CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 What, Where, How and When?

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 Overview

These notes are prepared by the subject experts of Physics Wallah provide a detailed overview of Chapter 1 of the CBSE Class 6 Social Science History syllabus.

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes

With clear explanations and structured content, these notes aim to equip students with the essential tools needed to explore and interpret history effectively.

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 PDF

For a detailed explanation of Chapter 1 of the CBSE Class 6 Social Science History you can access the detailed notes prepared by the subject experts of Physics Wallah through the PDF link provided below. These notes provide in-depth overview of how historians study the past including the types of sources used and the importance of timelines and geographical features. It is a valuable resource for understanding the basic concepts of history and will support your studies by providing clear and structured information. Click the link below to download the notes for Chapter 1.

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 PDF

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 What, Where, How and When?

Below we have provided CBSE Class 12 Maths NoCBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 What, Where, How and When?-

What Can We Know About the Past?

Our understanding of the past provides insights into various aspects of daily life and culture. We can learn about:

Daily Life : What people used to eat, the types of clothes they wore, and the kinds of houses they lived in. This includes details on their diet, fashion, and domestic architecture.
Occupations and Social Roles : The lives and activities of different groups such as hunters, herders, farmers, rulers, merchants, priests, crafts persons, artists, musicians and scientists. This helps us understand the diverse roles individuals played in ancient societies.
Childhood and Recreation : The games children played, the stories they heard, and the songs they sang. This reveals how past societies engaged with and entertained their younger generations, providing a glimpse into their cultural and social practices.

Where Did People Live?

Throughout history, people have settled in various regions based on their needs and environmental resources. For instance, early humans lived along the banks of the Narmada River for several hundred thousand years due to the rich resources in the surrounding forests. They relied on the collection of roots, fruits and other forest produce for sustenance, and occasionally hunted animals. Around 8,000 years ago, people began to cultivate crops like wheat and barley, marking the beginning of agriculture. This era also saw the domestication of animals such as sheep, goats, and cattle, leading to the establishment of villages. The northern regions of the Vindhyas became known for early rice cultivation. Approximately 2,500 years ago, cities emerged along the banks of the Ganga and its tributaries, as well as along the sea coasts. In ancient times, the area south of the Ganga was known as Magadha, present-day Bihar. People migrated in search of better livelihoods or to escape natural calamities like floods and droughts. These migrations played a crucial role in enriching cultural traditions, leading to the exchange of knowledge in stone carving, music composition, and culinary practices over centuries.

Names of the Land

Our country is known by two prominent names: India and Bharat.

India : The name "India" is derived from the Indus River, which was referred to as "Sindhu" in Sanskrit. Approximately 2,500 years ago, the Iranians and Greeks, who traveled through the northwest, began using the terms "Hindos" or "Indos" to describe the region. The land to the east of the Indus River came to be known as India.
Bharat : The name "Bharat" originates from a group of people mentioned in the Rigveda, one of the earliest Sanskrit texts, dated around 3,500 years ago. The term initially referred to these people in the northwest and was later adopted to denote the entire country.

Both names reflect different historical and cultural influences that have shaped our understanding of the land's identity over millennia.

Finding Out About the Past

To uncover details about our past, historians and archaeologists use a variety of sources. One key method is through manuscripts , which are ancient handwritten books. These manuscripts were typically written on palm leaves or the bark of the birch tree, which grows in the Himalayas. They cover a broad range of topics, including religious beliefs, royal lives, medicine, science, as well as epics, poems, and plays. Another significant source is inscriptions , which are writings carved into hard surfaces such as stone or metal. Historically, inscriptions were used by kings to communicate their orders and achievements, including records of battles and other notable events. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into historical governance and significant occurrences.

Archaeologists play a important role in studying the past by examining physical remnants such as buildings, paintings, sculptures, and everyday objects like tools, weapons, pots and ornaments. They also analyze animal bones to understand the diets of ancient peoples.

Historians refer to the information gathered from manuscripts, inscriptions and archaeological findings as sources . By piecing together these sources, historians and archaeologists act as detectives, unraveling the mysteries of our past and making the study of history an adventurous journey.

One Past or Many?

The title of the book, Our Pasts – I , emphasizes that history encompasses multiple perspectives and experiences. The term "pasts" in the plural form highlights that different groups of people experienced history in varied ways. For example, the lifestyles of herders and farmers were distinct from those of kings and queens, and merchants had different experiences compared to craftsmen. This diversity in historical experiences is also evident today, as people across different regions continue to follow unique practices and customs.

Archaeology often focuses on the records kept by more prominent figures, like kings, who documented their victories and battles. Ordinary people, however, typically did not leave behind such records, making it challenging for archaeologists to learn about their daily lives.

What Do Dates Mean?

Dates in historical records are often counted from the birth of Jesus Christ. Years before this event are denoted with BC (Before Christ), while years after are counted forward from this point. In the context of this book, dates are referred to relative to the year 2000, with years noted as '2000' representing 2000 years after the birth of Christ. This system helps place historical events within a chronological framework that is easier to understand.

Important Questions and Answers of CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1

Here are the important questions and answers of Chapter 1 for Class 6 students:

Q. 1. What do you mean by dates?

Ans - Dates help us keep track of time. We count years based on the birth of Jesus Christ, who started the Christian religion. For example, 2021 means it’s 2021 years after Jesus was born. Before Jesus was born, we count years backward and add "BC," which means "Before Christ." After Jesus' birth, we use "AD," which stands for "Anno Domini," meaning "in the year of the Lord" (another name for Christ).

Q.2. Write a short note on inscriptions.

Ans - Inscriptions are old writings carved into hard surfaces like stone or metal. These writings often tell us about kings and their victories or important events. Archaeologists find these inscriptions and use a special method called decipherment to read and understand them. Sometimes, these inscriptions were pictures that showed what people were thinking or doing.

Q.3. Write a short note on manuscripts.

Ans - Manuscripts are old books written by hand. The word "manuscript" comes from Latin and means "written by hand." These books were usually written on palm leaves or special tree bark from the Himalayas. Unfortunately, many manuscripts were lost or damaged over time because they were not well preserved. The Indus Valley Civilization had its own special writing, called the Harappan script, but many of those manuscripts are lost.

Q.4. What do you mean by numismatics?

Ans - Numismatics is the study of coins and money. This includes old coins, tokens, and paper money. By studying these, we can learn about the past, like how people traded and what kinds of coins were used. For example, in the Indus Valley Civilization, people used different kinds of coins to buy and sell things. Looking at these coins helps us understand more about history.

Q.5. Write a short note on Indus Valley Civilization.

Ans - The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the world's earliest civilizations, along with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. It existed between 3300 BC and 1300 BC in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. This civilization thrived along the Indus River and had two major cities, Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Other important places included Dholavira and Lothal, which was a major port. They were good at farming, and Kalibangan was an important farming center.

Benefits of CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 What, Where, How and When?

Foundational Knowledge : This chapter introduces students to basic concepts about historical time and place, helping them understand how historians and archaeologists study the past. It lays the groundwork for exploring more complex historical topics.
Comprehension of Historical Methods : By learning about different methods for finding out about the past, such as reading ancient manuscripts and studying inscriptions students grasp how historical information is gathered and interpreted.
Chronological Awareness : Understanding the concepts of dates and time (BC and AD) helps students develop a sense of chronological order, which is essential for organizing and relating historical events.
Cultural Insights : The chapter highlights how different cultures have contributed to our understanding of history. It helps students recognize the diversity of historical experiences and cultural practices.
Enhanced Historical Skills : The notes encourage critical thinking and analytical skills as students learn to interpret historical sources and evidence. This improves their ability to engage with historical content in a meaningful way.
Preparation for Future Topics : As students progress to more advanced topics in history, the foundational knowledge from this chapter will help them understand and connect with more complex historical narratives and concepts.

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 FAQs

How do historians and archaeologists find out about the past?

Historians and archaeologists use various methods to uncover information about the past. They study old manuscripts (handwritten books), inscriptions (writings on stone or metal), and artifacts (objects like tools and pottery). By analyzing these sources, they piece together information about how people lived, what they did, and how societies evolved.

What are manuscripts, and why are they important?

Manuscripts are old books or documents written by hand. They are important because they provide firsthand accounts of historical events, beliefs, and practices. Manuscripts can include religious texts, historical records, and literary works, offering valuable insights into past cultures and societies.

What are inscriptions, and how do they help us understand history?

Inscriptions are writings carved into hard surfaces like stone or metal. They often record important events, such as victories in battles or decrees issued by kings. Inscriptions help historians understand what people considered important at the time and provide evidence of historical events and practices.

How are dates used to understand history?

Dates help us organize historical events and understand their order. We use the birth of Jesus Christ as a reference point, with years before his birth marked as BC (Before Christ) and years after as AD (Anno Domini). This system helps us place events in a chronological order and understand their historical context.

What does "BC" and "AD" stand for?

"BC" stands for "Before Christ," referring to the years before the birth of Jesus Christ. "AD" stands for "Anno Domini," which means "in the year of the Lord" and refers to the years after Jesus Christ's birth. This system helps in dating historical events and organizing history.

These notes are prepared by the subject experts of Physics Wallah provide a detailed overview of Chapter 1 of the CBSE Class 6 Social Science History syllabus.

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes

With clear explanations and structured content, these notes aim to equip students with the essential tools needed to explore and interpret history effectively.

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 PDF

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 PDF

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 What, Where, How and When?

Below we have provided CBSE Class 12 Maths NoCBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 What, Where, How and When?-

What Can We Know About the Past?

Our understanding of the past provides insights into various aspects of daily life and culture. We can learn about:

Daily Life : What people used to eat, the types of clothes they wore, and the kinds of houses they lived in. This includes details on their diet, fashion, and domestic architecture.
Occupations and Social Roles : The lives and activities of different groups such as hunters, herders, farmers, rulers, merchants, priests, crafts persons, artists, musicians and scientists. This helps us understand the diverse roles individuals played in ancient societies.
Childhood and Recreation : The games children played, the stories they heard, and the songs they sang. This reveals how past societies engaged with and entertained their younger generations, providing a glimpse into their cultural and social practices.

Where Did People Live?

Names of the Land

Our country is known by two prominent names: India and Bharat.

India : The name "India" is derived from the Indus River, which was referred to as "Sindhu" in Sanskrit. Approximately 2,500 years ago, the Iranians and Greeks, who traveled through the northwest, began using the terms "Hindos" or "Indos" to describe the region. The land to the east of the Indus River came to be known as India.
Bharat : The name "Bharat" originates from a group of people mentioned in the Rigveda, one of the earliest Sanskrit texts, dated around 3,500 years ago. The term initially referred to these people in the northwest and was later adopted to denote the entire country.

Both names reflect different historical and cultural influences that have shaped our understanding of the land's identity over millennia.