Class 6 History Chapter 4 Important Question Answers - What Books and Burials Tell us

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Name the four types of Vedas mentioned in the text.
Ans: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda.

Q2: What is the approximate age of the Rigveda?
Ans: About 3500 years old.

Q3: Name three important gods mentioned in the Rigveda.
Ans: Agni, Indra, Soma.

Q4: What was the language of the Rigveda?
Ans: Vedic Sanskrit.

Q5: What do historians study to learn about the Rigveda?
Ans: Written sources and dialogues within hymns.

Q6: What type of stone boulders are used to mark burial sites?
Ans: Megaliths.

Q7: Where was the practice of erecting megaliths prevalent?
Ans: Throughout the Deccan, south India, northeast, and Kashmir.

Q8: What kind of pots were buried with the dead in megalithic burials?
Ans: Black and redware pots.

Q9: What objects were sometimes found with skeletons in megalithic burials?
Ans: Gold beads, stone beads, conch shells.

Q10: How do stone circles or boulders serve in megalithic burials?
Ans: They serve as signposts to find the burial site.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q11: Describe the content and significance of the Rigveda, focusing on its hymns and gods.
Ans: The Rigveda consists of over a thousand hymns praising various gods and goddesses, including Agni, Indra, and Soma. It serves as an important literary and religious source. Hymns provide insights into the religious beliefs and practices of the time.

Q12: Explain the differences in social status based on burial objects found in megalithic sites.
Ans: Burial objects in megalithic sites, such as gold beads and conch shells, indicate higher social status. In contrast, some burials contain only pots, suggesting lower social status. These differences reflect social stratification in ancient societies.

Q13: What was the significance of horses, chariots, and battles in the Vedic age as mentioned in the Rigveda?
Ans: Horses were yoked to chariots used in battles, and prayers for horses and cattle were common. Battles were fought for resources like land, water, and people. The Rigveda portrays a society where warfare played a crucial role in acquiring wealth and resources.

Q14: Explain the social classifications mentioned in the text, including 'priests,' 'rajas,' 'jana,' 'Vish,' 'Aryas,' and 'Dasas.'
Ans: 'Priests' (Brahmins) performed rituals, while 'rajas' were leaders but didn't have palaces or armies. 'Jana' and 'Vish' referred to general people. 'Aryas' were the hymn composers, while 'Dasas' were opponents who didn't perform sacrifices and later became slaves.

Q15: How do megaliths serve as markers for burials, and what types of objects were commonly buried with the dead in megalithic sites?
Ans: Megaliths, such as stone circles or boulders, mark burial sites. Objects like black and redware pots, iron tools and weapons, and sometimes even skeletons of horses were commonly buried with the dead.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q16: Discuss the significance of the Vedas as one of the oldest books in the world. Explain their types and provide insights into the Rigveda's content and language.
Ans: The Vedas are among the world's oldest books, with four types: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. The Rigveda, the oldest, contains hymns praising gods like Agni, Indra, and Soma. It was recited and heard in Vedic Sanskrit, different from modern Sanskrit, and was written down centuries later. The Vedas hold immense cultural and historical significance.

Q17: Describe the practice of megalithic burials, including their types, objects buried, and social distinctions based on burial findings.
Ans: Megalithic burials involved using stone boulders to mark burial sites. Objects like black and redware pots, iron tools, and even skeletons of horses were buried with the dead. Differences in the objects found with skeletons indicated social distinctions, with some being rich and others poor.

Q18: Explain the different social groups mentioned in the text, including priests, rajas, jana, Vish, Aryas, and Dasas. How did these classifications affect society during the Vedic age?
Ans: The text mentions various social groups like priests (Brahmins), leaders (rajas), general people (jana and Vish), hymn composers (Aryas), and opponents (Dasas). These classifications played a significant role in shaping Vedic society, with priests performing rituals and leaders chosen based on bravery, while Dasas were treated as slaves.

Q19: Explore the role of battles, horses, and chariots in the Vedic age as depicted in the Rigveda. How did these elements contribute to the society and economy of that time?
Ans: Battles, horses, and chariots were integral to the Vedic society, with prayers for them in the Rigveda. Battles were fought for resources, and leaders were chosen based on bravery. Horses played a vital role in battles, contributing to the acquisition of wealth, land, and resources.

Q20: Compare and contrast the burial practices and findings in megalithic sites with those in the Inamgaon site. How did burial practices vary, and what can we learn about the societies from these practices?
Ans: Compare megalithic burials with those at Inamgaon, where the dead were buried differently, sometimes within houses. Inamgaon burials included vessels with food and water. Variations in burial practices reveal differences in social and cultural practices. Understanding these practices provides insights into the societies of that time.