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Tag: Social Science

  • Chapter-5-India, That Is Bharat, Class 6th, Social Science, NCERT

    NCERT ANSWERS

    Q1. Discuss what could be the meaning of the quotation at the start of the chapter.

    Answer (80–100 words):
    The quotation means that India’s unity is based not only on geography but also on culture, traditions, and spirituality. From ancient times, the Himalayas in the north and the seas in the south have shaped India as one land. People shared common festivals, values, and ideas despite living in different regions. This cultural and spiritual unity made India a strong civilisation, known as Bharat, which continues to live in the hearts of its people.

    Q2. True or false?

    1. The Ṛig Veda describes the entire geography of India. – False. It mainly describes the Sapta Sindhu region.
    2. The Viṣhṇu Purāṇa describes the entire Subcontinent. – True. It defines Bharat as land between the Himalayas and oceans.
    3. In Aśhoka’s time, ‘Jambudvīpa’ included what is today India, parts of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. – True.
    4. The Mahābhārata lists many regions, including Kashmir, Kutch, and Kerala. – True.
    5. The term ‘Hindustān’ first appeared in a Greek inscription more than 2,000 years ago. – False. It first appeared in a Persian inscription.
    6. In ancient Persian, the word ‘Hindu’ refers to the Hindu religion. – False. It was a geographical term.
    7. ‘Bhārata’ is a name given to India by foreign travellers. – False. It was given by Indians themselves.

    Q3. If you were born some 2,000 years ago and had the chance to name our country, what name or names might you have chosen, and why?

    Answer (model – imaginative):
    If I were born 2,000 years ago, I would name our country “Aryavarta” meaning the land of noble people, or “Suryadesh” meaning the land of the rising Sun. These names would reflect India’s values, knowledge, and importance in the ancient world. I might also choose “Ganga Desh”, because the river Ganga symbolises purity and life for millions of people.

    Q4. Why did people travel to India from various parts of the world in ancient times? What could be their motivations in undertaking such long journeys?

    Answer (100–120 words):
    People travelled to India for many reasons:

    1. Trade: India was famous for spices, cotton, silk, gems, and metals.
    2. Religion and learning: Pilgrims and scholars came to study Buddhism, Hinduism, and visit holy places. Chinese travellers like Xuanzang visited universities like Nalanda.
    3. Exploration: Adventurers and travellers wanted to see India’s rich culture and geography.
    4. Conquest: Some came as invaders to control India’s wealth and land.
    5. Cultural exchange: Artists, poets, and writers visited to share and learn knowledge.
      Thus, India was an important centre of attraction for the ancient world.

    Extra Questions – Chapter 5: India, That Is Bharat

    Very Short Answer Questions

    Q1. What name does the Rig Veda give to northwest India?
    Answer: Sapta Sindhava (land of seven rivers).

    Q2. Which text first mentions the name ‘Bhāratavarṣha’?
    Answer: The Mahābhārata.

    Q3. What does ‘Jambudvīpa’ mean?
    Answer: The island of the jamun tree.

    Q4. Who was the first Indian emperor to use the name Jambudvīpa?
    Answer: Emperor Aśhoka.

    Q5. What does the Indian Constitution say at the beginning about India?
    Answer: “India, that is Bharat.”

    Short Answer Questions

    Q6. How did Persians and Greeks refer to India?
    Answer:

    • Persians called it Hind or Hidu from the word Sindhu.
    • Greeks called it Indoi or Indike, dropping the letter “h”.

    Q7. How did the Chinese refer to India?
    Answer: Ancient Chinese called India Yintu, Yindu, or Tianzhu (land of the heavenly master).

    Q8. What does the word Hindustān mean and when was it first used?
    Answer: Hindustān, meaning “land of the Hind,” was first used in a Persian inscription about 1,800 years ago.

    Long Answer Questions

    Q9. Explain the different names of India in ancient times.
    Answer (120 words):
    India has been known by many names:

    • Sapta Sindhava in the Rig Veda (land of seven rivers).
    • Bhāratavarṣha in the Mahābhārata (land of Bharata people/kings).
    • Jambudvīpa, used by Aśhoka and in Purāṇas.
    • Bharat, described in the Vishnu Purāṇa as land between the Himalayas and oceans.
      Foreigners also gave names:
    • Persians: Hind / Hidu.
    • Greeks: Indoi / Indike.
    • Chinese: Yindu, Yintu, Tianzhu.
    • Arabs & Persians later used: Hindustān.

    Europeans: India, Inde (French).
    These names reflect India’s geography, culture, and its image in the world.

  • Chapter-4-Timeline and Sources of History, Class 6th, Social Science, NCERT

    NCERT ANSWERS

    Q1. As a project, write the history of your family (or village if you live in one), using sources of history at your disposal. Ask your teacher to guide you.

    Answer (model – students can adapt):
    I wrote about my family using sources such as photographs, Aadhaar cards, and my grandparents’ memories. My father works in an office, and my mother is a teacher. My grandparents were farmers, and my great-grandparents also lived in the same village. Old land records and stories helped me know about our past. This shows how sources help us understand family or village history.

    Q2. Can we compare historians to detectives? Give reasons for your answers.

    Answer (80–100 words):
    Yes, historians are like detectives. Detectives gather clues and evidence to solve crimes, while historians collect sources such as inscriptions, coins, pottery, monuments, and written texts to reconstruct the past. Both compare different pieces of evidence, cross-check facts, and then come to conclusions. Sometimes, evidence may be missing or contradictory, but through reasoning and analysis, historians, like detectives, solve the puzzle of history.

    Q3. A few exercises with dates:

    1. Place these dates chronologically on the timeline:
    • 1900 BCE → 323 BCE → 100 BCE → 100 CE → 323 CE → 1090 CE → 2024 CE
    1. If King Chandragupta was born in 320 CE, which century did he belong to? And how many years was that after the Buddha’s birth?
    • 320 CE = 4th century CE
    • Buddha’s birth = 560 BCE
    • Years between = 560 + 320 – 1 = 879 years
    1. Rani of Jhansi was born in 1828. Which century did she belong to? How many years was that before India’s Independence?
    • 1828 CE = 19th century CE
    • Independence = 1947 CE
    • Gap = 1947 – 1828 = 119 years
    1. Turn ‘12,000 years ago’ into a date.
    • 2025 – 12,000 = 9975 BCE

    Q4. Plan a visit to a nearby museum.

    Answer (model report):
    I visited the National Museum in New Delhi. It had ancient coins, pottery, inscriptions, sculptures, and manuscripts. I found the Harappan seals very interesting because they showed animals and symbols. I also saw old ornaments and tools. What was unexpected was how well-preserved these objects were. The visit helped me understand history better and made learning more exciting.

    Q5. Invite to your school an archaeologist or a historian and ask them to speak on the history of your region and why it’s important to know it.

    Answer (model speech points):

    • Archaeologists explain the ancient monuments, inscriptions, and excavations of our region.
    • Historians tell us about rulers, culture, and traditions of the past.
    • Knowing local history connects us with our heritage.
    • It helps us value our culture and learn lessons from the past for the present and future.

    Extra Questions – Chapter 4: Timeline and Sources of History

    Very Short Answer Questions

    Q1. Who studies fossils?
    Answer: Palaeontologists.

    Q2. Which calendar is widely used today?
    Answer: The Gregorian Calendar.

    Q3. What does CE and BCE stand for?
    Answer: Common Era and Before Common Era.

    Q4. Who study ancient inscriptions?
    Answer: Epigraphists.

    Q5. Who were the earliest humans?
    Answer: Homo sapiens, who appeared around 300,000 years ago.

    Short Answer Questions

    Q6. What is a timeline? Why is it useful in history?
    Answer: A timeline is a line that shows events in chronological order. It helps us understand the sequence of events and compare different historical periods easily.

    Q7. What were the main sources of food for early humans?
    Answer: Early humans survived by hunting animals, gathering fruits, roots, and edible plants. Later, they learned farming and domestication of animals.

    Q8. Mention two differences between BCE and CE dating systems.
    Answer:

    • BCE counts years backward (e.g., 500 BCE is earlier than 200 BCE), while CE counts years forward.
    • BCE refers to “Before Common Era,” and CE refers to “Common Era.”

    Long Answer Questions

    Q9. Describe the different sources of history.
    Answer (100–120 words):
    Sources of history are divided into:

    1. Archaeological sources – remains of buildings, pottery, tools, coins, inscriptions, and excavations.
    2. Literary sources – manuscripts, Vedas, epics, poems, plays, travelogues, chronicles.
    3. Oral sources – folklore, stories, songs, and traditions.
    4. Artistic sources – paintings, sculptures, panels.
      These sources help historians reconstruct the past. Each source provides a part of the “puzzle of history,” and by combining them, historians get a clearer picture of how people lived in different times.

    Q10. How did early humans live?
    Answer (100–120 words):
    Early humans lived in caves, rock shelters, or temporary camps. They hunted animals and gathered fruits, nuts, and roots. They used stone tools, fire for cooking, and painted scenes of animals and daily life on cave walls. Later, they discovered farming, domesticated animals like cattle and goats, and settled near rivers. They also made pottery, metal tools, and ornaments. These developments slowly transformed small hamlets into villages and towns, laying the foundation for civilisations.

  • Chapter-3-Landforms and Life, Class 6th, Social Science, NCERT

    NCERT QUESTIONS

    Q1. In what type of landform is your town / village / city located? Which features mentioned in this chapter do you see around you?

    Answer (model – students can adapt):
    My town is located on the plains. It has fertile soil, rivers nearby, and supports farming. I can see flat land, green fields, and many settlements. Crops like wheat and rice are grown here. The plain also has roads, railways, and industries, making life easier compared to mountains and plateaus.

    Q2. Let us go back to our initial trip from Chhota Nagpur to Prayagraj and Almora. Describe the three landforms you came across on the way.

    Answer:

    • Chhota Nagpur Plateau – A raised landform with rocky soil, mineral resources, and waterfalls.
    • Prayagraj (plains) – Fertile floodplains of the Ganga, suitable for agriculture and dense population.
    • Almora (mountains) – High land with steep slopes, forests, and snow-capped peaks, where terrace farming is done.

    Q3. List a few famous pilgrimage spots in India along with the landforms in which they are found.

    Answer:

    • Kedarnath, Badrinath (Uttarakhand) – Mountains (Himalayas)
    • Vaishno Devi (Jammu & Kashmir) – Mountains
    • Varanasi, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) – Plains, on the Ganga river
    • Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) – Coastal plains / island

    Q4. State whether true or false —

    1. The Himalayas are young mountains with rounded tops. – False. They are young with sharp peaks.
    2. Plateaus usually rise sharply at least on one side. – True.
    3. Mountains and hills belong to the same type of landform. – True. Both are elevated landforms.
    4. Mountains, plateaus and rivers in India have the same types of flora and fauna. – False. Different landforms have different vegetation and animals.
    5. Ganga is a tributary to the Yamuna. – False. Yamuna is a tributary of the Ganga.
    6. Deserts have unique flora and fauna. – True. Example: cactus, camels.
    7. Melting snow feeds rivers. – True. Himalayan rivers depend on snowmelt.
    8. Sediments from rivers deposited in the plains makes the land fertile. – True.
    9. All deserts are hot. – False. Some are cold, like the Gobi Desert and Antarctica.

    Q5. Match words in pairs:

    • Mount Everest → Climbing
    • Rafting → River
    • Camels → Desert
    • Plateau → Roof of the world (Tibetan Plateau)
    • Gangetic plains → Rice fields
    • Waterway → Ganga
    • Mount Kilimanjaro → Africa
    • Yamuna → Tributary

    Extra Questions – Chapter 3: Landforms and Life

    Very Short Answer Questions (1–2 sentences)

    Q1. What is a landform?
    Answer: A landform is a natural physical feature of the Earth’s surface, such as mountains, plateaus, or plains.

    Q2. Which is the highest mountain peak in the world?
    Answer: Mount Everest (8,849 m).

    Q3. Name the highest mountain in South India.
    Answer: Anamudi (Kerala).

    Q4. Which plateau is called the “Roof of the World”?
    Answer: The Tibetan Plateau.

    Q5. Which is the largest river plain in India?
    Answer: The Ganga Plain.

    Short Answer Questions (30–50 words)

    Q6. What is terrace farming?
    Answer: Terrace farming is the practice of cutting steps or terraces on mountain slopes to grow crops. It prevents soil erosion and allows cultivation on steep land. It is common in the Himalayas and other hilly areas of India.

    Q7. Why are plains most suitable for human habitation?
    Answer: Plains have fertile soil, abundant water supply, and flat land for agriculture, transport, and building cities. This makes them densely populated regions and centres of human civilisation.

    Q8. Why are plateaus rich in minerals?
    Answer: Plateaus, formed by volcanic or tectonic activity, contain large reserves of minerals like coal, iron, and diamonds. For example, Chhota Nagpur Plateau in India has coal and iron, while the African Plateau has gold and diamonds.

    Long Answer Questions (80–120 words)

    Q9. Explain the differences between mountains, plateaus, and plains.
    Answer:

    • Mountains are high landforms with steep slopes and peaks. They have forests, rivers, and snow. Example: Himalayas.
    • Plateaus are flat-topped elevated areas with steep sides. They are rich in minerals and sometimes have fertile lava soil. Example: Deccan Plateau.
    • Plains are flat and low-lying areas formed by river deposits. They are very fertile and densely populated. Example: Ganga Plain.
      Thus, each landform has different features, advantages, and challenges for human life.

    Q10. What challenges do people face while living in mountains? Why do they still prefer to live there?
    Answer:
    Life in mountains is difficult due to harsh climate, landslides, avalanches, cloudbursts, and poor transport. Farming is limited and done through terrace cultivation. Yet, people live there because of fresh air, natural beauty, forest resources, tourism opportunities, and religious importance. Mountains also provide water from melting snow and rivers, making them valuable despite the challenges.

    Q11. Describe the importance of rivers in plains.
    Answer:
    Rivers in plains bring fertile soil (silt and sediments) which makes agriculture possible. They provide water for irrigation, transport, fishing, and daily life. Many ancient civilisations, like those on the Ganga and Indus plains, grew along rivers. Even today, rivers like the Ganga are centres of farming, trade, and religious activities.

  • Chapter 2 – Oceans and Continents, Class 6th, Social Science, NCERT

    Q1. Explain the following terms:

    (a) Continent – A continent is a very large continuous landmass surrounded by oceans. There are seven continents on Earth: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.

    (b) Ocean – Oceans are vast bodies of salt water covering about three-fourths of the Earth’s surface. The five main oceans are the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans.

    (c) Island – An island is a piece of land surrounded by water on all sides but smaller than a continent. Example: Greenland, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

    Q2. Let us draw – Without looking at the maps in this chapter, draw the continents free hand on a sheet of paper and colour them. Then compare your drawing with the map of oceans and continents in the chapter.

    Answer (Guidance for students):

    • Draw a rough sketch of the world map.
    • Colour the continents in different colours (e.g., Asia – yellow, Africa – green, North America – pink, South America – orange, Europe – purple, Australia – red, Antarctica – blue).
    • Colour all oceans in blue.
    • Then compare with the map in your book and check shapes, positions, and sizes.

    Q3. Let us do – On the outline map of the world given below, label all the continents and oceans.

    Answer (Guidance):

    • Mark and label:
      • Continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia.
      • Oceans: Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Southern Ocean.

    Q4. Solve this crossword.

    Across

    1. Oxygen
    2. Continent
    3. Asia
    4. Plastic
    5. Antarctica

    Down
    2. Greenland
    4. Tsunami
    5. Australia
    7. Pacific
    9. Island

    Q4. Name the seven continents in order of size (largest to smallest).

    Answer:

    1. Asia
    2. Africa
    3. North America
    4. South America
    5. Antarctica
    6. Europe
    7. Australia

    Q5. What are tsunamis and how are they caused?

    Answer (60–70 words):
    A tsunami is a giant ocean wave caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The sudden movement of the sea floor displaces a huge amount of water, creating powerful waves that travel across the ocean. When they reach shallow coastal areas, these waves rise high and cause destruction. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami is an example, which affected Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

    Q6. What is the difference between an island and a continent?

    Answer:

    • Continent: Very large continuous landmass (e.g., Asia, Africa).
    • Island: Smaller landmass surrounded by water (e.g., Greenland, Andaman).

    Q7. Why is saving oceans important for our future?

    Answer (80–90 words):
    Oceans are called the “lungs of the planet” because they produce most of the oxygen we breathe. They also provide food, medicines, water cycle balance, and climate control. However, pollution, plastic waste, and overfishing are threatening marine life. If we don’t protect oceans, it will harm biodiversity and human survival. Saving oceans is necessary for a healthy planet and for future generations.

    Extra Questions – Oceans and Continents

    Q1. Why is the Earth called the “blue planet”?

    Answer:
    The Earth is called the blue planet because nearly three-fourths of its surface is covered with water. From space, the oceans give the Earth a bluish appearance, making it look mostly blue.

    Q2. Which is the largest and which is the smallest ocean?

    Answer:

    • The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean.
    • The Arctic Ocean is the smallest ocean.

    Q3. How do oceans influence the climate of the Earth?

    Answer (70–80 words):
    Oceans store and distribute heat across the planet. They bring rainfall to the continents through the water cycle and regulate temperature by absorbing heat. For example, the Indian Ocean gives rise to monsoon rains, which are vital for agriculture in India. Oceans also produce more than half of the world’s oxygen, making them essential for life and climate balance.

  • Chapter 1 – Locating Places on the Earth, Class 6th, Social Science, NCERT

    Q1. Returning to page 10 and to Fig. 5.2 in Chapter 5 of this textbook, taking the scale to be 2.5 cm = 500 km, calculate the real distance from the estuary of the Narmada River to the estuary of the Ganga river.

    Answer:
    If the distance on the map between the estuary of the Narmada and the Ganga is about 4.5 cm, then using the scale 2.5 cm = 500 km:

    5002.5×4.5=900 km2.5500​×4.5=900km

    So, the real distance is about 900 kilometres.

    Q2. Why is it 5:30 pm in India when it is 12 pm or noon in London?

    Answer (80–100 words):
    The Earth rotates from west to east, and as it rotates, different places experience day and night at different times. The standard time in India is based on the longitude 82.5°E, which is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in London. So, when it is 12 noon in London, India is already ahead in time, and the clock here shows 5:30 pm. This is why our watches run 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of London.

    Q3. Why do we need symbols and colours in the map?

    Answer (50–60 words):
    Maps show a lot of information in a small space. It is not possible to draw real shapes of rivers, mountains, roads or buildings. So, symbols are used to represent them clearly. Colours also make maps easy to read — for example, blue for water bodies, green for plains, and brown for mountains. They make maps simple and useful.

    Q4. Find out what you have in the eight directions from your home or school.

    Answer (student model – about 60 words):
    From my school:

     

    • North: A post office
    • South: A market
    • East: A temple
    • West: A bus stop
    • Northeast: A playground
    • Northwest: A hospital
    • Southeast: A small park
    • Southwest: A library

    (Students can change according to their locality.)

    Q5. What is the difference between local time and standard time? (100–150 words)

    Answer:
    Local time is the time of a particular place based on the position of the Sun. For example, when the Sun is exactly overhead, it is 12 noon at that place. Since the Earth rotates, local time changes as we move east or west. Standard time is a fixed time for an entire country or region, chosen along a central meridian. India uses Indian Standard Time (IST), based on 82.5°E longitude, so that the whole country follows one uniform time. Local time is useful for small areas, but for a big country, standard time avoids confusion in travel, communication and trade.

    Q6. Delhi’s and Bengaluru’s latitudes are 29°N and 13°N; their longitudes are almost the same, 77°E. How much will be the difference in local time between the two cities?

    Answer:
    Since the longitudes are almost the same, both cities have the same local time. The difference will be zero.

    Q7. Mark the following statements as true or false; explain your answers with a sentence or two.

      1. All parallels of latitude have the same length. – False. They become smaller as we move towards the poles.
      2. The length of a meridian of longitude is half of that of the Equator. – True. Longitudes are half circles from pole to pole.
      3. The South Pole has a latitude of 90°S. – True. It is the farthest point south from the Equator.
      4. In Assam, the local time and the IST are identical. – False. Assam’s local time is ahead of IST.
      5. Lines separating the time zones are identical with meridians of longitude. – False. They are adjusted to follow political boundaries.
      6. The Equator is also a parallel of latitude. – True. It is the longest parallel at 0°.

    Q8. Solve the crossword.

    Across:

    1. Scale
    2. Globe
    3. Equator
    4. Greenwich
    5. Map
    6. Latitude

    Down:
    2. Longitude
    3. Coordinates
    6. Grid
    7. IST
    9. North Pole
    11. IDL

     

    Extra Questions –

    Q1. What is the difference between a globe and a map?

    Answer:

    • A globe is a small model of the Earth that shows its true spherical shape and geographical features.
    • A map is a flat drawing of a part or whole of the Earth, showing physical, political, or thematic details.
      Globe is best for accuracy of shape; map is best for detailed study.

    Q2. Define latitude and longitude.

    Answer:

    • Latitude: Imaginary lines running east–west, parallel to the Equator, measuring distance north or south of it.
    • Longitude: Imaginary lines running north–south from pole to pole, measuring distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

    Q3. Why is the Equator called the “great circle”?

    Answer:
    The Equator is called the “great circle” because it is the largest circle that divides the Earth into two equal halves — the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. It is the longest parallel of latitude.

    Q4. How are latitudes related to climate?

    Answer (70–80 words):
    Latitudes influence the climate of different regions. Places near the Equator (low latitudes) are hot and receive direct sunlight (Torrid Zone). The areas in the middle latitudes have moderate or temperate climate. Near the poles (high latitudes), the sunlight is slanting and weak, so these regions are very cold (Frigid Zone). Thus, latitude plays an important role in determining the type of weather and seasons experienced in any place.

    Q5. Why was Greenwich chosen as the Prime Meridian?

    Answer:
    In 1884, an international agreement fixed the Prime Meridian at Greenwich, London, because it was already being used widely by sailors and scientists for navigation. It became the standard reference line for measuring longitude worldwide.

    Q6. Explain local time with an example.

    Answer (50–60 words):
    Local time is the time of a place determined by the position of the Sun. When the Sun is overhead, it is 12 noon at that place. For example, if it is noon in Delhi, the local time in Mumbai may differ slightly because of their different longitudes.

    Q7. Why does India use a single standard time?

    Answer (70–80 words):
    India is a large country with longitudes stretching from Arunachal Pradesh in the east to Gujarat in the west. If every place followed local time, there would be confusion in daily life, travel, and communication. Therefore, the longitude 82.5°E near Allahabad was chosen as the central meridian for Indian Standard Time (IST). This way, the entire country follows one uniform time, 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

    Q8. What is the International Date Line?

    Answer:
    The International Date Line is an imaginary line at 180° longitude, opposite the Prime Meridian. When we cross it from east to west, we add one day; when we cross from west to east, we subtract one day. It helps to keep the world’s dates in order.