CBSE Class 6 Social Science: Building, Painting, and Books NCERT Solutions
This chapter, "Building, Painting, and Books," for CBSE Class 6 Social Science, delves into the architectural marvels and literary treasures of ancient India. It explores significant structures like stupas and temples, explaining their components such as the Shikhara, Mandapa, and Garbhagriha, along with the Pradakshina-patha. The chapter also introduces key literary works, including the Puranas, the Sanskrit epic Ramayana, and Tamil epics like Silappadikaram and Manimekalai. It highlights contributions of scholars like Aryabhatta. These NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and step-by-step answers to help students grasp the historical and cultural significance of these ancient achievements, aiding in effective exam revision.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 12 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 12 of CBSE Class 6 Social Science, "Building, Painting, and Books," focuses on ancient Indian architecture and literature. It covers the definition and parts of stupas and temples, and introduces important literary works like Puranas, Ramayana, and Tamil epics. The solutions explain the significance of these cultural elements and the contributions of figures like Aryabhatta, providing a foundational understanding of India's rich past.
Learning outcomes
- Identify and define key architectural terms related to stupas and temples.
- Understand the purpose and components of ancient Indian structures.
- Recognize important ancient Indian literary works and their authors.
- Learn about significant ancient Indian scholars and their contributions.
- Differentiate between various types of ancient texts and their content.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Ancient Indian Architecture
- Stupas
- Temples
- Architectural Terms (Shikhara, Mandapa, Garbhagriha, Pradakshina-patha)
- Ancient Indian Literature
- Puranas
- Ramayana
- Tamil Epics (Silappadikaram, Manimekalai)
- Ancient Indian Scholars
- Aryabhatta
- Valmiki
- Historical Texts
Important topics
- Understanding Stupa and Temple Architecture
- Key Literary Works: Ramayana and Puranas
- Significance of Tamil Epics
- Contributions of Aryabhatta
- Architectural Terminology
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Q. 1 Match the following
Column I: Stupa, Shikhara, Mandapa, Garbhagriha, Pradakshina-patha
Column II: Mound, Place where the image of the deity is installed, Place in temples where people could assemble, Circular path around the stupa, Tower
- Stupa corresponds to Mound. Stupas are dome-shaped structures built as Buddhist religious monuments, often containing relics.
- Shikhara corresponds to Tower. This is the spire or tower-like structure that rises above the main shrine of a temple.
- Mandapa corresponds to Place in temples where people could assemble. This is a pillared hall or porch in a temple, used for gatherings or rituals.
- Garbhagriha corresponds to Place where the image of the deity is installed. This is the innermost sanctum of a Hindu temple, housing the idol of the main deity.
- Pradakshina-patha corresponds to Circular path around the stupa. This is a pathway around a stupa or shrine, allowing devotees to circumambulate.
Q. 2 Fill in the blanks
- _____ was a great astronomer.
- Stories about gods and goddesses are found in the _____.
- _____ is recognised as the author of the Sanskrit Ramayana.
- _____ and ____ are two Tamil epics.
- Aryabhatta was a great astronomer. Aryabhatta was a renowned Indian mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions, including his work on the value of Pi and the concept of zero. He also proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis.
- Stories about gods and goddesses are found in the Puranas. The Puranas are ancient Indian texts that contain narratives about deities, kings, and cosmology, often presented in a storytelling format.
- Valmiki is recognized as the author of the Sanskrit Ramayana. The Ramayana, an epic poem detailing the life and adventures of Lord Rama, is traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki.
- Silappadikaram and Manimekalai are two Tamil epics. These are two of the most important ancient Tamil literary works, known for their rich narratives and cultural significance. Silappadikaram tells the story of Kannagi, while Manimekalai follows the journey of the Buddhist nun of the same name.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the purpose of different architectural elements (e.g., Mandapa vs. Garbhagriha).
- Misidentifying authors of ancient texts.
- Difficulty in recalling the names of Tamil epics.
- Not understanding the meaning of terms like 'Stupa' or 'Puranas'.
Revision tips
- Create flashcards for architectural terms and their meanings.
- Summarize the main points of each literary work mentioned.
- Practice matching architectural terms with their definitions.
- Review the contributions of Aryabhatta and Valmiki.
- Draw simple diagrams of a stupa and a temple to visualize components.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the primary meaning of the word 'Stupa'?
Explanation: The word 'Stupa' literally means a mound. These were sacred structures in ancient India, particularly associated with Buddhism.
Q2. Which part of a temple is recognized as the place where the deity's image is installed?
Explanation: The Garbhagriha is the innermost sanctum of a Hindu temple, housing the principal deity's idol.
Q3. Who is credited as the author of the Sanskrit Ramayana?
Explanation: Valmiki is traditionally recognized as the composer of the epic Ramayana, a foundational text in Indian literature.
Q4. What are the two Tamil epics mentioned in the chapter?
Explanation: Silappadikaram and Manimekalai are two significant ancient Tamil epics that narrate stories of love and moral conduct.
Q5. Aryabhatta is renowned for his contributions in which fields?
Explanation: Aryabhatta was a brilliant Indian mathematician and astronomer, known for his work on the decimal system and the concept of zero.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main topics covered in the NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 12?
This chapter's solutions cover ancient Indian architecture, including stupas and temples with their various parts like Shikhara and Garbhagriha, as well as important ancient literature such as the Puranas, Ramayana, and Tamil epics like Silappadikaram and Manimekalai. It also highlights contributions of scholars like Aryabhatta.
How do these solutions help in understanding ancient Indian buildings?
The solutions explain the meaning and function of different architectural elements found in stupas and temples, such as the mound-like structure of a stupa, the tower of a Shikhara, the assembly hall of a Mandapa, the sanctum of a Garbhagriha, and the circumambulatory path (Pradakshina-patha).
Who was Aryabhatta and why is he important?
Aryabhatta was a great Indian astronomer and mathematician. He is recognized for his significant contributions, including the concept of the Earth revolving on its axis and the invention of the number zero.
What are Puranas and Ramayana?
Puranas are ancient texts containing stories about gods, goddesses, and kings. The Ramayana is a major Sanskrit epic, traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki, narrating the story of Lord Rama.
Are Tamil epics included in this chapter?
Yes, the chapter discusses two important Tamil epics: Silappadikaram and Manimekalai, which are long narrative poems that have preserved ancient Tamil culture and stories.
How can these NCERT solutions be used for exam preparation?
These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions, helping students understand concepts, recall facts, and learn the correct terminology for architecture and literature, which is crucial for exam revision.
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