What Is History
Class 6 | Social Science — History | Unit 1
Class 6 Unit 1 History
Unit 1 What is history
Learning Objectives
- To know what history is all about.
- To understand the importance of history
- To learn about the lifestyle of the pre-historic man
- To know how paintings portray the daily activities of the pre-historic man
- To understand the importance of history and historical researches
Tamilini enters her house from school. Her mother, who was reading a book, greets Tamilini with a hug. She collects her school bag and asks Tamilini to refresh herself. She gives Tamilini some snacks to eat. She then asks Tamilini about the school activities of that day
Mother: Tamilini, what subject did you study today?
Tamilini: History, ma.
Mother: Oh nice! Did you properly understand what history is?
Tamilini: Yeah! I understood something about history. Can you please tell me more about history?
Info Bits. Telling the Time in History
Time in history is calculated in years using BC (BCE) Before Christ (Before Common Era) and AD(CE) Anno Domini (Common Era).
Do You Know?
History is the study of past events in chronological order.
Mother: What is your name?
Tamilini: Tamilini
Mother: Tell me your mother's name.
Tamilini: Mrs. Sumathi…
Mother: Father's name?
Tamilini: Mr. Adhiyaman
Mother: Tell me the name of your father's father?
Tamilini: You mean grandpa? Mr. Chidambaram
Mother: Do you know the name of great grandpa. Mr. Chidambaram's father?
Tamilini: Grandma always used to tell me about one 'great grandpa'. You want that great grandpa's name, amma? mmm…
Info Bits
The term history has been derived from the Greek word "Istoria" which means 'learning by enquiry'.
Mother: Yes, your great grandpa's name is Mr. Ramasamy. OK. Often your father shows proudly a very old wooden pen and used to tell us that it was his grandpa's pen. Do you remember it?
Tamilini: Yes, amma! Normally he keeps it in a beautiful wooden case on his table. Is that the one?
Mother: You are right, Tamilini. We cannot write with that pen now. But father has kept it as a treasure. If you ask your father about that, he will show you the diary written by your great grandpa with that old pen. From that diary, we come to know that your great grandpa was a literate, while most of his villagers were illiterates. Further, we can understand the lifestyle of that period and also about activities from his diary writings
Tamilini: Can this small diary record so much of news, amma?
Mother: Yes, Tamilini. We understand the period and lifestyles of people of Old Stone Age from used stone tools, like what you understand about your grandpa and his time from his diary writing
In ancient period, the people lived in caves, used to draw paintings in rocks called Rock Painting. They might have wished to record their activities through these paintings.
Some major Indian excavated sites
Tamilini: What are the other sources that help us understand the lifestyles of Stone Age people?
Mother: We came to know their hunting style through their paintings on the rocks and the walls of the caves.
Tamilini: Rock paintings? It sounds really surprising. Why did they draw these paintings?
Info Bits
Numismatics The study of Coins.
Epigraphy The study of inscription.
Mother: Some would have stayed back, without joining the hunting team. So for their benefit, these pictures could have been drawn. They might have done it as a part of their pastime.
Tamilini: Certainly amma. That's how we identify their lifestyles. Isn't it, amma?
Mother: Well said, Tamilini. The period between the use of first stone tools and the invention of writing systems is pre- history. Stone tools, excavated materials and rock paintings are the major sources of pre-history.
Case study A Mighty Emperor Ashoka
The most famous ruler of ancient India was Emperor Ashoka. It was during his period that Buddhism spread to different parts of Asia. Ashoka gave up war after seeing many people grieving death after the Kalinga war. He embraced Buddhism and then devoted his life to spread the message of peace and dharma. His service for the cause of public good was exemplary. He was the first ruler to give up war after victory. He was the first to build hospitals for animals. He was the first to lay roads. Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes in our national flag was taken from the Sarnath Pillar of Ashoka.
Even though Emperor Ashoka was great, his greatness had been unknown until 19th century. The material evidence provided by William Jones, James Prinsep and Alexander Cunningham revealed the greatness of Emperor Ashoka. Based on these accounts, Charles Allen wrote a book titled The Search for the India's Lost Emperor, which provided a comprehensive account of Ashoka. Many researches made thereafter brought Ashoka's glorious rule to light. These inscriptions were observed on the rocks, Sanchi Stupa and Sarnath Pillar and helped to understand the greatness of Ashoka to the world.
Now one can understand the importance of historical research. But for the efforts of scholars, the greatness of Emperor Ashoka would not have come to light.
Mother: Do you know what proto history is?
Tamilini: That is the period between pre-history and history.
Mother: Exactly. The period for which records in writing are available but not yet deciphered is called proto history. Today, we are leading a safe life with all modern equipment. But our ancestors did not live in such a safe environment. There might have been chances of wild animals entering their caves. But they realized that dogs could help them to prevent the entry of such dangerous animals by its sniffing skill. Hence, they started domesticating dogs for their protection and hunting activities.
From this, we also know how inscriptions, monuments, copper plates, accounts of foreigners or foreign travelers and folk tales play a vital role in constructing and reconstructing history.
Tamilini: Now, I completely understand what history is, amma. Thank you, amma.
Summary
The life styles of pre historic people can be understood from the stone tools, rock paintings, fossils and other excavated materials. Proto history is the period between pre-history and history. Early humans domesticated dogs for their protection and hunting activities. Mighty Emperor Ashoka followed the path of peace and dharma. Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes in our national flag was taken from Sarnath Pillar of Ashoka.
Glossary
Sources a place, person, text or object from which some data can be obtained Ancestor a person related to you who lived a long time ago Dharma righteousness Monument a statue, building or other structure built by a notable person Inscription written records engraved on stones, pillars, clay or copper tablets, caves and walls of temples. Historian A person who excelled in history
Exercises
Exercise 1. Choose the correct answer
1. What was the step taken by the early man to collect his food?
a. Trade b. Hunting c. Painting d. Rearing of animals Exercise 2. Match the statement with the Reason. Tick the appropriate answer
1. Statement: Pre historic man went along with the dog for hunting.
Reason: Dogs with its sniffing power would find out other animals.
a. Statement is true, but reason is wrong. b. Statement and reason are correct. c. Statement is wrong, and reason is correct. d. Both statements and reasons are wrong.
2. Statement: The objects used by the early man are excavated. They are preserved to know the lifestyle of the people.
Find out which of the following is related to the statement:
a. Museum b. Burial materials c. Stone tools d. Bones.
3. Find out the wrong pair
a. Old stone age - Stone tools b. Rock paintings - Walls of the caves c. Copper plates - A source of history d. Cats - First domesticated
4. Find the odd one
a. Paintings were drawn on rocks and caves. b. There were paintings depicting hunting scenes. c. It was drawn to show his family members about hunting. d. The paintings were painted by using many colors. Exercise 3. Fill in the blanks
1. The Old Stone Age man lived mostly in
2. is the father of history.
3. was the first animal tamed by Old Stone Age man.
4. Inscriptions are sources.
5. Ashoka Chakra has spokes.
Exercise 4. State True or False 1. Stone tools belonging to Old Stone Age have been excavated at Athtirampakkam near Chennai. 2. The materials used by the ancient people are preserved in the museums by the Archaeological Department. 3. During the period of Ashoka, Buddhism spread across the country. Exercise 5. Match the following
| a. Rock paintings | |
| b. Written records | |
| c. Ashoka | |
| d. Religious Literature | |
Options: copper plates, the most famous king, Devaram, to understand the lifestyle
Exercise 6. Answer in one word
1. Can you say any two advantages of writing diary?
2. How do we know the people's lifestyle of the Old Stone Age?
3. Is inscription a written record?
4. What is proto history?
5. Name an epic.
Exercise 7. Answer the following
1. What is history?
2. What do you know about the pre historic period?
3. What are the sources available to know about the pre-historic period?
4. Mention the places from where we got pre-historic tools.
5. What are the benefits of a museum?
6. Name some tools used by early man to hunt animals.
7. Why were paintings drawn on rocks?
8. Name any two artefacts?
Exercise 8. HOTS
1. How were dogs useful to pre historic men?
2. Compare the lifestyle of Old Stone Age man with present day lifestyle.
Exercise 9. Student Activity
1. Write down the important events of your family with years. Draw a timeline with the help of your teacher or with your classmates.
2. Early man used stones as a weapon. Make an album showing the various uses of stone.
3. Identify the category of the following sources of history.
a. Urns excavated from Adhichanallur.
b. Copper plates of Velvikudi.
c. Mahabharatha.
d. Sanchi Stupa.
e. Pattinappaalai.
f. The earthernwares from Keezhadi.
g. Toys of Indus Civilisation
h. Big Temple of Thanjavur.
Exercise 10. Life Skill
1. Make some weapon models used by the Old Stone Age man using clay.
2. Discuss with your grandpa, grandma, neighbours and teachers and collect information about your street, village, town or school. With that collected data, try to write its history titling your writing as "I am a Historian".
Exercise 11. Answer Grid
Early men scribbled and painted on me…Today they used me to build houses and lay roads. who am I?
Answer:
Name any two archaeological sources?
Answer:
Name the types of literary sources?
Answer:
Expand BC(BCE).
Answer:
what is the meaning of the Greek word "Istoria"?
Answer:
Expand AD(CE).
Answer:
is the study of inscriptions.
Answer:
is the study of coins.
Answer:
I can help you to talk, see, hear, write and read. There is no world without me. Who am I?
Answer:
Exercise 12. Map work
Mark the following places in the political map of India.
a. Delhi
b. Chennai
c. Tamil Nadu
d. Andhra Pradesh
e. Kerala
f. Karnataka
Internet Resources
1. What is History? www.community.dur.ac.uk
2. Helping Your Child Learn History. www.ed.gov
ICT CORNER
Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers
Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.
1. Choose the correct answer
1. What was the step taken by the early man to collect his food?
a) Trade b) Hunting c) Painting d) Rearing of animals
Answer: b) Hunting
Explanation: According to the chapter, early humans collected food through hunting activities, as evidenced by their paintings on rocks that depicted hunting scenes.
2. Match the statement with the Reason. Tick the appropriate answer
1. Statement: Pre historic man went along with the dog for hunting. Reason: Dogs with its sniffing power would find out other animals.
a) Statement is true, but reason is wrong b) Statement and reason are correct c) Statement is wrong, and reason is correct d) Both statements and reasons are wrong
Answer: b) Statement and reason are correct
Explanation: The chapter states that early humans started domesticating dogs for their protection and hunting activities because dogs could help them with their sniffing skill.
2. Statement: The objects used by the early man are excavated. They are preserved to know the lifestyle of the people. Find out which of the following is related to the statement:
a) Museum b) Burial materials c) Stone tools d) Bones
Answer: a) Museum
Explanation: The chapter mentions that materials used by ancient people are preserved in museums by the Archaeological Department.
3. Find out the wrong pair
a) Old stone age - Stone tools b) Rock paintings - Walls of the caves c) Copper plates - A source of history d) Cats - First domesticated
Answer: d) Cats - First domesticated
Explanation: According to the chapter, dogs were the first animals domesticated by Old Stone Age man for protection and hunting activities, not cats.
4. Find the odd one
a) Paintings were drawn on rocks and caves b) There were paintings depicting hunting scenes c) It was drawn to show his family members about hunting d) The paintings were painted by using many colors
Answer: d) The paintings were painted by using many colors
Explanation: The chapter does not mention that rock paintings were made using many colors, while other options are supported by the text.
3. Fill in the blanks
1. The Old Stone Age man lived mostly in ____
Answer: caves
2. ____ is the father of history.
Answer: Refer to the chapter text for this answer.
3. ____ was the first animal tamed by Old Stone Age man.
Answer: Dogs
4. Inscriptions are ____ sources.
Answer: written
5. Ashoka Chakra has ____ spokes.
Answer: 24
4. State True or False
1. Stone tools belonging to Old Stone Age have been excavated at Athtirampakkam near Chennai.
Answer: True
2. The materials used by the ancient people are preserved in the museums by the Archaeological Department.
Answer: True
3. During the period of Ashoka, Buddhism spread across the country.
Answer: True
5. Match the following
Match the following:
| a. Rock paintings | - copper plates |
| b. Written records | - the most famous king |
| c. Ashoka | - Devaram |
| d. Religious Literature | - to understand the lifestyle |
Answers: a - to understand the lifestyle, b - copper plates, c - the most famous king, d - Devaram
6. Answer in one word
1. Can you say any two advantages of writing diary?
Answer: Recording activities and understanding lifestyle of that period.
2. How do we know the people's lifestyle of the Old Stone Age?
Answer: Through stone tools and rock paintings.
3. Is inscription a written record?
Answer: Yes
4. What is proto history?
Answer: The period between pre-history and history.
5. Name an epic.
Answer: Mahabharatha
7. Answer the following
1. What is history?
Answer: History is the study of past events in chronological order. The term history has been derived from the Greek word "Istoria" which means 'learning by enquiry'.
2. What do you know about the pre historic period?
Answer: The period between the use of first stone tools and the invention of writing systems is pre-history. Stone tools, excavated materials and rock paintings are the major sources of pre-history.
3. What are the sources available to know about the pre-historic period?
Answer: Stone tools, excavated materials, rock paintings, and fossils are the major sources available to understand the lifestyle of pre-historic people.
4. Mention the places from where we got pre-historic tools.
Answer: Athtirampakkam near Chennai is mentioned as a place where stone tools belonging to Old Stone Age have been excavated.
5. What are the benefits of a museum?
Answer: Museums preserve the materials used by ancient people, which helps us understand their lifestyle and culture from different periods.
6. Name some tools used by early man to hunt animals.
Answer: Stone tools were used by early man to hunt animals. They also domesticated dogs to help them in hunting activities.
7. Why were paintings drawn on rocks?
Answer: Rock paintings were drawn to record their activities. Some would have stayed back without joining the hunting team, so for their benefit, these pictures could have been drawn. They might have done it as a part of their pastime.
8. Name any two artefacts?
Answer: Stone tools and copper plates are two artefacts mentioned in the chapter.
8. HOTS
1. How were dogs useful to pre historic men?
Answer: Dogs were useful to prehistoric men for protection and hunting activities. They realized that dogs could help them prevent the entry of dangerous wild animals by its sniffing skill. Dogs with their sniffing power would find out other animals during hunting expeditions.
2. Compare the lifestyle of Old Stone Age man with present day lifestyle.
Answer: Old Stone Age people lived in caves and used stone tools for hunting, while we live in safe environments with modern equipment. They faced threats from wild animals entering their caves, whereas we lead a safe life today. They used rock paintings to record their activities, while we have advanced writing systems and technology.
11. Answer Grid
1. Early men scribbled and painted on me…Today they used me to build houses and lay roads. who am I? Answer: ____
Answer: Rocks
2. Name any two archaeological sources? Answer: ____
Answer: Stone tools and rock paintings
3. Name the types of literary sources? Answer: ____
Answer: Religious literature and epics
4. Expand BC(BCE). Answer: ____
Answer: Before Christ (Before Common Era)
5. what is the meaning of the Greek word "Istoria"? Answer: ____
Answer: learning by enquiry
6. Expand AD(CE). Answer: ____
Answer: Anno Domini (Common Era)
7. ____ is the study of inscriptions. Answer: ____
Answer: Epigraphy
8. ____ is the study of coins. Answer: ____
Answer: Numismatics
9. I can help you to talk, see, hear, write and read. There is no world without me. Who am I? Answer: ____
Answer: Refer to the chapter text for this answer.
📝 Summary
- History is the study of past events in chronological order, derived from the Greek word "Istoria" which means 'learning by enquiry'.
- The period between the use of first stone tools and the invention of writing systems is called pre-history.
- Stone tools, excavated materials and rock paintings are the major sources of pre-history that help us understand how ancient people lived.
- Pre-historic people lived in caves and drew rock paintings on rocks and cave walls to record their activities, hunting styles, and daily life.
- Emperor Ashoka was the most famous ruler of ancient India who embraced Buddhism and spread the message of peace after the Kalinga war.