6th Social Science NCERT Chapter 5
How did some men become recognised as rajas around 3000 years ago?
What were the occupations of the social categories described as 'Varnas' in ancient times?
What new requirement emerged for rulers of the mahajanapadas compared to the rajas of the janapadas?
What major changes in agriculture occurred around 2500 years ago?
What were the geographical advantages of Magadha in ancient times?
Around 3000 years ago, some men became recognised as rajas by performing _________ sacrifices.
The raja who organised the sacrifice was recognised as very powerful, and all those who came brought ________ for him.
The four social categories mentioned in the chapter are Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and ________.
Most mahajanapadas had a capital city, many of which were _______.
The new rajas began maintaining armies who were paid regular salaries and possibly using _________ coins for some payments.
– Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic: Men became rulers in the past through rituals like the ashvamedha or horse sacrifice, where rajas were recognized as powerful figures. The raja played a central role in these rituals, with various social categories like Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras involved7.
– Janapadas: Janapadas were lands where people settled down, and mahajanapadas were more important janapadas. People in these areas lived in settlements, practiced agriculture, and engaged in pottery making, with some janapadas evolving into mahajanapadas with fortified capital cities7.
– Taxes and Changes in Agriculture: Rulers of mahajanapadas collected regular taxes and maintained large armies, leading to changes in agriculture like the use of iron ploughshares and transplanting paddy for increased production. Magadha emerged as a powerful mahajanapada with skilled rulers and abundant resources7.
What ritual was used to recognise some men as rajas around 3000 years ago?
Who were the four social categories mentioned in the text and what were their expected roles?
What were the two major changes in agriculture mentioned in the text?
List two ways in which the rajas of the mahajanapadas were different from those mentioned in the Rigveda.
What resources are mentioned as being provided by hunters and gatherers?
Based on the content of the chapter "Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic" from the file you provided, here are three DIY activities or projects related to the topics discussed that students can easily do at home:
Create Your Own Raja Throne:
- Materials Needed: Cardboard, scissors, paints or markers, glue.
- Instructions:
Cut out a rectangular piece of cardboard for the base of the throne.
Create a tall backrest by cutting a piece of cardboard into a decorative shape.
Attach the backrest to the base using glue.
Decorate the throne with intricate designs using paints or markers to make it look grand.
Optional: Add embellishments like faux gems, glitter, or fabric for a more royal look.
Once the throne is complete, have fun pretending to be a powerful raja seating on your throne!
Design a Painted Grey Ware Pot:
- Materials Needed: Clay (air-drying or oven-bake), pottery tools or simple cutlery, acrylic paints or clay-friendly paints.
- Instructions:
Shape the clay into a small pot using your hands or simple pottery tools.
Let the pot dry if using air-drying clay, or bake it if using oven-bake clay as per the instructions.
Once the pot is ready, paint it with intricate grey designs like the Painted Grey Ware pots mentioned in the text.
Allow the paint to dry completely.
You can use your painted pot as a decorative piece or for storing small items.
Build a Fort Model:
- Materials Needed: Cardboard or craft sticks, markers, glue, scissors.
- Instructions:
Decide on the size and design of your fort (can be a simple square or more elaborate).
Cut out pieces of cardboard or craft sticks to create the walls of the fort.
Glue the pieces together to form the fort structure.
Use markers to draw details like bricks or stones on the walls.
You can add a gate, towers, or any other fortifications you like.
Once the glue is dry, you have your own mini fort that you can use for imaginative play or display.
These activities are not only fun but also educational, allowing students to learn about ancient rituals, pottery, and architecture while engaging in creative projects.
Here are three real-world examples or scenarios related to the topics covered in the chapter on kingdoms, kings, and early republics:
1. Voting for Leaders: Just like how we choose our leaders through voting today, in the past, around 3000 years ago, men became recognized as rulers by performing big sacrifices like the ashvamedha or horse sacrifice. This ritual involved letting a horse wander freely and other rulers had to fight if the horse entered their kingdom. If they allowed the horse to pass, it signified acceptance of the ruler's strength. The raja who organized the sacrifice was considered powerful, and people brought gifts for him. This showcases a historical way of recognizing leadership and power.
2. Social Categories in Society: In ancient times, there were four social categories known as varnas — Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Each varna had specific roles and expectations. For example, Brahmins studied and taught the Vedas, Kshatriyas fought battles, Vaishyas engaged in farming and trading, while Shudras served the other groups. This system of varnas highlights the division of labor and social hierarchy in ancient societies.
3. Importance of Fortifications: The construction of fortified cities by rulers in mahajanapadas (important kingdoms) was vital for protection against attacks and to demonstrate power. The huge walls built around these cities served as a defense mechanism and a symbol of wealth and strength. Building such fortified structures required extensive planning, labor, and resources, showcasing the strategic and architectural skills of ancient rulers. This demonstrates how infrastructure like forts played a crucial role in governance and defense strategies in ancient times.
These examples illustrate how historical practices such as rituals for recognizing rulers, societal categorization, and architectural feats in city fortifications offer insights into the governance, social structure, and defense mechanisms of ancient Indian civilizations.
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