RBSE Solutions Class 5 EVS Chapter 9 Our Past and Present

Our Past and Present Class 5 Questions and Answers

Our Past and Present Class 5 Question Answer - InText

Page No. 95

 

Question 1. What would the schools and villages have been like during your grandparent's childhood?
Answer: During grandparents' childhood (around 1940-1960), schools were often in simple, temporary buildings. Students wrote on slates or wooden tablets called Takhti, and books were shared among them. The Gurukul system, where students lived with their teacher, was common. Girls' education was not widespread. Villages had no electricity; people used hand-operated fans for air and various methods for lighting. This reflects a time when resources were scarce and traditional learning methods were paramount.
In simple words: Schools were simple, used slates, and shared books. Gurukul system was followed. Girls' education was limited. Villages had no electricity, only hand fans and basic lighting.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing past conditions, always include specific details about infrastructure, tools, and social norms to provide a clear picture.

 

Page No. 97

Now Tell-

 

Question 1. Which customs and traditions of our festivals are still the same today?
Answer: Many traditions during Indian festivals are still practiced today. These include lighting clay lamps (diyas), wearing traditional clothes, and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha. People still play with colors and Gulal during Holi, and sisters tie Rakhi on their brothers' wrists during Rakshabandhan. These practices help keep our cultural heritage alive and bring communities together.
In simple words: We still light diyas, wear traditional clothes, worship Lakshmi and Ganesha, use colors in Holi, and tie Rakhi during festivals.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing examples of traditions, try to pick distinct ones from different festivals to show a broader understanding.

 

Question 2. Which tradition is being followed in your family for generations?
Answer: In my family, we have followed the tradition of lighting earthen lamps (diyas) and sharing sweets with relatives after worship for many generations. This custom brings a sense of warmth and togetherness to our family gatherings.
In simple words: My family lights diyas and shares sweets with relatives after worship, a tradition passed down for generations.

🎯 Exam Tip: Personal examples make answers more relatable and demonstrate understanding. Feel free to use your own family's traditions if they fit the question.

 

Question 3. Are the ways of celebrating festivals the same in all states?
Answer: No, the ways festivals are celebrated are different across various states in India. For example, during Diwali, people in North India burst crackers, while in South India, it's common to take an oil bath. Holi is celebrated with "Lathmar Holi" in Mathura, but with dry colors (Gulal) in Gujarat. Pongal in Tamil Nadu involves a rice-jaggery dish, while Gujarat and Rajasthan celebrate with kite flying. Despite these regional differences, the core spirit of happiness, unity, and sharing sweets remains universal throughout India.
In simple words: No, festivals are celebrated differently in each state. For example, Diwali has crackers in the North and oil baths in the South. But happiness and sharing are the same everywhere.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always support a "No" answer with specific, contrasting examples from different regions to show geographical awareness.

 

Question 2. How did people travel earlier and how do they travel now?
Answer: In earlier times, people traveled using bullock carts, horse carts, boats, or by walking. This travel was very slow and took a lot of effort. Journeys were long but environmentally friendly. Today, travel is much faster and more comfortable, with cars, trains, and airplanes. Modern transportation has dramatically changed how far and fast we can move, impacting trade and communication globally.
In simple words: Earlier, people walked or used bullock carts, horses, or boats. Travel was slow but eco-friendly. Now, we use fast cars, trains, and airplanes for quick and easy journeys.

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing past and present, always mention both the method and its characteristics (e.g., speed, comfort, environmental impact).

 

Question 3. Is there any change that you don't like?
Answer: I dislike the growing dependence on technology and the decrease in traditional games like gilli-danda. This has led to less physical activity for people. Also, many modern changes have increased our impact on the environment. Finding a balance between technological progress and preserving physical health and nature is very important.
In simple words: I don't like how much we depend on technology and how people play fewer outdoor games. This means less exercise and more harm to the environment.

🎯 Exam Tip: When expressing a personal opinion about change, always back it up with two to three clear reasons or impacts.

 

Page No. 99

Activity-

 

Question 1. What would our life be like without electricity?
Answer: Without electricity, life would be very difficult. There would be no lighting in houses, equipment would not work, and communication would be interrupted. Many daily activities, like working, getting an education, and using health services, would be greatly affected. Life would become uncomfortable and challenging. The absence of electricity would make many aspects of modern living impossible.
In simple words: Life without electricity would be very hard. No lights, no working machines, no easy communication. Daily tasks, education, and health services would all suffer.

🎯 Exam Tip: When imagining life without a key invention, consider its impact across multiple areas like home, work, communication, and health.

 

Question 2. What did people do for lights at night in olden times?
Answer: In olden times, people used diyas (earthen lamps), lanterns, dibbris, and torches for lights at night. These relied on fire or oil to produce light. This shows how resourceful people were before modern technology.
In simple words: People used diyas, lanterns, dibbris, and torches for light at night long ago.

🎯 Exam Tip: List specific examples of traditional lighting methods to show your knowledge of the past.

 

Question 1. What are the benefits of arrival of electricity?
Answer: The introduction of electricity greatly simplified life. Bulbs, tubelights, and LEDs allowed people to study and work easily at night. Machines, computers, and the internet boosted productivity, communication, and entertainment. Electricity also revolutionized medicine (with tools like X-rays and ventilators) and transportation (trains and airplanes). Electricity has become fundamental to almost every aspect of modern life, from home comfort to global connectivity.
In simple words: Electricity made life easier. Lights helped with night study and work. Machines and internet improved everything. It changed medicine and travel a lot.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing benefits, categorize them (e.g., home life, work, communication, health, transport) to ensure a comprehensive answer.

 

Question 2. Are there any disadvantages of using electricity?
Answer: Yes, there are some downsides to using electricity. These include environmental pollution, especially from coal-fired power plants. There's also a risk of becoming too reliant on technology. Additionally, excessive screen time due to electronic devices can cause eye problems and other health issues. While electricity offers many benefits, being mindful of its environmental and health impacts is crucial.
In simple words: Yes, electricity can cause pollution from power plants. We can become too dependent on it, and too much screen time can hurt our eyes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always provide clear, distinct negative impacts when asked about disadvantages, such as environmental, social, or health-related ones.

 

Question 3. Should we still use ancient objects today?
Answer: Yes, ancient objects like clay lamps (diyas) and clay utensils are still useful today. They are environmentally friendly and help preserve our cultural values. However, it's important to find a balance between using these traditional items and modern facilities. Integrating traditional practices with modern conveniences can lead to a more sustainable and culturally rich lifestyle.
In simple words: Yes, we should still use old objects like clay diyas and pots. They are good for nature and keep our culture alive. But we also need to use modern things.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing traditional vs. modern, focus on the benefits of each and the importance of finding a harmonious balance.

 

Page No. 101

Activity-

 

Question 2. What do old objects teach us about the past?
Answer: Old objects teach us a lot about the past. Clay utensils show how people were sensitive to the environment. Old books give us insight into education and culture from different times. Coins reveal details about past economic systems. These items link us to our heritage, traditional crafts, and a simpler way of life. Studying these artifacts helps us understand the evolution of human society and values over time.
In simple words: Old objects teach us about the past. Clay pots show care for nature, old books show old education, and coins show past money systems. They connect us to our history and simple life.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining what old objects teach, give specific examples of objects and the knowledge they impart (e.g., coins reveal economy).

 

Page No. 102

Fill This Table With Your Classmates-

 

Question. Fill in the following table:
Answer: This table shows how things like transport, communication, and housing have changed over three generations: grandparents' time, parents' time, and now. Observing these changes helps us appreciate how much technology and lifestyle have evolved within a family's history.

In simple words: This table shows how things changed from grandparents' time to now.

🎯 Exam Tip: When filling comparison tables, ensure each row clearly shows the progression or difference across the time periods specified in the columns.

 

RBSE Class 5th EVS Chapter 9 Question Answer - Practice Work

Write True/False-

 

Question 1. The electric bulb is the oldest means of lighting.
Answer: False. Before electric bulbs, people used fire, oil lamps, and candles for light, making them much older methods.
In simple words: False.

🎯 Exam Tip: For True/False questions, if you answer false, briefly state why to demonstrate full understanding.

 

Question 2. People still light diyas on festivals.
Answer: True. Lighting diyas during festivals is a cherished tradition that symbolizes light over darkness and joy.
In simple words: True.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify cultural practices that have endured over time to correctly answer questions about continuing traditions.

 

Question 3. There was no television in olden times.
Answer: True. Television was invented much later, and before its arrival, people relied on radio, storytelling, and local performances for entertainment.
In simple words: True.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the timeline of major inventions to differentiate between past and present technologies accurately.

 

Write Your Experience-

 

Question. Write 10-12 lines on 'changes in the means of lighting'.
Answer: There have been huge changes in how we light our homes. My grandfather shared that when he was a child, there was no electricity. People studied by the light of diyas (earthen lamps). The diya flame would flicker in the wind, and sometimes the oil would run out, making it hard to study. Later, electricity was invented, bringing tubelights, CFLs, and now LEDs, which use less power and give more light. Solar lights are also popular today. These changes have made life much more comfortable, making it easier to study and work at night. Despite these advancements, the tradition of lighting diyas during festivals remains a beautiful link to our past.
In simple words: Lighting has changed a lot. My grandfather said they had no electricity and used diyas, which flickered and ran out of oil. Now we have electricity with tubelights, CFLs, and LEDs, and also solar lights. This makes night work and study easy. We still light diyas on festivals.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing about changes over time, use personal anecdotes or comparative descriptions to illustrate the shift clearly.

 

Think and Tell

 

Question 1. How did people study at night before the invention of electricity?
Answer: Before electricity, people studied at night using the light from diyas (oil lamps), lanterns, or torches. Diyas were lit with oil and a cotton wick. The flame often flickered when there was wind, and the light would go out when the oil ran dry. This made studying at night very difficult because of unreliable lighting. Such challenges highlight the significant impact electricity had on education and daily life.
In simple words: Before electricity, people studied with diyas, lanterns, or torches. Diyas used oil and wick, but their flame flickered or went out if oil finished, making night study very hard.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe the tools used and the specific challenges faced to paint a complete picture of past conditions.

 

Question 2. What is the difference between a diya and a bulb?
Answer: A diya is made from clay and uses oil and a wick to produce a small, flickering light. It is eco-friendly and holds traditional and cultural value, but needs frequent refilling. In contrast, an electric bulb produces a bright, steady light, is made of glass and metal, and uses electricity. While not traditionally significant, bulbs offer constant and strong illumination. The bulb represents modern efficiency, while the diya symbolizes cultural heritage and natural light.
In simple words: A diya is clay, uses oil, gives low, flickering light, is good for nature, and has cultural value. A bulb is electric, gives bright, steady light, but is not cultural.

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing two items, list their characteristics side-by-side (material, light type, environmental impact, cultural value) for a clear contrast.

 

Question 3. What changes have taken place in the means of lighting over time?
Answer: Over time, the methods of lighting have changed greatly: 1. **Ancient Times:** People used torches, lanterns, and diyas, which provided oil-based, low, and unstable light. 2. **Middle Times:** Gas lamps and battery-powered torches became common, offering better lighting than earlier methods. 3. **Modern Times:** We now use electric bulbs, tubelights, CFLs, LEDs, and solar lights. These provide much more light and use less electricity. This progression reflects humanity's continuous quest for more efficient and powerful light sources.
In simple words: Lighting has changed a lot. Long ago, we had torches, lanterns, and diyas. Later came gas lamps and battery torches. Now, we use electric bulbs, tubelights, LEDs, and solar lights, which give more light and save electricity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use a chronological breakdown (ancient, middle, modern) to organize information when describing changes over time. Provide specific examples for each period.

 

Question 4. What effect did it have on our lives?
Answer: The changes in lighting had both good and bad effects on our lives:

• **Positive Effects:** Studying, working, and other activities became easier at night. Education and productivity increased, making life more comfortable.
• **Negative Effects:** We became very dependent on electricity. There was also more pollution (from older types of bulbs), and people started using traditional diyas and lanterns less often. While improving convenience, modern lighting also brought new environmental considerations and a shift away from older customs.

In simple words: Good effects: It became easier to study and work at night, and life became more comfortable. Bad effects: We depend too much on electricity, it caused pollution, and we stopped using traditional lamps.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly separate positive and negative impacts in your answer, using bullet points or a similar structure for readability.

 

Activity-

 

Question 1. Ask your grandparents what the means of lighting were in their childhood and compare them with today.
Answer: My grandparents shared that there was no electricity in their village when they were young. They used diyas and lanterns for light. They had to keep these lamps close while studying at night and found the smell of oil uncomfortable. Today, we have electric bulbs, tubelights, and LEDs that offer much brighter and easier-to-use lighting. This comparison shows how much daily life has transformed, yet some still recall the peaceful glow of older lighting methods.
In simple words: My grandparents used diyas and lanterns without electricity, which made studying hard and smelled of oil. Today, we have bright electric bulbs and LEDs in every house. They miss the calm feeling of diya light.

🎯 Exam Tip: When making a comparison, highlight both the functional differences (e.g., brightness, convenience) and the qualitative aspects (e.g., smell, calmness).

 

RBSE Class 5 EVS Chapter 9 Our Past and Present Question Answer

Multiple Choice Questions :

 

Question 2. What was used for transportation in old times?
(a) Car
(b) Bullock cart and horse cart
(c) Airplane
(d) Metro
Answer: (b) Bullock cart and horse cart
In simple words: People used these carts pulled by animals to travel.

🎯 Exam Tip: For historical questions, identify modes of transport that existed before modern machinery.

 

Question 3. What is included in present education?
(a) Slate-Takhti
(b) Gurukul
(c) Digital class and smart boards
(d) Letter-writings
Answer: (c) Digital class and smart boards
In simple words: Today's schools use computers and smart screens for learning.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on current technologies and methods when answering questions about present-day practices.

 

Question 4. What was the main source of sending messages during Nanaji's time?
(a) Mobile
(b) E-mail
(c) Whatsapp
(d) Letter and telegram
Answer: (d) Letter and telegram
In simple words: People sent written notes or short telegrams to send messages long ago.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recall traditional communication methods before the advent of digital technology.

 

Question 6. Which is the negative impact of use of electricity?
(a) Study becomes easy
(b) Pollution increased
(c) Fast transportation
(d) Better communication
Answer: (b) Pollution increased
In simple words: Making electricity can create pollution.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider the environmental consequences associated with energy generation when identifying negative impacts.

 

Question 7. What does ancient objects teaches us?
(a) Modern technology
(b) Use of mobile
(c) Lifestyle in past
(d) History of internet
Answer: (c) Lifestyle in past
In simple words: Old things show us how people lived long ago.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ancient objects provide insights into daily life, culture, and traditions of earlier times.

 

Question 8. Which kind of house were there during Nanaji's time?
(a) Multi-storey flats
(b) Smart homes
(c) Concrete buildings
(d) Kaccha (makeshift) houses
Answer: (d) Kaccha (makeshift) houses
In simple words: Grandparents lived in simple, temporary homes made of basic materials.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between traditional village housing (kaccha) and modern urban housing (flats, concrete).

 

Fill in the Blanks :

 

Question 3. Old means consumed more ____ hence, new means were adopted.
Answer: Old means consumed more **resources**, hence, new means were adopted. As populations grew and demand increased, more efficient methods that conserved resources became necessary.
In simple words: Old methods used up more **resources**, so new methods were found.

🎯 Exam Tip: Think about why new methods replace old ones; often it's due to efficiency or resource management.

 

Question 4. New ____ were made due to the development of science and technology.
Answer: New **objects** were made due to the development of science and technology. Scientific discoveries and technological innovations constantly lead to the creation of novel tools and products.
In simple words: New **objects** were created because of science and technology.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that scientific progress directly leads to the creation of new tools and items.

 

State Whether The Following Statements Are True Or False-

 

Question 1. Lighting diyas on festivals is still in practice.
Answer: True. This traditional practice continues to be a beautiful symbol of joy and light during celebrations.
In simple words: True. People still light diyas for festivals.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify cultural practices that have endured over time to correctly answer questions about continuing traditions.

 

Question 2. Ancient utensils were environmental friendly.
Answer: True. Utensils made from natural materials like clay and copper are biodegradable and have minimal environmental impact compared to plastics.
In simple words: True. Old pots and pans were good for the environment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider the materials used in ancient times and their natural properties to determine environmental impact.

 

Question 3. Gilli-danda is a traditional Indian game.
Answer: True. Gilli-danda is a popular rural outdoor game, similar to baseball, played with two sticks.
In simple words: True. Gilli-danda is an old game from India.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize common traditional games to accurately confirm their cultural origin.

 

Question 4. Ancient objects help to understand history.
Answer: True. By studying artifacts like tools, pottery, and ruins, historians can piece together information about past civilizations and cultures.
In simple words: True. Old things help us learn about the past.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that artifacts are primary sources for historical knowledge.

 

Match The Following Correctly :

 

Question. Match the following correctly:
Answer: The correct matches between activities and their eras are shown below. These pairings highlight how different forms of amusement and play have evolved alongside societal changes.

In simple words: Here are the correct matches.

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully read both columns and connect each item to its most fitting counterpart, thinking about the historical context.

 

Very Short Answer Type Questions-

 

Question 1. Tell one positive impact of use of electricity.
Answer: Electricity made studying easier and more comfortable, especially at night. With stable light, students can focus better and extend their learning hours.
In simple words: Electricity made studying easy and comfortable.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on a direct and clear benefit when asked for a positive impact.

 

Question 2. What ancient coins tells us?
Answer: Ancient coins tell us about the old currency systems and the economy of past times. Each coin can offer clues about the rulers, trade, and economic stability of an era.
In simple words: Old coins tell us about the money system used long ago.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that coins are not just money but historical records of a society's economy and rulers.

 

Question 3. What was used for study when there were no electricity?
Answer: When there was no electricity, diyas (oil lamps) were used for studying. This basic form of lighting was crucial for learning in homes during those times.
In simple words: Diyas were used for studying when there was no electricity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recall the most common and practical lighting source before the advent of electricity.

 

Question 4. What were the old pots made of?
Answer: Old pots were typically made from materials like clay, copper, and brass. These natural and durable materials were widely available and suitable for cooking and storage.
In simple words: Old pots were made of clay, copper, and brass.

🎯 Exam Tip: List a few common materials used in traditional craftsmanship to show a good understanding.

 

Question 6. What is an environmental cause of change?
Answer: One environmental cause of change is the need for resource conservation. As human activity increases, managing and protecting natural resources becomes vital for the planet's health.
In simple words: Resource conservation is an environmental cause of change. We need to save our natural things.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on human impact on natural resources when discussing environmental causes of change.

 

Question 7. What were the earlier sources of water?
Answer: In earlier times, the main sources of water were wells and stepwells (bawdis). These traditional water structures were ingeniously designed to collect and store water for communities.
In simple words: Wells and stepwells were the old sources of water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember key traditional water harvesting and storage systems for historical context.

 

Question 8. What is a positive perspective of change?
Answer: A positive view of change includes the development of fast-moving transportation. Efficient transport systems have reduced travel times, improved trade, and connected distant places.
In simple words: Fast transportation is a good part of change.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider advancements that improve efficiency, connectivity, or convenience when identifying positive aspects of change.

 

Question 9. What was used in school for writing?
Answer: In schools, Takhti, which is a wooden tablet, was used for writing. This simple tool allowed students to practice writing repeatedly, similar to a small whiteboard.
In simple words: Takhti, a wooden tablet, was used for writing in schools.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify specific traditional tools used in education before modern notebooks and pens.

 

Question 10. How was the life without electricity?
Answer: Life without electricity was difficult and limited in many ways. Many daily activities, from cooking to working, were much more strenuous and restricted to daylight hours.
In simple words: Life without electricity was hard and had many limits.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing life without a key utility, focus on the challenges and restrictions it imposed on daily routines.

 

Short Answer Type Questions-

 

Question 1. How did the invention of electricity made study easy?
Answer: The invention of electricity made studying much easier by bringing bulbs and tubelights. These provided steady light at night, which was far better than the flickering light of a diya. Consistent light helped students study more effectively and comfortably. This stable light allowed for extended study hours, significantly boosting educational opportunities.
In simple words: Electricity brought bulbs and tubelights, giving steady light at night. This made studying easy and better than unstable diya light.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain how electricity directly addressed the problems of previous lighting methods, making study more efficient.

 

Question 3. How was the lifestyle of village during Nanaji's time?
Answer: During Nanaji's time, village life was simple without electricity. People used earthen lamps and lanterns for light. They practiced agriculture and lived in 'kaccha' (makeshift) houses. Temples and stepwells (bawdis) served as important community gathering places. This lifestyle emphasized self-sufficiency and close-knit community interactions, deeply connected to nature's rhythms.
In simple words: In Nanaji's time, villages had no electricity. People used lamps, farmed, and lived in simple houses. Temples and stepwells were main community spots.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe several aspects of village life (e.g., amenities, occupation, housing, social hubs) to provide a holistic view of the lifestyle.

 

Question 4. Why does changes are necessary?
Answer: Changes are necessary to solve existing problems and to make life simpler and more convenient. Advancements in science and technology have improved education, communication, and transportation, which helps save both work and time. Adaptation and innovation are crucial for progress, helping societies overcome challenges and enhance their quality of life.
In simple words: Changes are needed to fix problems and make life easy. Science and technology have made education, communication, and travel better, saving us effort and time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the necessity of change to problem-solving and advancements in key areas like technology and daily convenience.

 

Question 5. What does old books and letters tells us?
Answer: Old books and letters reveal much about the education, communication methods, and culture of their time. They provide us with knowledge about the past, including different writing styles and details about social systems. These historical documents are invaluable for understanding the intellectual and social fabric of previous generations.
In simple words: Old books and letters show us past education, how people communicated, and their culture. They teach us about old times, writing, and society.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize that historical documents offer insights into multiple aspects of past societies, not just one.

 

Long Answer Type/Essay Type Questions

 

Question 1. How does the traditions of festivals remains with time and why it is important?
Answer: Festival traditions, such as lighting diyas during Diwali, playing with colors during Holi, and tying Rakhi on Rakshabandhan, continue to be practiced over time. These customs are important because they preserve cultural and religious values, strengthen family and community bonds, and bring joy. They help us stay connected to our heritage and remind us about the value of unity and simplicity even in today's modern world. Such enduring traditions provide a sense of identity and continuity across generations.
In simple words: Festival traditions like lighting diyas for Diwali, playing Holi colors, and tying Rakhi still exist. They keep our culture alive, connect families, and bring happiness. They link us to our past and teach us about unity in modern times.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing the importance of traditions, include their roles in cultural preservation, social bonding, and personal well-being.

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