Timelines and Sources of History – Long Questions with Answers

1. Define history. Why is it important for us to study history?

Answer:
History is the study of past events, people, societies, and cultures. The word History comes from the Greek word Historia, meaning inquiry or knowledge through investigation.

Importance of history:

• Understanding our roots: It explains the origin of traditions, festivals, and cultures.
• Learning lessons: History teaches us about mistakes such as wars and helps us value peace.
• National identity: It builds pride by recalling freedom struggles and achievements.
• Critical thinking: It trains students to analyze events, causes, and effects.
• Daily life relevance: It explains institutions like democracy, education, and law through their historical growth.

📌 Example: Studying India’s Independence Movement teaches the value of unity, courage, and freedom.

2. What is the meaning of BCE and CE? Why do historians use them?

Answer:
Historians divide time into two eras:

• BCE (Before Common Era): Refers to years before the birth of Christ (similar to BC).
• CE (Common Era): Refers to years after Christ’s birth (similar to AD).

Reasons for use:

• Neutral and inclusive: BCE and CE avoid religious references, unlike BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini).
• Universal system: Helps in standardizing world history.
• Easy comparison: Allows us to compare events in India, China, or Europe at the same time.

📌 Example:

• 600 BCE – Rise of Buddhism in India.
• 2025 CE – Modern era.

3. What is a timeline? Explain its significance in history with an example.

Answer:
A timeline is a graphical or written arrangement of events in chronological order (earliest to latest).

Significance:

• Helps visualize the sequence of events.
• Makes memorization easier for students.
• Allows comparison of events in different regions.
• Shows cause-and-effect relationships.

📌 Example Timeline (India):

4. Explain the importance of recording historical events.

Answer:
Recording historical events is crucial because history is based on evidence, not imagination.

Reasons:

• Authenticity: Records prove that events really happened.
• Preservation of knowledge: Without records, details of rulers, culture, and economy would be lost.
• Guidance for future: Records help future generations learn from past achievements and mistakes.
• Basis for interpretation: Historians analyze evidence to explain history.

📌 Example: Ashoka’s inscriptions record his message of non-violence, helping us understand his rule.

5. What are sources of history? Explain the two main types.

Answer:
Sources of history are materials that provide information about the past.

Two main types:

1. Primary Sources:
   • Direct evidence created at the actual time.
   • Examples: manuscripts, inscriptions, coins, monuments.
2. Secondary Sources:
   • Written later, based on primary sources.
   • Examples: history books, research articles, documentaries.

📌 Example: Ashoka’s rock edicts (primary) give direct evidence, while NCERT textbooks (secondary) explain their meaning.

6. What are manuscripts? Explain their importance with examples.

Answer:
Manuscripts are handwritten records on palm leaves, birch bark, or paper. They were written in languages like Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, and Persian.

Importance:

• Provide details about religion, literature, politics, and science.
• Show linguistic diversity and cultural richness.
• Preserve ancient knowledge.

Examples:

• Arthashastra by Kautilya (politics and economics).
• Akbarnama by Abul Fazl (history of Akbar’s reign).
• Buddhist Tripitakas and Jain Agamas.

7. What are inscriptions? Why are they reliable sources?

Answer:
Inscriptions are writings engraved on stone, metal, or clay tablets.

Importance:

• Permanent records that cannot be easily changed.
• Provide information on rulers, victories, donations, and religious practices.
• Help historians know dates, dynasties, and administrative systems.

📌 Examples:

• Ashoka’s edicts spreading dhamma.
• Allahabad Pillar Inscription by Harisena describing Samudragupta.
• Copper plate grants recording land donations.

8. Explain the importance of Ashoka’s inscriptions in history.

Answer:
Ashoka’s inscriptions are some of the most important sources of Indian history.

• Spread of dhamma: They highlight his message of peace, tolerance, and non-violence.
• Extent of empire: Inscriptions are found across India, showing his vast control.
• Conversion to Buddhism: They record his transformation after the Kalinga war.
• Administration: Show his concern for people’s welfare, justice, and animal protection.

📌 Example: Rock Edict XIII describes the Kalinga War and Ashoka’s sorrow for bloodshed.

9. How do copper plate inscriptions help historians?

Answer:
Copper plates record land grants by rulers to temples or Brahmins.

Information they provide:

• Name and title of the ruler.
• Boundaries and location of the land granted.
• Social and religious practices.
• Administrative structure and taxation system.

📌 Example: Copper plates of the Pallavas and Cholas give valuable details about South Indian administration.

10. What are coins? How do they help in reconstructing history?

Answer:
Coins are metallic pieces issued by rulers as money.

Importance in history:

• Provide names, portraits, and titles of rulers.
• Reveal trade, economy, and use of metals.
• Show religious symbols and cultural practices.
• Indicate foreign contacts and conquests.

📌 Examples:

• Gupta gold coins show prosperity.
• Indo-Greek coins show portraits and links with Greek culture.

11. What are archaeological remains? Explain with examples.

Answer:
Archaeological remains are material objects and structures left by past societies.

Examples include:

• Pottery, tools, ornaments, and weapons.
• Buildings such as stupas, temples, forts, and palaces.
• Excavated sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.

Importance:

• Reveal daily life, trade, and technology.
• Help reconstruct social and cultural practices.
• Provide clues to ancient town planning and art.

12. Explain the importance of monuments in history.

Answer:
Monuments are structures built in memory of rulers, deities, or events.

Importance:

• Showcase architecture and craftsmanship of different periods.
• Reveal religious and cultural practices.
• Provide information about political power and wealth.
• Attract tourists, preserving cultural heritage.

📌 Examples: Ajanta and Ellora caves, Qutub Minar, Taj Mahal.

13. What are secondary sources of history? Give examples.

Answer:
Secondary sources are accounts written after the time of actual events. They are based on primary evidence but interpreted later.

Examples:

• History books like NCERT.
• Research articles by historians.
• Documentaries and films on past events.
• Encyclopedias and historical novels.

They are important because they make history accessible and understandable for students and common people.

14. Differentiate between primary and secondary sources.

Answer:

📌 Example: Ashoka’s inscriptions (primary) + NCERT history book (secondary).

15. Why do historians need both primary and secondary sources?

Answer:

• Primary sources: Give original, authentic evidence (e.g., coins, inscriptions).
• Secondary sources: Explain and interpret that evidence (e.g., history books).
• Both are essential:
  • Primary ensures authenticity.
  • Secondary makes learning easier.

📌 Example: Mauryan Empire → Ashoka’s edicts (primary) + modern research articles (secondary).

Perfect 👍 Let’s continue with the next 15 long-answer questions (Q16–Q30) on Theme B – Tapestry of the Past: “Timelines and Sources of History”.
Each answer is 100–250 words, with bullet points, tables, and examples for easy exam preparation.

Q16–Q30: Long Questions with Answers

16. What is archaeology? Explain its role in the study of history.

Answer:
Archaeology is the study of human history through the excavation and analysis of material remains such as tools, pottery, bones, and buildings. Archaeologists dig sites, examine artifacts, and use scientific methods like carbon dating to determine their age.

Role in history:

• Reconstruction of ancient civilizations: Discoveries at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro revealed town planning and drainage systems.
• Evidence of trade and economy: Pottery, coins, and beads show ancient trade practices.
• Social life: Tools, ornaments, and skeletons give clues about daily life.
• Religious life: Stupas, temples, and figurines reveal beliefs and practices.

📌 Example: Archaeological remains of the Indus Valley show that people practiced agriculture, used standardized weights, and had overseas trade with Mesopotamia.

17. Describe the contributions of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro to our understanding of the past.

Answer:
Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were major cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. Excavations have provided a wealth of evidence about early urban life.

Contributions:

• Town planning: Cities were built in a grid system with straight streets.
• Drainage system: Underground drains show advanced engineering.
• Granaries: Evidence of organized storage of food grains.
• Art and craft: Terracotta toys, ornaments, and pottery show creativity.
• Trade: Seals found indicate trade with Mesopotamia.
• Religion: Figurines like the Mother Goddess show early beliefs.

📌 These findings prove that India had one of the world’s earliest and most advanced urban civilizations.

18. How did inscriptions help in reconstructing the Mauryan Empire?

Answer:
The Mauryan Empire, especially during Ashoka’s rule, is understood through inscriptions.

Importance:

• Edicts of Ashoka: Rock and pillar inscriptions spread his message of dhamma.
• Extent of empire: Inscriptions found in Afghanistan, Nepal, and India show the empire’s vast reach.
• Administration: They reveal Ashoka’s concern for justice, welfare, and religious tolerance.
• Personal transformation: Rock Edict XIII describes his sorrow after the Kalinga War and conversion to Buddhism.

📌 Example: The Sanchi pillar inscription highlights Ashoka’s emphasis on non-violence and compassion.

19. How do coins give information about rulers and their kingdoms?

Answer:
Coins are small but powerful sources of history.

What they reveal:

• Political authority: Names and portraits of rulers confirm their reign.
• Titles: Coins carry royal titles like “Maharajadhiraja” used by Gupta kings.
• Religion: Images of gods, symbols like the lotus or trident show religious beliefs.
• Economy: The use of gold, silver, and copper coins shows prosperity.
• Foreign contacts: Indo-Greek coins show influence of Greek culture.

📌 Example: Gupta gold coins with images of kings performing rituals show both wealth and religious devotion.

20. Explain the significance of the Gupta gold coins in Indian history.

Answer:
Gupta coins are among the finest examples of ancient Indian coinage.

Features and significance:

• Portraits of kings: Coins of Chandragupta I and Samudragupta confirm their rule.
• Titles: Coins bear titles like “Maharajadhiraja,” proving their supreme authority.
• Economic prosperity: The abundance of gold coins shows wealth and flourishing trade.
• Art and culture: Beautiful designs show the high level of craftsmanship.
• Religion: Depictions of gods like Lakshmi reveal religious practices.

📌 Example: Samudragupta’s coins show him playing the veena, reflecting his love for art and culture.

21. How do monuments reflect the culture and lifestyle of people?

Answer:
Monuments are more than just buildings—they reflect art, culture, and lifestyle of societies.

Cultural significance:

• Religious life: Temples, stupas, mosques, and churches show religious diversity.
• Art and architecture: Carvings, paintings, and designs display artistic excellence.
• Technology: Forts, palaces, and stepwells reveal engineering skills.
• Social life: Monuments like courts and audience halls show how rulers interacted with people.

📌 Examples:

• Ajanta caves show Buddhist culture and art.
• Qutub Minar shows Islamic architecture.
• Taj Mahal reflects Mughal love for beauty and symmetry.

22. Discuss the importance of secondary sources in the study of history.

Answer:
Secondary sources are accounts written after historical events, based on primary evidence.

Importance:

• Accessibility: Primary sources like manuscripts are difficult for common people; secondary sources explain them.
• Simplification: They make history easier to understand for students.
• Comparison: Historians compare different primary sources and give balanced views.
• Preservation of knowledge: Secondary sources like books preserve history for future generations.

📌 Example: NCERT textbooks summarize complex evidence like inscriptions and archaeological findings in simple language.

23. Why are secondary sources sometimes considered less reliable?

Answer:
Secondary sources are written later and are interpretations, not direct evidence.

Reasons for less reliability:

• Historian’s bias: Interpretations may depend on personal or cultural views.
• Incomplete evidence: If primary sources are missing, secondary accounts may be inaccurate.
• Different viewpoints: The same event can be described differently by different historians.

📌 Example: The Revolt of 1857 was described as a “mutiny” by British historians, but Indian historians called it the “First War of Independence.”

24. How do historians decide the authenticity of historical sources?

Answer:
Historians carefully check whether sources are genuine and trustworthy.

Methods:

• Cross-checking: Comparing one source with others for accuracy.
• Dating techniques: Using scientific methods like carbon dating for artifacts.
• Language and script study: Analyzing the script and style to confirm the period.
• Contextual study: Seeing whether the content matches known facts.

📌 Example: Coins mentioning Chandragupta Maurya confirm his rule when compared with Greek accounts of Megasthenes.

25. What challenges do historians face in studying manuscripts?

Answer:
Studying manuscripts is not easy due to various challenges.

Challenges:

• Damage: Palm leaves and birch bark manuscripts often decay.
• Language issues: Many are written in old languages like Pali, Prakrit, or Sanskrit.
• Different versions: The same text may have many versions with variations.
• Access: Some manuscripts are rare and preserved in private collections.

📌 Example: Ancient Buddhist texts had different versions across regions, making interpretation difficult.

26. Discuss the importance of archaeology in discovering the Indus Valley Civilization.

Answer:
The Indus Valley Civilization was unknown until archaeologists excavated sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro in the 1920s.

Contributions:

• Urban planning: Grid system of streets and brick houses.
• Drainage system: Advanced underground drains.
• Granaries: Evidence of centralized storage.
• Seals: Show trade and use of symbols.
• Crafts and ornaments: Reveal skilled artisans.

📌 Without archaeology, we would not know about one of the earliest civilizations in India.

27. How do historians reconstruct the past using multiple sources?

Answer:
Historians combine different sources for a complete picture.

Process:

• Primary sources: Coins, inscriptions, manuscripts, and monuments.
• Archaeology: Excavations provide material remains.
• Secondary sources: Books and research explain evidence.
• Cross-verification: Information from one source is checked against others.

📌 Example: Mauryan history is reconstructed using Ashoka’s edicts (primary), Megasthenes’ accounts (foreign source), and archaeological remains (material evidence).

28. What role do inscriptions and coins play together in history?

Answer:
Inscriptions and coins complement each other in reconstructing history.

• Inscriptions: Provide detailed records of kings’ conquests, donations, and administration.
• Coins: Confirm the names, titles, and portraits of rulers.
• Combined use: Cross-verification helps avoid errors.

📌 Example: Gupta inscriptions describe Samudragupta as a great conqueror, and his coins confirm his titles and achievements.

29. Discuss the limitations of historical sources.

Answer:
Not all sources give a full or accurate picture of history.

Limitations:

• Damage and loss: Many manuscripts and artifacts are destroyed.
• Bias: Kings’ inscriptions often exaggerate their achievements.
• Incomplete evidence: Many ancient scripts, like Harappan, are undeciphered.
• Interpretation issues: Historians may disagree in explaining sources.

📌 Example: The Harappan script remains undeciphered, limiting our knowledge of their language and governance.

30. Why is it important for students to learn about timelines and sources of history?

Answer:
Learning about timelines and sources helps students understand not just history but also the method of studying it.

Importance:

• Timelines: Teach chronological arrangement of events, making memory easier.
• Sources: Show how evidence forms the base of history.
• Critical skills: Encourage analysis, questioning, and interpretation.
• Cultural pride: Help students value their heritage.
• Exam preparation: Strengthens their understanding of CBSE and NCERT content.

📌 Example: By studying both Ashoka’s inscriptions and modern explanations, students learn how history is reconstructed scientifically.

📘 Model Exam Paper – Class 6 Social Science

Theme B – Tapestry of the Past: Timelines and Sources of History

Time: 2 Hours | Max Marks: 40

Section A – Very Short Answer (1 Mark each)

(Answer each in one or two sentences)

1. What does the word History mean?
2. Expand BCE and CE.
3. What is a timeline?
4. Name any two primary sources of history.
5. Name one book written by Abul Fazl.
6. What is archaeology?
7. Give one example of an inscription.
8. Which Gupta ruler’s coins show him playing the veena?

Section B – Short Answer (3 Marks each)

(Answer in 3–5 sentences)

9. Why do historians use timelines?
10. Differentiate between primary and secondary sources with examples.
11. Write three uses of coins in reconstructing history.
12. What information do copper plate inscriptions give us?
13. Why are Ashoka’s inscriptions important?
14. Write a short note on manuscripts.
15. List three contributions of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro to our knowledge of the past.
16. Why are secondary sources sometimes less reliable? Give reasons.

Section C – Long Answer (5 Marks each)

(Answer in 100–150 words)

17. Explain the importance of studying history. Give at least five points.
18. Describe the role of archaeology in discovering the Indus Valley Civilization.
19. How do historians reconstruct the past using multiple sources? Give examples.
20. Explain how monuments reflect the culture and lifestyle of people. Give suitable examples.

🔑 Answer Key (for Teacher/Student Reference)

Section A (1 Mark)

1. Inquiry or knowledge of the past.
2. Before Common Era, Common Era.
3. Arrangement of events in chronological order.
4. Manuscripts, inscriptions.
5. Akbarnama.
6. Study of human history through excavation.
7. Allahabad Pillar Inscription / Ashoka’s edicts.
8. Samudragupta.

Section B (3 Marks)

9. To arrange events in order, compare across regions, and simplify history.
10. Primary = direct evidence (coins, inscriptions); Secondary = later writings (books).
11. Tell us about rulers, economy, and religion.
12. Land grants, ruler’s name, and administrative details.
13. Spread message of dhamma, showed Ashoka’s empire, revealed his change after Kalinga war.
14. Handwritten records on palm leaves, birch bark, paper; e.g., Arthashastra.
15. Grid planning, advanced drainage, seals showing trade.
16. They are interpretations, may be biased, and depend on available evidence.

Section C (5 Marks)

17. Importance of history: explains roots, builds national identity, teaches lessons, preserves culture, develops critical thinking.
18. Archaeology revealed Harappa’s planning, drainage, trade, crafts, and religious practices.
19. Historians use inscriptions, coins, archaeology, and books; cross-check for accuracy.
20. Monuments like Ajanta caves, Qutub Minar, and Taj Mahal show religion, art, and technology of their times.

Worksheet Set for Class 6 Social Science based on Theme B – Tapestry of the Past: “Timelines and Sources of History”.
It includes Fill in the Blanks, Match the Following, and True/False questions—ideal for practice and revision.

📘 Worksheet Set – Class 6 Social Science

Theme B – Tapestry of the Past: Timelines and Sources of History

Part A – Fill in the Blanks (10 Questions)

1. The word History comes from the Greek word __________, which means inquiry.
2. BCE stands for __________.
3. CE stands for __________.
4. The study of human history through excavation is called __________.
5. Manuscripts were written on __________ leaves and __________ bark.
6. __________ edicts spread the message of dhamma.
7. __________ coins show Samudragupta playing the veena.
8. The __________ Pillar Inscription was written by Harisena.
9. A __________ is a graphical arrangement of events in chronological order.
10. Harappan seals show that they had trade contacts with __________.

Part B – Match the Following (10 Questions)

Part C – True or False (10 Questions)

1. History is based only on imagination and stories. (______)
2. BCE and CE are modern terms used instead of BC and AD. (______)
3. Manuscripts are always printed books. (______)
4. Ashoka’s inscriptions were carved on stone and pillars. (______)
5. Coins can tell us about trade, economy, and religion. (______)
6. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were medieval Indian cities. (______)
7. Archaeology helps us study past civilizations through excavations. (______)
8. Secondary sources are written during the actual event. (______)
9. The Taj Mahal was built during the Gupta Empire. (______)
10. Timelines help in arranging events in order. (______)

🔑 Answer Key

Part A – Fill in the Blanks

1. Historia
2. Before Common Era
3. Common Era
4. Archaeology
5. Palm, birch
6. Ashoka’s
7. Gupta
8. Allahabad
9. Timeline
10. Mesopotamia

Part B – Match the Following

1 → b) Kautilya
2 → a) Abul Fazl
3 → d) Harisena
4 → c) Ashoka
5 → e) Grid pattern of streets
6 → f) Buddhist paintings
7 → g) Delhi Sultanate
8 → h) Mughal Architecture
9 → i) Gupta Empire
10 → j) Archaeology

Part C – True or False

1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. True
6. False
7. True
8. False
9. False
10. True

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