| Non-Rationalised History NCERT Notes, Solutions and Extra Q & A (Class 6th to 12th) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Class 6th History NCERT Notes, NCERT Question Solutions and Extra Q & A (Non-Rationalised)
1. What, Where, How And When?
This chapter introduces the study of history, exploring how we can know about the past using questions like **What** happened, **Where** did it happen, **How** did we find out, and **When** did it occur. It discusses different types of historical sources, such as manuscripts (writings on soft surfaces like palm leaves), inscriptions (writings on hard surfaces like rocks or metal), and archaeological evidence (artifacts, buildings). Understanding these sources helps historians reconstruct the past and learn about the lives of people who lived thousands of years ago, providing tools to uncover India's ancient history.
2. From Hunting–Gathering To Growing Food
This chapter traces the transition in early human history from a nomadic lifestyle of **hunting and gathering** wild animals and plants to the settled practice of **growing food** (agriculture). It discusses the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, characterized by stone tools and adapting to changing environments. The focus shifts to the **Neolithic period**, marked by the development of agriculture, domestication of animals, and the emergence of settled village life. This shift, often called the Neolithic Revolution, fundamentally changed human societies, laying the foundation for civilizations in regions like the Indian subcontinent.
3. In The Earliest Cities
This chapter explores the **Indus Valley Civilization** (also known as the Harappan Civilization, c. 2600-1900 BCE), which saw the rise of the **earliest cities** in the Indian subcontinent. It discusses the discovery of sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro and highlights their remarkable urban planning: grid-pattern streets, sophisticated drainage systems, and multi-storeyed buildings. The chapter examines evidence of social structure, economic activities (agriculture, crafts, trade with distant lands), and the mysterious script, offering insights into the advanced urban life that flourished thousands of years ago in the region.
4. What Books And Burials Tell Us
This chapter explores historical information gained from ancient **books** (like the **Vedas**) and archaeological findings, particularly **burials**. It discusses the Rigveda, the oldest Veda, providing insights into the life, society, and beliefs of the people in the northwestern Indian subcontinent during the Vedic period. The chapter examines archaeological evidence from burial sites (e.g., megaliths in the Deccan), which reveal information about social differences, crafts, and practices related to death and the afterlife, complementing information from literary sources and providing a more complete picture of past societies.
5. Kingdoms, Kings And An Early Republic
This chapter discusses the political developments in ancient India (around 3000 years ago), focusing on the emergence of larger kingdoms and early forms of states. It explores how some men became rulers (**kings**) through sacrifices (e.g., ashvamedha). The chapter also introduces the concept of **Mahajanapadas**, sixteen large states that emerged around 2500 years ago, and the transition towards more formal administrative systems and armies. It also touches upon **republics** or ganas/sanghas, where rulers were chosen by a group of men, providing insights into early political organization in ancient India.
6. New Questions And Ideas
This chapter explores a period of intellectual and religious ferment in ancient India (around 2500 years ago) when new ideas and philosophies emerged. It discusses the lives and teachings of **Gautama Buddha** and **Mahavira**, the founders of Buddhism and Jainism, respectively. These traditions offered alternative perspectives on life, suffering, and the path to liberation, challenging some aspects of the existing Brahmanical system. The chapter also touches upon the Upanishads, which contained philosophical discussions, and the development of the Sangha (monastic order), highlighting a time of significant intellectual and spiritual inquiry.
7. Ashoka, The Emperor Who Gave Up War
This chapter focuses on **Ashoka**, one of the most famous rulers of ancient India and the Mauryan dynasty. It discusses his vast empire and the brutal Kalinga War, which led to a turning point in his life. After witnessing the violence, Ashoka decided to give up war and promote peace and welfare through his policy of **Dhamma** (a set of moral principles). The chapter examines his efforts to spread Dhamma through inscriptions on pillars and rocks across his empire, highlighting his unique approach to governance based on righteousness and compassion.
8. Vital Villages, Thriving Towns
This chapter explores the economic life of ancient India from around 2500 years ago, focusing on the development of **villages** and **towns**. It discusses improvements in agriculture (use of iron tools, irrigation) that led to increased production, making villages **vital** centres of food supply. The surplus production supported the growth of **thriving towns** as centers of crafts (pottery, weaving) and trade. The chapter also mentions the emergence of associations of craftspersons and merchants (**guilds**), coin usage, and the lives of people in villages and towns, illustrating economic changes in the period.
9. Traders, Kings And Pilgrims
This chapter examines the movement of people and goods in ancient India through trade routes, the role of rulers, and the journeys of religious pilgrims. It discusses the extensive **trade networks** within India and with distant lands (e.g., Roman Empire, Southeast Asia), involving goods like spices, textiles, and precious stones. The chapter highlights the role of **kings** in controlling and benefiting from trade. It also describes the journeys of **pilgrims**, like the Chinese Buddhist pilgrims Fa Xian and Xuan Zang, who traveled to India in search of religious texts and knowledge, illustrating cultural and economic exchanges.
10. New Empires And Kingdoms
This chapter explores the emergence and development of **new empires and kingdoms** in ancient India following the decline of the Mauryan Empire. It discusses dynasties like the Guptas, Kushanas, and others in different parts of the subcontinent. The achievements of important rulers (e.g., Samudragupta) in expanding territories and consolidating power are highlighted. The chapter examines their administrative systems, military organization, and the flourishing of arts, literature, and science during some of these periods, showcasing the political landscape and key ruling powers that shaped ancient India after the Mauryas.
11. Buildings, Paintings And Books
This chapter explores the artistic and literary achievements of ancient India. It discusses significant **buildings** like stupas (e.g., Sanchi), temples, and palaces, showcasing architectural styles. Examples of ancient **paintings** found in places like Ajanta caves are highlighted, revealing aspects of life and religious beliefs. The chapter also discusses the creation of important **books** or literary works, including epics (Mahabharata, Ramayana), Puranas, and scientific treatises. It emphasizes how these forms of art, architecture, and literature reflect the cultural, religious, and intellectual developments of ancient Indian society, serving as valuable historical sources.