Social Science STD 6 Chapter 8: The Glory of Bharatvarsha - Exercises

Social Science STD 6 Chapter 8: The Glory of Bharatvarsha - Exercises

1. Fill in the following blanks with the correct word:
  • 1. The art of direction includes ........ and ........
    Answer: dance and drama
  • 2. Special literature of South India is ........
    Answer: Sangam literature
  • 3. ........ was a Greek ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
    Answer: Megasthenes
  • 4. From ........ in Madhya Pradesh paintings of Neolithic age have been found.
    Answer: Bhimbetka
  • 5. Coins of 5th century B.C. are called ........
    Answer: Panchmark coins
2. Answer the following questions in short:
  • 1. Give brief information about vedic literature.
    Vedic literature is considered the oldest in India and includes the four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samveda, and Atharvaveda. It also includes Brahmin texts and Aranyakas which were written to explain the Vedas.
  • 2. Which foreign travellers/tourists came to ancient India?
    Many foreign travellers came to ancient India, including the Greek ambassador Megasthenes, the Greek sailor Ptolemy, and the Chinese travellers Fahien and Hiuen-tsang.
  • 3. Explain the meaning of Stupas and Chaityas.
    Stupas are small, dome-shaped Buddhist architectural structures built over the relics of Buddha, where Buddhists would meditate. Chaityas are prayer halls or temples carved out of mountains, which were also used as places of worship.
  • 4. Which subjects were taught in Takshashila?
    At Takshashila, a great educational pilgrimage, subjects like Ethics, Sanskrit, Grammar, Astronomy and Astrology, Hinduism, and Philosophy were taught.
  • 5. Royal coins of which Gupta kings have been found?
    Royal coins of Gupta kings like Samudragupta and Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) have been found. These coins are often made of gold and feature images such as the king playing the Veena, or the king and queen, which provide information about the era.
3. Explain whether the following statements are True or False:
  • 1. The Upanishads include the Mandukya, Matsya and Mundaka Upanishads.
    Answer: False
  • 2. The book 'Indica' written by the Greek sailor Ptolemy gives information about the ports of India.
    Answer: False
  • 3. Paintings of Jatak stories of Buddha which have been found in Ellora caves are world famous.
    Answer: False
  • 4. The confluence of Greek and Indian sculpture is found in Gandhar style.
    Answer: True
  • 5. Nalanda University of Gandhar region of ancient India was world famous.
    Answer: False
4. Write Short Note on:
  • 1. Dharmetar literature
    Dharmetar literature refers to literary texts whose subject matter is not religious. It mainly includes poetry, praises, dramas, grammar texts, and Smritis. Manusmriti is a well-known law text. Kautilya's 'Arthshastra' is another important non-religious work that describes the politics, law, economics, and social system of the Mauryan age. Great poets and playwrights like Mahakavi Bhas, Kalidas, Shudrak, and Bharvi wrote many epic poems and plays during this period.
  • 2. Sculpture of ancient India
    In ancient India, the art of making idols was highly developed. Two main art styles were prevalent: the Gandhar Art and the Mathura Art. Gandhar Art was a blend of Greek and Indian styles, and a large number of Buddha statues were created in this style. The Mathura Art style was purely Indian and was also used to create statues of Buddha and later, Hindu deities. Fine examples of sculpture have also been found at places like Amravati, Ajanta, Nasik, and Sarnath.
  • 3. Agriculture in ancient India
    Agriculture was a fundamental activity in ancient India. People cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, paddy, jowar, millet, sesame, and peas. They used tools like ploughs, sickles, and axes. To support farming, irrigation facilities were developed, including canals, wells, lakes, and artificial reservoirs. This development was crucial for the survival of villages and kingdoms, ensuring a stable food supply.
  • 4. Village and town life
    In North India, the village head was known as Grambhojak, a hereditary post. This person was typically the largest landowner and was responsible for collecting revenue for the king and maintaining law and order. In South India, there were three types of people: large landlords, small farmers, and landless labourers. Most ancient cities were the capitals of Mahajanpadas and were protected by fortifications. People in both rural and urban areas ate wheat, barley, rice, milk, and meat. Men and women generally wore two pieces of cloth: one on the lower part of the body (nivi) and one on the upper part (vaas).