CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Chapter 2: On the Trail of the Earliest People - NCERT Solutions

This question requires filling in the blanks to complete factual statements about early humans. The answers are based on archaeological evidence and historical understanding of the period:

1. Hunter-gatherers sought shelter in caves and rock shelters primarily for protection against harsh weather conditions like rain and extreme temperatures, and to safeguard themselves from dangerous wild animals.
2. Environmental changes led to the development of grasslands approximately 12,000 years ago, which in turn influenced the availability of plant and animal resources.
3. The inner surfaces, or walls, of caves often contain paintings created by early humans, serving as a form of early art and communication.
4. At the archaeological site of Hunsgi, evidence suggests that early humans crafted their tools from readily available natural materials, such as limestone.

To answer this question, we need to locate the given archaeological sites on a modern political map and consider a plausible train route.

• Bhimbetka is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
• Hunsgi is located in the state of Karnataka.
• Kumool (also spelled Kurnool) is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

If Tushar's train was traveling on a route from Delhi to Chennai, it is highly likely that the train would have passed near or through the regions where these sites are located. These sites lie in central and southern India, which are typically traversed by major train lines connecting the north to the south.

Hunter-gatherers were nomadic, meaning they moved from one place to another. Their travels were driven by essential survival needs:

• Resource Availability: If they stayed in one area for too long, they would exhaust the available plant and animal resources. Moving allowed them to find fresh supplies of food.
• Following Animals: Many animals migrate seasonally or in search of food and water. Hunter-gatherers followed these animal herds because they were a primary source of food and materials like hides.
• Seasonal Changes: Plants and trees bear fruits and provide edible parts during specific seasons. To access these seasonal resources, people had to move to different areas as the seasons changed.
• Water Sources: Access to water was crucial for survival. During dry seasons, people often had to travel to find rivers, lakes, or other water sources that did not dry up.

Comparison with Modern Travel:

While the fundamental need for resources (like food and water) drove early human migration, modern travel is motivated by a much wider range of purposes:

• Similarities: Sometimes, modern travel is still related to resources, such as traveling for work to earn a livelihood or for business to trade goods.
• Differences: Today, people travel extensively for education (to attend schools and universities), leisure and entertainment (sightseeing, visiting family, attending events), healthcare, and personal reasons that were not applicable to hunter-gatherers. Modern travel is also facilitated by advanced technology, making it faster and covering longer distances.

For cutting fruit today, we would use modern tools specifically designed for the task. The most common tools would be:

• Knives: These are the primary tools for cutting fruits. They come in various sizes and shapes depending on the type of fruit and the cutting required (e.g., paring knives, chef's knives).
• Peelers: For removing the skin of fruits.

These modern tools are typically made from materials like:

• Stainless Steel: The blades of knives are usually made of steel, often stainless steel, because it is strong, durable, sharp, and resistant to rust.
• Plastic or Wood: The handles of knives and peelers are often made from plastic, wood, or composite materials for a comfortable and safe grip.

These materials are chosen for their sharpness, durability, hygiene, and ease of use, contrasting with the simpler stone tools used by early humans.

Fire was a revolutionary discovery for early humans, providing numerous benefits. Hunter-gatherers used fire in several key ways:

• As a Source of Light: Fire provided illumination in the dark, allowing early humans to extend their activities beyond daylight hours and feel safer in their shelters.
• To Cook Meat: Cooking food, especially meat, made it easier to digest, safer to eat (by killing bacteria), and often improved its taste.
• To Scare Away Wild Animals: The presence of fire acted as a deterrent, keeping potentially dangerous animals away from their campsites and protecting the group.

Modern Uses of Fire:

While some uses of fire remain similar, others have evolved or been replaced by technology. Today, we still use fire extensively for:

• Cooking: This remains a primary use, although methods have become more sophisticated (stoves, ovens).
• Warmth: Fireplaces and heaters (often using gas or electricity, which are derived from energy sources) are used to keep homes warm.
• Industrial Processes: Fire and heat are fundamental in many industries, such as metalworking and manufacturing.
• Light: While primarily replaced by electric lighting, fire (like candles) is still used for light in specific situations or for ambiance.

We generally do not rely on fire to scare away wild animals in our homes, as modern housing and safety measures provide sufficient protection. However, in certain remote or wilderness situations, fire might still serve a protective purpose.

Let's create the two columns as requested to compare the diets of hunter-gatherers and modern humans.

Similarities:

• Both diets include fruits, nuts, seeds, and meat/animal products.

Differences:

• Processing and Cooking: A major difference is that modern diets heavily feature processed and cooked foods, whereas early humans ate most items raw or lightly cooked.
• Variety and Availability: Modern diets have a much wider variety of foods available year-round due to agriculture, global trade, and preservation techniques. Hunter-gatherer diets were more dependent on what was locally available seasonally.
• Cultivated vs. Foraged: Most modern food is cultivated (farmed), while early humans foraged for wild plants and hunted wild animals.
• Convenience Foods: Modern diets include many convenience and ready-to-eat items that were non-existent in the past.

A natural pebble, especially one that is somewhat flat or has a suitable shape, can be quite versatile. If I had a natural pebble similar to those used by early humans, I would likely use it for tasks such as:

• Chopping and Cutting: Similar to how early humans used stone tools, a pebble could be used to chop or cut softer materials like fruits, roots, or leaves.
• Grinding: It could be used as a grinding stone to crush seeds, nuts, or small grains to make them easier to eat or process.
• Hammering: A heavier pebble could serve as a makeshift hammer to break open nuts, shells, or even to shape other softer materials.
• Scraping: It might be used for scraping hides or other surfaces, although a sharper edge would be more effective.

Essentially, its use would depend on its size, shape, and weight, mimicking the basic functions early humans derived from such natural objects before developing more sophisticated tools.

This question asks us to reflect on the division of labor in contemporary society and compare it with our peers. It's important to note that traditional gender roles are evolving, and many tasks are now performed by both men and women. However, based on common societal observations and traditional roles, here is a sample list:

Two tasks performed by both men and women:

1. Teaching: Both men and women work as teachers in schools, colleges, and universities.
2. Healthcare: Men and women work as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
3. Business and Administration: Many men and women are involved in running businesses, managing companies, and performing administrative tasks.
4. Farming: In many agricultural communities, both men and women participate in farming activities.

Two tasks traditionally performed primarily by women:

1. Nursing (Childcare): Caring for infants and young children, often referred to as nursing or childcare, has historically been a primary role for women.
2. Looking after home and hearth: This includes household chores like cooking, cleaning, and managing the home environment.
3. Textile work: Traditionally, tasks like sewing, knitting, and weaving were often dominated by women.

Two tasks traditionally performed primarily by men:

1. Mining: This is physically demanding work often carried out in hazardous conditions, traditionally undertaken by men.
2. Construction Work: Heavy labor in building and construction is often associated with men.
3. Military Service: While roles are changing, combat roles in the military have historically been predominantly filled by men.

Comparison with Classmates:

When comparing lists with classmates, you might notice similarities in tasks like teaching or healthcare being performed by both genders. However, you might also find differences in how strictly traditional roles are followed. Some lists might show more tasks performed jointly, reflecting modern trends where gender is less of a barrier to specific professions or household duties. Conversely, some lists might reflect more traditional divisions. The exercise highlights how societal norms and individual choices influence the roles people undertake.