Class 6 History Chapter 2 Case Based Questions - From Hunting-Gathering to Growing Food

Case 1: The Nomadic Tribe's Dilemma

In a prehistoric era, a nomadic tribe of early humans is struggling to find a suitable place to settle down. They are constantly on the move in search of food and water. The tribe consists of men, women, and children who rely on hunting wild animals and gathering fruits and nuts for sustenance. The leader of the tribe is worried about the resources running out and the tribe's constant migration. They have observed that plants bear different fruits in different seasons, which forces them to move accordingly. The tribe is facing a dilemma: should they continue their nomadic lifestyle or try to find a way to settle down?

Q1: Why did the early human tribe in this scenario have to move from one place to another?
Ans: The early human tribe had to move from one place to another because they relied on hunting wild animals and gathering fruits and nuts for food. They needed to follow the migration patterns of animals and the seasonal availability of fruits and nuts.

Q2: What resources were crucial for the survival of the nomadic tribe?
Ans: The tribe's survival depended on access to food and water resources. They hunted wild animals for meat and gathered fruits and nuts. Water sources were essential for their survival.

Q3: How did the changing seasons impact the tribe's movement?
Ans: Changing seasons impacted the tribe's movement because plants bore different fruits in different seasons. To ensure a steady food supply, they had to move according to the changing seasons.

Q4: What options did the tribe have to address their dilemma of constant migration?
Ans: The tribe had the option to either continue their nomadic lifestyle or attempt to settle down by learning to cultivate crops and rear animals. The discovery of fire played a crucial role in this decision-making process.

Q5: How did the discovery of fire play a role in their decision-making process?
Ans: The discovery of fire allowed the tribe to keep warm in winters and cook food, making it a valuable tool for survival. It also enabled them to consider settling down and transitioning to a more stable way of life.

Case 2: Life in Mehrgarh - A Neolithic Settlement

Mehrgarh, a historic Neolithic settlement in what is now Pakistan, provides insights into early human civilization. The inhabitants of Mehrgarh were among the first to tame and rear animals around 7,000 BC. They cultivated crops and created glazed faience beads. The site is rich in archaeological findings, including charred grains and bones of animals. People lived in huts, made clay pots, and wove cloth using materials like cotton. The site is a treasure trove of information about early human life and development.

Q6: What significant developments took place in Mehrgarh during the Neolithic period?
Ans: Significant developments in Mehrgarh during the Neolithic period included the domestication of animals, cultivation of crops, the creation of glazed faience beads, and the development of various tools and pottery.

Q7: How did the people of Mehrgarh contribute to the transition from hunting-gathering to farming and herding?
Ans: The people of Mehrgarh contributed to the transition from hunting-gathering to farming and herding by taming animals, cultivating crops, and creating pottery and tools for various purposes.

Q8: What archaeological evidence supports our understanding of life in Mehrgarh?
Ans: Archaeological evidence, such as charred grains and bones of animals, glazed faience beads, huts, clay pots, and woven cloth, supports our understanding of life in Mehrgarh.

Q9: Describe the tools and materials used by the inhabitants of Mehrgarh in their daily life.
Ans: Inhabitants of Mehrgarh used stone tools, pottery for decoration and storage, and materials like cotton for weaving cloth.

Q10: How did the discovery of copper mark a transition in the tools used by early humans?
Ans: The discovery of copper marked a transition in the tools used by early humans, as copper tools were more advanced and efficient than stone tools.

Case 3: The Evolution of Farming and Herding

As climate conditions changed, early humans began to observe the natural world more closely. They noticed areas where edible plants grew and learned how new plants sprouted from seeds. These observations led to the development of agriculture, with the cultivation of crops like cereals and barley. Simultaneously, humans started domesticating animals like dogs, horses, and goats for various purposes, including milk and meat production. This shift from hunter-gatherer to farmer-herder had a profound impact on human civilization.

Q11: How did changing climate conditions influence early humans' transition from hunting-gathering to farming and herding?
Ans: Changing climate conditions influenced the transition from hunting-gathering to farming and herding as early humans observed areas with edible plants and learned about the growth of new plants from seeds.

Q12: What were the key observations that led to the development of agriculture?
Ans: The key observations that led to the development of agriculture included understanding where edible plants grew, the process of seeds breaking off stalks and sprouting, and the cultivation of crops like cereals and barley.

Q13: Explain the significance of cultivating cereals and barley in early agriculture.
Ans: Cultivating cereals and barley was significant as it provided a stable source of food, reducing dependence on hunting and gathering.

Q14: What role did domesticated animals play in early human societies?
Ans: Domesticated animals, such as dogs, horses, and goats, provided milk, meat, and labor for early human societies.

Q15: How did this shift in lifestyle impact the daily lives of early humans?
Ans: This shift in lifestyle allowed early humans to lead a settled life, develop agriculture, and build more complex societies.

Case 4: The Use of Fire and Its Impact

Early humans made one of their most significant discoveries when they learned to harness fire. This discovery not only helped them survive in harsh conditions but also revolutionized their way of life. Over time, they found various uses for fire, including staying warm in winter and cooking food. Fire became an essential part of early human existence, shaping their habits, diets, and survival strategies.

Q16: How did early humans discover and learn to use fire?
Ans: Early humans discovered and learned to use fire through accidental means, and over time, they realized its benefits for survival.

Q17: What were the various uses of fire for early humans, both in winter and in daily life?
Ans: Fire had various uses for early humans. It kept them warm in winter, protected them from predators, and enabled them to cook food, making it safer to consume.

Q18: Explain the impact of fire on early humans' diet and nutrition.
Ans: The impact of fire on early humans' diet and nutrition was significant. It allowed them to cook meat and vegetables, making them easier to digest and providing a wider range of food options.

Q19: How did the discovery of fire contribute to early humans' ability to settle in one place?
Ans: The discovery of fire contributed to early humans' ability to settle in one place as it provided warmth, protection, and a consistent source of cooked food.

Q20: In what ways did the use of fire represent a turning point in early human history?
Ans: The use of fire represented a turning point in early human history as it enhanced their survival, changed their dietary habits, and paved the way for settled communities.

Case 5: The Transition to Copper Tools

Around 6,000 years ago, early humans made a significant transition from using stone tools to tools made of copper. This era, known as the Chalcolithic Age or the Copper Stone Age, marked a pivotal moment in human history. Copper tools were more advanced and efficient than their stone counterparts, revolutionizing various aspects of daily life and technology.

Q21: What marked the transition from the use of stone tools to copper tools during the Chalcolithic Age?
Ans: The transition from the use of stone tools to copper tools marked the Chalcolithic Age or the Copper Stone Age.

Q22: Describe the advantages of copper tools over stone tools.
Ans: Copper tools had several advantages over stone tools, including durability, sharpness, and versatility, making tasks like cutting and shaping easier.

Q23: How did the use of copper tools impact the development of early human civilizations?
Ans: The use of copper tools impacted the development of early human civilizations by improving efficiency in tasks like agriculture, construction, and crafting.

Q24: Provide examples of specific copper tools that were crucial during this period.
Ans: Specific copper tools included knives, axes, and other cutting implements, which were crucial for various aspects of daily life.

Q25: What role did technological advancements, like the use of copper, play in shaping early human societies?
Ans: Technological advancements like the use of copper played a significant role in shaping early human societies by enhancing their ability to manipulate their environment and resources more effectively.