CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 8 Vital Villages, Thriving Towns
Here we have provided CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 8 for the ease of students so that they can prepare well.
Ananya Gupta17 Sept, 2024
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CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 8: In Chapter 8, Vital Villages, Thriving Towns from the CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Book, provides a comprehensive look into the structure and life of ancient villages and towns. This chapter is important for understanding the economic and social dynamics of historical settlements.
Students will gain insights into the social hierarchy of these settlements and how towns evolved into centers of commerce and culture. The chapter provides a glimpse into the daily lives, customs and living conditions of people in ancient times. Our detailed notes on this chapter help students build a strong foundation in these concepts, improve their comprehension of historical social and economic systems and prepare effectively for exams by focusing on important topics and essential details.CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 8 Overview
The notes for Chapter 8, Vital Villages, Thriving Towns are prepared by the subject experts of Physics Wallah to provide a clear and detailed understanding of ancient village and town life. These notes provide a thorough overview of the economic, social and cultural aspects of historical settlements. By using these notes, students can learn about the daily lives, traditions, and living conditions of people from history. This will make it easier to understand the chapter and do well in your exams.CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 8 PDF
The PDF for Chapter 8 Vital Villages, Thriving Town is available for download. It covers important aspects such as the organization of villages, the roles of different occupations and the growth of towns. By referring to this PDF students can gain a thorough understanding of the chapter making it a valuable resource for studying and preparing for exams. You can access the PDF using the link provided below.CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 8 PDF
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 8 Vital Villages, Thriving Towns
Below we have provided CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 8 Vital Villages, Thriving Towns-Iron Tools and Agriculture
Iron tools became significant around 2500 years ago, enhancing agricultural productivity. The use of iron tools like axes for clearing forests and ploughshares for farming marked a major advancement. These tools made it easier to cultivate land and increase agricultural yields.Other Steps to Increase Production: Irrigation
To support the growth of kingdoms and their economies, effective irrigation methods were crucial. This period saw the development of various irrigation systems, such as canals, wells, tanks and artificial lakes. These irrigation works helped manage water resources, ensuring consistent agricultural production and supporting the flourishing of villages.Who Lived in the Villages?
In the villages of the southern and northern parts of the subcontinent, different types of people lived and worked:- Large Landowners : In the southern parts, large landowners were called vellalar , while in the northern regions, they were known as grama bhojaka . The grama bhojaka held this position for generations, and it was often hereditary. They were the largest landowners in their area, had slaves, and hired workers to cultivate their land. They played significant roles, such as collecting taxes, acting as judges, and maintaining order in their villages.
- Ordinary Ploughmen : Ordinary farmers who worked the land were known as uzhavar in the south. These individuals worked on their own or rented land and were crucial for agricultural production.
- Landless Laborers : The landless laborers, including slaves, were referred to as kadaisiyar and adimai . They did not own land and earned their living by working on the fields of others.
Finding Out About Cities: Stories, Travellers, Sculptures and Archaeology
Understanding ancient cities involves examining various sources and types of evidence:Jatakas : These are stories composed by ordinary people and preserved by Buddhist monks. They provide valuable insights into the daily life and beliefs of people in ancient times.
Sculptures : Sculptors created carvings that depicted scenes from daily life in towns, villages, and forests. These carvings were used to decorate important buildings like railings, pillars, and gateways, offering visual evidence of past life.
Archaeological Evidence : Early cities, which began to develop around 2500 years ago as capitals of mahajanapadas, were often fortified with massive walls. Archaeologists have discovered ring wells—circular pits used for toilets, drains, or garbage dumps—usually found in individual homes. However, many remains of palaces, markets, and ordinary homes have not survived, possibly due to their construction materials like wood and mud, which decayed over time.
Travellers' Accounts : Accounts from sailors and travelers who visited these early cities provide detailed descriptions of the ports and urban life. For example, an unknown Greek sailor’s records offer valuable information about the cities he visited.
Coins : Coins were a key measure of wealth. Archaeologists have found many coins from this period, including punch-marked coins, which were often rectangular, square, or round. These coins, made from metal sheets or flattened metal globules and stamped with symbols, were widely circulated until the early centuries CE.
Cities with Many Functions
Mathura, a city with a rich history spanning over 2500 years, stands out for its multifaceted role in ancient times. Strategically located at the crossroads of major travel and trade routes—connecting the northwest to the east and the north to the south—Mathura was an essential hub for commerce and movement. The city was fortified and had several significant shrines, reflecting its importance in both defense and religious life. Farmers and herders from the surrounding areas supplied food to Mathura, supporting its large population. The city was renowned for its exquisite sculptures, which were created around 2000 years ago. Mathura also served as the second capital of the Kushana Empire, highlighting its political significance. In addition to its commercial and political roles, Mathura was a prominent religious center. It housed Buddhist monasteries and Jaina shrines and was a key site for Krishna worship. Inscriptions on stone slabs and statues found in Mathura provide evidence of the city's religious and social activities. These inscriptions, made by kings, queens, officers, merchants, and craftspeople, recorded donations to monasteries and shrines, reflecting the city's vibrant cultural and spiritual life.CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 8 FAQs
What were the main features of villages in ancient India?
In ancient India, villages were primarily agricultural and self-sufficient communities. They had a variety of people, including large landowners, ploughmen and landless laborers. Villages were also known for their organized administrative and social structure.
How did iron tools contribute to agricultural development in ancient times?
Iron tools, such as axes and ploughshares, were crucial in increasing agricultural production. Axes helped in clearing forests, while ploughshares made farming more efficient, leading to better yields and more productive agriculture.
What was the role of irrigation in enhancing agricultural output?
Irrigation played a significant role in agriculture by providing a steady water supply. This was achieved through the construction of canals, wells, tanks and artificial lakes, which helped to water crops and improve agricultural productivity.
Who were the different types of people living in ancient villages?
In ancient villages, there were large landowners known as Vellalar, ordinary ploughmen called Uzhavar, and landless laborers or slaves referred to as Kadaisiyar and Adimai. In the northern regions, the village headman, or Grama Bhojaka, was a major landowner and held various administrative responsibilities.
What kinds of evidence help us learn about ancient cities?
Evidence from ancient cities comes from various sources, including stories like Jatakas, traveller accounts, sculptures, and archaeological findings. These sources provide insights into the daily lives, infrastructure, and trade practices of ancient cities.
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