Chapter 1 · Std 6 History
Sources of History
📝 Exercise — Questions & Answers (Q.1 to Q.5)
Q.1 A — Choose the Correct Option
Choose the correct option and complete the sentence.
1. The teachings of Vardhaman Mahavir are found in the _________ texts.
a) Upanishads
b) Tipitaks
c) Agama
d) Sangham
Answer: c) Agama — The teachings of Vardhamana Mahavira and the importance of Ahimsa (non-violence) are discussed in Jaina texts known as ‘Agamas’, written in Ardhamagadhi, a Prakrit language.
2. The most ancient sources of Indian history are the _________.
a) Aranyaka
b) Veda
c) Brahmana texts
d) Upanishads
Answer: b) Veda — The most ancient sources of Indian history are the Vedas — Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda. Initially transmitted orally, they were later written down.
Q.1 B — Identify the Source
Identify the type of source of history shown in the pictures.
🏛️ Ancient Temple / Structure
Material Source
A built structure — reveals architecture, defense systems and religious life of the period. It is a Primary Source.
🪙 Old Coin
Material Source
Coins shed light on the economy, names of rulers, religious traditions and artistic trends. It is a Primary Source.
🪨 Stone Inscription
Written Source
Inscriptions provide information about administration, religion and social life. It is a Primary Source.
Q.1 B — Match the Pairs
Match Group A with Group B.
| Group A | Group B — Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Written Sources | b) Travelogues of foreign travellers |
| 2. Material Sources | c) Coins and weapons |
| 3. Oral Sources | a) Folk songs |
Q.2 A — Concept Map
Complete the concept map — Sources of History.
Sources of History
📜 Written Sources
🏺 Material Sources
🎙️ Oral Sources
Q.3 — Brief Answers
Write brief answers to the following questions.
1. Explain the difference between written and oral sources of history.
📜 Written Sources
- Sources available in a written form.
- Include inscriptions, manuscripts, copper plates, books, royal orders and travelogues.
- Provide information about language, script, culture, political policies and social structure.
- Preserved in museums, libraries and temples.
- Can be directly read and studied by historians.
- Belong to the Historical Period (when writing existed).
🎙️ Oral Sources
- Information transmitted by word of mouth, not written down.
- Include folktales, myths, folk songs, proverbs, Ovi, Povada and traditional compositions.
- Preserved in the collective memory of society.
- Passed down from generation to generation verbally.
- Historians verify them by comparing with other sources.
- Valuable for periods where no written evidence exists.
Written Sources
Oral Sources
Recorded in physical written form
Stored in human memory, spoken form
Examples: Manuscripts, inscriptions, books
Examples: Folk songs, folktales, proverbs
Historians can directly read them
Historians must collect and verify them
2. List the types of material sources and describe their significance in the study of history.
Material sources are those we can perceive with our eyes. They are regarded as Primary Sources and play a crucial role in historical research.
- Inscriptions and copper plates — provide insights into administration and the religious and social life of ancient times.
- Old coins and seals — shed light on the economy, names of rulers, religious traditions and artistic trends.
- Weapons, pottery and sculptures — reveal information about defense systems, craftsmanship and lifestyle.
- Ancient buildings, forts and temples — reveal war strategies, architectural styles and religious practices.
- Excavated remains (food grains, seeds, animal bones) — help reconstruct the dietary habits of a specific period.
Significance: Material sources provide insights into the lives, culture, traditions, games, arts and sciences of the people of that era. Today, these objects are preserved in archaeological museums and historical sites.
3. Which sources from modern times will be useful for generations to reconstruct history? Write about them.
The following modern sources will help future generations reconstruct the history of our times:
- Newspapers and magazines — record daily events, political decisions and social changes in written form.
- Photographs and videos — visual records of events, people and places help historians understand our era clearly.
- Digital documents and government records — official records, e-files and databases preserve important historical data.
- Social media and internet content — platforms like YouTube, Twitter and blogs record opinions, events and social movements.
- Audio and video recordings — speeches, interviews and documentaries preserve the voices of important personalities.
- Films and television programmes — reflect the culture, values and technology of our era.
All these sources will serve as valuable written, material and oral sources for future generations to reconstruct 21st century history.
Q.4 — Extended Answers
Answer the following.
A) Write information about changes in human life that can be obtained from old objects such as idols, seals, coins, utensils, jewellery, documents, toys, etc.
- Idols and sculptures — reveal the religious beliefs, art styles and the deities worshipped during that period.
- Seals — provide information about trade, administration, language and the script used.
- Coins — tell us about the rulers, the economy, trade relations and the metals available during that era.
- Utensils and pottery — show the food habits, cooking methods and the level of craftsmanship of the people.
- Jewellery — reveals artistic skills, materials available, fashion trends and the social status of people.
- Documents — provide information about language, laws, administrative systems and important events.
- Toys — reflect the games, entertainment and childhood culture of people of that period.
Thus, these objects are material sources that help us reconstruct a complete picture of human life in the past.
B) Complete the table about Museums in Maharashtra.
| Name of City / Place | Name of Museum | Features / Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya | Vast collection of artefacts related to the history of India; coins, paintings, sculptures, costumes, handicrafts |
| Pune | Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum | Household objects, jewellery, weaponry, musical instruments, textiles and artworks |
| Pune | Deccan College Post-Graduate & Research Institute | Museum of various archaeological objects |
Q.5 — Maratha Military Landscapes
Find the names of the twelve forts designated under the title ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’.
The twelve forts recognized under ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ by UNESCO are:
1. Raigad Maharashtra
2. Shivneri Maharashtra
3. Lohagad Maharashtra
4. Khanderi Maharashtra
5. Rajgad Maharashtra
6. Pratapgad Maharashtra
7. Suvarnadurg Maharashtra
8. Panhala Maharashtra
9. Sindhudurg Maharashtra
10. Vijaydurg Maharashtra
11. Salher Maharashtra
12. Jinji Tamil Nadu
11 forts are in Maharashtra; the fort of Jinji is in Tamil Nadu. These forts are significant symbols of the Maratha Empire’s military strategy, architectural brilliance and cultural heritage.