CBSE Class 6 Social Science Chapter 1: What, Where, How and When? NCERT Solutions
This chapter, 'What, Where, How and When?', for Class 6 Social Science, introduces students to the fundamental concepts of history. The NCERT Solutions provided here help learners understand how historians study the past, locate events in time and space, and reconstruct historical narratives. Key topics include the role of archaeologists, dating methods, and the significance of geographical locations in early human history. These solutions offer clear explanations and structured answers to recall exercises, aiding students in grasping the basics of historical inquiry and preparing effectively for their exams.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 1 of Class 6 Social Science, 'What, Where, How and When?', focuses on the foundational elements of studying history. It explains the work of archaeologists in uncovering the past, the methods used to determine the age of artifacts, and the importance of geographical context like river valleys and early settlements. The solutions cover matching exercises that connect historical sites and periods with their significance, reinforcing key facts about early human life and civilizations.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the role of archaeologists in studying the past.
- Identify key geographical locations significant to early history.
- Learn about methods used to determine historical time periods.
- Recall facts about early human settlements and agriculture.
- Connect historical events with their corresponding timeframes and places.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Introduction to History
- Archaeologists and their work
- Dating historical periods
- Early human settlements
- Hunting and gathering
- Early agriculture
- The first cities
- River valleys in history
- Magadha kingdom
- Indus Valley Civilization
Important topics
- Role of Archaeologists
- Dating Methods
- Significance of River Valleys
- Early Agriculture (Garo Hills)
- First Cities (Indus Valley)
- Magadha Kingdom
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
1. Interviewing an Archaeologist
- What is the primary definition and scope of archaeology as a field of study?
- Could you describe the different specialized branches within archaeology?
- What are the typical daily tasks and responsibilities of an archaeologist?
- What is the overall importance of archaeology in understanding human history and culture?
- When an archaeologist discovers an artifact, what methods are used to determine its age and historical period?
2. Let's Recall: Matching Exercise
Column A
- Narmada Valley
- Magadha
- Garo hills
- Indus and its tributaries
- Ganga Valley
Column B
- The first big kingdom
- Hunting and gathering
- Early agriculture
- The first cities
- Cities about 2500 years ago
Narmada Valley matches with Hunting and gathering. Explanation: This region was home to some of the earliest people who lived as hunters and gatherers along the banks of the Narmada river.
Magadha matches with The first big kingdom. Explanation: Magadha was a significant and powerful kingdom in ancient times, with its core region located in present-day southern Bihar.
Garo hills matches with Early agriculture. Explanation: Located in Meghalaya, the Garo hills are important because humans in this area were among the first to start cultivating crops, around 8000 years ago.
Indus and its tributaries matches with The first cities. Explanation: The earliest major cities developed along the Indus River and its tributaries, primarily in what is now Pakistan, marking the beginning of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Ganga Valley matches with Cities about 2500 years ago. Explanation: The Ganga River valley was another important area where many significant cities developed, particularly around 2500 years ago.
Note: Early civilizations often flourished near river valleys due to the availability of water for drinking and irrigation, and fertile soil suitable for agriculture.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the timelines of different early civilizations.
- Misinterpreting the significance of geographical locations for early settlements.
- Difficulty in recalling the specific contributions of different regions (e.g., Garo Hills, Indus Valley).
Revision tips
- Focus on understanding the questions archaeologists might ask.
- Create flashcards for matching key locations with their historical significance.
- Review the notes on why river valleys were important for early civilizations.
- Practice recalling the approximate time periods mentioned for early agriculture and cities.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the primary role of an archaeologist?
Explanation: Archaeologists specialize in digging up and studying the objects and structures left behind by people in the past to understand their lives.
Q2. Which river valley is associated with early hunting and gathering people?
Explanation: The Narmada Valley is mentioned as a place where early people, who were hunters and gatherers, lived along its banks.
Q3. The first cities in India, as discussed in the chapter, developed along the banks of which river and its tributaries?
Explanation: The first cities mentioned in the context of early civilizations were developed along the banks of the Indus River and its tributaries.
Q4. Garo hills are significant for which early agricultural development?
Explanation: Garo hills in Meghalaya are noted as a region where humans first began to grow crops, approximately 8000 years ago.
Q5. Magadha is described as:
Explanation: Magadha was a significant early kingdom, known for its powerful rulers and forming a large part of southern Bihar.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of Chapter 1, 'What, Where, How and When?' for Class 6 Social Science?
This chapter introduces students to the basic concepts of history, including how historians study the past, where and when events happened, and the role of archaeologists in uncovering historical evidence.
Why are archaeologists important for understanding history?
Archaeologists are important because they excavate and study ancient objects, buildings, and other remains to reconstruct the lives of people who lived long ago, providing direct evidence of the past.
What is the significance of river valleys in early history?
River valleys were crucial for early civilizations because they provided abundant water for drinking and agriculture, and the soil was fertile, making it easier for people to settle and grow crops.
How do we know about events that happened thousands of years ago?
We learn about ancient events through the study of artifacts found by archaeologists, such as tools, pottery, and buildings, and by analyzing historical texts and inscriptions.
What does the chapter say about the first cities?
The chapter mentions that the first cities developed along the banks of the Indus River and its tributaries, forming part of the Indus Valley Civilization, which was one of the earliest civilizations.
How can these NCERT Solutions help students?
These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand key historical concepts, recall important facts, and prepare effectively for their exams.
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