All questions of What, Where, How and When? for Class 6 Exam

Coal tar (liquid): Coal tar is a mixture of different carbon compounds. It is thick, black liquid with an unpleasant smell. The fractional distillation of coal tar gives many chemical substances which are used in the preparation of dyes, explosives, paints, synthetics fibers, drugs, and pesticides. Some of these chemical substances are benzene, toluene, phenol, and aniline. Naphthalene balls are used to repel moth and other insects are also obtained from coal tar.

• Magadha was a major political and cultural center in ancient India, and it played an important role in the development of several religions such as Buddhism and Jainism.
• The Magadha empire was founded by Bimbisara, who ruled from around 543 BCE to 491 BCE. He was succeeded by his son Ajatashatru, who further expanded the empire.
• Magadha was located in present-day Bihar and parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal. The Ganga and its tributaries, such as the Sone and the Gandak, flowed through the region, making it fertile and conducive to agriculture.
• The ancient cities of Pataliputra and Rajgir were important political and cultural centers of Magadha. Pataliputra was the capital of several ancient Indian empires, including the Maurya empire and the Gupta empire.
• Magadha was also home to several famous universities and centers of learning, such as Nalanda and Vikramashila. These centers attracted scholars and students from all over the world, and they played an important role in the spread of knowledge and culture.

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Growth of Rice in Ancient India
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Vindhya Hills
The first evidence of rice cultivation in ancient India dates back to around 2000 BC in the Vindhya hills region. The Vindhya hills are located in central India and have a suitable climate and topography for rice cultivation.
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Importance of Vindhya Hills
- The Vindhya hills provided the perfect conditions for rice cultivation, including fertile soil, adequate water supply, and a warm climate.
- The early farmers in this region likely discovered the agricultural techniques required for successful rice cultivation, leading to the spread of rice cultivation in other parts of India.
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Role in Indian Agriculture
- The cultivation of rice in the Vindhya hills played a crucial role in the development of agriculture in ancient India.
- It provided a staple food source for the people living in the region and contributed to the overall food security of the population.
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Spread of Rice Cultivation
- The knowledge of rice cultivation techniques spread from the Vindhya hills to other regions of India, leading to the widespread cultivation of rice across the country.
- This marked the beginning of rice becoming a staple food crop in India, a tradition that continues to this day.
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In conclusion, the Vindhya hills in ancient India played a significant role in the growth of rice cultivation, laying the foundation for the widespread cultivation of rice across the country.

Location of Sulaiman and Kirthar Hills

The Sulaiman and Kirthar hills are located in Pakistan.

Sulaiman Hills:

- Located in the southern part of Pakistan.
- Stretch for about 480 km from east to west.
- Runs parallel to the Indus River.
- Its highest peak is Takht-e-Sulaiman, which has an elevation of 3,487 meters.

Kirthar Hills:

- Located in the western part of Pakistan.
- Stretch for about 190 km from north to south.
- Runs parallel to the Arabian Sea.
- Its highest peak is Kutte-ji-Kabar, which has an elevation of 2,800 meters.

Both the Sulaiman and Kirthar hills are important mountain ranges in Pakistan and are known for their scenic beauty and biodiversity. They are also home to various species of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The hills have played an important role in the history and culture of the region, with many ancient civilizations having lived in these areas. Today, the hills are popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Jesus Christ is the founder of Christianity, the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. In Christianity Christ is the Son of God and God incarnate.

Narmada

"Before Present" means before 1950. The most commonly used convention in radiocarbon dating. "Present" referring to the year 1950 AD. 1950 is the date that the calibration curves were established.

Pages of the manuscript books were made of Palm Leaves.

Explanation:
Manuscripts are written or printed documents that were produced before the invention of the printing press. They were made by hand, and the pages were usually made of organic materials such as leaves, bark, or papyrus.

Palm leaves were a popular material for making manuscript pages, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Here are some reasons why:

1. Availability: Palm trees were abundant in these regions, and their leaves were readily available for use.

2. Durability: Palm leaves are sturdy and can withstand the test of time. They are resistant to insects and moisture, making them ideal for long-term preservation.

3. Texture: The surface of palm leaves is smooth and even, making them easy to write on. They also do not absorb ink like some other materials, which helps prevent smudging and bleeding.

4. Size: Palm leaves are large and can be cut to any size needed. They can also be easily bound together to create a book.

In conclusion, palm leaves were a popular material for making manuscript pages because of their availability, durability, texture, and size.

Wheat and Barley were the crops that were first grown by men and women.

Explanation:
- Wheat and Barley are two of the oldest cultivated crops in human history.
- These crops were first grown by men and women during the Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age, which lasted from around 10,000 BCE to 4,500 BCE.
- During this time, humans transitioned from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a settled agricultural lifestyle, which led to the development of farming communities.
- Wheat and Barley were among the first crops to be domesticated and cultivated by these early farming communities.
- Wheat is a cereal grain that is widely grown for its seeds, which are milled to produce flour for making bread, pastries, and other food products.
- Barley is also a cereal grain that is primarily used for animal feed and in the production of beer and other alcoholic beverages.
- These crops were well-suited to the climate and growing conditions of the regions where early farming communities emerged, such as the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East.
- The cultivation of wheat and barley provided a stable and reliable food source for these communities, which allowed them to settle in one place and establish permanent settlements.
- Over time, the cultivation of these crops spread to other regions around the world, and they continue to be important food crops today.
- Wheat and Barley played a crucial role in the development of agriculture and the advancement of human civilization, as they were among the first crops that humans learned to grow and cultivate.
- The cultivation of wheat and barley marked a significant shift in human society, as it led to the development of agriculture, the rise of civilizations, and the growth of human populations.

Chronological order is the arrangement of records of the past in the order of their occurrence in time. This means that the records are organized based on their dates or the sequence in which they occurred.

Importance of Chronological Order:
Chronological order is essential for historical analysis and understanding. It helps to establish a timeline of events, identify patterns and trends, and make connections between different historical periods.

Advantages of Chronological Order:
1. Historical Context: Chronological order provides the historical context necessary for understanding events and their significance.
2. Sequencing: It allows for the sequencing of events, enabling researchers to trace the development and evolution of ideas, societies, and cultures over time.
3. Comparison and Contrast: Chronological order facilitates the comparison and contrast of events and developments across different time periods.
4. Cause and Effect: It helps in identifying cause and effect relationships by examining the sequence of events and their outcomes.
5. Historical Analysis: Chronological order enables historians to analyze and interpret historical events, identifying key factors and their impact.
6. Clarity: Organizing records in chronological order provides clarity and coherence to historical narratives.

Alternative Ordering Methods:
a) Mathematical: Mathematical order refers to organizing records based on numerical values or mathematical principles. While mathematical order can be useful in certain contexts, it is not typically used in organizing historical records.
c) Geometrical: Geometrical order involves organizing records based on spatial or geometric principles. Like mathematical order, this method is not commonly used for arranging historical records.

Conclusion:
Chronological order is the most common and effective method for arranging records of the past. It helps establish a timeline, provides historical context, and allows for analysis and interpretation. Other ordering methods such as mathematical or geometrical order are not typically used in historical research and analysis.

The answer to the question is option 'B', Sanskrit.

Explanation:

The manuscripts mentioned in the question were written in the Sanskrit language. Here is a detailed explanation:

1. Introduction to Manuscripts:
Manuscripts are handwritten documents that were produced before the invention of printing presses. They played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting knowledge across various cultures and civilizations. These manuscripts were written on materials such as palm leaves, birch bark, paper, and other materials available during ancient times.

2. Languages used in Manuscripts:
There were numerous languages used in ancient manuscripts, depending on the region, culture, and time period. Some of the common languages used in manuscripts include Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, Arabic, Persian, Chinese, Hebrew, Tamil, and many others.

3. Importance of Sanskrit in Manuscripts:
Sanskrit is one of the oldest known languages and has been a significant language for religious, philosophical, and literary texts in ancient India. It has served as the primary language for numerous manuscripts, especially those related to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and other Indian philosophical traditions.

4. Sanskrit Manuscripts:
Sanskrit manuscripts cover a wide range of subjects, including Vedic literature, epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, Puranas, Upanishads, philosophical treatises, Ayurveda, astronomy, mathematics, grammar, and more. These manuscripts were meticulously transcribed by scribes and scholars, ensuring the preservation and propagation of knowledge.

5. Sanskrit as a Sacred Language:
Sanskrit holds a revered status in Indian culture as it is considered a sacred language. It is believed that the sound and pronunciation of Sanskrit have a profound impact on the human mind and consciousness. Due to its importance, Sanskrit was chosen as the language for religious and philosophical scriptures, resulting in a vast number of manuscripts being written in this language.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the manuscripts mentioned in the question were written in the Sanskrit language. Sanskrit has been a crucial language for preserving and transmitting knowledge in ancient India, and numerous manuscripts covering various subjects were written in this language.

The word India comes from the Indus.Indus was called Sindhu in Sanskrit. The Iranians and Greeks who came through the Northwest about 2500year ago and were familiar with the Indus, called it the Hindos or Indos, and the land to the east of the river was called India.

Historians, that is, scholars who study the past, often use the word source to refer to the information found from manuscripts, inscriptions and archaeology. Once sources are found, learning about the past becomes an adventure, as we reconstruct it bit by bit. So historians and archaeologists are like detectives, who use all these sources like clues to find out about our pasts.

Jesus (c. 4 BC – c. AD 30 / 33), also referred to as Jesus of Nazareth and Jesus Christ, was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the central figure of Christianity and is widely described as the most influential person in history.

These years are counted from the date generally assigned to birth of jesus christ. So, 2000 means 2000 years after birthof christ. All dates before the birth of christ are counted backwards and usually represented by BC(Before christ).

Buildings

Crops First Grown by Men and Women

Introduction:
The cultivation of crops has been a fundamental activity for human survival and development. It is believed that the first crops were cultivated by early humans during the Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age. Let us explore the crops that were first grown by men and women.

Explanation:
The correct answer is option 'C' - Wheat and Barley. These two crops were among the first cultivated by early humans for various reasons.

Wheat:
Wheat is one of the world's most important staple crops and has been cultivated for thousands of years. The cultivation of wheat began around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, a region that includes present-day Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine. Wheat was highly valued for its nutritional content and ability to grow in diverse climates.

Barley:
Barley is another crop that was cultivated by early humans. It is one of the oldest known domesticated grains and was first grown in the same region as wheat. Barley was a versatile crop that could be used for food, animal feed, and the production of beer. Its ability to withstand harsh climates and poor soil conditions made it a valuable crop for early farmers.

Reasons for Cultivation:
1. Food Security: Cultivating crops like wheat and barley provided a stable food source for early human communities. They could rely on these crops for sustenance, reducing their dependence on hunting and gathering.
2. Surplus Production: With the cultivation of crops, early humans were able to produce more food than they needed for immediate consumption. This surplus allowed for the development of trade and the growth of civilizations.
3. Sedentary Lifestyle: Cultivating crops required a settled lifestyle as the crops needed constant care and attention. This led to the establishment of permanent settlements and the development of agriculture-based societies.

Conclusion:
Wheat and barley were the crops that were first grown by men and women during the Neolithic period. These crops played a vital role in human development, providing a stable food source, surplus production, and the foundation for settled communities. Today, wheat and barley continue to be important crops worldwide, contributing significantly to global food security.

The correct answer is option 'C' - Ashoka.

Explanation:
- The inscription mentioned in the question was found in Kandahar, present-day Afghanistan, and it dates back to about 2250 years ago.
- This inscription was ordered to be written by a ruler named Ashoka.
- Ashoka was an emperor of the Maurya Dynasty in ancient India, who ruled from 268 to 232 BCE.
- He is known for his conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to spread the teachings of Buddha throughout his empire.
- Ashoka's inscriptions, known as the Edicts of Ashoka, were written in various parts of his empire and were meant to convey his policies and principles to his subjects.
- These inscriptions were written in various languages including Prakrit, Greek, and Aramaic, and were carved on rocks and pillars.
- The inscription found in Kandahar is one such example of Ashoka's edicts.

Importance of Ashoka's Inscriptions:
- Ashoka's edicts are of great historical significance as they provide valuable information about the administration, social policies, and religious beliefs of the Mauryan Empire.
- They also give insights into Ashoka's personal transformation after the brutal Kalinga War, which made him embrace Buddhism and adopt a policy of non-violence.
- These inscriptions also reveal Ashoka's efforts to promote Dhamma (righteousness) and moral values among his subjects.
- They address various aspects of governance, including the welfare of the people, ethical conduct, religious tolerance, and animal welfare.
- Ashoka's inscriptions have been found in different parts of the Indian subcontinent as well as in neighboring regions like Afghanistan and Pakistan, indicating the extent of his empire's influence.

Conclusion:
- The inscription found in Kandahar, Afghanistan, dating back 2250 years ago, was ordered to be written by the ruler Ashoka.
- Ashoka's inscriptions, known as the Edicts of Ashoka, are of significant historical importance as they provide insights into the administration, policies, and beliefs of the Mauryan Empire, as well as Ashoka's personal transformation and his efforts to promote moral values and righteousness among his subjects.

Pages of the manuscript books were made of palm leaves
So, Option D is correct answer

Major Difference between Manuscripts and Inscriptions:

Material:
- Manuscripts are written on materials like parchment, paper, or papyrus.
- Inscriptions, on the other hand, are typically carved or engraved on stone or metal.

Use:
- Manuscripts often contain literary, historical, or religious texts.
- Inscriptions are commonly used for public or official purposes, such as commemorating events or individuals, marking boundaries, or providing information.

Preservation:
- Manuscripts are usually stored in libraries, archives, or museums to preserve their content.
- Inscriptions are often found in outdoor settings and can be subject to wear and weathering over time.

Length:
- Manuscripts can vary in length from a single page to multiple volumes.
- Inscriptions are typically shorter in length due to the space constraints of the material they are written on.
In conclusion, while manuscripts and inscriptions both involve written text, the major difference lies in the materials they are written on, their intended use, methods of preservation, and length.

Archaeologists Study Old Things
Archaeologists study old things like buildings, paintings, and coins to understand past civilizations, cultures, and societies. Here is why the statement is true:

Archaeologists as Researchers
- Archaeologists are researchers who investigate and analyze artifacts, structures, and other physical remains of past human activities.
- They use scientific methods and techniques to uncover and interpret historical information from these objects.

Study of Buildings
- Archaeologists study ancient buildings to understand architectural styles, construction techniques, and purposes of different structures.
- By examining the layout and materials of buildings, they can infer social hierarchies, religious practices, and daily life of ancient societies.

Study of Paintings
- Archaeologists analyze ancient paintings to learn about artistic techniques, cultural symbols, and historical events depicted in the artwork.
- Paintings provide insights into the beliefs, traditions, and aesthetics of past civilizations.

Study of Coins
- Archaeologists study ancient coins to trace economic systems, trade networks, and political changes in ancient societies.
- Coins can reveal information about rulers, empires, and economic activities of the past.
In conclusion, archaeologists play a crucial role in uncovering the mysteries of the past by studying a wide range of old objects like buildings, paintings, and coins. Their research contributes to our understanding of human history and cultural evolution.