Timelines and Sources of History – Short Questions with Answers

(For NCERT + CBSE Class 6 Exam Preparation)

Section A: Introduction to History

1. What is history?
   History is the study of past events, people, and societies. It tells us how human life developed, how civilizations grew, and how cultures evolved. History helps us understand our roots and learn from the achievements and mistakes of the past.
2. Why do we study history?
   We study history to understand our traditions, culture, and heritage. It teaches us lessons from past struggles and successes. It also helps in building our identity and connects us to our ancestors.
3. What is the origin of the word ‘History’?
   The word History comes from the Greek word Historia. It means inquiry, research, or knowledge through investigation. This shows that history is not imagination but careful study of facts and evidence.
4. How does history help in our daily lives?
   History explains the origin of traditions, customs, and festivals. It shows us how ideas, inventions, and institutions developed. It also helps us understand why our society is the way it is today.
5. How does history help in building national identity?
   History tells us about our struggles for independence and freedom. It highlights the sacrifices made by leaders and common people. This creates pride and unity, helping us build a strong national identity.
6. What does history teach us about mistakes of the past?
   History records both achievements and mistakes. By studying wars, conflicts, and failures, we learn what should be avoided. For example, destructive wars show the value of peace.
7. How is history different from legends or myths?
   History is based on facts and evidence such as manuscripts, inscriptions, and coins. Myths and legends are based on beliefs, stories, or imagination. Historians carefully examine sources before writing history.
8. What is the importance of historical dates?
   Dates help us arrange events in order. They also allow us to compare events across regions. Without dates, it would be difficult to understand when events occurred.
9. Why is the study of history important for students?
   It helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills. It makes us responsible citizens by showing us our cultural heritage. It also prepares us for understanding the present and future.
10. What are the main areas of study in history?
    History covers political, social, economic, and cultural aspects. Political history deals with rulers and wars. Social and cultural history covers lifestyle, religion, and traditions, while economic history deals with agriculture, trade, and taxation.

Section B: Timelines and Measuring Time

11. What is a timeline?
    A timeline is a visual representation of events in chronological order. It shows when an event occurred and its sequence. It is useful in remembering history easily.
12. Why are timelines important in history?
    Timelines make it easy to understand the order of events. They help compare events happening in different regions at the same time. They also make revision easier for students.
13. What does BCE stand for?
    BCE means Before Common Era. It refers to years before the birth of Christ. It is the same as BC (Before Christ).
14. What does CE stand for?
    CE means Common Era. It refers to years after the birth of Christ. It is the same as AD (Anno Domini).
15. Give one example each of BCE and CE.
    Example of BCE: 600 BCE, when Buddhism and Jainism emerged.
    Example of CE: 1526 CE, when the Mughal Empire began in India.
16. Why do historians use BCE and CE instead of BC and AD?
    BCE and CE are more inclusive terms. They avoid religious references, unlike BC and AD. This makes history universal for all.
17. What is the difference between BCE and CE?
    BCE refers to the time before the birth of Christ, while CE refers to the time after Christ’s birth. For example, 500 BCE is earlier than 100 CE.
18. What is meant by chronology in history?
    Chronology means arranging events in the order they occurred. It is important to understand how one event led to another. For example, the Mauryan Empire came before the Gupta Empire.
19. Give an example of how a timeline helps compare events.
    A timeline shows that while the Gupta Empire flourished in India, the Roman Empire was powerful in Europe. This helps us understand world history in a connected way.
20. Prepare a simple timeline with 5 events from Indian history.

• 2700 BCE – Indus Valley Civilization
• 600 BCE – Rise of Buddhism and Jainism
• 322 BCE – Mauryan Empire founded
• 1526 CE – Mughal Empire established
• 1947 CE – India became independent

Section C: Recording Historical Events

21. How do historians record historical events?
    Historians collect evidence from primary and secondary sources. They study manuscripts, inscriptions, coins, and monuments. Then, they analyze and write history.
22. Why is evidence important in history?
    Evidence proves whether an event really happened. Without evidence, history would be just stories or myths. Evidence makes history reliable.
23. What is meant by ‘sources of history’?
    Sources of history are materials that give us information about the past. They include both written and non-written materials. Examples are manuscripts, inscriptions, coins, and monuments.
24. Name two types of sources of history.
    Sources of history are divided into:
25. Primary sources – original evidence like coins and inscriptions.
26. Secondary sources – writings based on primary sources, like books.
27. What is the difference between historical facts and interpretations?
    Facts are real events that happened in the past. Interpretations are explanations given by historians about those facts. For example, the Revolt of 1857 is a fact; calling it the “First War of Independence” is an interpretation.

Section D: Primary Sources of History

26. What are primary sources of history?
    Primary sources are original evidence from the past. They are created by people who witnessed or lived during the event. Examples include manuscripts, inscriptions, coins, and monuments.
27. Why are primary sources considered more reliable?
    They provide first-hand information without later changes. They were created during the actual time of the event. This makes them authentic and trustworthy.
28. What are manuscripts?
    Manuscripts are handwritten documents on palm leaves, birch bark, or paper. They were written in ancient languages like Sanskrit, Pali, and Persian. They give details about religion, politics, and daily life.
29. Give two examples of manuscripts.

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

30. What are inscriptions?
    Inscriptions are writings engraved on stone, metal, or clay. They provide information about kings, donations, victories, and laws. They are permanent and cannot be easily destroyed.

Section D: Primary Sources (continued)

31. Give two examples of inscriptions.

• Ashoka’s rock and pillar edicts, which spread his message of dhamma.
• Allahabad Pillar Inscription, written by Harisena, describing Samudragupta’s conquests. These records are valuable because they were created at the time of the rulers.

32. Why are inscriptions important for historians?
    Inscriptions are carved in stone or metal, making them long-lasting. They provide first-hand evidence of kings’ achievements, donations, and laws. They help historians reconstruct the political and cultural history of India.
33. What do Ashoka’s inscriptions tell us?
    Ashoka’s inscriptions spread messages of peace, non-violence, and tolerance. They show that he followed Buddhism and wanted to rule by dhamma. They also prove the wide extent of his empire.
34. What information do copper plate inscriptions provide?
    Copper plates usually record land grants made by kings to Brahmins or temples. They mention the name of the ruler, date, and location of the land. They also describe administration and taxation systems.
35. What are coins?
    Coins are small pieces of metal issued by rulers as money. They usually have pictures of rulers, deities, or important symbols. They help in studying economy, religion, and politics of the past.
36. Why are coins useful sources of history?
    Coins tell us about the wealth and power of rulers. They show trade relations, metal use, and craftsmanship. For example, Gupta gold coins show prosperity, while Indo-Greek coins show links with foreign rulers.
37. Give two examples of coins in Indian history.

• Gold coins of the Gupta kings with their portraits.
• Silver coins of the Delhi Sultanate showing Islamic inscriptions. Both types help historians learn about religion, economy, and art.

38. What are archaeological remains?
    Archaeological remains are material objects left behind by past societies. They include pottery, tools, ornaments, weapons, and structures. Excavations of such remains tell us about daily life and culture.
39. Give two examples of archaeological remains in India.

• Harappan sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, showing town planning and drainage.
• Stupas like Sanchi, which reveal religious and artistic traditions.

40. What are monuments?
    Monuments are structures built in the past to honor kings, deities, or events. They include temples, forts, palaces, and tombs. They reveal architectural skills, art, and culture of different periods.

Section E: Secondary Sources of History

41. What are secondary sources of history?
    Secondary sources are records written after the actual events. They are usually based on primary sources but interpreted later. Examples include history books, articles, and documentaries.
42. Give two examples of secondary sources.

• NCERT history textbooks used in schools.
• Documentaries on ancient civilizations. These are not from the actual time but are based on earlier evidence.

43. How are secondary sources different from primary sources?
    Primary sources are original materials from the actual period, like coins and inscriptions. Secondary sources are written later by historians after studying primary evidence. Thus, primary is direct evidence, while secondary is interpretation.
44. Why are secondary sources important?
    Not everyone can study original manuscripts or inscriptions. Secondary sources make history accessible in books, films, and articles. They help students and researchers understand the past more easily.
45. Can secondary sources sometimes be biased? Why?
    Yes, because they depend on the historian’s interpretation. Different historians may explain the same event differently. For example, the Revolt of 1857 was called a “mutiny” by the British but a “war of independence” by Indian historians.

Section F: Comparing Sources

46. Write two points of difference between primary and secondary sources.

• Primary sources are created during the actual time (e.g., Ashoka’s inscriptions). Secondary sources are written later (e.g., textbooks).
• Primary gives direct evidence, while secondary explains and interprets that evidence.

47. Why are both primary and secondary sources needed to study history?
    Primary sources give raw information, while secondary sources explain it. Together, they give a complete picture of the past. For example, coins show a ruler’s face, but history books explain his policies.
48. Give an example of how historians use both types of sources.
    To study the Mauryan Empire, historians use Ashoka’s inscriptions (primary) and modern history books analyzing them (secondary). This combination helps in understanding both facts and interpretations.
49. Why is it difficult to rely only on primary sources?
    Many primary sources are damaged, incomplete, or undeciphered. Some may also exaggerate achievements of rulers. Hence, historians need secondary sources for explanation.
50. Why is it difficult to rely only on secondary sources?
    Secondary sources may be biased or misinterpreted. If we rely only on them, we may not get accurate facts. That is why primary evidence is essential for checking their correctness.

Class 6 Social Science notes, Timelines and Sources chapter notes, CBSE exam practice questions, NCERT study material online, Short and long questions, MCQs for Class 6 exams, Primary and secondary sources explained, Timelines BCE CE explained simply, timelines and sources of history class 6 notes, class 6 history primary and secondary sources worksheet, NCERT class 6 timelines chapter study notes, cbse class 6 history mcqs timelines and sources, short and long questions timelines sources class 6, timelines and sources history exam practice online, class 6 social science timelines sources revision notes, primary sources manuscripts coins inscriptions class 6