What Books and Burials Tell Us

NCERT Solution for class 6 History Chapter 4

The chapter What Books and Burials Tell Us embarks on a captivating journey, exploring how historians and archaeologists unlock the secrets of the past through two crucial sources: written records and burial sites.

1. Whispers from the Past: The Power of Written Records

The chapter What Books and Burials Tell Us delves beyond the traditional meaning of “books.” Instead, it focuses on various forms of written expressions from bygone eras, including:

• Inscriptions: These enduring etchings on stone, clay tablets, or other materials offer glimpses into historical events, rulers, and even everyday life.
• Manuscripts: These handwritten documents, often on delicate materials like papyrus, hold valuable insights into social customs, traditions, and even literature, serving as windows into the cultural landscape of the past.

By meticulously studying these written records, historians can:

• Piece together historical timelines: They can learn about significant events like wars, reigns of rulers, and other occurrences that shaped the course of history.
• Unravel social structures: Written records can shed light on marriage practices, religious beliefs, and the customs that governed daily life in past societies.
• Gain insight into economic activities: These records might reveal details about trade, agriculture, and the overall economic landscape of a bygone era.

2. Unearthing the Past: The Significance of Burials

The chapter What Books and Burials Tell Us then highlights the crucial role of archaeological excavations at burial sites. These sites, like silent storytellers, hold a wealth of information, waiting to be deciphered:

• Skeletal remains: Careful analysis of bones can reveal the age, sex, and even health conditions of the individuals buried there. Additionally, studying their diet through bone composition can provide insights into their food sources and agricultural practices.
• Grave goods: Objects buried alongside the deceased, such as pottery, jewelry, tools, or weapons, act as snapshots of their lives. These objects can provide clues about their social status, occupation, and cultural practices.
• Burial practices: The way people were buried, the structures used, and any accompanying rituals offer invaluable insights into the belief systems and social customs prevalent during that time.

By meticulously examining these elements, archaeologists can:

• Reconstruct the lives of individuals buried at the site, gaining a deeper understanding of their health, occupations, and social standing.
• Unravel aspects of past societies: By analyzing burial practices and grave goods, archaeologists can piece together information about the social structure, cultural norms, and even the belief systems of the society.
• Gain insights into the afterlife: Studying burial practices can shed light on the beliefs people held about death and the afterlife, offering a glimpse into their understanding of the unknown.

NCERT Solution for class 6 History Chapter 4

Let’s recall

1 . Match The Column

Ans : 

2. Complete the sentences:

(a) Slaves were used for____

(b) Megaliths are found in____

(c) Stone circles or boulders on the surface were used to____

(d) Port-holes were used for_____

(e) People at Inamgaon_____

Ans :

1. Work
2. South India, north-east and Kashmir
3. indicate the exact place of burial
4. Access, Ritualistic purposes
5. Trade,Craftwork, Agriculture

 Let’s discuss

3.In what ways are the books we read today different from the Rigveda?

Ans : Unlike books today that are written and printed for reading, the Rigveda wasn’t written down for centuries. Instead, it was passed down through generations by being recited and heard, similar to how stories might be told orally. This practice continued for a long time before the Rigveda was finally written down, and it wasn’t printed until much later, less than 200 years ago.

4.  What kind of evidence from burials do archaeologists use to find out whether there were social differences amongst those who were buried?

Ans : Archaeologists look for several clues in burials to understand social differences:

• Grave goods: The quantity, quality, and type of objects buried with the deceased can indicate their social status. Richer individuals might have more valuable or diverse items like jewelry, weapons, or tools compared to those with fewer possessions.
• Burial location and structure: The location of a burial within a cemetery and the complexity or size of the burial structure (pit, chamber, etc.) can also suggest social differences. Individuals with higher status might be buried in specific areas or in more elaborate structures.
• Skeletal remains: While not always definitive, bone analysis can sometimes reveal clues about an individual’s health, nutrition, and potentially their occupation, which might indirectly suggest social standing.

5. In what ways do you think that the life of a raja was different from that of a dasa or dasi?

Ans : Social Status and Power:

• Raja: Held the highest position in society, wielding immense power and authority over his subjects.
• Dasa/Dasi: Occupied the lowest social rung, with no power or control over their lives, completely dependent on their masters.

Living Conditions:

• Raja: Lived in luxurious palaces, enjoying comfortable and well-furnished living quarters with access to a variety of resources and services.
• Dasa/Dasi: Lived in simple dwellings, often provided by their masters, with limited access to material comforts and resources.

Occupation and Work:

• Raja: Primarily focused on governing the kingdom, making decisions on various matters like war, justice, and administration, often aided by advisors.
• Dasa/Dasi: Performed various menial tasks as assigned by their masters, including domestic work, agricultural labor, or manual labor in construction or other industries.

Freedom and Rights:

• Raja: Enjoyed considerable freedom and had the right to make choices within the boundaries of their role and society’s expectations.
• Dasa/Dasi: Had no personal freedom, completely subject to the control and commands of their masters, with limited to no rights.

Education and Opportunities:

• Raja: Often received education in various subjects like warfare, administration, and even religious studies, preparing them for their role as leaders.
• Dasa/Dasi: Rarely received any formal education, lacking opportunities for learning or self-improvement.

Overall Well-being:

• Raja: Generally enjoyed better health care, access to nutritious food, and leisure activities, leading to a potentially longer lifespan.
• Dasa/Dasi: Often faced harsh working conditions, malnutrition, and limited healthcare access, leading to a higher risk of illness and shorter life expectancy.

NCERT Solution for class 6 History Chapter 4

FAQ’s

What are NCERT solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 4?

NCERT solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us offer detailed explanations and answers to questions related to “What Books and Burials Tell Us,” providing insights into ancient civilizations through archaeological evidence.

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NCERT solutions provide comprehensive explanations and analyses of the significance of books and burials, helping students understand the cultural, social, and historical aspects revealed by these artifacts.

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What topics are covered regarding books and burials in Class 6 History Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us?

Class 6 History Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us explores the significance of books and burials in understanding ancient civilizations, including their religious beliefs, societal structures, and cultural practices, offering valuable insights into human history.