Worksheet Solutions: Writing and City Life | History Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: Mesopotamia is the land between the __________ and __________ rivers.
Ans: Euphrates and Tigris
Mesopotamia, which means "between the rivers," was situated between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, in what is now modern-day Iraq.

Q2: The first Mesopotamian tablets, written around 3200 BCE, contained __________ and __________.
Ans: picture-like signs and numbers
The earliest Mesopotamian tablets had primitive forms of writing, including picture-like signs (pictograms) and numerical notations.

Q3: The language of Mesopotamia that was gradually replaced after 2400 BCE by the Akkadian language was __________.
Ans: Sumerian
Sumerian was the earliest known language of Mesopotamia, but it was gradually replaced by Akkadian as the dominant language.

Q4: Urban centers involve various economic activities such as __________, __________, manufactures, and services.
Ans: food production, trade,
Urban centers in Mesopotamia were hubs of economic activities, including producing food, engaging in trade, manufacturing goods, and providing various services.

Q5: Writing in Mesopotamia was done on tablets made of __________.
Ans: clay
Mesopotamians used clay tablets for writing. These tablets were inscribed with cuneiform script.

Q6: The legacy of Mesopotamia to the world includes its scholarly tradition in __________ and __________.
Ans: time reckoning and mathematics
Mesopotamia made significant contributions to time reckoning and mathematics, including the division of time into hours, minutes, and the development of mathematical tables.

Q7: The division of the month into __________ weeks was one of Mesopotamia's time reckoning achievements.
Ans: four weeks
Mesopotamians divided the month into four weeks of seven days each, which is still used in the modern calendar.

Q8: After 2000 BCE, the royal capital of __________ prospered as a trading town.
Ans: Mari
Mari, located on the Euphrates, became a thriving trading center after 2000 BCE due to its strategic position for trade between southern Mesopotamia and neighboring regions.

Match the Column

Q1: Match the terms on the left with their corresponding descriptions on the right.

Ans: 1. Euphrates and Tigris rivers - A. Land between the two rivers, now part of Iraq.
Mesopotamia is often referred to as the land between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, which is the region now part of Iraq.
2. Sumerian - B. The earliest known language of Mesopotamia.
Sumerian was the earliest language of Mesopotamia, gradually replaced by Akkadian.
3. Cuneiform script - F. Script used for writing in Mesopotamia.
Cuneiform script was the writing system used in Mesopotamia.
4. Urbanism - G. The mark of urban life, involving economic activities.
Urbanism refers to the characteristics of urban life, including various economic activities.
5. Mari - E. Royal capital that prospered on trade.
Mari was a royal capital that thrived as a trading town.
6. Multiplication and division - H. Mathematical tables found on Mesopotamian tablets.
Multiplication and division tables were mathematical achievements recorded on Mesopotamian tablets.
7. Division of labor - C. The system of sounds of a particular language.
Division of labor refers to the specialization of tasks in urban life, while the system of sounds is related to language.
8. Time reckoning - D. The division of the year into 12 months according to the revolution of the moon around the earth.
Time reckoning in Mesopotamia included dividing the year into months based on lunar cycles.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Writing in Mesopotamia was a significant intellectual achievement.
Reason: It conveyed the system of sounds of the Sumerian language.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
Writing in Mesopotamia was a significant intellectual achievement as it conveyed the sounds of Sumerian in visual form. The reason correctly explains why writing was considered a remarkable achievement.

Q2: Assertion: Urban centers in Mesopotamia involved various economic activities.
Reason: City people were self-sufficient and did not depend on others for their needs.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (b)
While urban centers did involve various economic activities, city people were not self-sufficient but depended on others for goods and services. The reason does not correctly explain the assertion.

Q3: Assertion: The legacy of Mesopotamia includes its scholarly tradition of time reckoning and mathematics.
Reason: The Mesopotamians divided the day into 24 hours and the hour into 60 minutes.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true as Mesopotamia's legacy includes time reckoning and mathematics. The reason correctly explains one aspect of this legacy - the division of time into hours and minutes.

Q4: Assertion: The division of labor was a mark of urban life in Mesopotamia.
Reason: City dwellers were self-sufficient and did not rely on the products or services of others.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (c)
The assertion is true, as division of labor was indeed a mark of urban life. However, the reason is false because city dwellers relied on others for various products and services, which is why division of labor was necessary.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What is the significance of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers in Mesopotamia?
Ans: The Euphrates and Tigris rivers were the defining geographical features of Mesopotamia, providing fertile land between them.

Q2: Why did writing in Mesopotamia require separate tablets for each transaction?
Ans: Separate tablets were required for each transaction in Mesopotamia because once a transaction was completed, the tablet was thrown away, making each transaction need its own record.

Q3: What was the main industrial material for tools and weapons in Mesopotamia?
Ans: Bronze was the main industrial material for tools and weapons in Mesopotamia.

Q4: How did Mesopotamians transport goods between large and small settlements?
Ans: Goods were transported between settlements in Mesopotamia through canals and natural channels.

Q5: What was the focus of worship in temples in southern Mesopotamia?
Ans: Temples in southern Mesopotamia focused on the worship of gods, and people offered grain, curd, and fish to the gods.

Q6: What did the division of labor signify in urban Mesopotamia?
Ans: The division of labor in urban Mesopotamia signified that people in cities specialized in certain tasks and relied on others for different products and services.

Q7: What was the main urban institution in early Mesopotamian cities?
Ans: The main urban institution in early Mesopotamian cities was the temple.

Q8: What is the legacy of Mesopotamia in terms of time reckoning and mathematics?
Ans: The legacy of Mesopotamia in time reckoning and mathematics includes its division of the year, month, and day, as well as mathematical tables.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the geography of Mesopotamia and how it influenced the development of urban life.
Ans: Geography of Mesopotamia and Urban Development: Mesopotamia's geography varied from fertile plains to deserts, influencing the development of agriculture and urbanization. The fertile plains near the rivers allowed agriculture to thrive, leading to the growth of cities. The rivers also facilitated trade and transportation.

Q2: Explain the evolution of writing in Mesopotamia, including the transition from picture-like signs to cuneiform script.
Ans: Evolution of Writing in Mesopotamia: Writing in Mesopotamia evolved from primitive picture-like signs to cuneiform script, which used wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. This transition allowed for more complex record-keeping and communication.

Q3: Discuss the role of kingship in organizing trade and writing in Mesopotamian society.
Ans: Role of Kingship in Organizing Trade and Writing: Kingship in Mesopotamia played a crucial role in organizing trade and writing. Kings controlled trade routes, storage, and deliveries, facilitating economic activities and ensuring the smooth functioning of cities.

Q4: Describe the social structure and urban planning in the city of Ur.
Ans: Social Structure and Urban Planning in Ur: Ur had a ruling elite with significant wealth, and a nuclear family structure was the norm. The city lacked town planning, with narrow streets and irregular house plots. There was no street drainage system like in Mohenjo-daro.

Q5: How did trade contribute to the prosperity of Mari as an urban center in Mesopotamia?
Ans: Trade's Contribution to Mari's Prosperity: Mari prospered as a trading town due to its strategic location on the Euphrates, facilitating trade between southern Mesopotamia and neighboring regions. Bronze, a vital industrial material, was a major trade commodity.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the connection between urbanization and the development of temples and kingship in southern Mesopotamia, using examples from the text.
Ans: Connection Between Urbanization and Temples/Kingship: Urbanization in southern Mesopotamia was closely connected to temples and kingship. Temples were initially built in settlements and gradually became urban institutions. People believed that gods owned agricultural fields, fisheries, and herds, making temples central to daily life. Kings, through offerings to gods and temple renovations, legitimized their rule and secured their position in the community. Enmerkar, ruler of Uruk, is an example of a leader who gained legitimacy through temple-related activities.

Q2: Explain the significance of Mesopotamia's legacy in time reckoning and mathematics for the world, and provide examples of their achievements in these fields.
Ans: Significance of Mesopotamia's Legacy in Time Reckoning and Mathematics: Mesopotamia's legacy in time reckoning and mathematics was groundbreaking. They divided the year into 12 months, the month into four weeks, and the day into 24 hours and 60 minutes. This system is still used today. Additionally, Mesopotamian tablets dating around 1800 BCE contained multiplication and division tables, square roots, and compound interest calculations. These mathematical achievements laid the foundation for future mathematical developments and timekeeping systems worldwide, showcasing Mesopotamia's lasting impact on human knowledge and civilization.