Short & Long Questions: History—When, Where and How | Footprints Class 6: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What does the word 'history' mean?
Ans: History means the past record of people, places, and events.

Q2: Why is it important to study history? Give two reasons.
Ans: Studying history helps us understand how our ancestors lived and contributed to our culture. It also allows us to learn about great leaders and ordinary people from the past.

Q3: What is the difference between BC and AD?
Ans: BC stands for Before Christ, representing years before Jesus Christ was born. AD stands for Anno Domini, which means 'in the year of our Lord' and counts years after Jesus Christ's birth.

Q4: What are some examples of archaeological sources?
Ans: Archaeological sources include buildings, pots, coins, inscriptions, and other objects from the past.

Q5: Why did people in ancient times prefer to live near rivers?
Ans: People in ancient times chose to live near rivers because they provided water for their needs, fertile land for farming, and served as a means of transportation.

Long Answer Questions

Q6: Explain why studying history is important. Provide four reasons.
Ans: Studying history is important because it helps us understand how our ancestors lived and contributed to our culture. It also teaches us about great leaders and ordinary people from the past. Additionally, it shows us how languages and scripts evolved, and it allows us to solve mysteries of the past with the help of experts like historians and archaeologists.

Q7: Describe the difference between BC and AD with an example.
Ans: BC stands for Before Christ, representing years before Jesus Christ was born. For example, 650 BC means an event occurred 2,650 years ago. AD stands for Anno Domini, which means 'in the year of our Lord' and counts years after Jesus Christ's birth. For instance, 300 AD represents an event that happened 300 years after the birth of Jesus.

Q8: Explain how scholars study the past. What is oral history?
Ans: Scholars study the past using various sources like written records, inscriptions, monuments, coins, and artifacts. They use these clues to reconstruct history. Oral history refers to historical records based on personal experiences and opinions shared by word of mouth. This includes folk tales, songs, and myths passed down from one generation to another.

Q9: What are archaeological sources, and how do they help in studying the past? Give examples.
Ans: Archaeological sources are material remains from the past, such as buildings, artifacts, inscriptions, and more. They help us study the past even in the absence of written records. For example, inscriptions provide information about kings, their reigns, empires, and important events. Monuments offer insights into social life, culture, and history. Coins and artifacts provide valuable information about cultures and civilizations.

Q10: Explain how the geographical location of a place influences its history. Provide examples.
Ans: The geographical location of a place influences its history in various ways. For example, India's rivers like the Indus, Ganga, and Narmada influenced where people settled, as they provided water, fertile land, and transportation. The Himalayas acted as a natural barrier in the north, shaping trade and migration routes. Coastal areas facilitated trade and cultural exchange through sea routes. Mountains, rivers, and other features played a significant role in historical events and developments.