and sharp.
Answer: True

Question 12. What are the unique features of the human body?
Answer: Walking upright on two feet, the use of hands and a long vertebral column are the unique features of the human body.

Question 13. What do you mean by ‘apes’?
Answer: ‘Apes’ were big tailless monkeys who lived on earth before the appearance of a man.

Question 14. How was the land mass of the earth millions of years ago?
Answer: The land mass of the earth millions of years ago was covered with dense forests.

Question 15. How many years ago Australopithecus lived?
Answer: Australopithecus lived about 4 to 3 million years ago.

Question 16. Where do we find traces of the most primitive man?
Answer: Traces of the most primitive man have been found in East Africa.

Class 6 History Chapter 6 WBBSE

Question 17. Who were the first to use stone as a weapon?
Answer: Homo Habilis were the first to use stone as a weapon.

Question 18. How many years ago intelligent human beings lived?
Answer: Intelligent human beings (Homo Sapiens) lived about 2,30,000 years ago.

Question 19. Into how many stages Stone Age can be generally divided?
Answer: The stone Age can be generally divided into three stages.

Question 20. What changed the food habits of primitive man?
Answer: Fire changed the food habits of primitive man.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Question 21. What protected primitive man from the attack of different animals?
Answer: Fire protected primitive man from the attack of different animals.

Question 22. What is Hadar?
Answer: Hadar is the name of a place in Ethiopia in the continent of Africa.

Question 23. What is Lucy?
Answer: Lucy is the Australopithecus skeleton which was found in 1974 AD in the Hadar region of Ethiopia.

Question 24. What was discovered in the Hadar region of Ethiopia in 1974?
Answer: In the Hadar region of Ethiopia in 1974 some parts of an Australopithecus skeleton were discovered. It was the skeleton of a small girl who lived about almost 3.2 million years ago.

WBSSE Chapter 2  Topic A Tales Of Primitive Man Fill In The Blanks By Selecting The Appropriate Expression From The Brackets

Question 1. The term _______ (ancient/neo/primitive) means very old or related to the beginning.
Answer: Primitive

Question 2. There were dense forests on the eastern part of _______ (Asia/Africa/Europe).
Answer: Africa

Question 3._______ (Homo Habilis/Homo Erectus/HomoSapiens) was the first intelligent man.
Answer: HomoSapiens

Question 4. Primitive man was like the __________ (chimpanzee/monkey/gorilla).
Answer: Chimpanzee

Question 5. Human history constitutes of (primitive men/people/ apes) and their activities.
Answer: People

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Question 6. _____(Australopithecus/ Homo Erectus/ Homo Habilis) lived approximately around 2.6 to 1.7 million years back.
Answer: Homo Habilis

Question 7. ______ (Homo Habilis/Australopithecus/ Homo Erectus) were the first to use stone as a weapon.
Answer: Homo Habilis

Question 8. The first primitive men to live in groups were the _________ (Homo Erectus/Homo Sapiens/Australopithecus).
Answer: Homo Erectus

Question 9. _________ (Homo Sapiens/Australopithecus/ Homo Erectus) were the first to know the use of fire.
Answer: Homo Erectus

Question 10. Intelligent human beings were known as ______ (Homo Habilis/Homo Erectus/ Homo Sapiens).
Answer: Homo Sapiens

Question 11. The first very significant event in the life of primitive man was the use of ________ (metal/fire/water).
Answer: Fire

Question 12. In the Hadar region in Ethiopia some parts of an _______ (Homo Sapiens/Homo habilis/ Australopithecus) skeleton
discovered.
Answer: Australopithecus

Question 13. Primitive men of the __________ (Old Stone Age/ New Stone Age/Middle Stone Age) age abandoned nomadic life and began to make settlements in particular regions.
Answer: New Stone Age

Question 14. Primitive men produced fire by rubbing two pieces of _______ (wood/metal/iron).
Answer: Wood

Question 15. After the discovery of fire primitive men consumed _______ (raw flesh of animals/ cooked food/roasted meat).
Answer: Roasted meat

Question 16. Initially primitive man used to eat _______ (cooked food/burnt meat/raw meat and fruits).
Answer: Raw meat and fruits

Question 17. The earliest tool of primitive man was _________ (blunt stone/light chiseled stone/stone axe).
Answer: Blunt stone