There are numerous aspects of the past that we can uncover. We can learn about what people ate, the clothing they wore, the types of houses they lived in, and their ways of life, which included various professions such as hunters, herders, farmers, rulers, merchants, priests, craftspeople, artists, musicians, and scientists. Additionally, we can gain insights into the games children played, the stories they heard, the plays they watched, and the songs they sang.
Class 6 Our Past | Chapter 1 What, Where, How And When?
What are the sources of finding out about the Past?
To uncover information about the past, various methods are employed:
Manuscripts:
These are ancient documents written by hand on materials like palm leaves or birch bark. Manuscripts covered a wide range of subjects, including religion, kings' lives, medicine, science, epics, poems, and plays.
Inscriptions:
Writings on hard surfaces like stone or metal. Some were orders from kings, while others were records of people's actions.
Archaeology:
The study of objects and structures from the past. Archaeologists excavate sites to find tools, weapons, pottery, ornaments, and coins. Some objects are made of stone, bone, clay, or metal and can provide insights into the past.
Historians and Archaeologists:
These experts act as detectives, using sources like manuscripts, inscriptions, and artefacts to piece together the past.
Decoding Ancient Scripts
Deciphering ancient scripts is like solving a puzzle. Scholars use various methods to understand inscriptions in different languages and scripts.
By understanding and interpreting these inscriptions, scholars piece together the puzzle of our rich and diverse past, much like detectives collecting clues.
One Past or Many?
The past was different for various groups of people. The lives of herders, farmers, kings, merchants, craftspeople, and others varied significantly. Even within the same geographical area, people practiced different customs and traditions.
Where Did People Live?
To understand where people lived in the past, we can look at map given below, which shows the physical map of the subcontinent. It's essential to help students visualize the geographical context.
Narmada River:
People have lived along the banks of the Narmada River for hundreds of thousands of years. Early inhabitants were skilled gatherers who relied on forest resources for food, such as roots, fruits, and hunted animals.
Sulaiman and Kirthar Hills:
To the northwest, some of the earliest farmers began cultivating crops like wheat and barley around 8000 years ago. They also raised animals like sheep, goats, and cattle, establishing villages.
Garo Hills and Vindhyas:
Agriculture developed in these regions as well, and rice was first grown to the north of the Vindhyas.
River Indus and Its Tributaries:
About 4700 years ago, the banks of the Indus and its tributaries hosted some of the earliest cities. Later, about 2500 years ago, cities developed along the Ganga and its tributaries and along the coast.
The subcontinent was shaped by hills, mountains, deserts, rivers, and seas, which made travel challenging but not impossible. People moved in search of livelihood, to escape natural disasters, or out of a spirit of adventure. This movement of people allowed the sharing of ideas and enriched cultural traditions.
What Do Dates Mean?
Understanding dates is crucial when studying history:
BC (Before Christ): Years before the birth of Jesus Christ, counted backward from the present. For example, 2000 BC means 2000 years before Christ's birth.
AD (Anno Domini): Years are counted from the birth of Christ. For example, 2012 can also be written as AD 2012.
CE (Common Era)/BCE (Before Common Era): These terms are used as alternatives to AD and BC.
BP (Before Present): Refers to years before the current date.
Conclusion:
In this chapter, we have explored the various ways to discover the past and have begun to appreciate the diversity of human history. As we delve deeper into history, we will uncover more intriguing stories about different people and their unique experiences throughout time. Stay curious, for the past holds countless mysteries waiting to be unravelled.
Short explanations for the keywords| Class 6 Our Past | Chapter 1 WHAT, WHERE, HOW AND WHEN?
Travelling: Moving from one place to another, often for various purposes, such as work, leisure, or exploration.
Manuscript: A handwritten document or book created before the invention of printing.
Inscription: Writing or text engraved, carved, or written on a hard surface like stone or metal.
Archaeology: The study of past human societies and cultures through the analysis of material remains and artifacts.
Historian: A scholar who researches and writes about history, analyzing past events and societies.
Source: Any document or evidence that provides information about the past, used by historians for research.
Decipherment: The process of understanding the meaning of written or coded text, especially in unfamiliar languages or scripts.
Textbook Question Answers | Class 6 Our Past | Chapter 1 WHAT, WHERE, HOW AND WHEN?
Question 1|Class 6 Our Past | Chapter 1 WHAT, WHERE, HOW AND WHEN?
Match the following:
Answer : Here's the matching of the terms:
- Narmada Valley: Early agriculture
- Magadha: The first big kingdom
- Garo hills: Hunting and gathering
- Indus and its tributaries: The first cities
- Ganga Valley: Cities about 2500 years ago
Question 2| Class 6 Our Past | Chapter 1 WHAT, WHERE, HOW AND WHEN?
List one major difference between manuscripts and inscriptions.
Answer
Manuscripts are handwritten documents on flexible materials with writing instruments,
While
Inscriptions are carved or engraved on hard surfaces for durability, often found on monuments or artifacts.
