Class 6 History

Chapter 1 An Introduction To History Salient Points At A Glance

Archaeological Sources Introduction – Study of History:

History is the study of the past. It takes only factual details into account and helps us to know about the evolution of man from the primitive to the modern stage.

Riverine Civilisations:

A number of civilizations grew up along the river valleys in pre-historic times. For example, the Egyptian Civilisation, the Harappan Civilisation, and the Mesopotamian Civilisation.

River played a very important role in the life of the people of such civilizations. As a mother nurtures her child, the rivers nurtured these civilizations. So, these civilizations which grew up along the river valleys are called riverine civilizations.

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Bhaaratvarsha:

India is called Bhaarat- Varsha. It is derived from ‘Bharat’, the name of an old clan. The descendants of ‘Bharat’ lives here.

Aryavarta:

The Aryans settled down at the central part of the Gangetic valley to the north of the Vindhyas. This region extends from the Saraswati river in the west to Varanasi in the east was called Aryavarta.

Archaeological Sources Introduction

Dakshinatya:

The region to the south of the Vindhyas where the Dravidians lived was known as Dakshinatya. It extended from the Vindhyas to Kanyakumarika.

Pre-historic Age:

Pre-historic Age refers to the period written records of which are not available. It covers the time span between the appearance of man on earth and the invention of the art of writing.

This age was called the Stone Age and its history can be reconstructed with the help of archaeological remains only.

Proto-historic Age:

Proto-historic Age refers to the period when the art of writing was invented and some sort of scripts came to be used in different countries but those scripts have not been deciphered yet.

Example: Harappan civilization belonged to this age.

Historic Age:

The period of which written records are available and those scripts have been deciphered is referred to as the Historic Age. This age began during the Iron Age. The Vedic civilization belonged to this period.

Ice Age:

The Ice Age began around 70,000 years ago. The atmosphere over the earth began to grow colder. It became so cold that a major part of the land got covered with ice sheets and all the waterbodies froze.

This age was called Ice Age. The last Ice Age existed about 10,000 years ago.

Metal Age:

The age in which man learned the use of metals like copper, bronze, and iron is known as the Metal Age.

Copper Age:

The age in which man knew the use of copper only is known as the Copper Age. Iron Age: The period when man first learned the use of iron is referred to as the Iron Age.

As man had learned to make wheels the communication system developed considerably during this age. The tools and implements made of iron were hard and durable. This led to the development of agriculture.

Circa:

The term ‘circa’ means approximately. Sometimes it becomes very difficult to determine the exact date of an event or the exact beginning or end of an age. So some dates have to be approximated. The term circa (C) is used to show such approximate dates.

Anno Domini (AD):

The time calculated from the birth of Jesus Christ is called Anno Domini. According to the Christian calendar, the year of Christ’s birth is taken as the base year and the period preceding it is referred to as BC and the period following it is referred to as AD.

Christian Era:

The time before Christ’s birth is referred to as BC and the time after his birth is referred to as AD.

Sources of history:

Evidence and trials for the reconstruction of history are called sources of history.

Archaeological Sources Introduction

Archaeologist:

An archaeologist is a person who excavates old materials from underground and studies them.

Prasasti:

The word ‘Prasasti’ means eulogy or praise. Some inscriptions contain eulogies of rulers written on them. Many facts can be known about the rulers from their respective precasts. For example, the Allahabad Prasasti provides us with much valuable information

Museum:

A museum is a place where the archaeological remains of the earlier days are carefully preserved. Some of the things thus preserved are bones of animals, garments of kings and queens, articles of daily use, weapons, statues, pictures, coins, and manuscripts.

Chronology:

Chronology means the order or sequence of events. Chronology is an important part of history because history always refers to a time frame in some way or the other.

So the events in history are described in the same order as they actually happened and thus continuity is maintained.

Chapter 1 An Introduction To History Formative

Didi Moni (teacher) said that to understand History, it is necessary to have a knowledge of Geography. This took everyone by surprise. Their history and geography books are different, classes are separate.

Then how come Didimoni made such a remark? This was what Pritha asked. Didi Moni explained, “Actually history chiefly concerns itself with peoples’ activities.

Many of their activities or work are determined by the environment or geographical conditions within which they live. Consider, for example, the riverine people who live a certain kind of life. In their daily functions, the river has immense significance.

Again there are people who live in the deserts. In their lives, a river is less significant. You will see that in the desert people usually travel by camel. On the other hand, people of riverine places use boats.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Many of us have to board boats to cross rivers. Again in Rajasthan, people ride on camels to cross the desert. This has been the practice for a long time. Therefore, in the history of the transportation of West Bengal, one comes to know about boats.

Similarly, in the case of Rajasthan, one will read about camels. Why is there a difference in the transport history of the two regions? This is because their environment and geography are different.

Therefore, history differs according to the particular locality and its environment. There are marked differences in food, dress, transport, commerce, and work. And this happens from very small localities to large areas.

Let us consider, why do people of the plain regions mostly eat rice?” Rahul replied, “This is because there is more paddy cultivation in the plains.” Didimoni said, “That is right.”

Archaeological Sources Introduction

Palash said “My uncle lives in Rajasthan. Their paddy is not much cultivated. In my uncle’s house, chapatti is mostly eaten.” Didimoni said, “This is how most human activities are determined by the environment and by geography.

Hence to understand history it is necessary to have a sense of geography. Do you remember that the two key axioms of tales of history were ‘why’ and ‘where’? To precisely comprehend this ‘why’ and ‘where we must know about the environment and geography”.

Questions related to the above text are given below for formative evaluation.

Chapter 1 An Introduction To History Participation

Question 1. What is history?
Answer:

History:

History is stories of earlier times.

Question 2. What is geography about?
Answer:

Geography:

Geography deals with the study of the earth, its physical features, environment, and relationship to human beings.

To know history, knowledge of geography is essential – keeping this in mind the learner can participate in the discussion mentioned above and other questions related to the topic.

Chapter 1 An Introduction To History Interpretation And Application

Question 1. Why was the history of ancient India not recorded properly?
Answer:

The history of ancient India not recorded properly:

It is a misfortune that India has not produced historians like Herodotus, Thucydides, etc. The people of India were not very serious about writing history chronologically. Therefore, the ancient history of India was not recorded properly.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Question 2. Why were different aspects of geography studied?
Answer:

Different aspects of geography studied:

To study the history of ancient India, knowledge of geography is essential because the activities of the people depend on the environment and geography. Different people live in different environments, so different aspects of geography are studied.

While discussing the above text why history is important can be highlighted. With reference to the above questions, the learners will be able to show their capability of interpretation and application.

Chapter 1 An Introduction To History  Questioning And Experimentation

Question 1. To understand history why is it necessary to have a knowledge of geography?
Answer:

We Should Have A knowledge of geography:

Human activities are determined by the environment and geography. Geography plays an important role in molding the history of a country.

The influence of mountains, rivers, and seas is evident in the political, economic, social, and cultural history of India. Hence, to understand history, it is necessary to have a knowledge of geography.

This map shows the path followed by the Aryans to enter India and their place of emergence. Though it is impossible for a history student to understand the map without knowledge of geography.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Reading the extract, curiosity will develop in the mind of the learner regarding the relationship between history and geography. If questions like the one mentioned above are asked, the learner through queries will come to know more about the topic.

Chapter 1 An Introduction To History Aesthetics And Creative Expression

Prepare a comparison chart of History and Geography individually or in groups.

History	Geography
The study of history focuses on all of the human experience.	Geography focuses on human interaction with the physical environment.
History is the study of past events.	Geography is the study of the physical structure and inhabitants of the earth.
History asks about what happened and when.	Geography asks about what happened and where.
History views human experience from the perspective of time.	Geography views human experience from the perspective of space.

 

Prepare a chart showing the different types of museums.

 

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic C Miscellaneous Descriptive Questions

Question 1. Examine the popularity of Buddhism as a religion.
Answer:

The popularity of Buddhism as a religion:

Buddhism founded by Gautama Buddha gained wide acceptance and became a popular religion.

1. Menander, the Indo-Greek king, under the influence of the Buddhist monk Nagasena, adopted Buddhism. He took initiative to spread Buddhism.
2. Emperor Ashoka took some steps to spread. Buddhism outside the Indian subcontinent. He sent envoys to places like Syria, Sri Lanka, Macedonia, Egypt, etc.
3. The Greeks who came with Alexander gradually merged into Indian culture and embraced Buddhism.
4. The Kushana emperor Kanishka adopted Buddhism. During his reign, Gandhara art evolved around Buddhism.
5. Buddhist religion and studies was practiced in Kashmir. Buddhayasha was a renowned Kashmiri Buddhist scholar who went to Kashgar in Central Asia.
6. Paramartha went to China and there he practiced Buddhist religion and philosophy.
7. Kumarajiva went to Kashmir and studied Buddhism. He holds a significant place in the spread of Buddhist religion and philosophy.
8. A Chinese scholar named Tao ngan encouraged the Buddhist Scholar from China to visit India. Faxian and Xuanzang came to India and studied the Buddhist religion.

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Question 2. What was the importance of the Gandhara region?
Answer:

The importance of the Gandhara region:

Gandhara was located to the northwest of the Indian subcontinent. The importance of the Gandhara region can never be underestimated.

1. Communication between the Persian and the Indian subcontinent was established via Gandhara.
2. It was located at a central position which helped to spread Buddhism to Central and East Asia.
3. It was an important cultural centre. It was the home of a distinctive art style that was a mixture of an Indian Buddhist and Graeco-Roman influence. The art was known as Gandhara art.
4. The Gandhara art which developed in the Gandhara province evolved around Buddhism. New kinds of Buddha images were made.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 9 Questions And Answers

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic C Miscellaneous Objective Type Questions

Strike the odd one out

Question 1. Mesopotamia, Sumer, Babylon, Egypt.
Answer: Egypt

Question 2. Bhrigukachha, Kalyam, Kaveripattinam, Kashgarh.
Answer: Kashgarh

Question 3. Alexandria, Corsica, Macedonia, Constantinople.
Answer: Corsica

Question 4. Carthage, Athens, Sparta, Crete.
Answer: Carthage

Question 5. Babylon, Persepolis, Parthia, Byzantium.
Answer: Byzantium

Question 6. Suryasiddhanta, Rajtarangini, Pancha siddhantika, Yavanjataka.
Answer: Rajtarangini

Question 7. Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Rajagriha, Rome.
Answer: Rome

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 9 Questions And Answers

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic C Miscellaneous Match The Columns

1.

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

2.

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

3.

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

4.

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

5.

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

6.

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

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 9 Questions And Answers

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic C Miscellaneous Exercise

Spot the odd word and underline it

Question 1. Bhrigukachha, Kalyan, Sopara, Tamralipta.
Answer: Sopara

Question 2. Buddhayasha, Kumarajiva, Paramartha, Xuanzang.
Answer: Xuanzang

Question 3. Alexander, Seleucus, Kanishka, Menander.
Answer: Kanishka

 

Match Column A With Column B

Answer: 1. (B), 2. (C), 3. (A)

 

Fill In The Blanks With The Correct Word

Question 1. According to Herodotus, Indus was a ______________ (province/country/district) of the Persian Empire.
Answer: Province

Question 2. The _____________ (Shakas/Bactrians/Kushanas) were known as Indo-Greeks.
Answer: Bactrians

Question 3. St. Thomas had visited the Indian subcontinent for the spread of Christianity during the rule of ____________ (Alexander/Menander/Gondophernes).
Answer: Gondophernes

 

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic C Miscellaneous Write In Your Own Words

Question 1. Did Alexander’s invasion of the Indian subcontinent have any effect on the growth of the Mauryan empire?
Answer:

Alexander’s invasion of India had definitely helped in the growth of the Mauryan empire.

Effect of Alexander’s invasion on the growth of the Mauryan empire

Alexander defeated the Persians and put an end to their rule over the subcontinent. The destruction of the small kingdoms had subsequently facilitated Chandragupta Maurya’s attempt to extend his empire.

Since Alexander left India very quickly, it was easy for Chandragupta Maurya to defeat the weak powers and establish his empire.

Question 2. What are the things that we do not find in Indian society and culture before the arrival of the Shakas and Kushanas?
Answer: Before the arrival of the Shakas and the Kushanas there was no circulation of silver currencies. Different styles of garments like coats, pajamas, long coats, belts, shoes, etc. were not in use.

The use of reins and bridles was not introduced in the Indian subcontinent before the arrival of the Shakas.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 9 Questions And Answers

Question 3. What in your opinion, was the role of education in furthering the contact between the Indian subcontinent and the outside world in ancient times?
Answer:

The role of education in furthering the contact between the Indian subcontinent and the outside world in ancient times:

Education played a significant role in furthering the contact between the Indian subcontinent and the outside world in ancient times.

1. Scholars from abroad to the Indian subcontinent:

Many scholars and students including Fa Hein (Faxian), Hieun Tsang (Xuanzang), and others came from China for learning and religious discussions. They not only learned about Buddhism and Brahmanism but also studied literature, science, and medicine.

The universities of Nalanda, Taxila, and other educational centers helped in establishing close contact between India and China.

2. Scholars of the Indian subcontinent to different countries:

Buddhayasha, a well known Kashmiri Buddhist scholar visited Kashgarh in Central Asia. Paramartha visited China with the aim of education. He carried with him some Buddhist literature.

Kumarajiva went to the Chinese capital and remained there. He devoted his life to the study of Buddhist religion and philosophy.

 

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic C Miscellaneous Hands on

Question 1. Compare the pictures of the coins in chapter 9 with those of chapters 6 and 7 respectively and find out the similarities and dissimilarities between the two sets.

Similarities between the pictures

1. The coins of the Kushanas, Guptas, Satavahanas, and Greeks were circular.
2. Gold coins were in use in ancient India during the time of the Maurya, Kushana, Gupta, and Greek rulers.
3. The pictures of the kings were engraved on the coins of the Maurya, Kushana, Gupta, and Greek rulers.

 

 

History Class 6 Chapter 9 WBBSE

Dissimilarities between the pictures

1. The coins of the Mauryas and those of ancient India were not circular in shape but those of the Kushanas, Guptas, and Greeks were circular.
2. Chandragupta Il first initiated silver coins in the Gupta period. However, silver coins were not in use in the post-Gupta or Kushana period.
3. The Kushana and Greek coins portrayed only the images of the kings but the coins of Mauryas, Guptas, and ancient India had other pictures carved on them apart from the faces of kings.

 

 

Question 2. Observe map 9.2 (of the textbook) carefully. Which were the places in the subcontinent visited by Faxian and Xuanzang? Which were the places where both had point a visit? Make a list of these places.
Answer: See the ‘Aesthetics and Creative Expression’ portion of Formative Evaluation.

History Class 6 Chapter 9 WBBSE

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic C Miscellaneous Food For Thought

Question 1. Make a list of the names of the different regions of ancient Bengal that you have come across in this book. Why are these regions famous?
Answer:

 

 

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic C Miscellaneous Formative

Travel Routes of Faxian and Xuanzang in the Indian subcontinent

History Class 6 Chapter 9 WBBSE

 

 

Sample questions related to the above map are given on the next page for formative evaluation.

History Class 6 Chapter 9 WBBSE

Participation

Question 1. What do you mean by a foreign country?
Answer: A country other than our own country i.e. France is a foreign country.

Question 2. What are those people called who came from foreign countries?
Answer: Those people who come to India from other countries are called foreigners.

Question 3. Do we come to know anything about our country from the writings and books of the foreigners?
Answer: Yes, directly or indirectly we get various information from the writings and books of the foreigners.

Question 4. Have you ever heard of the country China?
Answer: Yes, we have heard of China.

Question 5. Where is China situated?
Answer: China is situated in the north of India.

Referring to the map if the above-mentioned questions are asked and discussed the learner will be able to participate in the discussion.

Questioning And Experimentation

Question 1. Where do you live?
Answer:

I live in West Bengal, a state of India.

Question 2. Do any of your relatives reside in a foreign country?
Answer:

The learner can say ‘yes’ or ‘no’

Question 3. Does any foreigner stay in your locality? Have you ever tasted foreign food especially Chinese food?
Answer:

The learner can say ‘Yes’ or ‘No.

Yes, I have tasted chow min, momo, etc.

Through the above-mentioned questions, the learner will be interested about the theme and will also be interested in taking part in the discussion.

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic C Miscellaneous Empathy And Cooperation

See the map given and tell which of the marked places is attractive to foreigners at present.
For those who are interested in the history of ancient India or in Buddhism, for them, Bodh Gaya is a very popular tourist place.

Question 1. What is the importance of this place?
Answer:

The importance of this place:

In Bodh Gaya, sitting under the Pipal tree, Siddhartha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi temple is just beside the tree. This temple is a holy place both for the Hindus and the Buddhists.

A little distance from Bodh Gaya is Nalanda, which was an important center of education in ancient India. In the Gupta period, the Nalanda university became very famous.

Question 2. What steps have been taken and what more steps according to you can be taken to make this place attractive to the foreign tourists?
Answer:

To preserve this place the archaeological department of India has taken many steps. There is a museum where different artifacts obtained after archaeological excavation are exhibited.

Besides this, in this locality, different countries have constructed Buddhist temples which have given Bodh Gaya special importance. Again to bring back the ancient heritage of Nalanda, the university has been constructed again.

To construct this university, countries like China, Singapore, Japan, etc have helped India. The decision have been taken that it will be developed into an international university like the past.

Besides this, I think, the government of India should take different programs at the international level (for example-different types of advertisement so that Bodh Gaya and Nalanda become more attractive to foreigners).

Based on the given map, the learner may be asked various questions related to the marked places in the map. In this case, the above questions are significant. As a result, the sense of empathy and cooperation will develop in the learner.

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Aesthetics And Creative Expression

Question 1. Study the given map carefully. Prepare a chart on the places in the Indian subcontinent visited by Faxian and Xuanzang. Which were the places visited by both of them?
Answer:

While preparing the chart the learner, on the one hand, will understand the importance of map reading in the subject, on the other hand, it will help to develop a sense of creativity in the learner.

 

 

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic C Miscellaneous Choose The Correct Answer

Question 1. The Indo-Greek king Minander is known as Milind in the

1. Jain literature
2. Sangam literature
3. Buddhist literature
4. Vedic literature

Answer: 3. Buddhist literature

Question 2. A well-known port city of ancient India was

1. Tamralipta
2. Persepolis
3. Gandhara
4. Kanauj

Answer: 1. Tamralipta

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Question 3. A famous book on astrology was

1. Si-Yu-Ki
2. Meghdutam
3. Yavanajataka
4. Silappadikaram

Answer: 2. Meghdutam

 

Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. The _______ (Saka-Kushana/Saka-Pahlavas/Maurya-Kushanas) started the use of bridles and saddles on horses.
Answer: Saka-Pahlavas

Question 2. Bhrigukachha was located on the confluence of river Narmada and the _______ (Arabian Sea/Kaveri/Ganga).
Answer: Arabian Sea

 

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic C Miscellaneous State Whether Following Statements Are True Or False

Question 1. In Puranas, Bactrian kings have been referred to as Asura.
Answer: False

Question 2. The Pahlava rulers were threat to the Shaka rulers.
Answer: True

Question 3. Kumarajiva studied Buddhism and literature under Bandhudutta.
Answer: True

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Write In A Complete Sentence

Question 1. Who destroyed the Persian city Persepolis?
Answer: Alexander destroyed the persian city Persepolis.

Question 2. During whose reign there was exchange of envoys with China?
Answer: During the reign of emperor Harshavardhana there was exchange of envoys with China

 

Answer The Following Questions

Question 1. What is Hindush?
Answer:

Hindush:

The term ‘Hindush’ is mentioned in one of the writings of the great Persian emperor Darius I. The term was derived from river Indus.

Question 2. What were the great advances in war- horsemanship made by Shaka-Pahlavas?
Answer:

The great advances in war- horsemanship made by Shaka-Pahlavas:

Great advances in war-horsemanship were made by the Shaka-Pahlavas

1. The Shaka- Pahlavas introduced the use of bridle and reins in the Indian subcontinent.
2. The tactics of turning around and shooting arrow while sitting on the back of a running horse was introduced by the Pahlavas.

Question 3. What was the importance of Gandhara region?
Answer:

The importance of Gandhara region:

Gandhara was located to the north-west of the Indian subcontinent. The importance of Gandhara region can never be underestimated.

1. Communication between Persian and the Indian subcontinent was established via Gandhara.
2. It was located at a central position which helped to spread Buddhism to Central and East Asia.
3. It was an important cultural central. It was the home of a distinctive art style that was a mixture of a Indian Buddhist and Graeco- Roman influence. The art was known as Gandhara art.
4. The Gandhara art which developed in the Gandhara province evolved around Buddhism. New kinds of Buddha images were made.

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic B Mode Of Economic And Cultural Contact Descriptive Questions

Question 1. What was the chief item of commerce along land routes? Write the importance of silk route in ancient India of silk route in ancient India.
Answer:

The chief item of commerce along land routes:

The chief item of commerce along land routes was silk.

Importance of silk route

1. Link with South Asia: Some parts of the silk route was under the control of the Kushanas. So one branch of the silk route became linked with South Asia.
2. Collection of revenue: The Kushana rulers earned revenue from the silk trade.
3. Settlement of the people: People of different regions engaged in silk trade used to assemble in the north and north-western frontiers of the Indian subcontinent and many of them settled there.

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Question 2. What is the importance of the book ‘Periplus of the Erythraean Sea’?
Answer:

The importance of the book ‘Periplus of the Erythraean Sea’:

According to the ancient Greek and Roman texts on geography, the Red sea, the Indian Ocean and the Persian gulf together was known as the Erythraean Sea. A book was written about communication, trade and commerce on those waters. This was known as ‘The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea.

History Class 6 Chapter 8 Question Answer WBBSE

Importance of ‘Periplus of the Erythrean Sea

1. Author:

The name of the author of the book is unknown. Probably the author was a Greek who used to live in Egypt.

2. Period of composition:

The book was possibly written in the mid-1st century AD.

3. Importance:

1. From the book, we come to know about communication and trade, and commerce on the Indian Ocean, the Red sea, and the Persian Gulf.
2. The book contains a detailed account of the ports of the Erythraean Sea and different aspects of trade and commerce.
   
3. The book describes the people, society, and flora, and fauna of different regions.
4. This book serves as an important source of knowledge for knowing the economic history of the 1st century AD.
5. Some information about the monsoons or seasonal winds of southwest and northeast can be collected from the book.
6. As the wind system came to be known, traveling and commercial activities on the Erythraean Sea became easier.

Question 3. Describe the Gandhara art in the Indian subcontinent.
Answer:

The Gandhara art in the Indian subcontinent:

The Gandhara art developed in the Gandhara province of the Indian subcontinent. It evolved around Buddhism.

1. Gandhara art style:

The theme of Gandhara art was essentially Indian. But there was the impact of Iranian and Central Asian art styles. There was also a Graeco-Roman influence on the Gandhara school of art.

 

 

2. Features:

The artists of Gandhara began to sculpt new kinds of Buddha images. The features of the images were half-closed eyes, an aquiline nose, and long drawn eyebrows. The shoes of Buddha resembled Roman sandals. Golden color was used in the statues.

Question 4. Buddhism was another vehicle through which people of the Indian subcontinent connected with the outside world-examine the statement.
Answer:

Buddhism was another vehicle through which people of the Indian subcontinent connected with the outside world:

Buddhism was an important vehicle through which people of the Indian subcontinent was connected with the outside world. Different countries were visited by scholars of the subcontinent to impart education.

On the other hand, students came from abroad to study Buddhism. Buddhayasha, a renowned Kashmiri Buddhist scholar went to Kashgar in Central Asia. Paramartha, another scholar went to China and practised Buddhist religion and philosophy.

Kumarajiva went to Kashmir and studied Buddhism. A Chinese scholar named Tao ngan encouraged Buddhist scholars from China to visit India. Faxian and Xuanzang came to India and studied the Buddhist religion.

History Class 6 Chapter 8 Question Answer WBBSE

Question 5. What do you know about Kumarajiva?
Answer:

Kumarajiva:

Kumarajiva was the son of Kumarayana, the royal guru of the king of Kuchi. His mother’s name was Jiva.

1. Education: At the age of nine Kumarajiva went to Kashmir. There, under the guidance of Bandhudutta he studied Buddhism and literature.
2. Visit to China: In 401 AD he visited the capital of China and stayed there for eleven years.
3. Achievements: He was an expert in both Sanskrit and Chinese languages. He played an important part in the spread of Buddhist religion and philosophy in China.

 

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic B Mode Of Economic And Cultural Contact Analytical Questions

Question 1. Write a note on silk route.
Answer:

Silk route:

From the 6th century BC there was the commercial relationship between the Indian subcontinent and the outside world through land routes. Silk was the main item of commerce. Avoiding the Taklamakan desert Chinese silk were passed along two routes.

These two routes met at Kashgarh. From there, the silk travelled via a number of roads and reached the eastern Mediterranean region. The term silk route was not used at that time. In the 19th century AD, it came to be known as the silk route.

Question 2. Who was Azez I? What do you know- about him?
Answer:

Azez I was a Shaka ruler.

He ruled between Kandahar and the northwestern frontier. Gradually the rule of the Shakas spread over North India and the Ganga Valley. He introduced the Vikrama Era (Vikramabda).

Question 3. Write a short note on Tamralipta.
Answer:

Tamralipta:

Tamralipta was an important port city of ancient India. Tamralipta has been referred to as ‘Tamalites’ by Greek travelers. This seaport functioned till the 7th-8th centuries AD. Xuanzang writes that Tamralipta was located on a sea tributary.

Waterways and land routes converged there. This was possibly in present-day East Midnapore around Tamluk. Tamralipta was also an important center of education. Due to silting of the river, this port city declined. It lost its importance as an urban center.

History Class 6 Chapter 8 Question Answer WBBSE

Question 4. What were the great advances in war- horsemanship made by Shaka- Pahlavas?
Answer:

The great advances in war- horsemanship made by Shaka- Pahlavas:

Great advances in war horsemanship were made by the Shaka-Pahlavas

1. The Shaka- Pahlavas introduced the use of bridles and reins in the Indian subcontinent.
2. The tactics of turning around and shooting an arrow while sitting on the back of a running horse was introduced by the Pahlavas.

Question 5. What was “Yavanajataka’ and ‘Panchasiddhantika’?
Answer:

“Yavanajataka’ and ‘Panchasiddhantika’:

‘Yavanajataka’ was a famous book of Astrology. It was originally written in the Greek language. It was translated into Sanskrit in about 150 AD. This book shows that there was an interrelation between Indian and Greek sciences.

‘Panchasiddhantika’ was written by Varahamihira. In the book he has discussed five ‘siddhanta’ or theories of Astronomy, two of them are Poulish and Romak Siddhanta.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic B Mode Of Economic And Cultural Contact Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Who was the author of the book ‘Periplus of the Erythraean Sea’ (or Travels on the Erythraean Sea)? In what language was the book written?
Answer:

The name of the author of the book ‘Periplus of the Erythraean Sea’ is not known. It seems that the author of the book is a Greek who used to live in Egypt. The book was written in the Greek language.

Question 2. By what other names Tamralipta port- city was known as?
Answer:

Tamralipta, the port city, was also known as Tamralipti, Damalipta, etc. In the writings of Greek travelers, Tamralipta was referred to as Tamalites.

Question 3. Which language and script were used in the regions under the suzerainty of the Persian kings? Which script was derived from that script?
Answer:

1. Aramaic language and Aramaic script were used in the regions under the suzerainty of the Persian kings.
2. From the Aramaic script possibly the Kharoshthi script was derived.

Question 4. Who destroyed the Persian city of Persepolis? What was its impact?
Answer:

Alexander destroyed the Persian city of Persepolis.

Due to the destruction of the Persian city of Persepolis, many Persian craftsmen came into the Indian subcontinent. As a result, these Persian craftsmen began to influence the styles of Indigenous artisans and craftsmen.

Question 5. The Kushanas and the Shakas introduced different styles of Garments in the subcontinent-what were these garments?
Answer:

The Kushanas and the Shakas introduced different styles of garments in the Indian subcontinent. These were coats, long coats, pajamas, belts, shoes, etc.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Question 6. What is ‘Yavanikaa’? Who first introduced the custom of dropping ‘Yavanikaa’ in a play?
Answer:

1. The custom of dropping the curtain in a play is known as ‘Yavanikaa’.
2. The Greeks first introduced the custom of dropping ‘Yavanikaa’ or curtain in a play.

Question 7. Who was Buddhayasha? Where did he visit after completing his education?
Answer:

Buddhayasha was a well-known Kashmiri Buddhist scholar who had ties with Kumarajiva. After completing his education, he visited Kashgar in Central Asia.

Question 8. Why and when Kumarajiva went to China?
Answer:

Kumarajiva, at the request of the Chinese emperor went to the Chinese capital in 401 AD. He remained in the capital of China for 11 years and played an important part in the spread of Buddhist religion and philosophy.

 

 

Question 9. Which Chinese scholar encouraged the Buddhist scholars to visit India? Who responded to that encouragement and visited India?
Answer:

1. A Chinese scholar named Tao ngan encouraged Buddhist scholars to visit India.
2. Faxian responded to Tao ngan and visited India in 399 AD with five other monks.

Question 10. What lessons did the Chinese scholars take from Nalanda University?
Answer:

The Chinese scholars took lessons in Buddhist literature and religion. They also took lessons in Brahmanical religion. Medicine and science was also a part of their education.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic B Mode Of Economic And Cultural Contact Objective Type Questions

State whether the following statements are true or false

Question 1. The word ‘Periplus’ means the description of travel on water.
Answer: True

Question 2. The author of Periplus of the Erythraean Sea used to live in Syria.
Answer: False

Question 3. The ports of the Malabar coast traded in Chinese silk.
Answer: False

Question 4. Tamralipta was also known as Damalipta.
Answer: True

Question 5. Alexander established some cities in the Indian subcontinent.
Answer: True

Question 6. The Shaka-Pahlavas made great advances in astronomy.
Answer: False

Question 7. Faxian entered the Indian continent through Kashmir.
Answer: True

Question 8. The scholar Paramartha reached China in 548 AD.
Answer: False

Question 9. The memoirs of Faxian is known as Fo- Khyo-Ki.
Answer: True

History Class 6 Chapter 9 WBBSE

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic B Mode Of Economic And Cultural Contact Fill in the blanks

By selecting the appropriate expression from the brackets

Question 1. A lot of revenue was earned by the Kushana rulers from the trade of ________ (cotton/silk/muslin).
Answer: Silk

Question 2. Periplus of the Erythraean Sea is an important source for the study of the economic history of ________ century AD (1st/2nd/3rd).
Answer: 1st

Question 3. Bhrigukachha was located on the confluence of river Narmada and the ________ (Arabian sea/Kaveri/Ganga).
Answer: Arabian sea

Question 4. The whole of the eastern coast of the Indian subcontinent was important for communication with ________ (South-Western Asia/South-Eastern Asia/Europe).
Answer: South-Eastern Asia

Question 5. Gandhara art evolved a round ________ (Jainism/Hinduism/Buddhism).
Answer: Buddhism

History Class 6 Chapter 9 WBBSE

Question 6. The art of making clay pottery came from ________ (East Asia/West Asia/Central Asia).
Answer: Central Asia

Question 7. A kind of red earthenware pottery was manufactured in the ________ period (Mauryan/Gupta/Kushana).
Answer: Kushana

Question 8. A famous book on Astrology was ________ (Si-Yu- Ki/Meghadutam/Yavanajataka).
Answer: Yavanajataka

Question 9. Faxian stayed at ________ and studied the Buddhist religion (Kanauj/Pataliputra/ Kashmir).
Answer: Pataliputra

 

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic B Mode Of Economic And Cultural Contact Answer In A Complete Sentence

Question 1. What were referred to as the Erythraean Sea in the ancient Greek and Roman texts on geography?
Answer: In the ancient Roman and Greek texts on geography, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean is referred to as the Erythraean Sea.

Question 2. When was the book ‘Periplus of the Erythraean Sea’ written?
Answer: The book ‘Periplus of the Erythraean Sea’ was written possibly in the mid-1st century AD.

Question 3. Mention one important source for knowing the economic history of the 1st century AD.
Answer: One important source for knowing the economic history of the 1st century AD. is the book ‘Periplus of the Erythraean Sea’.

Question 4. Which was the greatest port of the western coast of India?
Answer: Bhrigukachha on the confluence of river Narmada and the Arabian sea was the greatest port of the western coast of India.

History Class 6 Chapter 9 WBBSE

Question 5. Which port was besieged by the Shaka ruler Nahapana?
Answer: The Shaka ruler Nahapana besieged the port of Kalyan on the Konkan coastline.

Question 6. Name one port in the Kaveri delta region.
Answer: Kaveripattinam was a famous port of the Kaveri delta region.

Question 7. Name one well-known port city of ancient India.
Answer: Tamralipta was a well-known port city of ancient India.

Question 8. From which script Kharoshthi script was derived.
Answer: Kharoshthi script was derived from the Aramaic script.

Question 9. Who destroyed the Persian city of Persepolis?
Answer: Alexander destroyed the Persian city of Persepolis.

Question 10. Which religion the Greeks embraced?
Answer: The Greeks embraced Buddhism.

Question 11. What was the best example of Greek influence on Indian painting and sculpture?
Answer: The best example of Greek influence on Indian painting and sculpture was the Gandhara School of Art.

Question 12. Which Saka ruler used the title Rajatiraj on his coins?
Answer: The Shaka ruler Moga used the title Rajatiraj on his coins.

History Class 6 Chapter 9 WBBSE

Question 13. In which language was the Junagarh Prashasti inscribed?
Answer: The Junagarh Prashasti was inscribed in the Sanskrit language.

Question 14. Who started the use of bridles and reins in the Indian subcontinent?
Answer: The Shaka-Pahlavas introduced the use of bridles and reins in the Indian subcontinent.

Question 15. Whom did the Kushanas worship?
Answer: The Kushanas worshipped Shiva, Vishnu, and Buddha.

Question 16. Who were the father and mother of Kumarjiva?
Answer: Kumarayana, the royal guru of the king of Kuchi was the father of Kumarajiva. His mother was Jiva.

Question 17. Who was Buddhayasha?
Answer: Buddhayasha was a renowned Kashmiri Buddhist scholar.

Question 18. From which century there was a rise in the spread of Buddhism in China?
Answer: There was a rise in the spread of Buddhism in China from the 4th century AD onwards.

Question 19. Who was appointed the Royal Guru by the king of Kuchi?
Answer: Kumarayana, the father of Kumarajiva, was appointed the Royal Guru by the king of Kuchi.

Question 20. Who was Tao ngan?
Answer: Tao ngan was a Chinese scholar who encouraged Chinese Buddhist scholars to visit India.

Question 21. Who was Faxian?
Answer: Faxian was a Chinese monk who lived in Pataliputra and wrote his experience in his memoir-Fo-Khyo-Ki.

Question 22. When did Xuanzang come to India from China?
Answer: Xuanzang came to India from China in the first half of the 7th century AD.

Question 23. Who was the ruler of Kanauj when Xuanzang visited India?
Answer: Harshavardhana was the ruler of Kanauj when Xuanzang visited India.

Question 24. Who was Shilabhadra?
Answer: Shilabhadra was a scholar at Nalanda Mahavihara who imparted education to Xuanzang.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 9 Questions And Answers

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic B Mode Of Economic And Cultural Contact Select The Most Appropriate Option For The Following Statement

Question 1. Cultural diversity grew up in the Indian subcontinent.
1. Separate cultures had grown up in different parts of the Indian subcontinent.
2. The atmosphere of different languages and religions prevailed in the Indian subcontinent.
3. A cultural contact developed in the Indian subcontinent through the intermingling of various races and tribes.

Answer: 3. A cultural contact developed in the Indian subcontinent through the intermingling of various races and tribes.

Question 2. Many Persian artists were compelled to come over to the Indian sub-continent.
1. Artists were not respected in the Persian empire.
2. Alexander destroyed the city of Persepolis in the Persian empire.
3. The Persian emperors did not patronize the artists.

Answer: 2. Alexander destroyed the city of Persepolis in the Persian empire.

Question 3. Xuanzang came to India from China.
1. To wander about different parts of India.
2. To write about the administrative system of Harshavardhana.
3. To learn more about Buddhism.

Answer: 3. To learn more about Buddhism.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 9 Questions And Answers

Chapter 9 India And The Contemporary World Topic B Mode Of Economic And Cultural Contact Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. There was a demand of goods from India and China in the

1. Roman Empire
2. Persian empire
3. Chinese empire
4. Greek Empire

Answer: 1. Roman empire

Question 2. Some parts of the silk route was once under the control of the

1. Syrians
2. Greeks
3. Parthians
4. Egyptians

Answer: 3. Parthians

Question 3. Nahapana was a ruler of the

1. Syrians
2. Shakas
3. Bactrians
4. Pahlavas

Answer: 2. Shakas

Question 4. Ports of the western coast had trade relationships with

1. Egypt
2. Greece
3. Persia
4. Rome

Answer: 4. Rome

Question 5. Tamluk is at present in

1. West Midnapore
2. Tamralipta
3. East Midnapore
4. East Bardhaman

Answer: 3. East Midnapore

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 9 Questions And Answers

Question 6. The Arabic language prevailed in the regions under the control of

1. Persian
2. Greeks
3. Syrians
4. Roman

Answer: 1. Persian

Question 7. A well-known port city of ancient India was

1. Tamralipta
2. Gandhara
3. Persepolis
4. Kanauj

Answer: 1. Tamralipta

Question 8. The Junagarh Prashasti tells us about

1. Ashoka
2. Harshavardhan
3. Rudradaman
4. Moga

Answer: 3. Rudradaman

Question 9. The Saka rulers introduced a number of currencies which were made of

1. Copper
2. Bronze
3. Gold
4. Silver

Answer: 2. Bronze

Question 10. The tactics of turning around and shooting an arrow while sitting on the back of a galloping horse was introduced by the

1. Parthians
2. Shakas
3. Pahlavas
4. Mauryas

Answer: 4. Mauryas

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 9 Questions And Answers

Question 11. The Kushanas worshipped

1. Buddha
2. Apollo
3. Mahavira
4. Saraswati

Answer: 1. Buddha

Question 12. The Kushana coins bear images of different gods and goddesses of

1. Scythians
2. Parthians
3. Greeks
4. Pahlanas

Answer: 3. Greeks

Question 13. The Buddhist religion was practiced and taught in

1. Persia
2. Kashmir
3. Tamralipta
4. Rome

Answer: 2. Kashmir

Question 14. A famous Kashmiri Buddhist scholar was

1. Buddhayasha
2. Nahapana
3. Paramartha
4. Ashoka

Answer: 1. Buddhayasha

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Objective Type Questions

Strike the odd one out

Question 1. Jaykavya, Bharata, Mahabharata, Ramayana.
Answer: Ramayana

Question 2. Mahabhashya, Charaka-samhita, Naga- nanda, Vasa.
Answer: Vasa

Question 3. Meghadutam, Kumarsambhavam, Malavi- kagnimitram, Ratnavali.
Answer: Ratnavali

Question 4. Bharhut, Sanchi, Amaravati, Bishalyakarani.
Answer: Bishalyakarani

Question 5. Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh, Torona.
Answer: Torona

Question 6. Shunga, Kushana, Satavahana, Gandhara.
Answer: Gandhara

Question 7. Upadhyay, Acharya, Guru, Mogolmari.
Answer: Mogolmari

Question 8. Ardha-Magdhi, Prakrit, Brahmi, Hindi.
Answer: Hindi

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Question Answer

Read and Learn More  WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Match The Columns

1.

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

2.

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

3.

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

4.

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

5.

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

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Question Answer

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Exercise

Spot the odd word and underline it

Question 1. Nalanda, Taxila, Balavi, Pataliputra.
Answer: Pataliputra

Question 2. Brahmi, Sanskrit, Kharosthi, Devanagri.
Answer: Sanskrit

Question 3. Ratnavali, Mrichhakatikam, Arthashastra, Abhijnanshakuntalam.
Answer: Arthashastra

 

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Which Of The Following Statements Is Correct And Which Is Incorrect

Question 1. Only Brahmin students could study at Nalanda Mahavihara.
Answer: False

Question 2. In Kamban’s Ramayana, Rama has been shown in a much greater light.
Answer: False

Question 3. Bagabhatta was a physician.
Answer: True

Question 4. Gandhara art evolved during the Kushana period.
Answer: True

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Question Answer

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Match Column A With Column B

1.

Answer: 1. (E), 2. (A), 3. (B), 4. (C), 5. (D)

 

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Write In Your Own Words

Question 1. Write down the similarities and dissimilarities between the ancient Buddhist education system and the education system of present times.
Answer:

The similarities and dissimilarities between the ancient Buddhist education system and the education system of present times:

Several subjects were taught in the ancient Buddhist education system like prosody, poetry, grammar, astronomy, astrology, mathematics, and chemistry.

Today also various subjects like Bengali, Mathematics, English, History, Geography, and Science are taught. In the Buddhist monasteries, students were admitted on the basis of merit.

Today also most of educational systems admit students on the basis of merit. Dissimilarities between the ancient Buddhist education system and the modern education system are listed below

 

Question 2. Charaka-Samhita has outlined the structure of a model hospital. In your opinion, what should a good hospital be like?
Answer:

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

An ideal hospital according to Charaka- Samhita

In his book, ‘Charakasamhita’ Charaka had described an ideal hospital. He felt that there should be a surgeon in a hospital and an adequate arrangement for surgery so that the amputated organs might be attached to the body and cured.

Apart from this, there should be a sufficient amount of herbal medicines stored as a reserve in the hospital.

A good hospital in my opinion

According to me, a good hospital is one where there are adequate facilities for medical treatment. Other than skilled physicians, there should be devoted nurses to look after the patients and restore them to health.

There should be proper arrangements for surgical operations and provisions for free medicine for the poor and destitute. Moreover, complete cleanliness and proper sanitation should be maintained.

Question 3. Write down the differences between a chaitya and a stupa.
Answer:

The differences between a chaitya and a stupa:

 

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Hands On

Question 1. Make clay/thermocol models of Chaitya/monastery/stupas.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

 

 

 

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Food For Thought

Question 1. According to the Buddhists, Charaka belonged to the age of Kanishka I. Does that mean that Charaka-samhita was the creation of an individual named Charaka? The word Charaka means those who wander about. In one of the branches of the Vedas, one reads about Charan-Vaidya or physicians who wandered about offering treatment. Does that imply that Charaka-samhita is a collection of experiences of such physicians?
Answer:

According to the Buddhists Charaka- Samhita was written by a physician Charaka who belonged to the age of Kanishka I.

Charaka-Samhita was the collection of experiences of physicians who wandered about offering treatment. It must be pointed out here that in Charaka-samhita there is mention of about seven hundred medicinal plants and different aspects of diseases.

So it may be said that the physicians wandered about offering treatment by using medicinal herbs.

Question 2. It is difficult to ascertain in which period Shushruta can be placed. The word Shushruta means one or those who had listened properly. Does that mean, Shushuruta-samhita is also a compilation of similar experiences of the Charan-Vaidyas?
Answer:

Shushuruta-samhita was not a compilation of the experiences of the Charan-Vaidyas. Supporting this statement it may be said that Shushruta was a surgeon. He was famous in the field of surgery.

It is expected that being a famous surgeon he will not include similar experiences of Charan-Vaidyas in his work Shushuruta-Samhita.

Question 3. What factors are responsible for the destruction of the natural environment? Make a list of the tasks that you can perform as a team to protect the environment today.
Answer:

Nature provides essential resources for our survival. The factors which are responsible for the destruction of the natural environment are as follows

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

1. Deforestation.
2. Conversion of agricultural land to residential land.
3. Wastage of water.
4. Ponds are used as dumping grounds.
5. Vehicle and industrial emission.
6. Use of plastic.

The following is a list of the tasks that we can perform as a team to protect the environment today

1. Planting of trees.
2. Stop deforestation.
3. Save water.
4. Stop littering.
5. Use of eco-friendly things instead of plastic.
6. Make people conscious about the conservation of the natural environment.

Question 4. Carefully observe the stupas drawn below. Write down the similarities and dissimilarities that you find in them.
Answer:

Similarities:

1. All the stupas are of the same size.
2. All the stupas are mound-like or hemispherical in structure.

Dissimilarities:

1. The stupas of the Mauryan period has no spire while the stupas of the Indo-Greek period and Kushana period have spires.
2. The stupas of the Kushana period is surrounded by a fence but there is no fence in the stupas of the Mauryan and Indo-Greek period.
3. There are several steps in the stupa of the Indo-Greek period while steps are not present in the stupas of the Mauryan and Kushana periods.

WBBSE History Class 6

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Formative

Excerpt from the text:

When writing any language one needs a script. Kharoshti and Brahmi were the two major scripts used in ancient India. Kharoshthi was written from right to left and Brahmi from left to right.

In North India, it was from the Brahmi script that the Devanagri script evolved. The Brahmins of the cities (nagara) used it for religious purposes. Therefore this script was known as Devanagri.

The Brahmi script was much used. The Rock Edicts of Emperor Ashoka were mostly in the Brahmi script. The use of Brahmi began even before the 6th century BC. Many changes were gradually introduced in this script.

Sample questions related to the above passage are given below for formative evaluation.

 

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Participation

Question 1. What are the languages and what are the scripts we know?
Answer:

We know Bengali, English, and Hindi languages and Bengali, Roman, and Devnagari scripts.

Question 2. What is the text direction of these scripts?
Answer:

The text direction of these scripts are from left to right.

Question 3. Do you know any script which is written from right to left?
Answer:

The script of the Urdu language is written from right to left.

With the above question, the learner may be introduced to a discussion on scripts of ancient India. The learner can take part in discussions by which his knowledge about the theme will be clear.

 

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Questioning And Experimentation

Question 1. Do you know any such script which has similarities with present-day script?
Answer:

There are many similarities between Devnagari script and Hindi and Bengali scripts.

It may be noted that scripts of Hindi are similar to Devangri scripts.

The above questions may be asked or samples of ancient Indian scripts may be shown and the learner may be questioned to find out the similarities of the ancient scripts with present-day scripts. As a result, the learner will develop his thinking power.

History Class 6 Chapter 8 WBBSE

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Interpretation And Application

Question 1. Nowadays scripts are written on paper or on any other material but what was used for writing scripts in ancient times?
Answer:

In ancient times there was no use of paper. So scripts were written on barks of trees, leaves or on stones. In ancient Egypt papyrus, made from the pith of the papyrus plant, was used as a writing surface.

Leaves of trees were also used. Besides these stone slabs were also used for writing. Allahabad Prashasti is one such example.
In the previous chapter, the learner at least has some experience about Indian scripts.

So if the above questions are asked the learner will develop inferential knowledge and her potentiality of interpretation and application will unfold.

 

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Choose The Correct Answer

Question 1. ‘Ratnavali’ was composed by

1. Chandragupta Maurya
2. Harshavardhana
3. Samudragupta
4. Banabhatta

Answer: 2. Harshavardhana

Question 2. Kambana added many episodes in his

1. Ramayana
2. Shilappadikaram
   
3. Mahabharata
   
4. Manimekhalai

Answer: 1. Ramayana

Question 3. A chariot-like temple was built during the Pallava period at

1. Ajanta
2. Ellora
3. Mahabalipuram
4. Puri

Answer: 3. Mahabalipuram

History Class 6 WBBSE

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. Initially, the stupas were made of __________ (red sandstone/bricks/mud).
Answer: Mud

Question 2. Bhartrihari was a well known __________ (dramatist/musician/grammarian).
Answer: Grammarian

 

History Class 6 WBBSE Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous State Whether The Following Statements Are True Or False

Question 1. Jivaka was a famous mathematician.
Answer: False

Question 2. The Sarnath Stupa was built by Ashoka.
Answer: True

Question 3. Tamil literature is known as Sangama literature.
Answer: True

 

History Class 6 WBBSE Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Write In A Complete Sentence

Question 1. What is ‘Gatha Saptashati’?
Answer:

Gatha Saptashati:

‘Gatha Saptashati’ is a compilation of poems in the Prakrit language written by savasana king Haal.

Question 2. What was prohibited in Dharmashastras?
Answer:

In the Dharmashastras touching a corpse was prohibited.

 

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic C Miscellaneous Answer The Following Questions

Question 1. Who was Nagarjuna?
Answer:

Nagarjuna:

Nagarjuna was a famous Buddhist scholar of the 1st century AD. He was a mathematician.

Question 2. What do we come to know from Puranas?
Answer:

From the Puranas we come to know of the following:

1. The Puranas contain an element of history. An important theme of the Puranas is the history of royal dynasties.
2. We also come to know from the Puranas about agriculture, commerce, animal husbandry, and geography. Astrology also forms an important part of the discussion.

Question 3. Discuss the development of literature in ancient India.
Answer:

Literature was highly developed in ancient India.

1. Smritishastras:

Smritishastras were treatises in which various aspects of the right to property and employment and issues of daily life were discussed.

2. Dharmashastras:

Dharmashastras contain explanations about the ancient caste system in Sanskrit.

3. Natyashastra:

The main recreation of the people of the upper classes were drama and acting. So they started writing on drama and acting, for example, Natyashastra by Bharata.

4. Literature in regional languages:

Various kinds of literature were written between 200 BC and AD 300 in different regional languages. For example Patanjali’s Mahabhashya, King Haal’s Gatha Saptashati, etc. Sangam literature in Tamil also deserves mention here.

5. Mahakavya:

Two epics, the ‘Ramayana’ and the ‘Mahabharata’ were composed in ancient times.

6. Medical text:

Medical books on medicines and surgery were written during this time. Two important medical text of ancient India were ‘Charaka-samhita’ and ‘Shushuruta- samhita’.

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic B Science And Arts In The Ancient India Subcontinent Descriptive Questions

Question 1. Describe the story of Lakshman and the ‘Shaktishel’.
Answer:

The story of Lakshman and the ‘Shaktishel’:

In the Ramayana, we find a story that Lakshman became unconscious when he was hit by a powerful missile called shaktishel.

Physician Sushena advised that Bishalyakarani, a medicinal plant if applied to the wound would help Lakshman to recover. Hanuman went to Gandhamadan mountain to collect the herb but failed to identify it.

So he carried the entire hillock on his shoulder and brought it to Lakshman. Lakshman recovered when Bishalyakarani was applied. The term Bishalyakarani means the medicine which is applied after surgery.

Question 2. What is the importance of Charaka- Samhita and Shushuruta-samhita in the study of science in the ancient period?
Answer:

The importance of Charaka- Samhita and Shushuruta-samhita in the study of science in the ancient period:

Charaka-Samhita and Shushruta-samhita are very important in the study of science in ancient India.

1. Charaka-Samhita:

Charaka in his Charaka- samhita discussed about seven hundred medicinal plants. He also discussed about different aspects of diseases. In his writings, there are also references how an ideal hospital should be equipped.

2. Shushuruta-samhita:

From Shushruta- samhita much is known about the dissection of corpses or cadavers. Shushruta had discussed about surgical treatment in his book.

He was an expert in joining bones or broken noses putting together a severed ear, etc. He was an expert in this field.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Question Answer

Question 3. Who was Jivaka? Write in detail about him.
Answer:

Jivaka:

Jivaka was an eminent physician and a contemporary of Buddha.

Life and Works of Jivaka

Jivaka was born in Rajagriha (a royal family). He was the physician of King Bimbisara. He received his education from Guru Atreya in Taxila.

After completion of his studies, Guru Atreya sent his disciples to the forest with the task of finding plants with no medicinal properties. Each disciple came back with many plants which they felt had no medicinal value.

Only Jivaka came empty-handed and said that he could not find any plant which had no medicinal value. The Guru was happy and he realized that Jivaka had acquired full knowledge of medicinal herbs and plants. Later on Jivaka successfully treated King Bimbisara and Gautama Buddha.

Read and Learn More  WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History

Question 4. What were the causes of conflict that arose between the Dharmashastra and medical science? Or, What were the problems that appeared in the cultivation of medical science in ancient India?
Answer:

The causes of conflict that arose between the Dharmashastra and medical science:

In ancient times differences arose between the Dharmashastra and medical science.

1. Intense caste distinction:

Due to caste distinctions problems arose in the cultivation of medical science. There was a belief that by performing good deeds (punya) in an earlier birth, it was possible to be free from diseases in the present birth. This was contradicted by medical science.

2. Prohibition of food items:

According to medical science, different kinds of food were necessary for a speedy recovery from diseases. But Dharmashastras prohibit the consumption of several food items. This led to differences between Dharmashastras and medical science.

3. Dissection of corpses:

Dharmashastra prohibited the touching of corpses. But the dissection of corpses was an important part of medical science.

Due to the prohibition of Dharmashastra the practice of surgical science and the study of anatomy declined. In this way, conflict arose between Dharmashastras and medical science.

Question 5. What were the contributions of Aryabhatta, Varahamihira, and Brahma- Gupta to science in the Gupta period?
Answer:

The contributions of Aryabhatta, Varahamihira, and Brahma- Gupta to science in the Gupta period:

1. Aryabhatta:

Aryabhatta was a great mathematician and astronomer of the Gupta period. He raised the status of mathematics to the level of an independent discipline.

In his work ‘Aryabhatiya’ he introduced the concept of zero which led to the emergence of the decimal system. He also propounded the theories of the rotation of the earth, its spherical shape. and the cause of the lunar eclipse. He has also discussed about the stars and planets.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Question Answer

2. Varahamihira:

Varahamihira was also a famous astronomer who introduced many new concepts. In his works Suryasidhhanta and Panchasidhantika he had discussed the connection between clouds, winds and the amount of rainfall.

Early warning signals of an earthquake was also discussed in Varahamihira’s work.

3. Brahmagupta:

Brahmagupta was a famous mathematician and astronomer who made an exceptional contribution to Mathematics. His famous work was Brahmasphuta Siddhanta.

Question 6. Give an account of the development of Astronomy and Mathematics during the Gupta period.
Answer:

The development of Astronomy and Mathematics during the Gupta period:

During the Gupta period there was considerable development of astronomy and science.

1. Astronomy:

Aryabhatta was a great astronomer of the Gupta period. In his work ‘Aryabhatiya’ he propounded the theories of the rotation of Earth, its spherical shape and the cause of the lunar eclipse.

He also discussed about the stars and planets. Varahamihira was also a famous astronomer who introduced many new concepts. In his works Suryasidhhanta and Panchasidhantika he had discussed the connection between clouds, winds, and the amount of rainfall.

Early warning signals of an earthquake are also mentioned in his works.

2. Mathematics:

Aryabhatta raised the status of Mathematics to the level of an independent discipline. In his work ‘Aryabhatiya’ he introduced the concept of zero which led to the emergence of the decimal system.

Brahmagupta was a famous mathematician who made exceptional contributions to Mathematics. His famous work was Brahmasphutasiddhanta where he discussed about different aspects of Mathematics.

Question 7. What do you mean by environmental concerns in ancient India?
Answer:

Environmental concerns in ancient India:

There was much concern for the various aspects of the environment in ancient India.

1. Areas of concern:

The main areas of concern were forests, plants, birds, and animals. The rulers were very keen about forests because different types of natural resources were available from the forests. In Kautilya’s Arthashastra there are discussions on forests.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Question Answer

2. System of punishment:

People who damaged the forests were punished. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka prohibited the killing of birds and animals.

3. Forests:

Around the 6th century BC forests were cleared both for agricultural purposes and urban settlements. In the Vedic literature, villages were referred to as familiar whereas forests were unfamiliar.

Residents of the forests were looked down upon and were considered as strange. From the epics, we come to know that sometimes members of the royal family were banished to the forests in order to put them in trouble.

4. Tree worship:

Projects were started to save trees. To stop cutting of trees, worshipping of trees like Banyan and Pipal started.

5. Water:

Water was very important in the everyday life of the people, for religious purposes and for agriculture. So wealthy people made efforts to store water and build tanks and irrigation canals.

Question 8. What do you know about the cultivation of science in ancient India?
Answer:

The cultivation of science in ancient India:

In ancient India, the standard of scientific studies was quite high.

Cultivation of science in the Indian subcontinent

1. Meaning:

The word ‘science’ implies attaining specialized knowledge in a particular subject.

2. Scientific element in literature:

In the later Vedic and Buddhist literature, we find references to different types of medicines and surgical operations.

Charaka in his Charaka-Samhita mentioned about seven hundred medicinal plants and also discussed about different aspects of diseases. It also dwells on how an ideal hospital should be equipped.

Class 6 History Chapter 8 WBBSE

3. Astronomy and Mathematics:

The famous were astronomers of ancient India Aryabhatta and Varahamihira and famous mathematicians were Nagarajuna and Brahmagupta.

Aryabhatta in his work Aryabhatiya propounded the theories of the rotation of the earth, its spherical shape, and the causes of a lunar eclipse.

4. Medical Science:

Shushruta had discussed about physiology and surgical treatment in his ‘Shushuruta-samhita’. Here he advises physicians to discuss their specific requirements for surgical tools.

Question 9. Give an account of the cultivation of art during the Mauryan age.
Answer:

The cultivation of art during the Mauryan age:

After the Harappan civilization, evidence of art are found mainly in the Mauryan age.

1. Guhavasa:

Ashoka and the later Mauryan emperors built artificial caves by cutting mountains for the Ajivikas. People resided in these caves. This is known as ‘guavas’.

2. Stupa:

The Mauryan emperors also built stupas for the Buddhists. At first, the stupas were made of mud. But from Ashoka’s reign, stupas were made of bricks. The famous stupas at Sanchi and Sarnath were rebuilt during Ashoka’s reign.

3. Stone Pillars:

The pillars of Ashoka may be regarded as the best specimens of Mauryan art. The pillars were made of a single block of stone. The pillars looked like a piece of chalk. Ashokan Pillar in Sarnath is a remarkable piece of Mauryan art.

Class 6 History Chapter 8 WBBSE

Question 10. Give an account of the cultivation of art during the Gupta and Pallava period.
Answer:

The cultivation of art during the Gupta and Pallava period:

The Gupta and Pallava period were famous for vast progress in the field of art and architecture.

1. Stupas and Chaityas:

A number of stupas and chaityas were constructed during the Gupta period. A remarkable stupa, the Dhamekh stupa of Sarnath, was built with bricks and stone.

2. Temples:

Temple architecture also began in the Gupta and Pallava period. Temples were built of brick or stone. Sometimes rock cut temples were also constructed. The temple at Mahabalipuram built by the Pallavas deserves a mention.

3. Sculpture:

On the walls of the temples of the Gupta and Pallava period, images of different Gods and Goddesses were engraved. Mention may be made here of the sculpture of the Dashavatara temple and the Ramayana panel of the Kailasha temple.

 

4. Painting:

Ajanta cave paintings of the Gupta period are the most remarkable paintings of Gupta art. In these paintings, human figures and different kinds of plants are depicted.

The colors used in the Ajanta cave paintings were made of stone, earth, and plant components. Paintings have also been found in the Ellora and Bagh caves.

Class 6 History Chapter 8 WBBSE

Question 11. Give an account of the cultivation of art in ancient India.
Answer:

The cultivation of art in ancient India:

In ancient India, there was widespread cultivation of art.

1. Art in the Mauryan period:

During the Mauryan period, the material which was widely used for art was stone. The Mauryan emperors built artificial caves for the Ajivikas known as ‘Guhavasa’.

They also built stupas for the Buddhists. The best specimens of Mauryan art are the pillars built by Ashoka.

2. Art in the Shunga-Kushana-Satavahana period:

During this period sculpture was made with both terracotta and stone. Art was influenced by the life of common people and religious concepts and beliefs. The best examples of this period are the stupas, chaityas, and viharas.

The Gandhara and Mathura styles of art developed during this period centering Buddha’s life and beliefs.

3. Art in the Gupta and Pallava period:

In the Gupta age, a new style of architecture, that is, construction of different types of temples began, for example, the Dashavatara temple of Deogarh.

On the walls of the temples of the Gupta and Pallava period, images of different Gods and Goddesses were engraved.

Question 12. What do you know about the ruins of the archaeological site of Chandraketugarh?
Answer:

The ruins of the archaeological site of Chandraketugarh:

In the district of North 24 Parganas of West Bengal in Berachampa the archaeological ruins of Chandraketugarh have been found.

1. Chandraketugarh of ancient Bengal was connected to the river Ganga by the river Vidyadhari. It was a thriving urban commercial center.
2. Many archaeological remains of pre- Mauryan age (c600-300 BC) till Palas-Senas ages (c750-1250 AD) have been found here.
3. The artifacts recovered are a variety of pottery, seals, statues, and terracotta figures. The terracotta figures are mostly female figurines.

History Class 6 Chapter 8 Question Answer WBBSE

Chapter 8Topic B Science And Arts In The Ancient India Subcontinent Analytical Questions

Question 1. What are stupas, chaityas and viharas?
Answer:

Stupas, chaityas and viharas:

Stupas were semi-circular earthen mounds which contained the cremated remains of dead persons. They had railings and four gateways which were sculpted and called ‘Torana’.

 

 

Chaityas were cave shrines built along with stupas and made by directly cutting into the sides of rocks. Viharas or sangharamas were specimens of architectural monuments which acted as residences and educational centers of Buddhist monks.

Question 2. Mention two features of Mathura art.
Answer:

Two features of Mathura art were:

1. The main theme of Mathura’s art was the life of Buddha and Buddhism.
2. Mostly red sandstone was used in the Mathura school of sculpture.

Question 3. Write a note on art during the Mauryan age.
Answer:

Art during the Mauryan age:

During the Mauryan period the material which was widely used for art was stone. The Mauryan emperors built artificial caves known as ‘Guhavasa’ for the Ajivikas by cutting mountains. They also built stupas for the Buddhists. The best specimens of Mauryan art are the pillars built by Ashoka. Human figures are rarely found in Mauryan art.

Question 4. What are the main features of the Ashokan Pillar?
Answer:

The main features of the Ashokan Pillar:

The pillars of Ashoka may be regarded as the best specimens of Mauryan art.

History Class 6 Chapter 8 Question Answer WBBSE

The main features of the Ashokan pillar are

1. The pillars were made of a single block of stone.
2. The pillars look like a piece of chalk.
3. The base of the pillar was under the earth.
4. The pillars stood upright without any support.
5. On the top of the pillars were placed animal figures like lions, elephants, ox, etc.

Question 5. Differentiate between a monastery and a stupa.
Answer:

Difference a monastery and a stupa:

 

Question 6. Give an account of Shunga-Kushana- Satavahana art.
Answer:

Shunga-Kushana- Satavahana art:

The Shunga-Kushana-Satavahana art was mainly based on the lives of common people. -Religion formed the main theme of art. The structures were related mainly to the Buddhist religion. Stupa, Vihara, and Chaitya are the best specimens of art.

Question 7. Write a note on Ajanta Cave paintings.
Answer:

Ajanta Cave paintings:

Ajanta Cave paintings are the most remarkable paintings of the Gupta period. In these paintings, human figures and different kinds of plants are depicted.

The colors used in the Ajanta cave paintings were made of stone, earth, and plant components.

Question 8. What is the importance of Chandra- ketubah as an archaeological site?
Answer:

The importance of Chandra- ketubah as an archaeological site:

Archaeological ruins have been discovered at Chandraketugarh in West Bengal. Many archaeological remains from the pre-Mauryan age till the Palas-Senas ages have been found here.

The artifacts recovered here are earthen pottery, seals, statues, and terracotta figurines. The terracotta figurines are mostly female figurines.

History Class 6 Chapter 8 Question Answer WBBSE

Chapter 8 Topic B Science And Arts In The Ancient India Subcontinent Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What was discussed in Charaka-Samhita?
Answer:

In Charaka-Samhita there were discussions on seven hundred medicinal plants and different diseases. There are also references on how an ideal hospital should be equipped.

Question 2. What was Sankhyayan?
Answer:

Sankhyayan:

Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry-these three combined together was Mathematics to the Buddhists. This was known as Sankhyayan to the Jains.

Question 3. Who was Nagarjuna?
Answer:

Nagarjuna:

Nagarjuna was a famous Buddhist scholar of the 1st century AD. He was a mathematician.

Question 4. Who was Varahamihira? What were the two works of Varahamihira?
Answer:

Varahamihira was a famous astronomer of the Gupta age. His two works are-Suryasidhhanta and Panchasidhantika.

Question 5. Who was Brahmagupta? Why is he famous?
Answer:

Brahmagupta was a famous mathematician and astronomer of the Gupta period. He is famous for his work Brahmasphuta Siddhanta.

Question 6. Why was Shushruta famous?
Answer:

Shushruta famous:

Shushruta was an expert in joining broken bones or noses. He could also join together a severed ear etc. Thus he was famous in this particular field.

Question 7. What do the words ‘Charaka’ and ‘Shushruta’ mean?
Answer:

The word ‘Charaka’ means. those who wander about. We come to know about Charan Vaidya or physicians who wandered about offering treatment from one of the Vedas. The word ‘Shushruta’ means one of those who had listened properly.

Question 8. Give an idea of the Mehrauli Pillar.
Answer:

Mehrauli Pillar:

The Mehrauli Pillar is an example of the development of metallurgy in ancient times. Till today the iron pillar is rust-free.

Question 9 What is ‘guhavasa’?
Answer:

Guhavasa:

Ashoka and the later Mauryan emperors built artificial caves by cutting mountains for the Ajivikas. People resided in these cave dwellings. This is known as ‘guhavasa’.

Question 10 Which are the most remarkable specimens of Gupta art?
Answer:

The most remarkable specimens of Gupta art are the paintings and sculptures of the Ajanta caves.

Question 11 Why are Ellora and Bagh caves famous?
Answer:

Ellora and Bagh caves are famous for their paintings.

Question 12 Give two examples of Gupta art.
Answer:

Two examples of Gupta art are the Ajanta cave painting and the Ellora cave painting.

Question 13 Name the archaeological site of North 24 Parganas in West Bengal.
Answer:

The archaeological site of North 24 Parganas in West Bengal is Chandraketugarh in Berachampa.

Question 14 What was the period about which we come to know from the archaeological remains of Chandraketugarh?
Answer:

From the archaeological remains of Chandraketugarh we come to know about pre- Mauryan period (c 600-300 BC) to the times of the Palas and Senas (c 750-1250 AD).

Question 15 Name some artifacts recovered from the archaeological ruins of Chandraketugarh.
Answer:

The artefacts recovered from the archaeological ruins of Chandraketugarh are different types of earthen pottery, seals, statues, and terracotta figurines.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Questions And Answers

Chapter 8 Topic B Science And Arts In The Ancient India Subcontinent Objective Type Questions

State whether the following statements are true or false

Question 1. The term Bishalyakarani means the medicine which is applied after surgery.
Answer: True

Question 2. Jivaka, a famous physician, successfully treated Mahavira and restored his health.
Answer: False

Question 3. It was said that one can be free from diseases in the present birth by performing good deeds in an earlier birth.
Answer: True

Question 4. The word Charaka means ‘to apply’.
Answer: False

Question 5. To the Buddhists, Mathematics consisted of Arithmetic, Algebra, and Astronomy.
Answer: False

Question 6. It was in the book ‘Aryabhatiya’ that Aryabhatta discussed the stars and planets.
Answer: True

Question 7. In the Shushuruta-samhita the hand has been held up as the greatest tool.
Answer: True

Question 8. Bimbisara prohibited the killing of birds and animals.
Answer: False

Question 9. Ashoka built cave dwellings for the Jains.
Answer: False

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Questions And Answers

Question  10. Ashoka erected many stupas for the Buddhists.
Answer: True

Question 11. The Sarnath stupa was built by Ashoka.
Answer: True

Question 12. Scenes of royal court were seen in the sculptures of the Kushana period.
Answer: False

Question 13. Gandhara sculpture is mainly influenced by Greek and Roman art.
Answer: True

Question 14. White sandstone was used in the Mathura school of sculpture.
Answer: False

Question 15. The railings and four gateways on four sides of the stupa were known as ‘torona’.
Answer: True

Question 16. The Dashavatara temple of Chandraketugarh is an example of a stone temple.
Answer: False

Chapter 8 Topic B Science And Arts In The Ancient India Subcontinent Fill In The Blanks

By selecting the appropriate Option from the brackets

Question 1. ________ (History / Science / Philosophy) means specialized knowledge.
Answer: Science

Question 2. Jivaka was the royal physician of king ________ (Bimbisara/Bindusara / Kanishka).
Answer: Bimbisara

Question 3. Bishalyakarani was a ________ (water/thorny/medicinal) plant.
Answer: Medicinal

Question 4. Nagarjuna was a ________ scholar (Hindu/ Jain / Buddhist).
Answer: Buddhist

Question 5. Aryabhatiya was written by ________ (Varahamihira / Aryabhatta / Brahma- Gupta).
Answer: Aryabhatta

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Questions And Answers

Question 6. ________ (Varahamihira / Aryabhatta / Nagarjuna) was the author of Suryasidhhanta.
Answer: Varahamihira

Question 7. The ________ pillar of Mehrauli is remarkable (iron /stone/copper).
Answer: Iron

Question 8. The science of agriculture is discussed in the book ________ (Aryabhatiya / Shushuruta- samhita / Krishiparashara).
Answer: Krishiparashara

Question 9. A chariot-like temple was built during the Pallava period at ________ (Ajanta / Ellora / Mahabalipuram).
Answer: Mahabalipuram

Question 10. There are discussions on forests in the ________ (Krishiparashara / Arthashastra / Charaka-samhita).
Answer: Arthashastra

Question 11. Gandhara and Mathura styles of art became popular in ________ (Saka-Kushana / Maurya- Kushana/Satavahana / Gupta) age.
Answer: Saka-Kushana

Question 12. Initially, the stupas were made of ________ (red sandstone/bricks/mud).
Answer: Mud

Question 13. Mauryan art evolved mainly due to the patronage of the Mauryan ________ (people/rulers/preachers).
Answer: Rulers

Question 14. Stupa and Chaitya were linked mainly to the practices of the ________ (Buddhists/Hindus / Ajivikas).
Answer: Buddhists

Question 15. ________ (Buddha / Mahavira / Ashoka) was the theme of most of the sculptures of the Shunga-Kushana period.
Answer: Buddha

Question 16. Buddhist ________ (chaityas/viharas / pillars) were built for the residence and education of Buddhist monks.
Answer: viharas

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Questions And Answers

Chapter 8 Topic B Science And Arts In The Ancient India Subcontinent Answer In A Complete Sentence

Question 1. What is Bishalyakarani?
Answer: Bishalyakarani was a medicinal plant used for preparing medicine to be applied after surgery.

Question 2. Who proposed to apply Bishalyakarani to the wound of Lakshman?
Answer: Sushena, a physician proposed to apply Bishalyakarani to the wound of Lakshman.

Question 3. Who was Jivaka?
Answer: Jivaka was the royal physician of king Bimbisara.

Question 4. From whom did Jivaka receive an education?
Answer: Jivaka received education from Guru Atreya.

Question 5. How was ‘punya’ and disease-related?
Answer: There was a belief that by performing good deeds (punya) in an earlier birth it was possible to be free from diseases in the present birth.

Question 6. What was prohibited in the Dharmashastras?
Answer: In the Dharmashastras touching a corpse was prohibited.

Question 7. Why the study of Anatomy and surgical science began to decline?
Answer: Touching a corpse was prohibited by the Dharmashastras. As a result, the study of Anatomy and surgical science began to decline.

Question 8. What is the meaning of the word Charaka?
Answer: The word Charaka means those who wander.

Question 9. What is the meaning of the word ‘Charan Vaidya’?
Answer: Charan Vaidya means physicians who used to wander about from place to place offering treatment to the people.

Question 10. Name a famous Buddhist mathematician.
Answer: The famous Buddhist mathematician was Nagarjuna.

Question 11. What was the name of the book written by Aryabhatta?
Answer: The name of the book written by Aryabhatta was Aryabhatiya.

Question 12. Who was Aryabhatta?
Answer: Aryabhatta was a famous astronomer and mathematician of the Gupta period.

Question 13. In which book did Aryabhatta use the concept of zero?
Answer: Aryabhatta, in his book Aryabhatiya, used the concept of zero.

Question 14. Who put forward the idea that the Earth is round and it rotates around its own axis?
Answer: Aryabhatta put forward the idea that the Earth is round and it rotates around its own axis.

Question 15. What was Aryabhatta’s concept of lunar eclipse?
Answer: Aryabhatta’s conception was that a lunar eclipse occurs when the shadow of the earth fell on that of the moon.

Question 16. Who was the author of Brahmasphuta- Siddhanta?
Answer: The author of Brahmasphutasiddhanta was Brahmagupta.

Question 17. Which book discussed about the science of agriculture?
Answer: The book Krishiparashara discussed about the science of agriculture.

Question 18. What were the main concerns of the environment in ancient India?
Answer: The main concerns of the environment in ancient India were birds, animals, plants, and forests.

Question 19. For whom did the Mauryan emperors build artificial cave dwellings?
Answer: The Mauryan emperors built artificial cave dwellings for the Ajivikas.

Question 20. Name two stupas built during the reign of Ashoka.
Answer: Two stupas built during the reign of Ashoka were stupas at Sarnath and Sanchi.

Question 21. What figures have been used in the Ashokan pillar?
Answer: Figures of lions, elephants, ox, etc. were used in the Ashokan pillar.

Question 22. What was the principal theme of Gandhara and Mathura art?
Answer: The principal theme of Gandhara and Mathura art was the life of Buddha and Buddhism.

Question 23. What is the main influence on Gandhara sculpture?
Answer: Greek and Roman influences are dominant on Gandhara art.

Question 24. What was mostly used in the Mathura school of sculpture?
Answer: Redstone was mostly used in the Mathura school of sculpture.

Question 25. What is ‘torona’?
Answer: The stupas in the Mauryan age had railings and four gateways on four sides. These are known as ‘torona’.

Question 26. What are stupas?
Answer: Stupas are semi-circular earthen mounds which contained the cremated remains of dead persons.

Question 27. What are viharas?
Answer: Viharas were a collection of several caves which acted as residences and educational centers.

 

Chapter 8 Topic B Science And Arts In The Ancient India Subcontinent Select The Most Appropriate Option For The Following Statement

Question 1. There were conflicts between theology and medical science at different times during this period.
1. The principles of theology became more popular than medical science.
2. Several theories of theology were completely contradictory to those of medical science.
3. Medical scientists began to campaign against theology.

Answer: 2. Several theories of theology were completely contradictory to those of medical science.

Question 2. Agriculture was discussed under the purview of science in ancient India.
1. Science and technology were applied in sphere of agriculture.
2. Agricultural activities underwent rapid expansion in ancient India.
3. Agriculture was the main occupation of most of the people in ancient Indian society.

Answer: 3. Agriculture was the main occupation of most of the people in ancient Indian society.

Question 3. Craftsmanship gradually became dissociated from science.
1. The work of the artisans have been undermined in theology.
2. The spheres of craftwork and science were completely different.
3. Craftsmanship and science had different objectives.

Answer: 1. The work of the artisans have been undermined in theology.

Question 4. There was Greek influence on Gandhara art.
1. The Greeks dominated the Gandhara region.
2. The rulers influenced the Greek art.
3. Interaction of Greek and Buddhist cultures flourished in the area of Gandhara.

Answer: 3. Interaction of Greek and Buddhist culture flourished in the area of Gandhara.

 

Chapter 8 Topic B Science And Arts In The Ancient India Subcontinent Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. According to the Buddhists, Charaka belonged to the age of

1. Ashoka
2. Kanishka I
3. Bimbisara
4. Chandragupta Maurya

Answer: 2. Kanishka I

Question 2. Aryabhatta showed that a lunar eclipse occurred when the shadow of earth fell on

1. Sun
2. Moon
3. Star
4. Meteor

Answer: 2. Moon

Question 3. Most of the architecture was built for the purpose of

1. Religion
2. Scientific Discourse
3. Education
4. Living

Answer: 1. Religion

Question 4. The connection between clouds, winds, and the amount of rainfall was discussed by

1. Brahmagupta
2. Varahamihira
3. Nagarjuna
4. Kalidasa

Answer: 2. Varahamihira

Question 5. Warning signals of an earthquake was mentioned in the works of

1. Varahamihira
2. Kanishka I
3. Charaka
4. Aryabhatta

Answer: 1. Varahamihira

Question 6. The Sanchi stupa was built during the reign of

1. Ashoka
2. Haal
3. Kanishka
4. Samudragupta

Answer: 1. Ashoka

Question 7. The themes of most of the sculptures of the Shunga-Kushana period were related to

1. Jainism
2. Hinduism
3. Buddhism
4. War

Answer: 3. Buddhism

Question 8. The Chaitya in Pitalkhara was built in the age of the

1. Kushanas
2. Mauryas
3. Satavahanas
4. Shungas

Answer: 3. Satavahanas

Question 9. The rock-cut temple was built during the rule of the

1. Pallavas
2. Mauryas
3. Kushanas
4. Guptas

Answer: 1. Pallavas

Question 10. The rock-cut Ajanta caves are the most remarkable specimens of the art of the

1. Satavahanas
2. Pallavas
3. Guptas
4. Mauryas

Answer: 3. Guptas

Question 11. Besides Ajanta, a number of paintings have been found in

1. Nasik
2. Karle
3. Ellora
4. Mahe

Answer: 3. Ellora

WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History Chapter 9 Topic A Medium Of The Political Contact

Salient Points At A Glance

River Valley Civilisations:

Civilizations which flourished on the banks of rivers are called river valley civilizations. Three river valley civilizations of the ancient world are the Mesopotamian civilization, the Egyptian civilization, and the Chinese civilization.

Hamurabi:

Hammurabi was the king of Babylon. He was famous because he was the first to introduce written laws.

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History

Polis:

In Greece, a number of small states known as city-states emerged. These city-states were known as Polis. Two famous Polis were Athens and Sparta.

History Class 6 Chapter 9 WBBSE

Menander:

Menander was the most famous of the Indo-Greek Kings of 4th century BC. Ancient Gandhara and Kandahar regions were under his control. Menander adopted Buddhism under the influence of Nagasena, the Buddhist monk.

Kshatrapas:

The satraps were appointed as provincial rulers by the rulers of the Achaemenid dynasty. Later on, the satrap system was continued by the Shaka and Kushana rulers. During their times the Satraps came to be known as Kshatrapas.

The Hunas:

The Hunas attacked the Indian subcontinent around 458 AD. They possibly entered the subcontinent through the northwest. Tormana and Mihirkula were two powerful Huna leaders.

Silk route:

From the sixth century BC, there was a commercial relationship between the Indian subcontinent and the outside world through land routes. Silk was the main item of commerce.

Two routes met at Kashgarh. From there, the silk traveled via a number of roads and reached the eastern Mediterranean region.

Tamralipta:

Tamralipta was an important port city of ancient India. This sea port functioned till the 7th-8th centuries AD. It was also an important center of education. This was possibly in present-day East Midnapore. around Tamluk.

Yavanikaa:

The custom of dropping the curtain in a play is known as Yavanikaa. The Greeks first introduced the custom of dropping Yavanikaa or curtain in a play.

Gandhara Art:

Gandhara art evolved around Buddhism. New kinds of Cuddha images were done by Gandhara artists. The features were an aquiline nose, half-closed eyes, and long-drawn eyebrows.

The shoes worn by figures of the Buddha resembled Roman sandals. There was a Graeco-Roman influence on Gandhara art.

History Class 6 Chapter 9 WBBSE

Chapter 9 Topic A Medium Of Political Contact Descriptive Questions

Question 1. Give an account of the ancient Chinese civilisation.
Answer:

The ancient Chinese civilisation:

The ancient Chinese civilisation of East Asia flourished on the banks of river Hwang-Ho and river Yang-Si-Kiang.

Features:

1. The paper was first produced in China.
2. For the first time, it was in China that the process of making wooden blocks for printing began.
3. The rulers of China constructed huge walls around the Chinese empire to protect it from foreign invasions. These huge walls together constitute what is
4. known as the Great Wall of China.
5. In China, gun powder was used.

Question 2. Give an account of ancient Greek civilization.
Answer:

Ancient Greek civilization:

Ancient Greece was a civilization that dominated much of the Mediterranean sea.

Features:

1. In Greece, a number of small states known as city-states emerged. These city-states were known as Poleis.
2. Two famous poleis were Athens and Sparta. They had engaged in a war with the Persian empire.
3. In ancient Greek civilisation there was the cultivation of science, mathematics, history, and other forms of knowledge.
4. The Greeks were influenced by Persian and other civilisations.

Question 3. What is the importance of mountain passes as a means of communication between India and the outside world?
Answer:

The importance of mountain passes as a means of communication between India and the outside world:

Mountain passes served as a means of communication between India and the outside world.

1. Communication took place between the Indian subcontinent and West and Central Asia through the mountain passes.
2. The mountain passes of the Himalayan range help to communicate with China and Tibet.
3. The foreigners entered the Indian subcontinent through the mountain passes of the northwest and established their control over the Indian subcontinent.
4. Through these routes, trade and commerce flourished.
5. Through these mountain passes cultural contact was established.

Question 4. Discuss about the links between the Indian subcontinent and Persia.
Answer:

The links between the Indian subcontinent and Persia:

A link was established between the Indians. subcontinent and Persia through Gandhara which was located to the northwest of India.

1. In the second half of the 6th century BC Darius I, the ruler of Persia’s Achaemenid dynasty attacked Gandhara. Gandhara and many other places of the Indian subcontinent came under his control. Most probably the lower Indus region was under his control

From the writings of Herodotus, we come to know that India was a province of the Persian empire. North-west India and the north-western part of the subcontinent had links with the Persian empire.

2. During the reign of Darius III (336-330 BC) Persia lost control over Gandhara and the lower Indus region. As a result Persian rule remain confined to a very small part of the subcontinent.

History Class 6 Chapter 9 WBBSE

Question 5. Give an account of the contact between the Indian Subcontinent and Greece.
Answer:

The contact between the Indian Subcontinent and Greece:

The Indian subcontinent and Greece had developed a very close contact in the ancient period.

1. Alexander’s invasion of India:

Close contact developed between the Indian subcontinent and Greece as a result of the invasion by Alexander, the ruler of Greece in the subcontinent.

2. Termination of the Persian rule:

As a result of Alexander’s invasion of the subcontinent, the Persian rule over the region came to an end.

3. Development of Gandhara art:

During this period, the Gandhara style of art developed as a combination of Greek and Persian elements and styles.

4. Establishment of Greek colonies:

While leaving India, Alexander established some small Greek colonies in the northwestern part of the subcontinent. These colonies existed till the time of Ashoka.

Question 6. How was contact established between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia?
Answer:

Contact established between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia:

India established close contact with Central Asia in the ancient period.

1. Bactria:

The Greeks ruled over the northwest frontier of India from Taxila of Gandhara to Bactria.

2. Sakas:

The Scythians or the Sakas, a nomadic tribe of Central Asia, put an end to the Greek rule in Bactria. They occupied Kashmir, Sind, the western coastal regions, and Taxila.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Question Answer

3. Kushanas:

The Kushanas came from the central Asian grassland and reached Bactria in the west.

4. Pahlavas:

The Parthians or the Pahlavas captured the areas from the north-western region to parts of Punjab and the entire Indus valley.

5. Spread of Christianity:

During the reign of the Pahlava ruler Gondophernes, St. Thomas visited the Indian subcontinent to bespread Christianity.

6 Exchange of envoys:

Megasthenes and Diamachus, the ambassadors of Seleucus, came to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. Dionysius, the ambassador of the Egyptian king Ptolemy came to the Mauryan court.

There was communication between the Mauryan king Bindusara and the Syrian king Antiochus I.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Question Answer

Chapter 9 Topic A Medium Of Political Contact Analytical Questions

Question 1. Name three civilisations of the ancient world and name the rivers on whose banks these civilisations flourished.
Answer:

Three civilisations of the ancient world and name the rivers on whose banks these civilisations flourished:

Three civilisations of the ancient world are the Mesopotamian civilisation, Egyptian civilisation, and the Chinese civilisation. The Mesopotamian civilisation flourished along the river Tigris and the river Euphrates.

The Egyptian civilisation flourished along the banks of the river Nile. The Chinese civilisation flourished on the bank of river Hwang-Ho and river Yang-Si- Kiang.

Question 2. Where did the Sumerian civilisation flourish? What are the main characteristics of Sumerian civilisation?
Answer:

Sumerian civilisation flourish:

The Sumerian civilisation flourished in one part of Mesopotamia, the region between the river Tigris and the river Euphrates.

The main characteristics of Sumerian civilisation were

1. The people of Sumer used to practice different kinds of sciences, mathematics and astronomy.
2. The script of Sumer is known as Cuneiform.
3. Wooden tools were first used by the people of Sumer.

Question 3. Mention two important features of the Egyptian civilisation.
Answer:

Two important features of the Egyptian civilisation:

Two important features of the Egyptian civilisation were the pyramids and the beginning of writing on papyrus reeds. The pyramids were huge tombs to preserve the mummies of the kings.

The Egyptians wrote on the bark of papyrus using Hieroglyphic script. The word ‘paper’ comes from the word papyrus.

 

 

Question 4. Give an account of the Roman civilisation.
Answer:

Roman civilisation:

The Roman civilisation developed on the Italian coast of the Mediterranean sea.

1. The Roman empire gradually developed into a huge empire.
2. In Rome politics, art and culture developed remarkably.
3. Greek and other civilisations influenced Rome.

Question 5. How did the Persians influence India?
Answer:

The Persians influence India:

According to the Greek historian the Persian empire under the Achaemenid Herodotus, India was a ‘satrapi’ or province of the dynasty. The influence of the Persians could be felt in the Indian culture and politics for a long time.

The Shakas and Kushanas also appointed satraps or provincial rulers like the Achaemenids. The Persian rulers conveyed their orders and instructions through edicts and this system was followed by Ashoka.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Question Answer

Question 6. How was communication established between the Indian subcontinent and the foreign powers? How was the relationship established between the Indian subcontinent and Greece?
Answer:

Communication was established between the Indian subcontinent and the foreign powers through mountain passes and sea routes.

Alexander defeated the Persians and reached the Indian subcontinent. Many rulers of the Indian subcontinent had provided assistance to the Greek army. It may be mentioned that Ambhi, the king of Taxila, had provided assistance to Alexander.

Besides this, in the Kushana period, Gandhara art flourished which was a combination of Greek and Roman art.

Question 7. What do you know about Bactria?
Answer:

Bactria:

Bactria was located in the northwest frontier of the Indian subcontinent and to the northwest of the Hindukush mountain or it may be said that it was located in the northeast of modern Afghanistan.

Many Greek kings were residents of Bactria. The Bactrian king have been called as Yavanas in the Puranas. The Bactrian kings dominated over the north-western frontier region and Taxila of Gandhara region.

Towards the end of the 4th century BC, the Greek ruler Seleucus dominated Bactria.

Question 8. Who was Menander?
Answer:

Menander:

Menander was the most famous of the Indo-Greek kings of 4th century BC. He is known as Milinda in Buddhist literature.

1. Areas under rule:

Ancient Gandhara and Kandahar regions were under his control. Some parts of Bactria and the north-western frontier region were also ruled by him.

2. Adoption of Buddhism:

Menander adopted Buddhism under the influence of Nagasena, the Buddhist monk.

3. Capital:

The capital of Menandar was Sakal (Sialkot in modern-day Pakistan).

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 8 Question Answer

Question 9. Who was Gondophernes?
Answer:

Gondophernes:

Gondophernes was a Pahlava or Parthian ruler who had captured a part of ancient Gandhara by defeating the Sakas. He also ruled over some parts of Punjab as well as the entire Indus valley.

He took the title of Rajatiraj and this was engraved on his coins. St. Thomas visited the subcontinent to spread Christianity during Gondophernes’ reign.

 

 

Question 10. What do you know about the exchange of envoys of the Indian subcontinent with the outside world during the Mauryan period?
Answer:

It was from the time of the Mauryan period that the exchange of envoys started between the Indian subcontinent and the outside world.

1. Megasthenes, the envoy of the Greek ruler Seleucus, came to the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
2. Damascus, the envoy of Seleucus, visited the Mauryan court at the same time.
3. Dionysius, the ambassador of the Egyptian king Ptolemy also visited the Mauryan court.

Question 11. Who were the Hunas? What was the impact of their invasion of India?
Answer:

Hunas:

The Hunas were a barbaric race who came from Central Asia and attacked India in 458 AD. They were successfully thwarted by the Gupta ruler Skandagupta.

They reappeared at the end of the 5th century and the beginning of the 6th century under the leadership of Tormana and Mihirkula. As a result of the Huna invasion the overland trade between north-western India and Central Asia suffered a setback.

History Class 6 Chapter 9 WBBSE

Question 12. In what ways contact was established between the Indian subcontinent and other countries?
Answer:

The ways in which contact was established between the Indian subcontinent and other countries were as follows:

1. The advent of foreigners.
2. Conquest of kingdoms and exchange of ambassadors, trade and commerce, cultural contact, spread of religion and pilgrimage and education.

 

Chapter 9 Topic A Medium Of Political Contact Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Name two civilisations of the ancient world.
Answer:

Two civilisations of the ancient world were

1. Roman civilisation and
2. Sumerian civilisation.

The Roman civilisation developed on the Italian coast of the Mediterranean sea.

The Sumerian civilisation flourished in one part of Mesopotamia, the region between the river Tigris and river Euphrates.

Question 2. What were the two civilisations which flourished in Mesopotamia?
Answer:

The two civilisations which flourished in Mesopotamia were Sumerian civilisation and Babylonian civilisation.

Question 3. Who was Hamurabi? Why is he famous?
Answer:

Hammurabi was the king of Babylon. He was famous because he was the first one to introduce written laws.

Question 4 What is Hieroglyphic script?
Answer:

Hieroglyphic script:

The Egyptians used the Hieroglyphic script. It consisted of both images and alphabet.

 

 

Question 5 What is the Great Wall of China?
Answer:

Great Wall of China:

The rulers of China constructed huge walls around the Chinese empire to protect their empire from foreign invasions. These huge frontiers together constitute what is known as the Great Wall of China.

Question 6. What do you mean by Polis? Name two famous Poleis.
Answer:

Polis:

In Greece, a number of small states had These were known as Cities, States or Polis. Two famous Poleis were Athens and Sparta.

Question 7. Who were Herodotus and Thucydides?
Answer:

1. Herodotus was a Greek historian who wrote about the war of Athens and Sparta with the Persian empire.
2. Thucydides was also a Greek historian who wrte about the war between Athens and Sparta.

Question 8. Who was Darius I?
Answer:

Darius I:

Darius I was the ruler of Persia. He belonged to the Achaemenid dynasty. Gandhara and many other places of the Indian subcontinent came under his control.

Question 9. What is ‘Hindush’?
Answer:

Hindush:

The term ‘Hindush’ is mentioned in one of the writings of the great Persian emperor Darius I. The term was derived from the river Indus.

Question 10. Who were called the ‘Kshatrapas’?
Answer:

Kshatrapas:

The satraps were appointed as provincial rulers by the rulers of the Achaemenid dynasty. Later on, the satrap system was continued by the Shaka and Kushana rulers. During their times the Satraps came to be known as Kshatrapas.

Question 11. During whose reign Alexander invaded Persia? What was the result?
Answer:

Alexander invaded Persia during the reign of Darius III (336-330 BC).

Alexander defeated the Persians. The defeat of the Persians led to the fall of the Achaemenid dynasty. Persia lost control over Gandhara and also over the lower Indus region.

Question 12. Towards the end of 4th century, BC Bactria was under which Greek ruler? How Bactrian kings have been referred to in the Puranas?
Answer:

Towards the end of the 4th century BC Bactria was under the Greek ruler Seleucus. The Bactrian kings have been referred to as Yavanas in the Puranas.

Question 13. Who were the Bactrian-Greeks or Indo- Greeks?
Answer:

The Greeks of the Bacteria dominated over the north-western frontier region and the Taxila of Gandhara. The Greek rulers who dominated over these regions were known as Bactrian- Greeks or Indo-Greeks.

Question 14. What is Milindapanha?
Answer:

Milindapanha:

Menander, the Indo-Greek king, adopted Buddhism under the influence of the Buddhist monk Nagasena. Menander asked Nagasena many questions and their dialogues have been recorded in a book Milindapanha or Milindaprashna.

Question 15. Who were the Pahlavas?
Answer:

Towards the beginning of the 1st century BC the Parthians who came from Iran to the Indian subcontinent took control of the Kabul region. These Parthians were known as the Pahlavas in the subcontinent.

Question 16. Name the Mauryan emperor who took step to spread Buddhism. Where did he send his envoys?
Answer:

The Mauryan emperor Ashoka took steps to spread Buddhism. He sent his ambassador to Syria, Srilanka, Egypt, Macedonia, etc.

Question 17. What do we come to know from an inscription in Rajagriha?
Answer:

From an inscription in Rajagriha we come to know that during the time of Harshavardhana, there was an exchange of envoys with China.

Question 18. Who was the Huna leader towards the end of the 5th century and the beginning of the 6th century AD? Who was his son?
Answer:

Tormana was the Huna leader towards the end of the 5th century and the beginning of the 6th century AD.

 

Chapter 9 Topic A Medium Of Political Contact Objective Type Questions

State whether the following statements are true or false

Question 1. The use of wooden wheels was first started by the people of Sumer.
Answer: True

Question 2. The script of Egypt is known as Cuneiform.
Answer: False

Question 3. For the first time, China began the process of making wooden blocks for printing.
Answer: True

Question 4. Thucydides wrote about the war between Athens and the Persian empire.
Answer: False

Question 5. Darius, I was a Roman emperor.
Answer: False

Question 6. Greek civilization was influenced by Persian and other civilisations.
Answer: True

Question 7. During the Saka and Kushana rule the Persian satraps came to be known as Kshatrapas.
Answer: True

Question 8. In Rome, there was a remarkable advancement in politics, art, and sculpture.
Answer: True

Question 9. It was on the directives of the royal officers of Athens that Jesus Christ was crucified.
Answer: False

Question 10. Most of the foreign races entered the Indian subcontinent through the sea routes of the northwestern region.
Answer: False

Question 11. In the second half of the 6th century BC, the rulers of Persia belonging to the Achaemenid dynasty attacked Gandhara.
Answer: True

Question 12. Alexander invaded Persia during the reign of King Darius III.
Answer: True

 

Chapter 9 Topic A Medium Of Political Contact Fill In The Blanks

By selecting the appropriate expression from the brackets

Question 1. The Greek historian __________ (Herodotus/ Thucydides/Sophocles) has called Egypt ‘the Gift of the Nile’.
Answer: Herodotus

Question 2. Ambhi, the king of __________ (Pataliputra/ Vaishali/Taxila) helped Alexander to invade India.
Answer: Taxila

Question 3. The Indo-Greek king Minander is known as Milind in the __________ (Jain/Buddhist/Tamil) literature.
Answer: Buddhist

Question 4. The Parthians came to India from __________ (Iraq/China/Iran).
Answer: Iran

Question 5. Megasthenes was the ambassador of the __________ (Egyptian/Roman/Greek) ruler Seleucus.
Answer: Greek

Question 6. The __________ (Saka-Kushanas/Saka-Pahlavas/ Maurya-Kushanas) started the use of bridles and saddles on horses.
Answer: Saka-Pahlavas

Question 7. Gondophernes had the title __________ (Rajadhiraja/Rajatiraj/Chakravartin).
Answer: Rajatiraj

Question 8. Nagasena was a __________ monk (Hindu/Jain/ Buddhist).
Answer: Buddhist

Question 9. The dialogue between Menander and Nagasena has been recorded in __________ (Si-Yu-Ki/ Milindapanha/Krishiparashara).
Answer: Milindapanha

Question 10. There was an exchange of envoys between India and China during the reign of __________ (Ashoka/Harshavardhana/Skandagupta).
Answer: Harshavardhana

Question 11. Mihirkula was a __________ leader (Huna/ Saka/Pahlava).
Answer: Huna

Question 12. A powerful leader of the Hunas was __________ (Tormana/Darius I/Milinda).
Answer: Tormana

Question 13. Ptolemy was the king of __________ (Egypt/Macedonia/Sri Lanka).
Answer: Egypt

Question 14. Antiochus I was the king of __________ (Egypt/Syria/Persia).
Answer: Syria

Question 15. With the aim of propagating Buddhism Ashoka sent his envoys to __________ (Gandhara/Bactria/Sri Lanka).
Answer: Sri Lanka

 

Chapter 9 Topic A Medium Of Political Contact Answer In A Complete Sentence

Question 1. What is the meaning of the word ‘Mesopotamia’?
Answer: The meaning of the word ‘Mesopotamia’ is the land between the two rivers.

Question 2. What are the names of the two main rivers of Mesopotamia?
Answer: The names of the two main rivers of Mesopotamia are Tigris and Euphrates.

Question 3. What is the script of Sumer known as?
Answer: The script of Sumer is known as Cuneiform.

Question 4. Where did the ancient Egyptian civilisation flourish?
Answer: The ancient Egyptian civilisation flourished on the bank of the river Nile in northeast Africa.

Question 5. Who was Herodotus?
Answer: Herodotus was a Greek historian.

Question 6. Which country is called the ‘Gift of the Nile’?
Answer: Egypt is called the ‘Gift of the Nile’.

Question 7. What were the rulers of Egypt known as?
Answer: The rulers of Egypt were known as Pharaoh.

Question 8. Why were pyramids built?
Answer: The pyramids were built to keep the dead bodies of the rulers of Egypt safe forever.

Question 9. On what did the Egyptians write?
Answer: The Egyptians used to write on the barks of the Papyrus reed.

Question 10. From which word did the English word ‘Paper’ originate?
Answer: The English word ‘Paper’ originated from the word Papyrus.

Question 11. What was imported from Egypt to India?
Answer: Lapis Lazuli, a kind of precious stone, was imported from Egypt to India.

Question 12. Where did the ancient Chinese civilisations develop?
Answer: The ancient Chinese civilisations developed on the banks of river Hwang-Ho and river Yang-Si-Kiang, in East Asia.

Question 13. In which country gunpowder was used?
Answer: Gunpowder was used in China.

Question 14. Name two Persian emperors.
Answer: Two Persian emperors were Cyrus and Darius I.

Question 15. On whose directives Jesus Christ was crucified in Jerusalem?
Answer: Jesus Christ was crucified in Jerusalem on the directives of the royal officers of Rome.

Question 16. Where was Gandhara located?
Answer: Gandhara was located to the north- west of the Indian subcontinent.

Question 17. Who were the Satraps?
Answer: Satraps were provincial rulers appointed by the Achaemenids.

Question 18. Who was Alexander?
Answer: Alexander was the ruler of Macedon who invaded India.

Question 19. Name the king of India who cooperated with Alexander.
Answer: Ambhi, the king of Taxila, cooperated with Alexander.

Question 20. Who was Seleucus?
Answer: Seleucus was the Greek ruler of Bactria.

Question 21. Who is known as Milinda in Buddhist literature?
Answer: Menander, the Indo-Greek King, was known as Milinda in Buddhist literature.

Question 22. Where was the capital of Menander?
Answer: The capital of Menander was Sakal (Sialkot in modern-day Pakistan)

Question 23. Name the Indo-Greek king who took initiative to spread Buddhism.
Answer: Menander was the Indo-Greek king who took initiative to spread Buddhism.

Question 24. What was the title engraved on the coins of Gondophernes?
Answer: ‘Rajatiraj’ was the title engraved on the coins of Gondophernes.

Question 25. Who was Antiochus I?
Answer: Antiochus I was the king of Syria.

Question 26. Name the Mauryan emperor who spread Buddhism.
Answer: The Mauryan emperor Ashoka spread Buddhism.

Question 27. Name two Huna rulers.
Answer: Two Huna rulers were Tormana and his son Mihirkula.

Question 28. During whose reign there was an exchange of envoys with China?
Answer: During the reign of emperor Harshavardhana there was an exchange of envoys with China.

 

Chapter 9 Topic A Medium Of Political Contact Select The Most Appropriate Option For The Following Statement

Question 1. The Word ‘Mesopotamia’ means the land between two rivers.
1. The region between the river Tigris and river Euphrates is called Mesopotamia.
2. Mesopotamia consisted of two rivers-Tigris and Euphrates.
3. Mesopotamia was made up of the two valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates.

Answer: 1. The region between the river Tigris and river Euphrates is called Mesopotamia.

Question 2. The foreign political powers invaded and established their domination over the subcontinent through the north- western passes.
1. The distance between north-western passes and western and central Asia was less.
2. There was a connection between the north-western passes and western and central Asia.
3. The north-western passes were easily accessible.

Answer: 2. There was a connection between the north-western passes and western and central Asia.

Question 3. North-west India and northwestern part of the subcontinent were linked to the Persian empire.
1. The Persians came and settled down in this part.
2. The inhabitants of this part of the subcontinent claimed to be included in the Persian empire.
3. These regions were conquered by the Persian emperor Darius.

Answer: 3. These regions were conquered by the Persian emperor Darius.

Question 4. The Achaemenid empire finally collapsed.
1. The Persian ruler Darius III was defeated by Alexander.
2. Severe revolts started in the Persian empire.
3. Foreign invasions took place in the Persian empire successively.

Answer: 1. The Persian ruler Darius III was defeated by Alexander.

Question 5. The expansion of Magadha’s power was facilitated by Alexander’s invasion of India.
1. The small political powers were completely destroyed during this invasion.
2. Alexander carried on his campaign over the subcontinent with Magadha’s help.
3. Alexander’s army helped in the expansion of the Magadhan empire.

Answer: 1. The small political powers were completely destroyed during this invasion.

Question 6. Menander ruled over Bactria.
1. Menander had built up a settlement for his subjects in Bactria.
2. The Bactrian region was under the rule of Menander.
3. The Bactrians wanted Menander to administer them.

Answer: 2. The Bactrian region was under the rule of Menander.

 

Chapter 9 Topic A Medium Of Political Contact Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. Cyrus was the emperor of

1. Greece
2. Persia
3. Athens
4. Egypt

Answer: 2. Persia

Question 2. The term Hindush was derived from

1. Hindu
2. River Indus
3. Hindukush
4. River Ganga

Answer: 2. River Indus

Question 3. Alexander invaded India during the reign of

1. Ashoka
2. Menander
3. Darius I
4. Darius III

Answer: 4. Darius III

Question 4. Ambhi, king of Taxila cooperated with

1. Darius I
2. Alexander
3. Nagasena
4. Seleucus

Answer: 2. Alexander

Question 5. Many territories were conquered by the Greek kings during the rule of

1. Seleucus
2. Ambhi
3. Pushyamitra Shunga
4. Menander

Answer: 3. Pushyamitra Shunga

Question 6. At the end of the 4th century, BC Bactria was under the control of

1. Seleucus
2. Milinda
3. Alexander
4. Pushyamitra Shunga

Answer: 1. Seleucus

Question 7. In the Indian subcontinent, the Scythians were known as

1. Shakas
2. Kushanas
3. Pahlavas
4. Maurya

Answer: 1. Shakas

Question 8. In the Indian subcontinent, the Parthians were known as

1. Pahlavas
2. Indo-Iranians
3. Kshatrapas
4. Hunas

Answer: 1. Pahlavas

Question 9. Gondophernes conquered a part of Gandhara by defeating the

1. Kushanas
2. Greeks
3. Pahlavas
4. Shakas

Answer: 4. Shakas

Question 10. During the reign of Gondophernes, the Indian subcontinent was visited by

1. Hawkins
2. Al-Beruni
3. St. Thomas
4. Megasthenes

Answer: 3. St. Thomas

Question 11. The court of Chandragupta Maurya was visited by

1. Fa-Hien
2. Hieun-Tsang
3. Megasthenes
4. St. Thomas

Answer: 3. Megasthenes

Question 12. The envoy of Seleucus to the Mauryan court was

1. Damascus
2. Fa-hien
3. Megasthenes
4. Dionysius

Answer: 1. Diamachus

Question 13. The Hunas attacked the Indian subcontinent around

1. 457 AD
2. 456 AD
3. 458 AD
4. 485 AD

Answer: 3. 458 AD

Question 14. The Huna invasion was resisted by the Gupta emperor

1. Samudragupta
2. Kumargupta
3. Skandagupta
4. Bindusara

Answer: 3. Skandagupta

Chapter 8 Aspects Of Culture In Ancient India Topic A Education And Literature In The Ancient Indian Subcontinent

Salient Points At A Glance

Gurukul system of education:

The vedic system of education was based on the relationship between the disciple and the guru. The students stayed in the guru’s house and received an education. The guru had to take responsibility of the food and accommodation of the students and they had to perform various duties for him.

Mahavihara:

Some Buddhist monasteries where students from within India and outside the country used to come to study were known as Mahavihara. These were patronised by the kings. Some famous Mahaviharas were in Nalanda, Taxila, Vikramashila, etc.

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History

The Puranas:

The Puranas form an important part of ancient Indian literature. Some of the Puranas were composed before the 5th or 4th century BC. The others were written between the 2nd and 7th century AD. The Puranas are eighteen in number.

Class 6 History Chapter 8 WBBSE

The Ramayana:

The Ramayana is one of the two great epics of India. It was composed by Valmiki in Pali between the 3rd and 2nd century BC. The main story centers around the war between Rama and Ravana.

The Mahabharata:

The Mahabharata is one of the two great epics of India. It was composed by Vyasa in Sanskrit. The main story is based on the conflict between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. It was compiled between the 4th century BC and the 4th century AD.

Sangam literature:

The Sangam literature was composed between 1st century AD and 4th century AD in South India. It is divided into nine anthologies. The collection of Sangam poems offers a good example of the development of Tamil language.

Aryabhatta:

Aryabhatta was a great mathematician and astronomer of the Gupta period. He raised the status of mathematics to the level of an independent discipline.

In his work ‘Aryabhatiya’ he introduced the concept of zero which led to the emergence of the decimal system. He also propounded the theories of the rotation of the earth, its spherical shape, and the cause of the lunar eclipses. He has also discussed about the stars and planets.

Varahamihira:

Varahamihira was also a famous astronomer who introduced many new concepts. In his works ‘Suryasidhhanta’ and ‘Panchasidhantika’ he had discussed the connection between clouds, winds and, amount of rainfall, and the symptoms of an earthquake.

Environmental concerns:

The main areas of environmental concern were forests, plants, birds, and animals. The rulers were very keen about forests because different types of natural resources were available from the forests.

People who damaged the forests were punished. People also made efforts to store water and build tanks and irrigation canals.

Stupas:

Stupas were semi-circular earthen mounds which contained the cremated remains of dead persons. They had railings and four gateway called ‘torona’. Stupas of Barhut, Sanchi, and Amaravati are famous.

Class 6 History Chapter 8 WBBSE

Chaityas:

Chaityas were cave shrines made by directly cutting into the sides of rocks. They do not contain gateways or toronas. Chaityas of Nasik, Pitalkhara, and Karle are famous.

Chandraketugarh:

The ruins of Chandra- ketugarh have been discovered at present Berachampa in North 24 Parganas of West Bengal. This place, which was connected to the Ganga via Vidyadhari river, was a famous commercial center and a prosperous town.

It is also known for its terracotta images. Many archaeological remains from pre- Mauryan age till the Pala-Sena age have been found there.

Class 6 History Chapter 8 WBBSE

Chapter 8 Topic A Education And Literature Education And Literature In The Ancient Indian Subcontinent Descriptive Questions

Question 1. What was the system of education in the Buddhist monasteries?
Answer:

The system of education in the Buddhist monasteries:

Buddhist monasteries were centers of education. A new form of education was imparted in the Buddhist Viharas monasteries.

1. Accommodation: The students used to reside in the monasteries. They were provided with separate rooms to live there.
2. Admission: Admission of students were on the basis of merit.
3. Fees: Students had to pay fees for their education. However, scholarships were granted to the poor students.
4. Subjects taught: Religion was the most important subject of study. Besides religious studies, many other subjects were taught. Students were taught how to shoot arrows, how to use swords, and how to wrestle. Different kinds of games were also taught. The Buddhist ‘bhikshu’ or the mendicants and the Shramans had to learn how to spin thread and how to weave cloth.

Question 2. What was the importance of Taxila as a center of education in ancient India?
Answer:

The importance of Taxila as a center of education in ancient India:

During the period of sixteen Mahajanapadas, Taxila was the capital of Gandhara Mahajanapada.

1. Reasons for becoming famous:

Different foreign powers like the Greeks, Kushanas, and Sakas occupied Taxila at different times. As a result people and scholars from different countries used to come to Taxila. In course of time, Taxila became a famous center of education.

2. Admission:

Students between sixteen and twenty years could take admission in Taxila Mahavihara. Students were selected on the basis of merit. Religion or caste was not considered.

Students from different parts of the country could take admission for higher studies.

3. Period of study:

Students could study in the Vihara for eight years.

4. Examination:

The procedure of examination was simple. There was no written examination. The standard of education was high.

5. Patrons:

Kings and merchants were the patrons of the Mahavihara. They donated land and money to keep the Mahavihara functional.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 Question Answer WBBSE

6. Famous students:

Famous students of the Taxila Mahavihara were Jivaka, Panini, and Chanakya.

Question 3. Give an account of Nalanda Mahavihara.
Answer:

Nalanda Mahavihara:

Nalanda Mahavihara was a famous educational institution of ancient India.

1. Admission: To gain admission in the Nalanda Mahavihara students had to pass very rigorous tests. Students of any religion or caste could take admitted.
2. Boarding and lodging: Boarding and lodging was free for the students. Tuition fees were not charged.
3. Examination system: After completion of the education in the Mahavihara students had to sit for examinations.Ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara
4. Patrons: The kings were patrons of the Mahavihara. They used to donate land and money to the institution.
5. Fame: Many well-reputed scholars used to teach there. Students from various parts of India and also from China, Tibet, Korea, Sumatra, and Java used to come to study at Nalanda.

 

 

Question 4. Give an account of the education system in ancient India.
Answer:

The education system in ancient India:

In ancient India education system gradually developed and changed.

1. Harappan age:

Harappan civilization had a script. But nothing is known about Harappan literature. Harappan script is not yet deciphered.

2. Education system in the Vedic age:

The Vedic system of education was based on the relationship between the disciple and the Guru. The student stayed in the Guru’s house and received an education. This was known as the Gurukul system.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 Question Answer WBBSE

3. Buddhist monasteries as centers of education:

Religion was the most important subject of study in the Buddhist monasteries. Besides religious studies, students were taught how to shoot arrows, how to use swords, how to wrestle, and play different kinds of games.

4. Education around the 4th century BC:

Around 4th century BC along with the Vedas students were also taught prosody, poetry, grammar, chemistry, mathematics,
astronomy, astrology, etc.

5. Education system during the Gupta period:

During the Gupta age students stayed in the Guru’s house and received an education. They also attended schools and were taught scripts, languages, Vedic literature poetry, grammar, astrology, drama, law, politics, and art of warfare.

Question 5. Discuss the development of literature in ancient India.
Answer:

The development of literature in ancient India:

Literature was highly developed in ancient India.

1. Smritishastras:

Smritishastras were treatises in which various aspects of the right to property and employment and issues of daily life were discussed.

2. Dharmashastras:

Dharmashastras contain explanations about the ancient caste system in Sanskrit.

3. Natyashastra:

The main recreation of the people of the upper classes were drama and acting. So they started writing on drama and acting, for example, Natyashastra by Bharata.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 Question Answer WBBSE

4. Literature in regional languages:

Various kinds of literature were written between 200 BC and AD 300 in different regional languages. For example Patanjali’s Mahabhashya, King Haal’s Gatha Saptashati, etc. Sangam literature in Tamil also deserves mention here.

5. Mahakavya:

Two epics, the ‘Ramayana’ and the ‘Mahabharata’ were composed in ancient times.

6. Medical text:

Medical books on medicines and surgery were written during this time. Two important medical text of ancient India were ‘Charaka-samhita’ and ‘Shushuruta- samhita’.

Question 6. Why is Kalidasa famous?
Answer:

Kalidasa:

Kalidasa was a famous literary icon of ancient India.

1. Period:

There is a controversy regarding the period to which he belonged. It is generally believed that he belonged to the Gupta ege.

2. His works:

He was a famous poet and dramatist. From his writings, we come to know about contemporary society and different aspects of nature.

3. As a dramatist:

He was the composer of the dramas-Abhijnanshakuntalam’ and ‘Malavikagnimitram’.

4. As a poet:

He composed two famous poems ‘Meghadutam’ and ‘Kumarsam- bhavan.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 Question Answer WBBSE

Chapter 8 Topic A Education And Literature Education And Literature In The Ancient Indian Subcontinent Analytical Questions

Question 1. How was education connected to livelihood in the ancient age?
Answer:

Education connected to livelihood in the ancient age:

In the ancient age there was a connection between livelihood and education. The Brahmins studied prosody, poetry, grammar, astronomy, astrology, mathematics, and chemistry.

The Kshatriyas studied subjects of day-to-day affairs like art of warfare and hunting, currency, and examination of documents. The Vaishyas and Shudras studied trade and commerce, agriculture, and animal husbandry.

Question 2. What do you mean by Mahavihara?
Answer:

Mahavihara:

Some Buddhist monasteries where students from within India and outside the country used to come to study were known as Mahavihara.

These Mahaviharas were patronized by the kings by donating land and money. Some famous Mahaviharas were Nalanda, Taxila, Vikramashila, and Balavi.

Question 3. How did the Sanskrit language emerge?
Answer:

The Sanskrit language emerge:

In the Vedic Age people spoke in the language of Rigveda, i.e., Chhandosh. Gradually it got intermingled with local dialects and new regional languages emerged.

So it was necessary to regulate the basic language through some rules or grammar. Panini then composed a grammar book named ‘Ashtadhyayi’.

This helped to reform the language. So the language that developed after such reforms or ‘Sanskar’ came to be known as Sanskrit.

Question 4. What do you mean by ‘Pancham Veda’ and ‘Upaveda’?
Answer:

‘Pancham Veda’ and ‘Upaveda’:

‘It was believed that reading of Mahabharata will yield the same spiritual benefits as the reading of the Vedas. So the Mahabharata has been referred to as the ‘Pancham Veda’ or the Fifth Veda.

Medical science made much advancement between 200 BC and 300 AD and it came to be regarded as ‘Upaveda’.

Question 5. What were the subjects taught in the Buddhist monasteries?
Answer:

The subjects taught in the Buddhist monasteries:

Religion was the most important subject of study in the Buddhist monasteries. Besides religious studies, many other subjects were taught. Students were taught how to shoot arrows, and gained respect in contemporary society use swords and wrestling.

Different kinds of games were also taught. The Buddhist ‘bhikshu’ or the mendicants and the Shramans had to learn how to spin thread and weave cloth.

Question 6. Write a short note on Ramayana.
Answer:

Ramayana:

Ramayana is one of the two great epics of India. It was composed by Valmiki between 3rd and 2nd century BC. The main story of Ramayana centers round the war between Rama and Ravana.

The key characters are Rama, Sita, and Ravana. There are twenty-four thousand couplets (Shlokas) in Ramayana. The entire epic is divided into seven kandas or sections.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Question 7. What are the ‘Puranas’? When were the Puranas composed?
Answer:

‘Puranas’:

The ‘Puranas’ form an important part of ancient Indian literature. It is the story that tells what happened in ancient times. The Puranas are eighteen in number.

Some of the Puranas were composed before 5th or 4th century BC. The others were written between 2nd century and 7th century AD.

Question 8. What do we come to know from the Puranas?
Answer:

From the Puranas we come to know of the following:

1. The Puranas contain an element of history. An important theme of the Puranas is the history of royal dynasties.
2. We also come to know from the Puranas about agriculture, commerce, animal husbandry, and geography. Astrology also form an important part of the discussion.

Question 9. Write a short note on Mahabharata.
Answer:

Mahabharata:

Mahabharata is one of the two great epics of India. It was composed by Krishna dwaipayana Vyasa in Sanskrit. The main story is based on the conflict between the Kauravas and the Pandavas over the occupation of land.

It contained 8,800 shlokas in the beginning. It was compiled between the 4th century BC and the 4th century AD.

Question 10. What do you mean by ‘Sangama’? What is Sangama literature?
Answer:

‘Sangama’:

Meaning of Sangama: Between 200 BC and 300 AD three literary conferences were held in the city of Madurai. These conferences of Tamil scholars are known as ‘Sangama’.

Sangama Literature: The literature composed by the Tamil scholars in these conferences are known as Sangama literature. The poems composed here depict the rural and urban life of that time. These poems also reflect the lives of the cultivators and the common people.

Question 11. What is the theme of ‘Mrichhakatikam’?
Answer:

The theme of ‘Mrichhakatikam’:

‘Mrichhakatikam’ is a popular drama of ancient Sanskrit literature. Mrichhakatikam means small clay cart. Rohasena, the son of Charudutta, saw a gold toy cart of a neighbor’s son and demanded one.

To distract him, He was given a clay cart but he kept crying. Vasantasena, another character of the play felt sad on seeing him cry and gave away her gold jewelry to make a golden toy cart. All the characters are commoners and the play reflects their joy and sorrow.

Question 12. Write about two famous works of Vishakhadutta.
Answer:

Two famous works of Vishakhadutta:

The two famous works of Vishakhadutta are ‘Mudrarakshasa’ and ‘Devichandraguptam’. Mudrarakshasa mainly narrates the saga of Chandragupta Maurya’s ascent to the throne of Magadha by defeating the Nanda king Dhanananda.

The theme of Devichandraguptam is the battle between Ramagupta and Chandragupta II with the Shaka king.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Chapter 8 Topic A Education And Literature Education And Literature In The Ancient Indian Subcontinent Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What do you mean by the Gurukul system of education?
Answer:

The Gurukul system of education:

Vedic system of education was based on the relationship between the disciple and the Guru. The student stayed in the Guru’s house and received an education. This was known as Gurukul System of education.

Question 2. How was a child initiated into education in the post-Gupta period?
Answer:

In the post-Gupta period a new ritual called ‘Vidyarambha’ was introduced to initiate a child into education. He was introduced to the alphabet through this ceremony at the age of five and was taught textbooks and mathematics.

Question 3. Who was called the ‘Upadhyaya’ in the Vedic system of education?
Answer:

In ancient India, the teachers associated with Vedic education were called ‘Upadhyays’. They resided in the Buddhist monasteries and used to teach specific subjects there. They charged fees for teaching. The women teachers were called ‘Upadhyaya’.

Question 4. Who was called the ‘Acharya’ in the Vedic system of education?
Answer:

The ‘Acharya’ in the Vedic system of education:

In ancient India, the teachers associated with Vedic education were known as ‘Acharya’. The students stayed in his house and received free education. They also helped him in domestic work. Sometimes, women could also become teachers and were called ‘Acharya’.

Question 5. Give an account of the Mogolmari Buddhist vihara.
Answer:

Mogolmari Buddhist vihara:

We come to know about some ancient Buddhist monasteries in Bengal from the writings of Faxian and Xuanzang. The Mogolmari Buddhist monastery was situated at Daton in West Midnapore of West Bengal.

Archaeologist Dr. Ashok Datta discovered this spot. It is assumed that it is a contemporary of Nalanda Mahavihara and was probably built along the river Subarnarekha. It lay on the land route between Magadha and Tamralipta port.

Question 6. What are Dharmashastras and Smritishastras?
Answer:

Dharmashastras and Smritishastras:

The Dharmashastras were treatises written in Sanskrit which explained the jati- the Brahmins in the social hierarchy. They also varna system and recognized the superiority of discussed Smritishastras discussed different issues of daily centra in political issues. The life and property rights.

Question 7. The Mahabharata is not the literary creation of a single author-Explain.
Answer:

The Mahabharata is not the literary creation of a single author:

The Mahabharata was compiled between 4th century BC and 4th century AD. Jaykavya was the original name of the Mahabharata. Some slokas were added to the epic by Baishampayan and Mahabharata was renamed as Bharata.

Later some more slokas were added to it by Souti and it was renamed as Mahabharata. Therefore it is said that Mahabharata is not the literary creation of a single author.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Question 8. What was the original name of Mahabharata? Who renamed it as Mahabharata?
Answer:

The original name of Mahabharata was ‘Jaykavya’. Some slokas were added to it and was renamed as Bharata. Later Souti added more slokas and renamed it as Mahabharata.

Question 9. Why is Devanagari script named so?
Answer:

Devanagari script named so:

The two major scripts used in ancient India were Brahmi and Kharoshthi. The Devanagari script evolved from the Brahmi script which was written from left to right.

The Brahmins of the cities (nagara) used the script for religious purposes. So this came to be known as Devanagari.

Question 10. What were the subjects to be studied in the schools built by different kings in the Gupta Age?
Answer:

The subjects to be studied in the schools built by different kings in the Gupta age were scripts, Vedic literature, and languages. Astrology, grammar, poetry, drama, law, vocational education, politics, and art of warfare were also taught.

Question 11. What were some of the Buddhist viharas called? How did the Gupta rulers help the educational institutions?
Answer:

Some of the Buddhist viharas were called Mahaviharas. The Gupta rulers helped the educational institutions by donating land and money.

Question 12. Name two medical texts of ancient India.
Answer:

Two medical texts of ancient India:

Two medical texts of ancient India are ‘Charaka-samhita’ and ‘Shushruta-samhita’.

Question 13. Who was Ashvaghosha?
Answer:

Ashvaghosha:

Ashvaghosha was a Buddhist monk and popular author of the Kanishka period. His famous work ‘Budhhacharita Kavya’ contains the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha.

Question 14. Who was Vasa?
Answer:

Vasa:

Vasa was a dramatist of the 2nd or 3rd century AD. The theme of his dramas were mainly derived from the epics-the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Question 15. Name the city where three literary conferences were held. What were these conferences known as?
Answer:

Three literary conferences were held in the city of Madurai. These conferences are known as Sangama.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Chapter 8 Topic A Education And Literature Education And Literature In The Ancient Indian Subcontinent Objective Type Questions

State whether the following statements are true or false

Question 1. The Harappan script has not yet been deciphered.
Answer: True

Question 2. Certain Buddhist monasteries were known as Chaityas.
Answer: False

Question 3. At Nalanda Mahavihara, students belonging to any religion or caste could study.
Answer: True

Question 4. Buddhism became a popular religion in Taxila.
Answer: True

Question 5. In Taxila Mahavihara students were selected on the basis of religion and caste.
Answer: False

Question 6. In the post-Gupta period, one was introduced to the world of alphabet at the age of six.
Answer: False

Question 7. The language of Rigveda was Chhandosh.
Answer: True

Question 8. Jivaka composed Ashtadhyayi.
Answer: False

Question 9. The word Prakrit has come from Chhandosh.
Answer: False

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Question 10. There are four thousand couplets in the Ramayana.
Answer: False

Question 11. The epic of the Mahabharata is actually a narrative of the Bharat clan.
Answer: True

Question 12. Krishnadwaipayan Vyasa composed the epic poem Ramayana.
Answer: False

Question 13. The original name of the Mahabharata was Jaykavya.
Answer: True

Question 14. The entire Mahabharata is divided into sixteen swarga or sections.
Answer: False

Question 15. Mahabhashya, a book on Sanskrit grammar, was written by Panini.
Answer: False

Question 16. Tamil literature is known as Sangama literature.
Answer: True

Question 17. Poet and dramatist Kalidasa belonged to the Maurya period.
Answer: False

Question 18. Mrichhakatikam is a famous drama of ancient Sanskrit literature.
Answer: True

Question 19. Vishakhadutta composed Mudrarakshasa.
Answer: True

Question 20. Chandragupta II captured the Mauryan throne by defeating the Nanda king Dhanananda.
Answer: True

Question 21. Harshavardhana composed Mudrarakshasa.
Answer: False

Question 22. Panchatantra written in Sanskrit is a collection of moral lessons.
Answer: True

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Chapter 8 Topic A Education And Literature Education And Literature In The Ancient Indian Subcontinent Fill In The Blanks

By selecting the appropriate expression from the brackets

Question 1. Mahavihara of ______________ (Java / Mehrauli /Nalanda) was very famous.
Answer: Nalanda

Question 2.  ______________ (Tanjore Kalyan / Taxila) was the capital of Gandhara Mahajanapada.
Answer: Taxila

Question 3. A famous student of Taxila Mahavihara was ______________ (Chanakya / Souti / Charaka).
Answer: Chanakya

Question 4. ‘Natyashastra’ was written by ______________ (Panini /Bharata/Jivaka).
Answer: Bharata

Question 5. Kharoshti and ______________ (Brahmi / Prakrit / Devanagari) were the two major scripts of ancient India.
Answer: Brahmi

Question 6. Two epics of Tamil literature were Manimekhalai and ______________ (Priyadarshika / Devichandraguptam/Shilappadikaram).
Answer: Shilappadikaram

Question 7. The best example of Buddhist fables that imparted moral education was the ______________ (Jataka/Panchatantra / Amarkosha).
Answer: Jataka

Question 8. Bhartrihari was a well-known ______________ (dramatist/musician/grammarian).
Answer: Grammarian

Question 9. Ratnavali was composed by ______________ (Chandragupta Maurya / Harshavardhana / Ramagupta).
Answer: Harshavardhana

Question 10. Amarkosha, compiled by Amarsingha is a famous ______________ (drama/poem/dictionary).
Answer: Dictionary

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Chapter 8 Topic A Education And Literature Education And Literature In The Ancient Indian Subcontinent Answer In A Complete Sentence

Question 1. Name the cities where educational centers were located.
Answer: The cities where educational centers were located are Pataliputra, Kanauj, Ujjayini, Mithila, Tanjore, Kalyan, etc.

Question 2. Name two famous Mahaviharas.
Answer: Two famous Mahaviharas were Nalanda and Taxila.

Question 3. From which countries students used to come to study at Nalanda?
Answer: Students from China, Tibet, Korea, Sumatra, and Java used to come to Nalanda at study.

Question 4. What was the capital of Gandhara Mahajanapada?
Answer: Taxila was the capital of Gandhara Mahajanapada.

Question 5. Name the famous students of Taxila Mahavihara.
Answer: The famous students of Taxila Mahavihara were Jivaka, Panini and Chanakya.

Question 6. What were the two kinds of teachers attached with Vedic education system?
Answer: The two kinds of teachers attached with Vedic education system were Acharya and Upadhyay.

Question 7. What vow did the Buddhist students have to take?
Answer: The Buddhist students had to take a vow of obeying the rules of Buddha, Dhamma, and the Sangha.

Question 8. What was the ceremony of Vidyarambha?
Answer: In the post-Gupta period a ceremony that initiated a child into education was known as Vidyarambha.

Question 9. Who composed Ashtadhyayi?
Answer: Panini composed Ashtadhyayi.

Question 10. What were the spoken languages of the common people?
Answer: The spoken languages of the common people were Pali and Prakrit.

Question 11. In which languages Jain and Buddhist literature was written?
Answer: Jain and Buddhist literature were written in Prakrit and Pali languages respectively.

Question 12. In which language Dharmashastras were written?
Answer: Dharmashastras were written in Sanskrit.

Question 13. Who was the author of Arthashastra?
Answer: Kautilya was the author of Arthashastra.

Question 14. Who are the key characters in the Ramayana?
Answer: The key characters in the Ramayana are Rama, Sita, and Ravana.

Question 15. What is the principal theme of the Mahabharata?
Answer: The principal theme of the Mahabharata is the war between the Kaurava and the Pandavas.

Question 16. What is ‘Gatha Saptashati’?
Answer: ‘Gatha Saptashati’ is a compilation of poems in the Prakrit language written by the Satavahana King Haal.

Question 17. What is the meaning of Sangama?
Answer: Sangama means assemblage at one place.

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Question 18. Who was Bharavi?
Answer: Bharavi was a famous literary personality of the Gupta period.

Question 19. Name one famous drama of ancient Sanskrit literature.
Answer: ‘Mrichhakatikam’ written by Shudraka is a famous drama of ancient Sanskrit literature.

Question 20. Who composed the play Devichandra- guptam?
Answer: Vishakhadutta composed the play Devichandraguptam.

Question 21. Who composed the Sanskrit prose Dashakumar Charita?
Answer: Dandi composed the Sanskrit prose Dashakumar Charita.

Question 22. Name the Tamil poet who added many new episodes to Ramayana.
Answer: Kambana, the Tamil poet added many new episodes to Ramayana.

Question 23. When was Panchatantra compiled?
Answer: Panchatantra was compiled probably around 1st or 2nd century AD.

Question 24. Name one Tamil epic.
Answer: One Tamil epic is Manimekhalai.

Question 25. What is Amarkosha?
Answer: Amarkosha compiled by Amarsingha is a famous dictionary of the Gupta period.

Question 26. Who composed the play Nagananda?
Answer: King Harshavardhana composed the play Nagananda.

Question 27. Who was the composer of Meghadutam?
Answer: Kalidasa was the composer of Meghadutam.

Question 28. What is Maiavikagnimitram?
Answer: Malavikagnimitram was a famous play composed by Kalidasa.

 

Chapter 8 Topic A Education And Literature Education And Literature In The Ancient Indian Subcontinent Select The Most Appropriate Option For The Following Statement

Question 1. Different kinds of languages developed in different parts of ancient India.
1. The regional accents gradually began to mingle in the existing language.
2. Different sects began to settle down in different places.
3. People began to adopt other languages instead of their native language in different regions of ancient India.

Answer: 1. The regional accents gradually began to mingle in the existing language.

Question 2. The social prestige of the Vaishyas increased since the 6th century BC.
1. The agricultural output increased manifold since the 6th century.
2. The influence of the Vaishyas began to increase in trade and commerce in the 6th century.
3. The Vaishyas began to participate in the administration directly.

Answer: 2. The influence of the Vaishyas began to increase in trade and commerce in the 6th century.

Question 3. The importance of Sanskrit gradually increased in the royal court.
1. The popularity of Sanskrit increased among the kings.
2. Sanskrit came to be used as an official language for administrative work.
3. The use of Sanskrit in literature increased.

Answer: 3. The use of Sanskrit in literature increased.

Question 4. We do not get much information about the life of the common people from the writings of the Gupta and post-Gupta age.
1. The writers of this period belonged to the upper classes in society.
2. There was nothing much to write about the common people.
3. The writers of this period were not interested in the affairs of the common people.

Answer: 1. The writers of this period belonged to the upper classes in society.

Question 5. Long poems were composed in Tamil as in Sanskrit in 6th century AD.
1. The influence of the Aryans can be clearly noticed in Tamil regions during this time.
2. Both Sanskrit and Tamil languages were equally popular in the Tamil-speaking regions.
3. The style of pronunciation was same in both Tamil and Sanskrit.

Answer: 1. The influence of the Aryans can be clearly noticed in Tamil regions during this time.

 

Chapter 8 Topic A Education And Literature Education And Literature In The Ancient Indian Subcontinent Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. Vedic education was based on the relationship between the disciple and

1. Father
2. Monastery
3. Guru
4. Monk

Answer: 3. Guru

Question 2. The Buddhists received education in Buddhist

1. Viharas
2. Schools
3. Ashramas
4. Palaces

Answer: 1. viharas

Question 3. From around the 4th century, the Vaishyas and the Shudras studied

1. Astrology
2. Currency
3. Trade And Commerce
4. Physiology

Answer: 3. Trade and commerce

Question 4. Educators attached with Vedic education were known as

1. Sanyasi
2. Guru
3. Upadhyay
4. Sikshak

Answer: 3. Upadhyay

Question 5. The religion which became popular in Taxila was

1. Jainism
2. Buddhism
3. Hinduism
4. Charvaka

Answer: 2. Buddhism

Question 6. The Mogolmari Buddhist vihara is in the district of

1. West Midnapore
2. West Dinajpur
3. Behrampore
4. Malda

Answer: 1. West Midnapore

Question 7. Panini’s Ashtadhyayi was a book on

1. Magic
2. Mathematics
3. Grammar
4. Astronomy

Answer: 3. Grammar

Question 8. Jayakavya was later renamed as

1. Ramayana
2. Mahabharata
3. Manimekhalai
4. Mudrarakshasa

Answer: 2. Mahabharata

Question 9. Charaka-Samhita was a famous book on

1. Astronomy
2. Drama
3. Medical Science
4. Animal Husbandry

Answer: 3. Medical Science

Question 10. The number of Puranas are

1. 16
2. 18
3. 19
4. 23

Answer: 2. 18

Question 11. Natyashastra was written by

1. Bharata
2. Patanjali
3. Panini
4. Ashwaghosa

Answer: 1. Bharata

Question 12. The script which was mostly used by Ashoka in the Rock Edicts was

1. Brahmi
2. Devanagri
3. Kharoshthi
4. Aramaic

Answer: 1. Brahmi

Question 13. The extremely significant period in the literary history of ancient India was between

1. 300-650 AD
2. 200-650 AD
3. 300-550 AD
4. 500-570 AD

Answer: 1. 300-650 AD

Question 14. A famous literary personality of the Gupta period was

1. Haal
2. Bharavi
3. Souti
4. Charaka

Answer: 2. Bharavi

Question 15. Kambana added many new episodes in his

1. Ramayana
2. Mahabharata
3. Shilappadikaralm
4. Manimekhalai

Answer: 1. Ramayana

Question 16. The language of Panchatantra is

1. Sanskrit
2. Prakrit
3. Pali
4. Magadhi

Answer: 1. Sanskrit

Question 17. Meghadutam was composed by

1. Panini
2. Harshavardhana
3. Kalidasa
4. Charudatta

Answer: 3. Kalidasa

Question 18. The play Priyadarshika was composed by

1. Vasantasena
2. Kalidasa
3. Harshavardhana
4. Panini

Answer: 3. Harshavardhana

Question 19. Dashakumar Charita, a famous Sanskrit prose was composed by

1. Harshavardhana
2. Bharavi
3. Kalidasa
4. Dandi

Answer: 4. Dandi

Question 20. Devichandraguptam was composed by

1. Kalidasa
2. Vishakhadutta
3. Haal
4. Vasa

Answer: 2. Vishakhadutta

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Descriptive Questions

Question 1. Trace the evolution of trade and commerce in India from the 6th century BC to the 6th century AD.
Answer:

The evolution of trade and commerce in India from the 6th century BC to the 6th century AD:

From the 6th century BC to the 6th century AD there were gradual changes in trade and commerce in India.

1 Age of sixteen mahajanapadas:

During this age trade and commerce was important occupation. In the beginning, trade was carried through land routes. Later on, rivers and seas were also used for trading purposes.

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History

2 Mauryan age:

During the Mauryan age, India exported spices, muslin, pearls, etc. and imported items like fruits, wines, and silver vessels. Royal officers were appointed to supervise the work of the merchants.

3 Kushana age:

In the Kushana period, both internal and external trade expanded. In the international markets, there were a demand for Indian muslin and other textiles, pearl, diamond, lapis lazuli and spices. Chinese silk and glass items were imported.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 7 Question Answer

4. Gupta and Post-Gupta period:

During the Gupta and Post-Gupta period, there was a trade relationship between India and other parts of Asia. But there was a slump in foreign trade due to the Huna invasion.

Trade with Rome was hampered. Two important parts of this time were Tamralipta and Kaveripattinam.

Question 2. What were the similarities and dissimilarities between the Mauryan and Gupta administration.
Answer:

The similarities and dissimilarities between the Mauryan and Gupta administration:

There were some similarities and dissimilarities between the Mauryan and Gupta administrations.

Similarities

1. In the Mauryan administration, absolute power rested with the emperor. In the Gupta administration also the emperor was absolute.
2. The Mauryan emperors used to rule with the help of the royal officials known as Amatyas. Gupta royal officials also assisted the emperor in administration. Amatya or ‘Sachiv’ was the most important official.
3. Like the Mauryan empire, the Gupta empire was also divided into a number of provinces.
4. In the Mauryan age, below the provincial administration, there was a district administration known as Aahar. In the Gupta administration also there were districts known as Vishaya.

Dissimilarities

1. The Mauryan emperors did not perform any sacrifices to claim their power. But the Gupta emperors performed yajnas or sacrifices to demonstrate their might.
2. The Mauryan rulers favoured and promoted non-Hindu religions. Here mention may be made of Ashoka’s adoption of Buddhism. But the Gupta rulers followed and promoted Hinduism. During the Gupta period, there is no such instance of the rulers promoting non-Hindu religions like Buddhism.

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Objective Type Questions

Strike the odd one out

Question 1. War, conflict, fight, treaty.
Answer: Treaty

Question 2. Janapada, Mahajanapada, village, city.
Answer: City

Question 3. Rupak, dinar, karshapana, guild.
Answer: Guild

Question 4. Kushanas, Satavahanas, Guptas, Agrahara.
Answer: Agrahara

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 7 Question Answer

Question 5. Brahmanas, Vaishyas, Sudras, traders.
Answer: Traders

Question 6. Megasthenes, Fa-Hien, Hieun-Tsang,Rudradaman.
Answer: Rudradaman

Question 7. Dholi, Chador, dupatta, cot.
Answer: Cot

Question 8. Ashoka, Chandragupta II, hudradaman, Vakataka.
Answer: Vakataka

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Match The Columns

1.

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

2.

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

3.

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

4.

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

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 7 Question Answer

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Exercise

Which of the options appears most suitable to the following statements

Question 1. Many guilds had emerged in the Post-Mauryan age.
1. Kings had created guilds to expand trade and commerce.
2. Craftsmen and merchants had formed guilds.
3. Common people had formed guilds to deposit money and for cash transactions.

Answer: 2. Craftsmen and merchants had formed guilds.

Question 2. Cotton cultivation was good in the Deccan.
1. The black soil of the Deccan was suitable for cotton cultivation.
2. All the cultivators of the Deccan used to cultivate only cotton.
3. No other crop was grown in the Deccan.

Answer: 1. The black soil of the Deccan was suitable for cotton cultivation.

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Fill In The Blanks With The Correct Word

Question 1. Janapada was a/an _______ (agricultural/craft based /labour based) area.
Answer: Agricultural

Question 2. In the Mauryan Age, the economy was mainly dependent on _________ (crafts/agriculture/ trade and commerce).
Answer: Agriculture

Question 3. During the Gupta and Post-Gupta age, the system of donating land for religious purposes was known as _______ (Samanta/Begar/Agrahara) system.
Answer: Agrahara

History Class 6 Chapter 7 Question Answer WBBSE

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Write In Your Own Words

Question 1. Do you notice any difference between the first urbanisation (Harappa) and the second urbanisation (Mahajanapada)?
Answer:

 

Question 2. Why did the irrigation system develop in ancient India? Do you notice any difference between the irrigation system of these times and that of the present?
Answer:

Reason for the development of the irrigation system:

Agriculture was the basis of the economy in ancient India. So it was necessary to build up an efficient irrigation system for greater development in the field of agriculture.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 Question Answer WBBSE

Comparison with modern irrigation system:

In the ancient period, arrangements were made to supply river water to the fields through irrigation. Nowadays irrigation is done by constructing artificial reservoirs, wells and tanks.

In the earlier days, well water was drawn out for irrigation with the help of a wheel-like structure. Today irrigation implements have been considerably improved with the help of mechanical and electrical technology.

Question 3. What differences can be noticed in the patterns of cultivation and the crops cultivated in the northern and southern parts of the Indian subcontinent in the period between the 6th century BC and the 6th century AD?
Answer:

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Hands-On

Question 1. Make a list of the different occupations of the people from the 6th century BC to the 6th century AD. Which of these occupations are prevalent in present times? What were the points of similarity and dissimilarity between the occupations of Vedic age and this particular period?

History Class 6 Chapter 7 Question Answer WBBSE

Answer: Various professionals from the 6th century BC to the 6th century AD.

1. Philosopher
2. Farmer
3. Cattle breeder and hunter
4. Artisan and trader
5. Soldier
6. Spy
7. Blacksmith
8. Jeweller
9. Goldsmith
10. Tanner
11. Potter
12. Bamboo craftsman
13. Florist and gardener
14. Perfume maker
15. Dyer

Vedic professions which are still prevalent:

The different professions existing since 6th century BC till 6th century AD such as soldier and spy have become permanent jobs today. Cattle rearing is no more an important occupation. Hunting has been legally prohibited.

Some professions have been modified today. Those of blacksmiths, tanner, and potters are no more personal occupations but have become a collective profession.

Similarities and dissimilarities between Vedic professions and modern professions:

In spite of a considerable modification the Vedic occupations like blacksmith, jeweller, goldsmith and tanner are still prevalent. However, there is a collective venture in place of individual effort.

Many new employment avenues have been created due to various technological developments in the present age and these professions bear no similarity to the Vedic professions.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Food For Thought

Question 1. What are the points of similarity and dissimilarity between the society of Mauryan times and that of Vedic soci- ety?
Answer:

The points of similarity and dissimilarity between the society of Mauryan times and that of Vedic soci- ety:

The following are some of the similarities and dissimilarities between the society of Mauryan times and that of Vedic society.

Similarities:

1. Agriculture was the main occupation of the people of both the Vedic and Mauryan periods.
2. Women enjoyed high status in both societies. Women were treated with dignity and honour in the Vedic and Mauryan times.
3. The caste system was prevalent in both the Vedic and Mauryan periods.
4. Both the Vedic and Mauryan societies were patriarchal.

Dissimilarities:

1.  In both the Vedic and Mauryan periods caste system was prevalent. Megasthenes states that in the Mauryan period, the caste system was not based on birth as was prevalent in Vedic society. The caste system in the Mauryan period was rather based on occupation.
2.  In the Vedic period, there was the system of Chaturashrama or the four stages of life. But in the Mauryan period, we do not come to know of the Chaturashrama.
3.  Slavery was not prevalent in the Vedic society but slavery is believed to be prevalent in the Mauryan period.
4. In the Mauryan period, Buddhist monasteries were developed as important educational institutions but in the Vedic period, there was no existence of monasteries.

Question 2. Make a list of the food items of those times. Simultaneously prepare a list of food items that you consume at present. Compare the lists.
Answer:

A comparison of the list of food items of ancient India and present-day India is given below

 

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Formative

Excerpt from the text:

During Gautama Buddha’s time, much advancement was made in the art of making a particular kind of earthenware pottery. Archaeologists have identified these as Northern Black Polished Ware.

These were even more advanced than the Painted Grey Ware pottery of the preceding times. These vessels were made of very good quality clay. Due to the widespread use of the potter’s wheel, it had become easy to make these vessels.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

The main characteristic of these vessels was that these were as shiny as mirrors. Earthen wares were well-fired in ovens to make them black. The vessels were then polished.

As specimens of these earthen-ware vessels, plates and bowls of different kinds have been discovered. Sample questions related to the above passage are given below for Formative evaluation.

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Questioning And Experimentation

Question 1. How were clay vessels made with the help of potter’s wheel?
Answer:

A potter’s wheel is like a spinning round table. There is a pan that goes around the wheel to catch water and clay as it spins. For this, a potter has to learn with patience how to make clay vessels with the help of a potter’s wheel.

Question 2. How are the vessels, which are found in the modern days’ made?
Answer:

At present, along with clay vessels, different types of plastic vessels are also available. They are made in factories with the help of machines. As these are machine-made, a huge number of vessels are produced within a short time.

If these questions are asked to the learner, the learner will enquire and find out how the clay vessels were made and also will try to know how the different vessels are made nowadays. In this way the learner will develop a sense of questioning and experimentation.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Interpretation And Application

Question 1. Why this type of vessel came into use in northern India?
With the passage of time, there were changes in the everyday life of man. In the changing circumstances, to suit the needs of the people, better vessels than before came into use.

From the above question or similar type of questions, the learner from their own experience can make some inferences. As a result their potentiality of interpretation and application will develop.

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Aesthetics And Creative Expression

With the help of pictures compare the clay vessels of ancient India and present-day India.

 

 

 

The above pictures will create the sense of creativity in the mind of the learner and the learner will be able to go deep into the subject matter.

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Choose The Correct Answer

Question 1. The second phase of urbanisation took place in

1. 500 BC
2. 600 BC
3. 700 BC
4. 800 BC

Answer: 2. 600 BC

Question 2. India has been referred to as In-Tu by

1. Xuanzang
2. It-Sing
3. Faxian
   
4. Lao Tzu

Answer: 1. Xuanzang

Question 3. The Gatha Saptashati was compiled by

1. Rudradamana
2. Hala
3. Satakarni
4. Samudragupta

Answer: 2. Hala

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. _______ (Agra/Varanasi/Magadha) was famous as a textile centre.
Answer: Varanasi

Question 2. Silver currency was introduced for the first time during the reign of _______ (Ashoka/Chandragupta II/ Shasanka).
Answer: Chandragupta II

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous State Whether The Following Statements Are True Or False

Question 1. Megasthenes was aware of the four varnas of Indian society.
Answer: False

Question 2. In the Mauryan period, the economy was mainly dependent on trade.
Answer: False

Question 3. In the Kushana age, Varanasi and Mathura were famous for manufacturing glass items.
Answer: False

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Write In A Complete Sentence

Question 1. Name one famous port of Tamil Nadu in the Gupta period.
Answer: One famous port of Tamil Nadu in the Gupta period was Kaveripattinam.

Question 2. What is Karshapan?
Answer: Karshapan was a kind of currency used during the period of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas.

Class 6 History Chapter 7 WBBSE

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic C Miscellaneous Answer The Following Questions

Question 1. How was the communication system in the Mauryan period?
Answer:

In the Mauryan period, the communication system between the capital and other regions of the empire was developed. To supervise the roads royal officers were appointed.

Question 2. What was the impact of Agrahara?
Answer:

In the Gupta and Post-Gupta period sometimes lands were donated to the Brahmins or Buddhist viharas. This system of land donation is known as agrahara.

The impact of the agrahara system were as follows:

1. Due to land donation ownership over land increased.
2. Cultivation started in many uncultivated lands and thus agricultural production increased.
3. Agricultural labourers were employed to make uncultivable lands cultivable.
4. There was increased agricultural activity over land.

Question 3. Trace the evolution of trade and commerce in India from the 6th century BC to 6th century AD.
Answer:

From 6th century BC to 6th century AD there were gradual changes in trade and commerce in India.

1. Age of sixteen mahajanapadas:

During this age trade and commerce was important occupation. In the beginning, trade was carried through land routes. Later on rivers and seas were also used for trading purposes.

Class 6 History Chapter 7 WBBSE

2. Mauryan age:

During the Mauryan age, India exported spices, muslin, pearls, etc. and imported items like fruits, wines, and silver vessels. Royal officers were appointed to supervise the work of the merchants.

3. Kushana age:

In the Kushana period, both internal and external trade expanded. In the international markets, there were a demand for Indian muslin and other textiles, pearl, diamond, lapis lazuli and spices. Chinese silk and glass items were imported.

4. Gupta and Post-Gupta period:

During the Gupta and Post-Gupta period, there was a trade relationship between India and other parts of Asia. But there was a slump in foreign trade due to the Huna invasion.

Trade with Rome was hampered. Two important ports of this time were Tamralipta and Kaveripattinam.

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic B Kushana Age Gupta Age And Post Gupta Age Descriptive Questions

Question 1. What were the new aspects of the economy in the Kushana period?
Answer:

The new aspects of the economy in the Kushana period were as follows

1. During the Kushana age cultivation expanded beyond the Vindhya mountain.
2. Agriculture remained the main occupation of the people. Paddy, wheat, barley, sugarcane, and cotton were the main crops. In the black soil of the Deccan, cotton cultivation was common.
3. There started the use of different kinds of tools such as iron ploughs, hoes, axe, etc.
4. The emperor did not have an absolute right to ownership of land. Individuals enjoyed ownership of certain pieces of land.

Question 2. Give an account of the Sudarshan Lake.
Answer:

Sudarshan Lake:

Sudarshan Lake is an important royal initiative in the irrigation system in the history of ancient India.

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History

1. Constructor: During the reign of the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya, the Sudarshan Lake was constructed.
2. Location: It is situated in the Kathiawad region of the Indian subcontinent.
3. River-based irrigation: Sudarshan Lake was river based huge irrigation project (Setu).
4. Reconstruction and Renovation: During the reign of Ashoka, some irrigation canals were added to the Sudarshan Lake. This lake was renovated by the Saka ruler Rudradamana in 150 AD. Rudradamana in his Junagarh inscription has described the renovation of the Sudarshan lake.
5.  Period of use: The Sudarshan Lake was used between the 4th century BC and the 5th century AD.
6. Religion: The villagers worshipped Gods like Surya and Agni in the temples. Buddhism was also practised by the villagers.

Question 3. How was village life in South India during the Satavahana period?
Answer:

From Gatha Sapthashati, a book compiled by Satavahana king Hala, we come to know about village life in South India during the Satavahana period.

1. Occupation: The villagers were mainly cultivators. Paddy, oil seeds, cotton and jute were the principal crops.
2. Houses: The houses in the villages had thatched roofs and were surrounded by fences. In the villages there were ponds, flower gardens, banyan trees and domesticated animals and birds.
3. Roads: There were both wide and narrow streets in the villages. The roads got covered with mud during the rainy season.”
4. Village Administration: The village was administered by ‘Gramani’.
5. Pastime: Painting and playing of musical instruments were popular among the village people. During festive occasions, people took part in songs, dance and playing music.

Question 4. How were guilds of merchants and craftsmen formed? What was its eco- nomic importance?
Answer:

Formation of Guilds

1. Expansion of Trade and Commerce: From the 6th century BC trade and commerce increased to a great extent.
2. Disputes: There were disputes between craftsmen and traders. It was necessary to resolve these disputes.
3. Professional Security: People belonging to different professions felt the need of security of their profession.
4. Quality and Price: It was also necessary to determine the quality and prices of goods. For the above-mentioned reasons, guilds of merchants and craftsmen were formed.

Economic Importance of Guilds

1. Cash Transactions: The guilds or seniors were involved in cash transactions. So people of different classes of society kept their money with the guilds as security deposits.
2. Mortgage: Sometimes trees, lands, etc. were mortgaged to the guilds.
3. Payment of Interest: Interest was paid against the amount deposited by the people.
4. Investment of Capital: The capital or the deposited amount was invested in manufacturing or crafts.

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Question 5. Describe the social life of the people in the Gupta and Post-Gupta period.
Answer:

The social life of the people in the Gupta and Post-Gupta period:

We come to know about the social life of the people in the Gupta and Post-Gupta period from Fa-Hien’s account and Hieun-Tsang’s writings.

1. Caste division:

Caste division or varnashrama was prevalent in the cities. But it was not followed rigorously by the people of the society. The attitude of the Brahmins towards the lower castes remained as before.

The Brahmins and the Shudras were given different punishments for the same offence. The Shudras, when taking loans, had to pay a higher rate of interest. But the Shudras could engage themselves in cultivation, trade and animal husbandry.

The condition of the Chandalas were worst. They were not allowed to reside within the city or village.

2. Family:

In the Gupta and Post-Gupta period, father was the head of the family. There was the tradition of the early marriage of daughters. The wealth daughters used to receive during the marriage was known as ‘stridhan’. But it was not prevalent among all the castes.

Question 6. Describe Indian society as revealed in the writings of Faxian (Fa-Hien).
Answer:

Faxian came to India from China during the reign of Chandragupta II.

Society as revealed in the writings of Faxian

Fa-Hien writes that there were many cities in the Indian subcontinent. Among these cities, the cities of central India were much developed. The people lived here happily. He writes that people with bad dispositions were known as Chandalas.

He also writes that the Chandalas lived outside the cities. According to him, Pataliputra was the best city at that time. The people here were happy and resourceful.

The Vaishyas who were wealthy set up charitable dispensaries where people were given medicines free of cost. The poor people were provided with food and accommodation.

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic B Kushana Age Gupta Age And Post Gupta Age Analytical Questions

Question 1. Write a note on trade and commerce during the Kushana period.
Answer:

Trade and commerce during the Kushana period:

In the Kushana period in the Indian subcontinent both internal and external trade expanded. Both land routes and waterways played an important role in the expansion of trade and commerce.

In the international markets, there was a demand for Indian muslin and other textiles, pearl, diamond, lapis lazuli and spices. Chinese silk and glass items were imported.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 Question Answer WBBSE

Question 2. Write a note on craftsmen of ancient India.
Answer:

Craftsmen of ancient India:

Between the 6th century BC and the 7th century AD in the Indian subcontinent various arts and crafts emerged.

Variety of crafts: Variety of crafts developed in the Kushana period. During this period we come to know about potters, blacksmiths, carpenters and weavers. There were also other craftsmen like ivory-smiths, dyers and embroiderers.

Question 3. What was the position of women in the Gupta and Post-Gupta period?
Answer:

The position of women in the Gupta and Post-Gupta period:

In the Gupta and Post-Gupta period there was the tradition of early marriage of daughters. The wealth the daughters used to receive during the marriage was known as ‘Stridhan’.

Women had absolute rights over wealth and could use the wealth as they wished. But this was not prevalent among all the castes.

Question 4 Describe the varna system in the Gupta and Post-Gupta age.
Answer:

The varna system in the Gupta and Post-Gupta age:

Varnashrama or caste division was prevalent in the cities during the Gupta and Post-Gupta age. But it was not followed rigorously by the people of the society. The attitude of the Brahmins towards the lower castes remained as before.

The Brahmins and the Shudras were given different punishments for the same offence. The Shudras, when taking loans, had to pay a higher rate of interest.

But the Shudras could engage themselves in cultivation, trade and animal husbandry. The condition of the Chandalas were worst. They were not allowed to reside within the city or village.

Question 5. What was Agrahara?
Answer:

Agrahara:

In the Gupta and Post-Gupta period sometimes lands were bought and donated to the Brahmins or Buddhist viharas. These donated lands were generally exempted from payment of revenue. Sometimes uncultivated lands were donated.

This system of land donation for religious purposes in the Gupta and Post-Gupta period is known as Agrahara.

Question 6. What was the impact of Agrahara? 
Answer:

Impact of Agrahara:

In the Gupta and Post-Gupta period sometimes lands were donated to the Brahmins or Buddhist viharas. This system of land donation is known as agrahara.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 Question Answer WBBSE

The impact of the agrahara system were as follows:

1. Due to land donation ownership over land increased.
2. Cultivation started in many uncultivated lands and thus agricultural production increased.
3. Agricultural labourers were employed to make uncultivable lands cultivable.
4. There was increased agricultural activity over land.

Question 7. Write about the coins of the Gupta period.
Answer:

The coins of the Gupta period:

In the Gupta period many gold and silver coins have been found. The Gupta emperors introduced gold currencies known as Dinar and Subarna.

 

 

Gupta emperor Chandragupta II introduced silver coins for the first time which were known as Rupak. Gold and silver coins were mainly used for commercial purposes. For daily use the Gupta rulers introduced copper coins.

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic B Kushana Age Gupta Age And Post Gupta Age Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What is meant by ‘Setu’? 
Answer:

Setu:

In ancient India, the projects of irrigation were known as setu. The ancient Indian rulers made arrangements to supply river water to lands under cultivation to improve agriculture. The setup was of two kinds-one was located at the source of natural water. The other was built by bringing water from other areas by artificial means. The farmers had to pay a tax to use the water of the setu for irrigation.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 Question Answer WBBSE

Question 2. Why was Mathura famous? 
Answer:

Mathura famous:

The city of Mathura was a fortified city in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab. It was a significant political, commercial and cultural centre. The art and sculpture of Mathura was quite famous.

The Mathura school of art had developed as a counterpart of the Gandhara school of art. Mathura was also famous for manufacturing costly clothes.

Question 3. Mention the various pastimes of the Kushana Age.
Answer:

The various pastimes of the Kushana Age:

There were many avenues of entertainment like dance, music, drama and games of magic and acrobatics. The rich took interest in playing dice, hunting, chariot racing and wrestling.

Question 4. What were the functions of guilds?
Answer:

The functions of guilds:

Guilds were associations of merchants and craftsmen which settled disputes, secured professions and determined the quality and prices of goods. They also acted like modern banks.

People deposited money in the guilds against interest and this money was invested in manufacturing and crafts. Sometimes lands and trees were also mortgaged.

The prestige of the guilds increased in the Gupta and Post-Gupta ages. Officers were employed to supervise their activities.

Question 5. Why irrigation system developed in ancient India?
Answer:

Irrigation system developed in ancient India:

Agriculture was the basis of the economy in ancient India. For the development of agriculture, irrigation was necessary. So the rulers of ancient India took initiative to supply river water through irrigation to the lands under cultivation.

For this reason irrigation systems developed in ancient India.

Question 6. Why was there a slump in foreign trade during the Gupta age? The fame of which port in eastern India increased during this time?
Answer:

There was a slump in foreign trade during the Gupta age due to the Huna invasion. The fame of the port of tamralipta in eastern India increased during this time.

Question 7. Give an account of the trade and commerce during the Gupta and Post- Gupta period.
Answer:

During the Gupta and Post-Gupta period there was a trade relationship between India and different parts of Asia. But there was a slump in foreign trade due to the Huna invasion.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 Question Answer WBBSE

Trading activities with Rome suffered due to the Huna invasion. Two important parts of this time were Tamralipta and Kaveripattinam.

Question 8. Who are the ivory smiths and dyers?
Answer:

1. Ivory smiths: Ivory smiths are those who carve ivory that is to say animal tooth or tusk by using sharp cutting tools.
2. Dyers: Dyers are those persons whose job is dyeing cloth or other materials.

Question 9. What is In-Tu?
Answer:

In-Tu:

The Chinese historian Xuanzang (Hieun Tsang) had referred to India as In Tu in his works. He had written that the people of In-Tu called their country by different names.

According to the east, west and central and consisted of him, this country had five parts-north, south, and eighty kingdoms. He referred to In Tu as a hot tropical country.

He also stated that the chief agricultural crops grown here were paddy and wheat. The caste system prevailed in society.

Question 10. Different coins of the Gupta period. Can you identify the coin embossed with the figure of Samudragupta playing the Veena?
Answer:

The picture of the coin embossed with the figure of Samudragupta playing the Veena is the second picture from the top.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic B Kushana Age Gupta Age And Post Gupta Age Objective Type Questions

State Whether The Following Statements Are True Or False

Question 1. The Sudarshan Lake in the Kathiawar region was constructed during the reign of emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
Answer: True

Question 2. The system of donating land for religious purposes in the Gupta and Post-Gupta period is known as the Agrahara system.
Answer: True

Question 3. The association of the traders formed in the Gupta period was called monogram.
Answer: False

Question 4. The golden coins introduced by the Gupta kings were called ‘dinar’ or ‘subarna’
Answer: True

Question 5. The silver coins that were introduced during the reign of Chandragupta II were known as ‘Rupak’.
Answer: True

Question 6. The right of women on property in the Gupta Age was known as woman’s wealth (Stridhan).
Answer: True

Question 7. The Sudarshan Lake was in continuous use between 4th century BC and 5th century AD.
Answer: True

Question 8. Archaeologists have excavated the evidence of a city in Sirkap, Mathura.
Answer: False

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Question 9. During the Kushana age art and sculpture of Mathura was famous.
Answer: True

Question 10. Shishupalgarh was a village of ancient Orissa.
Answer: False

Question 11. In the Mauryan age, the traditions of Varnashrama and Chaturashrama were intense.
Answer: True

Question 12. In the Satavahana period villages were administered by guilds.
Answer: False

Question 13. In the Kushana age guilds were involved in regular cash transactions.
Answer: True

Question 14. The Vakataka rulers did not introduce any coins.
Answer: True

Question 15. Faxian (Fa-Hien) writes that the Chandalas used to reside in the cities.
Answer: False

Question 16. Xuanzang (Hieun-Tsang) writes that in In- Tu there were eight kingdoms.
Answer: False

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic B Kushana Age Gupta Age And Post Gupta Age Fill In The Blanks

By selecting the appropriate Option from the brackets

Question 1. Black pepper was cultivated in __________ (Gujarat/Kerala / North India).
Answer: Kerala

Question 2. The Shaka ruler who renovated the Sudarshan Lake was __________ (Rudradamana /Nahapana / Azes I).
Answer: Rudradamana

Question 3. A very important political centre of the Kushana period was __________ (Mathura / Vaishali/Taxila).
Answer: Mathura

Question 4. Mahasthangarh and Bangarh were two cities in ancient __________ (Bengal / Orissa / Tamil Nadu).
Answer: Bengal

Question 5. The ‘Gatha Saptashat!’ was compiled by __________ (Satakarni / Hala / Nahapana).
Answer: Hala

Question 6. The word ‘wad’ means __________ (village/city/district).
Answer: City

Question 7. The Shaka ruler Rudradaman had left a detailed description of the renovation of Sudarshan Lake in an inscription of __________ (Nasik/Hastigumpha/Junagarh).
Answer: Junagarh

Question 8. In the Gupta and Post-Gupta period, the system of donation of land for religious purposes was known as __________ (begar / agrahara/Samanta).
Answer: agrahara

Question 9. The Iron Pillar in Delhi was built in __________ (4th-5th/5th-6th / 3rd-4th) century AD.
Answer: 4th-5th

Question 10. The Kushanas, Satavahanas and the Saka- Kshatrapas were engaged in conflict over __________ (gold/copper/ diamond) mine.
Answer: Diamond

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Question 11. Silver currency was introduced for the first time during the reign of __________ (Ashoka / Chandragupta II/Shasanka).
Answer: Chandragupta II

Question 12. Gupta rulers introduced __________ (gold/silver/copper) coins for daily use.
Answer: Copper

Question 13. __________ came to India during the reign of Chandragupta II. (It-Sing / Hieun-Tsang / Fa-Hien).
Answer: Fa-Hien

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic B Kushana Age Gupta Age And Post Gupta Age Answer In A Complete Sentence

Question 1. What were the main crops in North India during the Kushana period?
Answer: Paddy, wheat, sugarcane, barley, and cotton were the main crops in North India during the Kushana period.

Question 2. What is ‘setu’?
Answer: The projects of irrigation in the ancient Indian subcontinent were known as setu.

Question 3. Give an example of royal initiative in irrigation in ancient India.
Answer: The Sudarshan Lake constructed during the time of Chandragupta Maurya in the Kathiawad region is an example of a royal initiative in irrigation in ancient India.

Question 4. What was the main item of import during the Kushana period?
Answer: The main item of import during the Kushana period was Chinese silk.

Question 5. Name two places well known for manufacturing expensive clothes.
Answer: Two places well-known for manufacturing expensive clothes were Varanasi and Mathura.

Question 6. What were the things which were in demand in the international markets during the Kushana period?
Answer: During the Kushana period the things which were in demand in the international markets were pearl, diamond, lapis lazuli, spices, muslin and other textiles.

Question 7. What was the superfine cloth of ancient Bengal known as?
Answer: The superfine cloth of ancient Bengal was known as muslin.

Question 8. What were the items of import from foreign countries during the Kushana period?
Answer: The main items of import from foreign countries during the Kushana period were Chinese silk, glass items etc.

Question 9. Name one port city during the Kushana period.
Answer: A port city during the Kushana period was Kaveripattinam.

Question 10. From which book of the Satavahana period do we come to know about various aspects of village life of southern India?
Answer: From ‘Gatha Sapthashati’ compiled by Satavahana King Hala we come to know about various aspects of village life of southern India.

Question 11. Name the gods worshipped in the temples of South India during the Satavahana period.
Answer: Gods like Surya and Agni were worshipped in the temples of South India during the Satavahana period.

Question 12. In which language did Satavahana King Hala compiled his book ‘Gatha Sapthashati’?
Answer: The Satavahana king Hala compiled his book ‘Gatha Sapthasathi’ in Prakrit language.

Question 13. What is the meaning of ‘Gatha Sapthashati’?
Answer: ‘Gatha Sapthashati’ means compilation of seven hundred verses.

Question 14. What were the crops cultivated during the Gupta and Post-Gupta age?
Answer: The crops which were cultivated during the Gupta and Post-Gupta age were paddy, sugarcane, cotton, indigo, mustard oil and oil seeds.

Question 15. What were the other names of merchant guilds?
Answer: The other names of merchant guilds were sreni, gan, etc.

Question 16. Name one famous port of Bengal in ancient India.
Answer: One famous port of Bengal in ancient India was the Tamralipta.

Question 17. Name one famous port of Tamil Nadu in the Gupta period.
Answer: One famous port of Tamil Nadu in the Gupta period was Kaveripattinam.

Question 18. Why was there a slight slump in foreign trade with Rome during the Gupta age?
Answer: Due to the invasion of the Hunas there was a slight slump in foreign trade with Rome.

Question 19. What was the advantage of agrahara system?
Answer: Due to the agrahara system there was an increase in agricultural activity.

Question 20. What was the system of donation of lands to Brahmins and Buddhists are known as?
Answer: The system of donation of lands to Brahmins and Buddhists was known as agrahara.

Question 21. What was ‘Banikgram’?
Answer: Guilds of merchants in the Gupta and Post-Gupta period was known as ‘Banikgram’.

Question 22. Whose condition was deplorable in the society during the Gupta age?
Answer: The condition of the Chandalas was deplorable in the Gupta age.

Question 23. What was the wealth daughters used to receive during marriage known as in the Gupta period?
Answer: The wealth daughters used to receive during the marriage was known as ‘stridhan’ in the Gupta period.

Question 24. What was Dinar and Rupak?
Answer: The gold currency of the Gupta period were known as the Dinar and Subarna and the silver coins were known as Rupak.

Question 25. Who were the contemporary rulers of the Guptas who did not introduce any coins?
Answer: The contemporary rulers of the Gupta period who did not introduce any coins were the Vakataka rulers.

Question 26. To which country did Fa-Hien belong?
Answer: Fa-Hien belonged to China.

Question 27. According to Fa-Hien which was the best city of the Indian subcontinent?
Answer: According to Fa-Hien the best city of the Indian subcontinent was Pataliputra.

Question 28. During whose reign Fa-Hien came to India from China?
Answer: Fa-Hien came to India from China during the reign of Chandragupta II.

Question 29. Into how many divisions India was divided in the writings of Xuanzang (Hieun-Tsang)?
Answer: Xuanzang (Hieun-Tsang) divided India into five parts in his writings.

Question 30. During whose reign Xuanzang (Hieun-Tsang) visited India?
Answer: During the reign of Harshavardhana Xuanzang (Hieun-Tsang) visited India.

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic B Kushana Age Gupta Age And Post Gupta Age Select The Most Appropriate Option For The Following Statement

Question 1. During the Gupta age, there was a slight slump in foreign trade.
1. There was piracy in the seas.
2. Huge taxes were collected from the traders engaged in sea-borne trade.
3. There was the invasion of the Hunas.

Answer: 3. There was the invasion of the Hunas.

 

Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic B Kushana Age Gupta Age And Post Gupta Age Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. In the black soil of the Deccan was cultivated

1. Barley
2. Cotton
3. Paddy
4. Tea

Answer: 2. Cotton

Question 2. In the Gupta period, with the increase in agricultural activity, there was an improvement in

1. Trade
2. Export
3. Irrigation
4. Dam Building

Answer: 3. Irrigation

Question 3. In the 6th century, BC urbanization was noticed mainly in

1. East India
2. South India
3. North India
4. West India

Answer: 2. South India

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 7 Question Answer

Question 4. During the Gupta period great advancement was made in the craftmanship of making tools of

1. Iron
2. Copper
3. Stone
4. Bronze

Answer: 1. Iron

Question 5. During the Gupta period, Indo-Roman trade was hampered due to the invasion of the

1. Sakas
2. Parthians
3. Hunas
4. Mongols

Answer: 3. Hunas

Question 6. The guilds in the Gupta period were also known as

1. Setu
2. Gan
3. Agrahara
4. Devlok

Answer: 2. Gan

Question 7. In case of serious disputes in the guilds, necessary steps were taken by the

1. Emperor
2. Gramani
3. Brahmins
4. Amatyas

Answer: 1. Emperor

Question 8. For daily use, Gupta rulers introduced coins made of

1. Gold
2. Silver
3. Copper
4. Iron

Answer: 3. Copper

Question 9. Fa-Hien writes that people with bad dispositions were known as

1. Sudras
2. Vaishyas
3. Chandalas
4. Atavik

Answer: 3. Chandalas

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 7 Question Answer

Question 10. India has been referred to as In-Tu by

1. Xuanzang
2. Faxian
3. It-sing
4. Hui Li

Answer: 1. Xuanzang

 Chapter 7 Economy And Society Topic A Age Of Sixteen Mahajanapadas And Mauryan Empire

Salient Points At A Glance

The Sixteen Mahajanapadas:

In the first half of 6th century BC there was no unified central government in North India. North India was divided into sixteen kingdoms or mahajanapadas. Magadha, one of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas, later developed into an empire.

Northern Black Polished Ware:

During the time of Gautama Buddha a particular kind of earthenware pottery was found by the archaeologists. This is known as Northern Black Polished Ware. These vessels were well burnt in oven to make them black. After burning they were polished.

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History

Sudarshan Lake:

The Sudarshan Lake was constructed in ancient India by royal initiative. Chandragupta Maurya, got it dug in Kathiawar region. It was actually a big river irrigation project.

During Ashoka’s reign, some new canals were added to it. The Saka ruler Rudradaman renovated it in 150 AD. It was again renovated during the rule of the Gupta emperor Skandagupta.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Gatha Saptashati:

The Satavahana king Hala composed the book Gatha Saptashati in Prakrit in about 1st or 2nd century. It was actually a compilation of 700 sagas.

À comprehensive idea of the rural life in the south during the Satavahana period, can be obtained from this book.

Agrahara System:

Agrahara system refers to the system of donation of a non-taxable land to a Brahmin or a religious centre. After the 3rd century, this system became more widespread under the Guptas.

Streedhan:

Generally, women had no claims or rights to property during the ancient period. However there is mention of ‘Streedhan’ or ‘woman’s wealth’ in the religious texts (shastras) and the Arthashastra.

The gift items or property which a woman received at the time of her marriage was regarded as woman’s wealth.

Faxian (Fa-Hien):

Faxian, the Chinese traveller, came to India during the reign of the Gupta emperor, Chandragupta II. In his writings he has described the society and people of the Indian subcontinent.

His account of India is an important source for the study of the Mauryan empire.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

Xuanzang (Hieun-Tsang):

Xuanzang, the Chinese traveller, came to India during the reign of Harshavardhana. In his writing Xuanzang has referred to Indians as In-Tu. He wrote that the country was divided into five parts and eighty kingdoms.

In-Tu:

The Chinese historian Xuanzang (Hieun-Tsang) had referred to India as In-Tu in his works. He had written that the people of In-Tu called their country by different names.

According to him, this country had five parts-north, south, east, west, central and consisted of eighty kingdoms. He referred to In-Tu as a hot tropical country.

He also stated that the chief agricultural crops grown there were paddy and wheat. Caste system prevailed in the society.

 

 

Chapter 7 Topic A Age Of Sixteen Mahajanapadas And Mauryan Empire Descriptive Questions

Question 1. Describe agriculture, animal husbandry and trade and commerce during the age of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas.
Answer:

Agriculture, animal husbandry and trade and commerce during the age of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas:

In the 6th century BC during the age of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas, economy was based on agriculture, animal husbandry and trade and commerce.

History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE

1. Agriculture:

From the 6th century BC agriculture became the main occupation of the people. Land was divided on the basis of the fertility of soil. Different types of crops were sown in different seasons.

2. Animal Husbandry:

Animal husbandry was also an important occupation. Cattle was used for cultivation.

3. Trade and Commerce:

Gradually trade, and became an important occupation. In the beginning trade was carried through land routes. Merchandise was carried in bullock carts. Rivers and seas were also used for trading purposes.

4. Handicraft industries:

Many people engaged themselves in different occupations like pottery making, weaving, tool making, jewellery making, etc.

Question 2. Describe the economic condition during the Mauryan period. Or, Give an account of the economy of the Mauryan period.
Answer:

The economic condition during the Mauryan period. Or, Give an account of the economy of the Mauryan period:

In the Mauryan period economic condition was comparatively better than that of the earlier periods.

1. Agriculture:

In the Mauryan period economy was mainly based on agriculture. Due to the presence of ample rivers and rainfall twice a year the land was fertile. Most of the people were engaged in agricultural work.

2. Role of State in Economy:

In the Mauryan Age the state supervised the work of merchants and craftsmen. Royal officers were appointed to collect information on commercial matters. Some officers supervised over the mines and mineral resources which included salt.

Some royal officers looked into the matter of roads and communication. The state also supervised the manufacture of cotton thread and minting of coins.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

3. Communication System:

To improve the economy, communication system was improved. The communication system between the capital and other regions of the empire was developed.

Question 3. Briefly discuss the social life in the Mauryan age.
Answer:

The social life in the Mauryan age:

We come to know about the social life of the people in the Mauryan age from the books such as Megasthenes’ Indika, Kautilya’s Arthashastra and the inscriptions of Ashoka.

1. Discrimination:

In the Mauryan society there were discriminations between the rich and the poor.

2. Position of women:

In the Mauryan age women had the right to take up certain occupations outside their household work. They sometimes even worked as workers in cotton yarn production. Women were sometimes appointed as spies and royal officers.

3. Social classes:

Megasthenes had observed several occupational or professional groups. According to him, Indian society was divided into seven castes-brahmin or wise men, farmers, herders and hunters, artists and merchants, soldiers, spies or foreign travellers and royal officials or ministers.

4. Dress:

In the Mauryan age common man used to wear ‘dhoti’ and ‘chador’. Women used ‘dupatta’ which were wrapped over their garments. Rich people and members of royal family used to wear costly garments and expensive stones and gold jewellery.

Question 4. What did Megasthenes write about the Indian society in the Mauryan age?
Answer:

The Indian society in the Mauryan age:

Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador, came to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote about the Indian society in the Mauryan age.

1. Megasthenes did not write about the four varnas which existed in the Indian society. He had observed several occupational or professional groups.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

According to him, Indian society was divided into seven castes

1. Brahmins or wise men,
2. Farmers,
3. Herders and hunters,
4. Artists and merchants,
5. Soldiers,
6. Spies or foreign travellers and
7. Royal officials or ministers.

2. Megasthenes writes that there was no slavery in India.
3. According to him, Indians did not reside in cities in ancient times.
4. He also writes that people of other races were not attacked by the Indians. Indians were also not attacked by people of any other race. It was only Alexander who invaded India.
5. He observed that there was never a drought in India.

But it is to be noted that all his statements are not always correct.

 

Chapter 7 Topic A Age Of Sixteen Mahajanapadas And Mauryan Empire  Analytical Questions

Question 1. How did agriculture become the main occupation of the people in the Sixteen Mahajanapadas?
Answer:

Agriculture become the main occupation of the people in the Sixteen Mahajanapadas:

In the janapadas and mahajanapadas there were many cultivators among the population. In the mahajanapadas the resources needed for the maintenance of the royal officers and the soldiers used to come from agriculture.

Most of the mahajanapadas were situated in the Gangetic Valley. Water was available from the rivers. Rainfall was also sufficient most of the times. So the soil was very fertile and suitable for cultivation.

So agriculture became the main occupation of the people in the Sixteen Mahajanapadas.

WBBSE Class 6 History Question Answer

Question 2. What do you mean by Northern Black Polished Ware?
Answer:

Northern Black Polished Ware:

During the time of Gautama Buddha a particular kind of earthenware pottery was found by the archaeologists. This is known as Northern Black Polished Ware.

These vessels were made with very good quality clay and were well burnt in oven to make them black. After burning these were polished. These vessels were as shiny as mirrors.

Specimens of these earthenware vessels like plates and different kinds of bowls have been found.

 

 

Question 3. Write about the cultivation of crops in the Sixteen Mahajanapadas of the Indian subcontinent.
Answer:

The cultivation of crops in the Sixteen Mahajanapadas of the Indian subcontinent:

In the age of Sixteen Mahajanapadas agriculture was the main occupation of the people. During this period different types of crops were grown in different seasons. Different crops bore different names according to the seasons.

Though paddy was the most important crop, wheat, barley and sugarcane were also cultivated. Shali paddy, mostly cultivated in the Magadha region was the best in quality.

Question 4. How do you know that iron was widely used during the period of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas?
Answer:

Iron was widely used during the period of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas:

We come to know about the widespread use of iron during the age of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas from the iron articles and weapons which have been excavated. Choppers, axes and blades of ploughs made of iron have been found.

Iron mines were also discovered in different regions of the Middle Ganga Valley.

Question 5. What are the features of the second phase of urbanisation?
Answer:

The features of the second phase of urbanisation:

The second phase of urbanisation took place in 600 BC. In this phase, the capitals of most of the Mahajanapadas were famous cities which were larger than the rural settlements. They were protected by stone, earth or brick walls.

People concerned with commerce and administration lived in the cities. They were supplied food from the farmers in the villages. The city-dwellers also took up some new occupations and professions.

Question 6. How did the state control the economy in the Mauryan Age?
Answer:

The state control the economy in the Mauryan Age:

In the Mauryan Age the state supervised the work of merchants and craftsmen. Royal officers were appointed to collect information on commercial matters. Some officers supervised over the mines and mineral resources which included salt.

Some royal officers looked into the matter of roads and communication. The state also supervised the manufacture of cotton thread and minting of coins.

Class 6 History Chapter 7 WBBSE

Question 7. What were the social classes in India according to Megasthenes?
Answer:

The social classes in India according to Megasthenes:

Megasthenes had observed several occupational or professional groups.

According to him, Indian society was divided into seven castes

1. Brahmin or wise men,
2. Farmers,
3. Herders and hunters,
4. Artists and merchants,
5. Soldiers,
6. Spies or foreign travellers and
7. Royal officials or ministers.

 

Chapter 7 Topic A Age Of Sixteen Mahajanapadas And Mauryan Empire Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What was the best quality paddy in the age of the mahajanapadas? Where was it cultivated?
Answer:

The best quality paddy in the age of the mahajanapadas? Where was it cultivated:

The best quality paddy in the age of the officers. mahajanapadas was Shali. It was cultivated mostly in the Magadha region.

Question 2. Why was there a decrease in the num- ber of cattle sacrifices after 5th century BC?
Answer:

Decrease in the num- ber of cattle sacrifices after 5th century BC:

After the 5th century BC, animal husbandry was prevalent along with cultivation. Cattle was needed for cultivation. So there was a decrease in the sacrifices of cattle as it was needed for cultivation.

Question 3. Why was there improvement in com- merce in the age of the mahajanapa- das?
Answer:

Improvement in com- merce in the age of the mahajanapa- das:

In the age of the mahajanapadas there was an overall increase in the circulation of coins. This led to improvement in both internal and external trade.

In other words, with the development of currency system there was overall development of trade and commerce.

Question 4. What was the position of women in the age of the mahajanapadas?
Answer:

The position of women in the age of the mahajanapadas:

In the age of the mahajanapadas, women’s status was lower than that of men. Educational opportunities for women were diminished. Early marriage of girls were prevalent at that
time.

Question 5. What was the condition of women in the Mauryan age?
Answer:

The condition of women in the Mauryan age:

In the Mauryan age women had the right to take up certain occupations outside their household work. They sometimes even worked in cotton yarn production. Women were sometimes appointed as spies and royal officers.

Question 6. How was the communication system in the Mauryan period?
Answer:

The communication system in the Mauryan period:

In the Mauryan period, the communi- cation system between the capital and other regions of the empire was developed. To supervise the roads royal officers were appointed.

Signposts, like milestone of present days, were set up on the sides of the roads. The signposts were set up to indicate distance and direction.

Class 6 History Chapter 7 WBBSE

Question 7. How was the agricultural system of the Mauryan period?
Answer:

The agricultural system of the Mauryan period:

In the Mauryan period there was large production of a variety of crops. Due to the presence of ample rivers and rainfall twice a year the land was fertile.

Most of the people were engaged in agricultural work. So attention was paid to increase cultivable land.

Question 8 Write a note on the dress of the people in the Mauryan age.
Answer:

The dress of the people in the Mauryan age:

In the Mauryan age common man used to wear ‘dhoti’ and ‘chador’. Women used ‘dupatta’ which were wrapped over their garments.

Rich people and members of royal families used to wear costly garments and expensive stones and gold jewellery. Silk and woollen clothes were also used. Cotton clothes were much in demand.

 

Chapter 7 Topic A Age Of Sixteen Mahajanapadas And Mauryan Empire Objective Type Questions

State whether the following statements are true or false

Question 1. Janapada may refer to an agrarian rural region.
Answer: True

Question 2. Most of the mahajanapadas were in the Gangetic valley.
Answer: True

Question 3. In the Magadhan age all people enjoyed rights over land.
Answer: False

Question 4. Agriculture was the main occupation of the people in the age of the mahajanapadas.
Answer: True

Question 5. Buddhism and Jainism sanctioned the giving and receiving of loans.
Answer: True

Class 6 History Chapter 7 WBBSE

Question 6. The second urbanisation took place in 500 BC.
Answer: False

Question 7. There was no state supervision over minting of coins in the Mauryan age.
Answer: False

Question 8. Megasthenes knew about the four varnas in the Indian society.
Answer: False

Question 9. Economy in the Mauryan age was dependent on agriculture.
Answer: True

Question 10. In the age of mahajanapadas weapons made of stones were used.
Answer: False

Question 11. In the age of mahajanapadas iron tools were used in South India.
Answer: True

Question 12. Common men of the Mauryan age used to wear ‘dhoti’ and wrap a ‘dupatta’ over their garments.
Answer: False

Question 13. In the Mauryan age salt was considered as a mineral product.
Answer: True

Class 6 History Chapter 7 WBBSE

Chapter 7 Topic A Age Of Sixteen Mahajanapadas And Mauryan Empire Fill In The Blanks

By selecting the appropriate option from the brackets

Question 1. Shali Paddy was mostly grown in __________ (Magadha/Pataliputra/Vrijji) region.
Answer: Magadha

Question 2. The number of animal sacrifices got greatly reduced after the __________ (4th/5th/6th)century BC.
Answer: 5th

Question 3. __________(Agra/Varanasi/Magadha) was famous as a textile centre.
Answer: Varanasi

Question 4. Karshapana was a widely prevalent__________ (coin/script/tax) in the age of the mahajanapadas.
Answer: Coin

Question 5. The urbanisation that took place in __________ (800/600/400) BC was called the second phase of urbanisation.
Answer: 600

Question 6. Megasthenes divided the Indian society into __________ (six/seven/eight) divisions.
Answer: Seven

Question 7. India was attacked by __________ (Alexander/Megasthenes /Porus).
Answer: Alexander

 

Chapter 7 Topic A Age Of Sixteen Mahajanapadas And Mauryan Empire Answer In A Complete Sentence

Question 1. What was the main occupation of the people in the age of the mahajanapadas?
Answer: Agriculture was the main occupation of the people in the age of the mahajanapadas.

Question 2. What is Karshapan?
Answer: Karshapan was a kind of currency used during the period of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas.

Question 3. Which was the famous centre of weaving in the age of the mahajanapadas?
Answer: Varanasi was the famous centre of weaving in the age of the mahajanapadas.

Question 4. In the age of the mahajanapadas what were used for making jewellery?
Answer: In the age of the mahajanapadas various precious and semi precious stones and beads were used for making jewellery.

Question 5. What were the weapons of mahajanapadas made of?
Answer: The weapons of the mahajanapadas were made of iron.

Question 6. Name the animals that were traded in the age of mahajanapadas?
Answer: Cows and horses were traded in the age of mahajanapadas.

Question 7. How did some merchants travel far for commercial purposes?
Answer: Some merchants carried merchandise in bullock carts to travel far for commercial purposes.

Question 8. What was the shape of the silver coins recovered during the age of the mahajanapadas?
Answer: The silver coins recovered during the age of the mahajanapadas were round and square shaped.

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Question 9. When did the second urbanisation develop?
Answer: Almost after a thousand years of Harappan civilisation the second urbanisation developed.

Question 10. What do you mean by first urbanisation?
Answer: In ancient India the first city grew up in Harappa which is known as first urbanisation.

Question 11. What is the main feature of the Northern Black Polished Ware found by the archaeologists in northern India?
Answer: The main feature of the Northern Black Polished Ware found by the archaeologists is that they are shiny like mirrors.

Question 12. Mention some occupations during the period of the mahajanapadas.
Answer: During the period of the mahajanapadas some occupations that were prevalent are barber, washerman and physician.

Question 13. Who used to supervise the work of merchants and craftsmen in the Mauryan period?
Answer: The state used to supervise the work of merchants and craftsmen in the Mauryan period.

Question 14. What was used for building houses in the Mauryan period?
Answer: In the Mauryan period houses were built with mud, stone, brick or wood.

Question 15. What was the dress of men in the Mauryan age?
Answer: In the Mauryan age men used to wear ‘dhoti’ and ‘chador’ and also turban.

Question 16. Who said that slavery did not exist in India?
Answer: Megasthenes said that slavery did not exist in India.

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Chapter 7 Topic A Age Of Sixteen Mahajanapadas And Mauryan Empire Select The Most Appropriate Option For The Following Statement

Question 1. The number of animals sacrifices decreased after 500 BC.
1. The number of domesticated animals increased.
2. The cattle were needed for the purpose of cultivation.
3. Many animals died of various epidemics.

Answer: 2. The cattle were needed for the purpose of cultivation.

Question 2. Since 6th century BC the land allotted for settlement and cultivation increased quantitatively.
1. Many barren lands were reclaimed by the government.
2. Settlements and cultivable lands grew up on the fertile river valleys.
3. The forests could be easily cleared with the help of iron axes.

Answer: 3. The forests could be easily cleared with the help of iron axes.

Question 3. The emergence of cities in the Harappan civilisation is known as the first phase of urbanisation.
1. According to ancient Indian history the first city was found in the Harappan civilisation.
2. The first features of the city could be discerned in ancient Harappa.
3. Harappa was the largest city in ancient India.

Answer: 1. According to ancient Indian history the first city was found in the Harappan civilisation.

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Question 4. In 6th century BC, the food for the city dwellers was supplied from the villages regularly.
1. Surplus food was grown in the villages.
2. The city dwellers could not produce their own food.
3. The city dwellers paid higher prices for the food produced in the villages.

Answer: 2. The city dwellers could not produce their own food.

Question 5. In the age of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas, there was a growing social trend of getting girls married at an early age.
1. There were less opportunities for education of girls.
2. There was a custom of marrying girls at a young age.
3. According to Kulinism, girls had to be married at a young age.

Answer: 1. There were less opportunities for education of girls.

 

Chapter 7 Topic A Age Of Sixteen Mahajanapadas And Mauryan Empire Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. In the age of the mahajanapadas, the total number of mahajanapadas were

1. Ten
2. Sixteen
3. Fifteen
4. Twenty

Answer: 2. Sixteen

Question 2. 6th century BC is important for the rise of the

1. Mauryan Empire
2. Mahajanapadas
3. Kushana Empire
4. Gupta Empire

Answer: 2. Mahajanapadas

Question 3. Northern Black Polished Ware were made of

1. Clay
2. Stone
3. Copper
4. Iron

Answer: 1. Clay

class 6 WBBSE History Question Answer

Question 4. A common form of currency in the Mauryan period was

1. Nishka
2. Tanka
3. Karshapan
4. Dinar

Answer: 3. Karshapan

Question 5. In the Mauryan period royal officers were appointed to collect information about

1. Minting Of Coin
2. Commerce
3. Agriculture
4. Administration

Answer: 2. Commerce

Question 6. During the age of the mahajanapadas in south India agricultural tools were made of

1. Iron
2. Stone
3. Copper
4. Steel

Answer: 1. Iron