SOLUTIONS CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION: WHAT, WHERE, HOW AND WHEN?

Let’s recall.

1. Match the following:

Answer:

Narmada Valley….. Hunting and gathering  

Magadha….. The first big kingdom  

Garo…. Early agriculture

Indus and its tributaries….. Cities about 2500 years ago  

Ganga Valley….. The first cities  

2. List one major difference between manuscripts and inscriptions.

Answer:

One major difference between manuscripts and inscriptions is that manuscripts are usually handwritten on materials like paper, palm leaves, or bark. The old books written by hands are called manuscripts.  

While, inscriptions are written or engraved on hard surfaces like stone pillars, Metals, rocks, or walls.

Let’s discuss  

3. Return to Rasheeda’s question. Can you think of some answers to it?

Answer:

Rashida’s question was, how could anyone know what had happened so many years ago. There are ways by which we can know what happened in the past.

(a) With the help of the remains left by the early man in the form of tools, weapons, pottery, pieces of jewellery etc.

(b) Later humans learned how to communicate in writing, they wrote on leaves of palm trees and even on hard material like stone slabs and baked clay. We can docode the script ans know about about our past.  

So, we can say that with the help of Inscription, manuscripts and tools.

4. Make a list of all the objects that archaeologists may find. Which of these could be made of stone?

Answer:

The archaeologists may find remains of building, paintings, tools sculptures, books, coins weapons ornaments etc.

Tools, weapons and some ornaments could be made of stone.

5. Why do you think ordinary men and women did not generally keep records of what they did?

Answer:

Ordinary men and women did not generally keep records of what they did because they were mostly illiterate and lacked the necessary means to do so. They were more focused on daily survival and fulfilling their basic needs.

Only, kings maintain the record related to battles and tax collection.

6. Describe at least two ways in which you think the lives of kings would have been different from those of farmers.

Answer:

Two ways in which the lives of kings would have been different from those of farmers are:

(a) King is responsible to save its kingdom, to fight battles, whereas farmers responsibility is to grow crops.

(b)Kings had more power and control over their people and lands, while farmers were mostly dependent on their rulers for protection and resources.

(c)Kings lived in grand palaces and had access to luxuries, while farmers lived in simple houses and had limited resources.

Let’s do

7. Find the word craftspersons on page 1. List at least five different crafts that you know about today. Are the craftspersons — (a) men (b) women (c) both men and women?

Answer:

People who make things at home with some traditional simple tools with the help of their family members.

The different crafts are as below:

(a) Spinning and weaving fabric.- Both Men and Women

(b) Blacksmith- Men

(c) Goldsmith- Men

(d) Shoe smith- Men

(e) Potter- Both Men and Women

8. What were the subjects on which books were written in the past? Which of these would you like to read?

Answer:

In the past books where written on the subject like religion, administration, war tactics and medicines.

I would like to read the book on medicine, I would like to know how could they keep them selves fit and live long.

Important Questions

Let’s recall  

1. Complete the sentences:

Answer:

(a) Hunter-gatherers chose to live in caves and rock shelters because ——— they provided protection from the natural calamities like rain, heat and cold and also though wild animals ——.

(b) Grasslands developed around ____12,000 years ago___.

2. Why do people who grow crops have to stay in the same place for a long time?

Answer:

People who grow crops have to stay in the same place for a long time because they need to take care of their crops from sowing to harvesting, and they also need to be close to a source of water.

3. Why do archaeologists think that many people who lived in Mehrgarh were hunters to start with and that herding became more important later?  

Answer:

Archaeologists think that many people who lived in Mehrgarh were hunters to start with and that herding became more important later because they have found evidence of animal bones that were hunted, and then later, they found evidence of domesticated animals and herding.

Let’s discuss  

4. Why did the hunter-gatherers travel from place to place? In what ways are these similar to/different from the reasons for which we travel today?

Answer:

Hunter-gatherers travelled from place to place to find food, water, and shelter. This is similar to the reasons for travel today, such as for work or leisure, but different in that most people today have permanent homes and travel for other reasons mostly.

5. List three ways in which hunter-gatherers used fire (see page 14). Would you use fire for any of these purposes today?  

Answer:

Three ways in which hunter-gatherers used fire were for warmth, cooking food, and to scare away wild animals.  

While these purposes are not so relevant today, modern societies we use fire for cooking.

6. List three ways in which the lives of farmers and herders would have been different from that of hunter gatherers.

Answer:

Three ways in which the lives of farmers and herders would have been different from those of hunter-gatherers are:  

That they had to stay in one place for a long time to cultivate crops and take care of their animals, That they had to create and maintain fields and pastures, and  

That they had to store food for the future.

Let’s do

7. List the cereals that you eat. Do you grow the cereals you eat. If yes, draw a chart to show the stages in growing them. If not, draw a chart to show how these cereals reach you from the farmers who grow them.   

Answer:

The cereals that I eat include wheat, rice, and oats.  

I do not grow the cereals I eat, but If I were to draw a chart to show how these cereals reach me from the farmers who grow them:

It would show the various steps involved in processing, packaging, transporting, and selling the cereals through supermarkets or other retailers.

Important Questions

Let’s recall  

1. How do archaeologists know that cloth was used in the Harappan civilisation?

Answer:

Archaeologists have found evidence of the use of cloth in the Harappan civilization through various sources.

Firstly, they have discovered terracotta figurines and seals depicting people wearing draped garments, suggesting the use of cloth in clothing.

Secondly, ancient spindle whorls and needles have been found, indicating that the Harappans were skilled in spinning and weaving.

Thirdly, remnants of dyed fabrics have been found at various Harappan sites, such as Mohenjodaro and Harappa, which suggest that the people used different colors for their clothing.

Fourthly, the discovery of loom weights and other weaving tools suggests that the Harappans were able to produce large quantities of cloth for both domestic and trade purposes.

Overall, these archaeological findings provide strong evidence that the Harappan civilization had a sophisticated textile industry and that cloth played an important role in their daily lives.

2. Match the columns Copper Gujarat Gold Afghanistan Tin Rajasthan Precious stones Karnataka

The correct matching of the columns is:

Answer:

Copper:    Rajasthan

Gold:       Karnataka

Tin:          Afghanistan

Precious stones: Gujarat

3. Why were metals, writing, the wheel, and the plough important for the Harappans?

Answer:  

Metals, writing, the wheel, and the plough were all significant technological advancements that helped the Harappans in various ways.

Metals such as copper and bronze were essential for making tools, weapons, and other objects. Copper was mined in large quantities in Gujarat, and this helped the Harappans to make various metal objects such as axes, knives, and ploughshares. Bronze was also used for making statues and ornaments.

Writing was crucial for record-keeping, which was necessary for trade, administration, and other activities. The Harappans developed a script that is still not fully deciphered, but it is believed that it was used to record transactions, maintain accounts, and perhaps for religious and ceremonial purposes as well.

The wheel was a significant invention that revolutionized transportation and helped in trade and commerce. The Harappans used the wheel for making carts, chariots, and other vehicles. They also built a network of roads that connected various parts of their civilization.

The plough was another significant invention that helped in agriculture. The Harappans used wooden ploughs with a pointed end that could dig deep into the soil. This allowed them to cultivate crops efficiently and increase agricultural productivity.

Overall, these technological advancements helped the Harappans to develop a prosperous and sophisticated civilization that lasted for several centuries.

Let’s discuss

4. Make a list of all the terracotta toys shown in the lesson. Which do you think children would have enjoyed playing with the most?

Answer:  

The terracotta toys are the models of clay, which show animal figures like cow, dog etc. Based on the designs and the movements, children might have enjoyed playing with the bull cart, monkey cart, and dog on wheels the most. These toys are designed to move around and can be pulled or pushed, which would have been entertaining for children.  

5. Make a list of what the Harappans ate, and put a tick ✓ mark against the things you eat today.

Answer:  

The people of Harappa grew wheat, barley, pulses, peas rice, sesame, linseed and mustard. We today eat all these things they ate.

6. Do you think that the life of farmers and herders who supplied food to the Harappan cities was different from that of the farmers and herders you read about in Chapter 2?

Give reasons for your answer.

Answer:

Yes, I think that the life of farmers and herders who supplied food to the Harappan cities was different from that of the farmers and herders we read in chapter 2, because of the following reasons.

The farmers and herders who gave food to the Harappan cities knew about agriculture and domestication of animals and lived in the outskirts of the cities.  

But in the chapter 2 there were no cities and farmers and herders in the earlier period cultivated their own fields themselves and every body domesticated their own animals.

Also, we find that farmers and herders who supplied food to the Harappan cities used more sophisticated tools and had granaries to store grains, but the farmer and gathers given in the chapter 2 used wooden tools and used clay pots to store grains.

Let’s do  

7. Describe three important buildings in your city or village. Are they located in a special part of the settlement (e.g. the centre)? What are the activities that take place in these buildings?  

Answer:

Every city has some important building, In my city the Important buildings are, Railway complex that has all the important government offices.

New hospital building, Multi speciality hospital with all latest facilities.

Dak-Bangla building, where heritage hotel is there and traditional cuisines are served it also serves as a tourist attraction.

8. Are there any old buildings in your locality? Find out how old they are and who looks after them.

Answer:

Yes, there are old building in my locality, they are around 150 Years old and used to be residence of the King another is a fort and temple it it around 500 years old, Both are tourism place know and Government takes care of it.

Important Questions

Let’s recall

1. Match the columns   

Answer:

• Sukta - Well-said
• Chariots - Used in battles
• Yajna - Sacrifice
• Dasa - Slave
• Megalith – Stone boulder

2. Complete the sentences:

(a) Slaves were used for __labor and were often forced to work without pay ____.  

(b) Megaliths are found in ___Deccan, south India, in the north-east and Kashmir ___.  

(c) Stone circles or boulders on the surface were  

used to ____find the burial site, so that people could return to the same place whenever they wanted to ___.  

(d) Port-holes were used for ___entrance to the (cyst type) Megalinth___.  

(e) People at Inamgaon ate __cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, dog, horse, ass, pig, sambhar, spotted deer, blackbuck, antelope, hare, and mongoose, besides birds, crocodile, turtle, crab and fish. There is evidence that fruits such as ber, amla, jamun, dates and a variety of berries were also eaten ____.

Let’s discuss

3. In what ways are the books we read today different from the Rigveda?

Answer:

The books we use are written and printed. The Rigveda was recited and heard rather than read.

4. What kind of evidence from burials do archaeologists use to find out whether there were social differences amongst those who were buried?  

Answer:

Archaeologists use the discovery of different objects in burials to find out whether there were social differences among the people who were buried. For example, at the site of Brahmagiri, one skeleton was buried with 33 gold beads, 2 stone beads, 4 copper bangles, and one conch shell, while other skeletons had only a few pots. This suggests that there was some difference in status among the people who were buried. Some were rich, while others were poor, some were chiefs, while others were followers.  

5. In what ways do you think that the life of a raja was different from that of a dasa or dasi?  

Answer:

The life of a raja was different from that of a dasa (Male) or dasi (Female). A raja had the higher social status whereas the dasa or dasi were slaves who were often captured in war. They were treated as the property of the owners who could make them do whatever work they wanted.

Generally, sons did not automatically succeed fathers as rajas. But dasa will always remain as slave.  

Let’s do

6. Find out whether your school library has a collection of books on religion, and list the names of five books from this collection.

Answer:  

Yes, My school library has a collection of books on religion, the names of five books from this collection are as under:

• Ramayana
• Gita
• Kuran
• Guru Granth Sahib
• Mahabharta
• Bible

7. Write down a short poem or song that you have memorised. Did you hear or read the poem or song? How did you learn it by heart?

Answer:  

Hum hounge kamyab

Hum hounge kamyab

ek din…

We sing, this song in assembly, I learnt it by heart by repeatedly singing it with Chorus.

8. In the Rigveda, people were described in terms of the work they did and the languages they spoke. In the table below, fill in the names of six people you know, choosing three men and three women. For each of them, mention the work they do and the language they speak. Would you like to add anything else to the description?

Answer:

Name: Teacher Mam

Work: Teaching

Language: English

Anything Else: Motivator.

Name: Sweeper Female

Work: Cleaning

Language: Hindi

Anything Else: Fat

Name: Gardner

Work: Gardening

Language: Bihari

Anything Else: Thin body and short hair

Name: Driver

Work: Driving

Language: Hindi

Anything Else: Wears specs

Name: Nurse Female

Work: Treatment

Language: Hindi

Anything Else: Wears white coat

Name: Sales Girl

Work: Sales

Language: Hindi

Anything Else: Sells confectionery in canteen.

Important Questions

Let’s recall  

1. State whether true or false:

Answer:

(a) Rajas who let the ashvamedha horse pass through their lands were invited to the sacrifice….. (true )

Explanation:

A horse was let loose to wander freely and it was guarded by the raja’s men. If the horse wandered into the kingdoms of other rajas and they stopped it, they had to fight. If they allowed the horse to pass, it meant that they accepted that the raja who wanted to perform the sacrifice was stronger than them.  

(b) The charioteer sprinkled sacred water on the king….. (false )   

Explanation:

Priests performed the rituals including the sprinkling of sacred water on the king.

(c) Archaeologists have found palaces in the settlements of the janapadas….. (false )

Explanation:

Archaeologists have excavated a number of settlements in these janapadas,... They found that people lived in huts, and kept cattle as well as other animals.  

(d) Pots to store grain were made out of Painted Grey Ware….. (false )

Explanation:

Plates and bowls are the most common vessels made out of Painted Grey Ware.   

(e) Many cities in mahajanapadas were fortified….. (true )

Explanation:

Most mahajanapadas had a capital city, many of these were fortified.  

2. Fill in the chart given below with the terms: hunter-gatherers, farmers, traders, crafts-persons, herders.

Answer:

Hunter-gatherers- had to provide forest produce to the raja.  

Farmers- had to provide taxes on crops.  

Traders- Taxes on goods through trade.

Crafts-persons- had to provide taxes on crafts.  

Herders- paid taxes as animals and animal produce.  

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

Answer:

Women, dasas and kammakaras could not participate in these assemblies.

Let’s discuss  

4. Why did the rajas of mahajanapadas build forts?

Answer:  

(a) Forts were probably built because people were afraid of attacks from other kings and needed protection.  

(b) It is also likely that some rulers wanted to show how rich and powerful they were by building really large, tall and impressive walls around their cities.  

(c) In this way, the land and the people living inside the fortified area could be controlled more easily by their king.

(d) Building such huge walls required a great deal of planning, handling enormous labour of men, women and children, finding resources like bricks and stones this all generate employment.

Let’s do 5.  

Were there any janapadas in your state? If yes, name them. If not, name the janapadas that would have been the closest to your state, and mention whether they were to the east, west, north or south.  

Answer:

No, There were no janapada in our state.

6. Find out whether the groups mentioned in answer 3 have voting rights at present.

Answer:

Yes, the group of Women, dasas and kammakaras have voting rights at present.  

Important Questions

Let’s recall  

1. Describe the ways in which the Buddha tried to spread his message to the people.

Answer:

Buddha tried to spread his message to the people in following ways:

The Buddha taught in the language of the ordinary people, Prakrit, so that everybody could understand his message.  

Secondly, Buddha spent his life in travelling on foot, going from place to place teaching people the principals of Buddhism.

Third, he also encouraged people to think for themselves rather than to simply accept what he said.   

2. Write whether true or false:

Answer:

(a) The Buddha encouraged animal sacrifices…..(false )

Explanation: The Buddha did not encourage animal sacrifices. In fact, he emphasized the importance of compassion and non-violence towards all living beings.

(b) Sarnath is important because it was the place where the Buddha taught for the first time…..(true )

Explanation: Sarnath is important because it was the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The sermon, known as the "Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta," or the "Turning of the Wheel of Dharma," laid out the foundational principles of Buddhism.

(c) The Buddha taught that karma has no effect on our lives…..(false )

Explanation: The Buddha taught that karma has a significant effect on our lives. He believed that our actions, both good and bad, shape our present and future circumstances, and that we can cultivate positive karma through ethical conduct, meditation, and other spiritual practices.  

(d) The Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya…..(true )

Explanation: According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, which is located in present-day Bihar, India. 

(e) Upanishadic thinkers believed that the atman and brahman were ultimately one…..(true )  

Explanation: Upanishadic thinkers believed in the concept of "Brahman," the ultimate reality that underlies all existence, and "Atman," the individual soul or self. They believed that the Atman and Brahman were ultimately one and the same, and that by realizing this unity, one could achieve spiritual liberation. This belief is a central tenet of Hinduism and has influenced many other Indian religious traditions, including Buddhism. 

3. What were the questions that Upanishadic thinkers wanted to answer?

Answer:

Upanishadic thinkers wanted to answer philosophical questions, Some of them wanted to know about life after death, others wanted to know why sacrifices should be performed.  

Many of these thinkers felt that there was something permanent in the universe that would last even after death. They described this as the atman or the individual soul and the brahman or the universal soul. They believed that ultimately, both the atman and the brahman were one.

Upanishadic thinkers were interested in exploring the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). They wanted to know whether the individual self was separate from the ultimate reality or whether they were ultimately one and the same. They also wanted to understand the nature of the universe and the purpose of human existence. Their inquiry formed the basis of the Upanishadic tradition and had a profound impact on Indian philosophy and spirituality. 

4. What were the main teachings of the Mahavira?

Answer:

(a) Mahavira taught a simple doctrine which emphasized the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings.  

(b) He believed that in order to attain spiritual liberation, individuals must leave their homes and follow a strict code of conduct that included non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment.  

(c) Mahavira taught that every living being 

had a soul, and that by following these principles, individuals could purify their soul and attain ultimate salvation.

(d) To all things life is dear and they long to live.   

Let’s discuss  

5. Why do you think Anagha’s mother wanted her to know the story of the Buddha?

Answer:

Anagha’s mother wanted her to know the story of the Buddha, So that Anagha could take lesson from the life of Buddha even though he was prince, he left everything to seek enlightenment and knowing about like of such a person will be enlightening.

As she was going to school trip to Varanasi, this place has many places like Sarnath related to the life of Buddha.

It can be inferred that the mother wanted Anagha to learn about the Buddha's teachings, which emphasized compassion, non-violence, and the pursuit of truth.  

Additionally, the story may have served as a way to inspire Anagha to become a virtuous and ethical person who strives for inner peace and enlightenment.  

6. Do you think it would have been easy for slaves to join the sangha? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer:

No, it would not have been easy for slaves to join the sanga, because they have to take permission from their masters to join the sanga and a slave was always at the mercy of his master. Slaves never had proper rights, so it must have been nearly impossible for a slave to get permission from his master to join the sangha.

7. Discuss the reasons why the Chinese pilgrims came to India.

Answer:

To undertake journeys to holy places in order to offer worship.  

They came to visit places associated with the life of the Buddha as well as famous monasteries.  

To seek knowledge and carry the books back with them.

Some of the famous chines pilgrims who came to India are:  

(a) Fa Xian, who came to the subcontinent about 1600 years ago,  

(b) Xuan Zang, who came around 1400 years ago

(c) Xuan Zang, and other pilgrims spent time studying in Nalanda (Bihar), the most famous Buddhist monastery of the period.  

(d) I-Qing, who came about 50 years after Xuan Zang.

Let’s do  

8. Make a list of at least five ideas and questions mentioned in this lesson. Choose three from the list and discuss why you think they are important even today.

Answer:

The five ideas mentioned in the lesson could be:

(a) Life is full of suffering and sorrows.  

(b) To all beings life is dear and they long to live.

(c) People should be talked in a language they understand.

(d) Sacrifices are not justified since living being should be killed.

(e) There is something permanent in the universe that would last even after death.

(f) Our actions affect us in our current life as well as next life also.

Three ideas that are important even today are:

• Ahimsa (non-violence): The principle of ahimsa, which is central to both Jainism and Buddhism, emphasizes the importance of non-violence and compassion towards all living beings. In today's world, where there is increasing conflict, violence, and environmental degradation, the message of ahimsa can help promote peace, harmony, and sustainability.
• Law of Karma: As You Sow, So Shall You Reap, It is scientifically proven every action has an equal and opposite reaction. If we hurt some one we will be hurt today or tomorrow.
• Public dialogue: It is even more relevant during this era of globalization to reach masses we need to communicate in their language. 

9. Find out more about men and women who renounce the world today. Where do they live, what kinds of clothes do they wear, what do they eat? Why do they renounce the world?

Answer:

Asaram Bapu and Ram Dev are some of the  Indian saint who has renounced the World, they live in ashram and wear ethnic clothes, they eat simple food, they renounced for enlightenment. Some other to mansion are as under:  

Dalai Lama- He is a Buddhist monk.

Pope Francis-  He is a Catholic Pope.

Important Questions

Let’s recall

1. Make a list of the occupations of the people who lived within the Mauryan empire.

Answer:

Farming, herders (livesock owners involved in rearing and breeding of animals), craftsmanship and trading were some of the occupations done by the people, who lived in villages and towns in the area. Some people were involved in the occupation of collecting taxes form them they were called officials.  

2. Complete the following sentences:

Answer:

(a) Officials collected ___taxes___ from the area under the direct control of the ruler.

(b) Royal princes often went to the provinces as ___governors____. 

(c) The Mauryan rulers tried to control ____roads___ and ___rivers_ which were important for transport.

(d) People in forested regions provided the Mauryan officials with ___elephants, timber, honey and wax ___.

3. State whether true or false:

Answer:

(a) Ujjain was the gateway to the north-west….. (false )  

Explanation: Taxila was a gateway to the northwest, including Central Asia, while Ujjain lay on the route from north to south India.  

(b) Chandragupta’s ideas were written down in the Arthashastra…...(false )  

Explanation: Many of Chanakya’s ideas were written down in a book called the Arthashastra.  

(c) Kalinga was the ancient name of Bengal…...(false )

Explanation: Kalinga is the ancient name of coastal Orissa  

(d) Most Ashokan inscriptions are in the Brahmi script….(true )

Explanation: Most of Ashoka’s inscriptions were in Prakrit and were written in the Brahmi script.  

Let’s discuss  

4. What were the problems that Ashoka wanted to solve by introducing dhamma?

Answer:

Problems that Ashoka wanted to solve by introducing dhamma are as under:

(a) People in the empire followed different religions, and this sometimes led to conflict.  

(b) Animals were sacrificed.

(c) Slaves and servants were ill treated.

(d) There were quarrels in families and amongst neighbours.

5. What were the means adopted by Ashoka to spread the message of dhamma?

Answer:

Ashoka felt it was his duty to solve the problems that troubled him the means adopted by Ashoka to spread the message of dhamma are as under:

(a) To solve these problems, he appointed officials, known as the dhamma mahamatta who went from place to place teaching people about dhamma.

(b) Ashoka got his messages inscribed on rocks and pillars, instructing his officials to read his message to those who could not read it themselves.

(c) Ashoka sent messengers to spread ideas about dhamma to other lands, such as Syria, Egypt, Greece.

(d) Ashoka send his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghmitra to Sri Lanka.

(e) For Welfare of travellers, he built roads, dug wells, and built rest houses.

(f) To treat all creatures with compassion. he arranged medical treatment for both human beings and animals.

(g) Most importantly,  Ashoka’s inscriptions were in Prakrit, the language spoken by ordinary people and were written in the Brahmi script.  

6. Why do you think slaves and servants were ill-treated? Do you think the orders of the emperor would have improved their condition? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer:

The people view slaves and servants unequally and sometime inferior, so ill-treated them, also war prisoners were also forced to slavery.

Yes, I think the orders of the emperor would have improved their conditions, because Ashoka’s dhamma forbids ill treatment of slaves and servants. He has appointed officials, known as the dhamma mahamatta who went from place to place teaching people about dhamma. There where laws even against cruelty on animals.

Let’s do  

7. Write a short paragraph explaining to Roshan why the lions are shown on our currency notes. List at least one other object on which you see them.  

Answer:

The lions are shown on our notes and coins have a  historical meaning. Ashoka was one of the greatest rulers known to history and on his instructions inscriptions were inscribed on pillars, as well as on rock surfaces. They were carved in stone, and placed on top of a massive stone pillar at Sarnath. This has been adopted as our national emblem.  

These lions are shown on our currency notes in honour of one of the greatest kings of India whose kingdom was better known as empire. He build the lion capital, we see four lions seated back to back imply power, courage, confidence and pride.

We also see them on caps of I.P.S officers. In the official seal of the president of India.

8. Suppose you had the power to inscribe your orders, what four commands would you like to issue?

Answer:  

If I had the power to inscribe my orders, what four commands I would you like to issue would be as under:

• No gender bias laws.
• Right to basic needs (fulfilment.)
• Corruption free governance.
• Equal opportunities in life.

Important Questions

Let’s recall  

1. Fill in the blanks:

Answer:

(a) __Vellalar __ was a word used for large landowners in Tamil.  

(b) The gramabhojaka often got his land cultivated by the __slaves and hired workers__.  

(c) Ploughmen were known as __uzhavar___ in Tamil.

(d) Most grihapatis were __smaller__ landowners.

2. Describe the functions of the grama bhojaka. Why do you think he was powerful?

Answer:

The village headman was known as the grama bhojaka. This was an important position and usually men from the same family held the position for generations. In other words, the post was hereditary.  

Functions:

(a) Landowner: The grama bhojaka was often the largest landowner. Generally, he had slaves and hired workers to cultivate the land.  

(b) Tax collector: As he was powerful, the king often used him to collect taxes from the village.  

(c) Judge: He also functioned as a judge.

(d) Policeman : He also sometimes fucntion as a policeman.  

3. List the craftspersons who would have been present in both villages and cities.

Answer:

In most villages there were also some craftspersons such as the blacksmith, potter, carpenter and weaver.  

4. Choose the correct answer:

(a) Punch marked coins were made of:  

1. silver 2. gold 3. tin 4. ivory

Answer:(1.) silver  or (2.)Gold

Explanation:

Punch-marked coins were generally rectangular or sometimes square or round in shape, either cut out of metal sheets or made out of flattened metal globules  

(b) Mathura was an important:  

1. village 2. port 3. religious centre 4. forested area

Answer: (2.)port

Explanation:

It was important because it was located at the cross roads of two major routes of travel and trade — from the northwest to the east and from north to south.  

(c) Shrenis were associations of:

1. rulers 2. craftspersons 3. farmers 4. herders

Answer: (2.)craftspersons

Explanation:

Many craftspersons and merchants now formed associations known as shrenis.  

5. What kinds of evidence do historians use to find out about trade and trade routes?  

Answer:

Historians use various kinds of evidence to find out about trade and trade routes such as:

(a) Literature: They use evidence present in the literature in the form of journals, Ministers dairies, We can find evidence of trade in the Sangam poems.  

Here is one which describes the goods brought into Puhar, an important port on the east coast: “(Here are brought)  

Swift, prancing horses by sea in ships,  

Bales of black pepper in carts, Gems and gold born in the Himalayas,…..  

And other rare and rich imports.”  

(b) Artifacts: Artifacts associated with a specific place when found else were evidence the movement of goods.

Eg In arkamedu archaeologists have found pottery of Mediterranean region (a tall double-handled jar), stamped red glazed pottery, known as Arretine Ware of Italy. Lamps, glassware and gems of Rome.

This list the evidence that indicates that there was contact with Rome.

Let’s discuss  

5. Which of the iron tools shown on page 73 would have been important for agriculture? What would the other tools have been used for?

Answer:

(a) The Sickle was an important tool for agriculture. It was used for cutting crops or grass.

(b) The other tools were axe which could be used for cutting trees.

(c) Tongs is useful to hold any utensil which is hot, used by iron smiths and is also a household kitchen tool.  

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

Answer: (Schoolvally Hint: Read old edition of this book for more info)

Similarities:  

(a) Same technique of slope is used to make water flow with the help of gravity.

(b) Ring well toilets are found in individual houses same as we have toilets in our individual houses.

Differences:

(a) In many cities archaeologists have found rows of pots, or ceramic rings arranged one on top of another these are known as ring wells. This is a type of toilet in some cases and as drains and garbage drums. But, we have toilet seats with cistern and flush.  

(b) Water is left untreated in ancient cities while it is treated and made safe for environment in our city.

Let’s do

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

Answer:

Yes, I have seen a craftsman at work.  

(a) He is a Steel Fabricator (Iron smith). He makes all sort of Iron things like furniture, tools, gates, almirah, racks, parapets etc.

(b) They get raw materials from different states in Indian and some times from local factories in our state.

(c) They use blades. Welding machine, transformer, tongs, screw drivers, pliers scissors etc.

(d) They work in teams and divide their job, each member is specialist in their workmen ship.

(e) The finished products are taken by customers, however mostly they work on orders.   

8. List the functions performed by men and women who live in your city or village. In what ways are these similar to those performed by people who lived in Mathura? In what ways are they different?

Answer:

Similarities:  

The people in Mathura worked a goldsmiths black smith weavers, basket makers garland makers, perfumers. In present times people in cities are goldsmith and others are also present in the villages

Differences:

In present time, we find people who work I offices, banks schools factories, hospitals but these institutions were not present In ancient days

9. List five things that you buy from the market. Which of these are made in the city/village in which you live, and which are brought by traders from other areas?

Answer:  

Ghee: Made in the city/village in which I live.

Cheese: Made in the city/village in which I live.

Cap:  Brought by traders from other areas.

Shoes:  Brought by traders from other areas.

Pencil:  brought by traders from other areas.

Important Questions

Let’s recall  

1. State whether true or false:

Answer:

(a) Harishena composed a prashasti in praise of Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni…….(false )

Explanation:

Harishena composed a prashasti in praise of Samudragupta, He was a poet and a minister at the court of Samudragupta.   

(b) The rulers of Aryavarta brought tribute for Samudragupta…….(false)

Explanation:

The rulers of Aryavarta, were nine rulers who were uprooted, and their kingdoms were made a part of Samudragupta’s empire. Anumber of gana sanghas in the northwest, brought tribute, followed his orders, and attended his court.   

(c) There were twelve rulers in Dakshinapatha…….(true )

Explanation:

The rulers of Dakshinapatha. Here there were twelve rulers. They surrendered to Samudragupta after being defeated and he then allowed them to rule again.

(d) Taxila and Madurai were important centres under the control of the Gupta rulers…….(false )

Explanation:

Prayaga (the old name for Allahabad), Ujjain and Pataliputra (Patna) were important centres of the Gupta rulers.  

(e) Aihole was the capital of the Pallavas…….(false)

Explanation:

Aihole, the capital of the Chalukyas, was an important trading centre. It developed as a religious centre, with a number of temples.   

(f) Local assemblies functioned for several centuries in south India…….(true )

Explanation:

The inscriptions of the Pallavas mention a number of local assemblies. These included the sabha, which was an assembly of brahmin landowners. This assembly functioned through sub-committees, which looked after irrigation, agricultural operations, making roads, local temples, etc.   

2. Mention three authors who wrote about Harshavardhana.

Answer:

Poet Banabhatta: His court poet, Banabhatta, wrote his biography, which was named as the  

(a) Harshacharita, in Sanskrit. This gives us the genealogy of Harsha, and ends with his becoming king.  

(b) Xuan Zang: Xuan Zang a Chinese traveller, who came to India about 1400 years ago, also spent a lot of time at Harsha’s court and left a detailed account of what he saw.  

3. What changes do you find in the army at this time?

Answer:

Like earlier rulers, some of these kings maintained a well-organised army, with elephants, chariots, cavalry and foot soldiers.  

Changes that where found at this time was the emergence of ‘Samantas.’

Role of Samantas:

They were military leaders who provided the king with troops whenever he needed them.  

They were not paid regular salaries. Instead, some of them received grants of land.  

They collected revenue from the land and used this to maintain soldiers and horses, and provide equipment for warfare.

4. What were the new administrative arrangements during this period?

Answer:

There were some new administrative arrangements developments during this period are as under: (a) Kings adopted a number of steps to win the support of men who were powerful, either economically, or socially, or because of their political and military strength.

(b) Some important administrative posts were made hereditary. This means that sons succeeded fathers to these positions.  

For example, the poet Harishena was a maha-danda-nayaka, or chief judicial officer, like his father.  

(c) Sometimes, one person held many offices.

For instance, besides being a maha-danda-nayaka, Harishena was a kumar-amatya, meaning an important minister, and a sandhi-vigrahika, meaning a minister of war and peace.

(d) Besides, important men probably had a say in local administration. These included the nagarashreshthi or chief banker or merchant of the city.

Let’s discuss

5. What do you think Arvind would have to do if he was acting as Samudragupta?

Answer:

If Arvind was acting as Samudragupta  he would have to take care of his Kingdom.

(a) He would have to lead the army and successfully plan his campaigns in every direction of his territory.

(b) Establish an efficient administration and a strong government.

(c) Look after the welfare of the people, generate employment, and provide infrastructure.

(d) Solve the complaints of the common men and women.

(e) Build temples and promote the religion.  

6. Do you think ordinary people would have read and understood the prashastis? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer:

No, I do not think ordinary people would have read and understood the prashastis, because they were written in Sanskrit language and which was language of the learned and effluent class of society.

In addition, The prashasti was composed in very long sentences. which makes them difficult to even explain them.

Let’s do  

7. If you had to make a genealogy for yourself, who are the people you would include in it? How many generations would you like to show? Make a chart and fill it.

Answer:

If I have to make genology of myself. I will start from my grand parents.

Grand father (AB) and Grand mother  

Elder-Son and My mother (PQ)

         Myself- P

         Elder Sister- Q

Younger-Son and My aunt (RS)

         My Big cousin brother- R

         My Small cousin brother- S

8. How do you think wars affect the lives of ordinary people today?

Answer:  

Wars has always affected adversely the lives of the people living in both the countries and the life of the soldiers which is at risk.

Some of the effects of wars can be summarised as:

(a) Economically: Lots of money is spend to buy arms and ammunitions.

(b) Inflation: There is scarcity of essential goods so steep growth in their prices.

(c) Damages: The infrastructure is damaged in the war, be it school or hospitals.

(d) Environmental: Sound, Light and heat is produced in wars that contribute to Pollution.

(e) Health hazards: Medical chain is effected and people succumb to injuries.

(f)  Societal: Due to deaths during wars number of orphans increase.

(g) Poverty:  countries and people become poor and perish or are colonized.

Important Questions

Let’s recall  

1. Match the following

Answer:

(a) Stupa….. Mound  

(b) Shikhara…..  Tower

(c) Mandapa….. Place in temples where people could assemble  

(d) Garbhagriha….. Place where the image of the deity is installed  

(e) Pradakshina patha….. Circular path around the stupa

2. Fill in the blanks:

Answer:

(a) __Aryabhata ___ was a great astronomer.  

(b) Stories about gods and goddesses are found in the ____Epics ___  

(c) ___Valmiki __ is recognised as the author of the Sanskrit Ramayana.

(d) __Silappadikaram __ and __Manimekalai ___are two Tamil epics.

Let’s discuss

3. Make a list of the chapters in which you find mention of metal working. What are the metals objects mentioned or shown in those chapters?

Answer:

The chapters are listed below:

(a) In the earliest cities: Copper and bronze were used to make tools, weapons, ornaments and vessels. Gold and silver were used to make ornaments and vessels.

(b) What book and burials tell us: Also found are tools and weapons of iron and sometimes, skeletons of horses, horse equipment and ornaments of stone and gold.

(c) Kingdoms, kings and early republic: One was the growing use of iron ploughshares. Besides, there were iron ore mines in the region of Magadha that could be tapped to make strong tools and weapons.

(d) Village towns and trade: Roman gold coins have been found in south India. The imports into Barygaza (Bharuch ) were wine, copper, tin, lead, coral, topaz, cloth, gold and silver coins.  

4. Read the story on page 104. In what ways is the monkey king similar to or different from the kings you read about in Chapters 5 and 9?

Answer:

The monkey king shows similarities and some variations with human kings. While several kings assumed ground titles the monkey king did not have such title. Most most of the kings took excellent care of their subjects. The monkey king shows the mindset of saving his followers by laying his life.  

5. Find out more and tell a story from one of the epics.

The Ramayana contains the story of Shri Hanuman and other monkeys, They gave word to Sri Rama Chandra to help him in the search of his wife Mata Sita.  Shri Hanuman has special powers which enabled him to reach Lanka in-spite of many difficulties he finds the Ashok Vatika where Mata Sita was imprisoned by Ravana.

To teach lesson to Ravana he sets the Lanka on fire. At one instance he also helped Shri Lakshman to recover by bringing him herb with the name of Sanjivini.

Let’s do  

6. List some steps that can be taken to make buildings and monuments accessible to differently abled people.

Answer:

Steps that can be taken to make buildings and monuments accessible to differently abled people are as under:

(a) Construction of Ramp.

(b) Construction of Lifts.

(c) Constriction of railing along walls and ramps.

(d) Proper lighting system.

(e) Wooden flooring will also be a good option , they will feel safe in case of any accident.

7. Try and list as many uses of paper as you can.

Answer:

Some of the uses of paper could be as follows:

(a) Making note books and news paper etc.

(b) Making paper bags.

(c) Making corrugated boxes and other packing material.

(d) Making decoration items like paper machie etc.

(e) Making blinds against sun and cold protection.

8. If you could visit any one of the places described in this chapter, which would you choose and why?

Answer: I would like to visit Ayodhya, because it is a historical and also a religious place.  

I would also like to see the banks of saryu river there.  

I would also like to see other temples there and know the people and see the city life.

Important Questions