Class 6 History Chapter 1: What, Where, How and When? | English | NCERT / CBSE

Summary

This history class session introduces Chapter 1 on the fundamentals of history, exploring how we learn about the past. It delves into questions of 'what,' 'where,' 'how,' and 'when,' highlighting the lifestyle of ancient people, the development of agriculture, and the rise of early cities. The script discusses the movement of people for various reasons and its cultural impact, as well as the sources of historical information, including manuscripts, inscriptions, and the work of archaeologists. It also touches on the significance of different eras and the challenges of understanding the lives of ordinary people versus those of rulers.

Takeaways

• 📚 The first chapter of the history book is an introduction to the fundamentals of history, focusing on the questions of 'what', 'where', 'how', and 'when' to understand the past.
• 🍽️ 'What' in history helps us explore the lifestyle of different people, including their food, clothing, and housing.
• 🌳 'Where' is about the geographical locations where people lived, such as along riverbanks and in hills where agriculture developed.
• 🌾 Agriculture began in various regions, with specific examples like the cultivation of wheat and barley in the Suleyman and Kyoto hills around 8,000 years ago.
• 🏙️ The development of cities, such as those along the Indus River 2,500 years ago and the Magadha Kingdom near the Ganges River, is part of historical 'where'.
• 🚶 Traveling is a significant aspect of history, with people moving for various reasons like livelihood, escaping disasters, conquest, trade, or spreading religion.
• 🌐 The impact of traveling includes the sharing of ideas, cultural traditions, and new ways of life, enriching societies.
• 🏛️ Manuscripts and inscriptions are two primary sources for historical information, providing insights into past societies, religions, and sciences.
• 🔍 Archaeologists play a crucial role in understanding the past by excavating sites to find tools, weapons, and other artifacts that reveal ancient life.
• 🗓️ The script explains the difference between BC (Before Christ), BCE (Before Common Era), AD (Anno Domini), and CE (Common Era) for dating historical events.
• 👑 The historical records often focus on the lives of kings and significant figures, while the lives of ordinary people are less documented.
• 📖 The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding historical concepts that will be further explored in subsequent lessons.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the first chapter of the history class?

The main topic of the first chapter is 'What, Where, How, and When,' which serves as an introductory chapter to the fundamentals of history.

What does the chapter focus on when it asks 'What'?

When asking 'What,' the chapter focuses on understanding the lifestyle of different people, including the type of food they ate, the clothes they wore, and the houses they lived in.

How did the lifestyle of people living along the Narmada River differ from those in other regions?

People living along the Narmada River were skilled gatherers who collected fruits and forest produce for food and sometimes hunted animals, unlike those in other regions who began to grow crops like wheat and barley.

When and where did agriculture first develop in the context mentioned in the script?

Agriculture first developed in the Suleyman and Kyoto hills around 8,000 years ago, and later in the Gheto hills to the northeast and the winters in central India.

Why did people travel in ancient times according to the script?

People traveled in ancient times for various reasons such as searching for livelihood, escaping natural disasters, conquering other lands through military marches, trade, spreading religion, and discovering new places.

What impact did the traveling of people have on culture and society?

The traveling of people led to the sharing of ideas, enriching cultural traditions, and the exchange of new ways of carving stones and composing music, as well as understanding new cooking methods.

What are the two main sources used to gather information about the past as mentioned in the script?

The two main sources used to gather information about the past are manuscripts and inscriptions.

How did the term 'India' originate according to the script?

The term 'India' originates from the Indus or 'Sindhu' in Sanskrit. Iranians and Greeks called it 'Hindus' or 'Indus', and the land to the east of the Indus River was called India.

What does the term 'Bharat' represent and how did it come to be used for the entire country?

The term 'Bharat' originally referred to a group of people living in the northwest, as mentioned in the Rigveda about 3500 years ago. Later, it was used to refer to the entire country.

How do archaeologists contribute to our understanding of the past?

Archaeologists contribute by studying the remains of buildings, paintings, and sculptures, and exploring the life of ancient people through excavation sites, where they find tools, weapons, pottery, ornaments, and coins used in the past.

What is the difference between BC and BCE, and AD and CE in the context of dating events?

BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini) are traditional ways of dating events, with BC counting backwards from the birth of Jesus Christ. BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) are more secular terms used instead, with BCE standing for 'before common era' and CE for 'common era'.