CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 4:
In Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us explain the importance of ancient texts and burial practices in understanding early Indian civilizations. The chapter highlights the Vedas, particularly the Rigveda as one of the oldest and most significant texts, which provides insights into the life, culture, and beliefs of the people.
By studying both literary sources and archaeological evidence historians can reconstruct early Indian history and understand the social, economic, and religious practices of the period. These two sources - books and burials - complement each other, giving a more complete picture of life in early India.
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 4 Introduction
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes for Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us is prepared by subject experts of Physics Wallah, provide a detailed overview of ancient Indian texts and burial practices.
These notes help students understand how ancient books and archaeological discoveries contribute to our knowledge of early Indian history, making the topic easier to grasp and remember.
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 4 PDF
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes for Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us are available in a PDF format for easy access and reference. This PDF provides a well-structured summary of the chapter, covering the importance of ancient texts like the Rigveda and the insights gained from burial practices. You can download the PDF using the link provided below for quick and efficient study.
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 4 PDF
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us
Below we have provided CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us -
4 Vedas
The
Vedas
are ancient sacred texts of India, composed in Vedic Sanskrit. There are four main types of Vedas:
-
Rigveda
: The oldest Veda, composed around 3500 years ago, contains over a thousand hymns (suktas) praising gods and goddesses, including Agni (the fire god), Indra (a warrior god), and Soma (a sacred plant). Most hymns were composed by men, though a few were created by women. The Rigveda was originally passed down orally and was written much later.
-
Samaveda
: Known for its musical hymns, used primarily in rituals.
-
Yajurveda
: Contains instructions for performing rituals.
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Atharvaveda
: Includes hymns, spells, and incantations for everyday life.
Rigveda
The Rigveda
is the oldest of the four Vedas, composed about 3500 years ago. It consists of more than a thousand hymns, referred to as "sukta" or "well-said." These hymns praise various gods and goddesses, with three being especially important:
-
Agni
– the god of fire.
-
Indra
– a warrior god.
-
Soma
– a sacred plant from which a special drink was prepared.
While most of the hymns were composed, taught, and learned by men, a few were composed by women as well. The Rigveda is written in old or Vedic Sanskrit and was originally passed down orally, being recited and heard rather than read. It was written down centuries after its composition and printed less than 200 years ago.
How Historians Study the Rigveda
Historians examine the
Rigveda
through its hymns, some of which are presented as dialogues. For example, there is a famous conversation between the sage
Vishvamitra
and the rivers
Beas
and
Sutlej
, who were revered as goddesses.
The Rigveda also contains numerous prayers for
cattle
,
children
(especially sons), and
horses
, which played a significant role in battles. These battles were fought over
land
,
water
, and the desire to capture
people
and
cattle
. There was no formal army, but people gathered in
assemblies
to discuss matters of
war and peace
. Leadership was chosen through participation in these assemblies, and wealth from battles was distributed - leaders kept some, priests received a portion and the remainder was shared among the people.
Words to Describe People in the Rigveda
In the
Rigveda
, two primary groups are described based on their roles:
-
The Priests
: Known as
Brahmins
, they performed various religious rituals and were essential to Vedic society.
-
The Rajas
: Unlike later kings, these rajas did not have capital cities, palaces, or armies. They also didn’t collect taxes, and succession was not hereditary; sons didn’t automatically become rajas after their fathers.
Two key terms were used to describe the people:
-
Jana
: Refers to a community or tribe.
-
Vish
: Also used to describe a group of people.
The composers of the hymns referred to themselves as
Aryas
and their opponents as
Dasas
or
Dasyus
. The term
dasa
means slave and slaves were men and women who were often captured during wars.
Silent Sentinels – The Story of the Megaliths
Megaliths, large stones, were used by ancient people to mark burial sites. This practice started about 3000 years ago and was common across regions like the Deccan, South India, the North-East and Kashmir. These burial sites often contained distinctive pots known as Black and Red Ware.
Finding out about social differences
By examining the objects found with skeletons, archaeologists believe these items belonged to the deceased. These burial practices reveal social distinctions, as wealthier individuals were buried with luxurious items like gold and stone beads or copper bangles, while the less affluent had fewer burial goods, such as simple pots.
Were some burial spots meant for certain families?
Yes, in ancient times, burial spots were often used by members of the same family. Stone circles or boulders placed on the surface acted as markers, ensuring that family members could find and return to the same burial site over time. This practice helped in maintaining family burial traditions and provided a sense of continuity and connection with their ancestors.
A Special Burial at Inamgaon
Inamgaon, located on the river Ghod, a tributary of the Bhima, is notable for its unique burial practices. At this site, adults were buried in the ground with their bodies laid out straight and heads oriented towards the north. Alongside the deceased, vessels containing food and water were placed, indicating that these items were intended to accompany them in the afterlife.
Occupations at Inamgaon
Archaeological findings at Inamgaon reveal a rich agricultural and dietary lifestyle. Seeds of wheat, barley, rice, pulses, millets, peas, and sesame suggest that these crops were cultivated. Animal bones show evidence of meat consumption, and fruits such as ber, amla, jamun, dates, and various berries were also part of their diet. These findings provide insights into the daily life and subsistence practices of the people who lived there.
Important Dates
-
About 3,600 years ago:
The settlement of Inamgaon began around this time, marking a significant development in ancient habitation.
-
About 3,500 years ago (1500 BCE):
The composition of the Rigveda commenced, forming a crucial part of early historical and religious literature.
-
About 2,700 years ago (700 BCE):
The settlement of Inamgaon came to an end, concluding a significant era in its history.
-
Around 2,000 years ago (circa 200 CE):
The renowned scholar Charaka wrote the
Charaka Samhita
, a foundational text in ancient Indian medicine.
Here are the important questions and answers of Chapter 4 for Class 6 students:
Q.1. How is Rigveda different from the books that we read today?
Ans:
The Rigveda is very different from the books we read today. Originally, the Rigveda was passed down orally, meaning people would memorize and recite it rather than writing it down. It was only recorded in writing many years after it was first composed. Today, we have printed books that are easily accessible and can be read anytime. Unlike the Rigveda, which was shared from generation to generation through recitation, we can now quickly find and read books from the past and present.
Q.2. How are the people of the Rig Vedic society depicted?
Ans:
In the Rigveda, people are divided into two main groups: priests (Brahmins) and rajas (kings). The priests performed religious rituals and were highly respected. The rajas, or kings, did not have taxes, palaces, or armies. They ruled but did not have a formal capital or army. The society was described using the terms "Jana" and "Vish." The people who composed the hymns were called Aryas, while their opponents were known as Dasas or Dasyus, who were often slaves or enemies captured in war.
Q.3. Write a short note on megaliths.
Ans:
Megaliths are large stone structures used to mark burial sites. They were common in various parts of India, including South India, the Deccan plateau, and Kashmir. These stones could be placed on the surface or buried underground. They helped people identify and remember burial sites, with some areas having many standing stones to mark graves. Families would return to these sites for rituals and burials.
Q.4. How does Rigveda depict cattle, chariots, horses, and battles?
Ans:
The Rigveda contains many prayers for cattle, horses, and chariots. It shows that horses were important in battles, which were fought for resources like land, water, and cattle. There was no regular army; instead, people held assemblies to discuss war and peace. Brave warriors were chosen as leaders, and many men participated in these battles. The Rigveda reflects the significant role of horses and cattle in their society and conflicts.
Q.5. How did the burials indicate social differences?
Ans:
Burials from ancient times showed social differences through the objects buried with the deceased. Rich people were buried with valuable items like gold and copper ornaments, while poorer individuals were buried with just a few pots. The presence of objects like weapons, tools, and jewelry helped archaeologists determine the social status of the people buried. The variety and quantity of these items indicated whether someone was wealthy or not.
Benefits of CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us
-
Connecting Texts and Archaeology:
By discussing the importance of books like the Rigveda and burial practices, students learn how historical texts and archaeological findings provide a comprehensive view of past societies. This connection helps in understanding how different sources contribute to historical knowledge.
-
Identifying Social Differences:
The notes explain how burial practices can reveal social differences. Students can learn how artifacts and the manner of burial can indicate social status, providing a clearer picture of social hierarchies in ancient times.
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Enhanced Historical Inquiry:
The notes encourage students to think critically about how historians and archaeologists piece together information from various sources. This promotes a deeper understanding of historical research methods and the interpretation of evidence.
-
Contextual Learning:
By integrating information about ancient texts and burial sites the notes help students see the broader context of historical developments. This holistic approach help in grasping the complexities of ancient civilizations.
