summary of NCERT Class 6 History

Chapter 1: What, Where, How, and When?

Introduction

History is the study of the past. This chapter introduces the concept of history, its sources, and why studying the past is important. It answers four key questions:

1. What do we study in history?

2. Where did people live in the past?

3. How do we know about history?

4. When did historical events happen?

1. What Can We Know About the Past?

We can learn about different aspects of people's lives in the past, such as:

• The kind of food they ate.

• The clothes they wore.

• The houses they lived in.

• Their beliefs and customs.

• The rulers and empires that existed.

• Their occupations (farmers, traders, herders, etc.).

Each of these aspects helps us understand how human civilization evolved over time.

2. Where Did People Live in the Past?

People lived in various places that provided resources and favorable conditions for survival. Some important locations include:

(i) Near Rivers

• The earliest people lived along rivers like the Indus, Ganga, and Narmada because water was essential for drinking, farming, and fishing.

• Early settlements like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were built near rivers.

(ii) In Hills and Forests

• Some people lived in forests and hills, where they practiced hunting and food gathering.

• The Vindhyas and the Deccan plateau were important regions for settlements.

(iii) Along the Coast

• Many communities settled near the sea and engaged in fishing and trade.

• Coastal regions played a crucial role in early trade and cultural exchange.

(iv) Trade and Movement

• People traveled for trade, wars, and exploration.

• The Silk Route was an important trade route connecting India with China and other parts of the world.

3. How Do We Know About the Past? (Sources of History)

Historians and archaeologists use different types of sources to study the past:

(i) Manuscripts (Written Records)

• Manuscripts are old books written by hand on palm leaves or birch bark.

• They contain information on religion, medicine, astronomy, and administration.

• Most manuscripts were written in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Tamil.

(ii) Inscriptions (Engravings on Hard Surfaces)

• Inscriptions are writings engraved on stones, pillars, and metal plates.

• Kings used inscriptions to record victories, donations, and laws.

• Example: Ashoka’s Edicts are inscriptions that provide details about his rule.

(iii) Archaeological Sources (Objects and Buildings)

• Archaeologists study ancient tools, weapons, pottery, coins, and jewelry.

• Excavations at places like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa have provided valuable historical information.

• Old buildings, temples, and tombs tell us about ancient architecture and culture.

4. Why Do We Study Dates in History? (Time and Chronology)

• Historians organize events chronologically (in the order they happened).

• Years are measured using BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era).

• The term BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini) were previously used.

• Example: The birth of Gautama Buddha is around 563 BCE.

5. Who Studies History?

• Historians study written records and documents.

• Archaeologists study remains like bones, tools, and pottery.

• Epigraphists study inscriptions.

• Numismatists study old coins.

Each of these experts helps in reconstructing the past.

Conclusion

This chapter introduces us to the importance of studying history, the places where people lived, and the different sources used to understand the past. History helps us learn from past mistakes and achievements, shaping our future.