CHAPTER 1

Sources of History Question and Answer ICSE Class 6

Section A: Answer the Following Questions

1. What is history? Why do we study history?
   Ans: History is the study of past events, civilizations, and societies. It helps us understand how human societies have evolved over time, learn from past mistakes, and appreciate cultural heritage.
2. What is the difference between prehistory and history?
   Ans: Prehistory refers to the period before the invention of writing, while history begins with the availability of written records.
3. How many groups can the sources of history be broadly divided into? Name them.
   Ans: The sources of history are broadly divided into two groups:
   • Archaeological sources
   • Literary sources
4. What is archaeology? Why is it so important for the study of prehistory?
   Ans: Archaeology is the study of human history through the excavation of sites and analysis of artifacts. It is crucial for studying prehistory as it provides evidence from a time when written records did not exist.
5. What are monuments?
   Ans: Monuments are structures built to commemorate important events or people, such as temples, forts, palaces, and tombs.
6. Why are coins considered an important source of ancient history?
   Ans: Coins provide information about rulers, economy, trade, religion, and culture of ancient times.
7. Name five archaeological objects that provide important clues to the history of humans in the ancient period.
   Ans: Five archaeological objects are:
   • Pottery
   • Tools and weapons
   • Coins
   • Inscriptions
   • Sculptures
8. What information do we get from inscriptions?
   Ans: Inscriptions provide details about historical events, rulers, administration, laws, and religious beliefs.
9. Why are inscriptions a reliable source of information?
   Ans: Inscriptions are reliable because they are contemporary records engraved on durable materials, reducing the chances of alterations.
10. What are manuscripts? On what surfaces were they written?
    Ans: Manuscripts are handwritten records of historical and literary texts. They were written on surfaces like palm leaves, birch bark, and parchment.
11. How many categories can you divide literary sources into? Name them.
    Ans: Literary sources are divided into two categories:
    • Religious literature
    • Secular literature
12. What do you understand by secular literature? Give two examples.
    Ans: Secular literature consists of texts that do not focus on religious themes but cover subjects like politics, science, and society. Examples:
    • Arthashastra
    • Rajatarangini

Section B: Match the Following

C. Fill in the  Blanks:

1. History is a record of people, places and events of the past arranged in chronological order.
2. Prehistory is the history of the period before writing was invented.
3. The sources of history can be broadly classified into archaeological sources and literary sources.
4. The study of coins is known as numismatics
5. Inscriptions are engraving on solid objects.
6. Edicts are royal commands issued by kings.
7. Handwritten records of the past are known as Manuscripts.
8. Literary source material can be divided into religious literature and secular literature.
9. The Greek ambassador in Chandragupta MAurya’s court was Megasthenes.
10. The Chinese traveller who came to India were Fa Hien and Hiuen Tsang.

CBSE Board Exam Important Questions

Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)

1. Where was rice first grown?
   • Ans: North of the Vindhyas.
2. What is the full form of BCE?
   • Ans: Before Common Era.
3. Name the bark used for writing manuscripts.
   • Ans: Birch bark.

Short Answer Questions (3 Marks)

1. Distinguish between Manuscripts and Inscriptions.
   • Ans: Manuscripts are handwritten on soft materials like palm leaves; Inscriptions are engraved on hard surfaces like stone or metal.
2. Why did hunter-gatherers move from place to place?
   • Ans: In search of food, following animal movements, and seeking seasonal fruits and water.

Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. How do archaeologists help us in knowing about the past? Explain with examples.
   • Ans: Discuss excavation, studying artifacts (pots/tools), and analyzing biological remains (bones/seeds).

MCQs with Answers

1. Magadha was located in the bank of: a) Indus b) Narmada c) Ganga (Answer) d) Godavari