Imagine
You have to interview an archaeologist. Prepare a list of five
questions that you would like to ask her/him.
Let’s recall
1. Match the following:
|
Narmada Valley |
The first big kingdom |
|
Magadha |
Hunting and gathering |
|
Garo hills |
Cities about 2500 years ago |
|
Indus and its tributaries |
Early agriculture |
|
Ganga Valley |
The first cities |
Answer – Match
the following:
|
Narmada valley |
Hunting and gathering |
Explanation: One of earliest people, Hunters and gatherers lived
along the banks of Narmada river. This river flows in Maharashtra. |
|
Magadha |
The First big kingdom |
Explanation: It was a big kingdom with powerful rulers. Areas of
southern Bihar was a part of Magadha. |
|
Garo Hills |
Early Agriculture |
Explanation: Garo hills are located in the state of Meghalaya.
Humans of this region were first to grow crops, about 8000 years ago. |
|
Indus and its tributaries |
The first cities |
Explanation: Indus river mainly flows in current day Pakistan.
The first cities were developed along the bank of Indus and its tributaries.
Indus valley civilization was one of the earliest civilizations. |
|
Ganga Valley |
Cities about 2500 years ago |
Explanation: River Ganga is one of the major rivers of India. Many
civilizations developed along its bank. |
NOTE: Earlier civilizations grew near river valleys because abundant water
was available. Doing agriculture was also easy due to fertile soil near rivers
and available water. Flora and fauna is also rich in river valleys.
2. List one major difference between manuscripts and inscriptions.
Answer – List
one major difference between manuscripts and inscriptions.
|
Manuscripts: |
Inscriptions: |
|
1. Manuscript refers to the ancient document written by
hand. They were written on palm leaves or bark of trees. Bark of Birch tree,
found in Himalayan region was majorly used for writing manuscripts. 2. Manuscripts were written on
plant material so many of them vanished due to decomposition or were eaten
away by insects. |
1. Inscription refers to writings on hard materials like
stone slabs or metals. Rulers or kings used inscriptions to maintain records
of their victories.
2. Inscriptions were done non-perishable
material hence they survived for longer time than manuscripts. |
Let’s discuss
3. Return to Rasheeda’s question. Can you think of some answers to
it?
Answer –
Rasheeda’s Question: How anyone can know what has happened One
Hundred Years Ago.
Answers: We can know about the past events
through the study of,
1. Books written
in past.
2. Manuscripts
3. Inscriptions
4. Tools &
weapons
NOTE: The information of past can only be gathered
though records and material from the past. Archeologists and historian work
together on the ancient artifacts to make reasonable conclusions about the
past.
4. Make a list of all the objects that archaeologists may find.
Which of these could be made of stone?
Answer – Archaeologists
may find these things in their search:
1. Potteries
2. Statues
3. Inscriptions
4. Manuscripts
5. Ornaments
6. Tools
7. Skeletons
8. Clothes
9. Weapons
Weapons, statues,
inscriptions, ornaments and tools may be made of stones. The materials made up
of stones stay intact for longer duration of time.
5. Why do you think ordinary men and women did not generally keep
records of what they did?
Answer –
Ordinary Men and Women
did not keep record of what they did because of these reasons:
1. They spent
their days searching for and gathering food, taking care of their families and
ensuring their survival.
2. They were not doing
something great to keep record of it, staying alive itself a challenge.
3. They didn’t
find time to keep records.
4. It was not important for them.
Note: The kings used to keep records about their
kingdoms and their victories, in the form of manuscripts or inscriptions.
6. Describe at least two ways in which you think the lives of kings
would have been different from those of farmers.
Answer –
|
Farmers |
King |
|
They had to work in
field. |
They didn’t have to
work in field. |
|
They had to produce
their food grains. |
They have to protect
their people and kingdom. |
|
Their life was full
of difficulties |
Life of a king was
comfortable |
|
They formed the
labor class |
They were the owner
and administrator of kingdom. |
Let’s do
7. Find the word crafts persons on page 1. List at least
five different crafts that you know about today. Are the crafts persons — (a)
men (b) women (c) both men and women?
Answer –
Types of crafts:
|
Craft |
Craft person |
Explanation of craft |
|
Woodcraft |
Men |
Beautiful art pieces
are carved out of wood. |
|
Papercraft |
Men and women |
Art pieces are made
using paper. A paper craft called origami is famous in Japan. |
|
Pottery |
Men and women |
Pots and other
containers are made out of clay. Earthen pots (matka) are used for storing
water in rural India. |
|
Glass craft |
Men |
Glass pieces are
made by skilled craftsmen and are used in decorations. |
|
Embroidery |
Women |
Embroidery is made
on clothes to make it appear beautiful. You can see embroidery on expensive
Sarees. |
8. What were the subjects on which books were written in the past?
Which of these would you like to read?
Answer – Ancient
books were written on the following subjects:
1. Religious beliefs
and practices
2. The lives of kings
3. Medicine
4. Science
I would like to read about the lives of kings. I am interested in knowing about their kingdom and how grand were their lives.
NEXT Chapter 2
Exercise Solutions
From Hunting-Gathering to Growing Food