Samacheer Kalvi Class 6 Social Science Solutions Term 2 Chapter 1 Vedic Culture in North India and Megalithic Culture in South India

I. Choose the correct answer

 

Question 1. Aryans first settled in ........... region.
(a) Punjab
(b) Middle Gangetic
(c) Kashmir
(d) Northeast
Answer: (a) Punjab
In simple words: The Aryans made their first homes in the region known as Punjab. This area was important for their early settlements.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to link early settlements with geographical regions, as this helps understand cultural development.

 

Question 2. Aryans came from
(a) China
(b) North Asia
(c) Central Asia
(d) Europe
Answer: (c) Central Asia
In simple words: The Aryans originally came from the area of Central Asia. They moved from there to settle in other regions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the origin of groups like Aryans helps trace their migration paths and cultural impact.

 

Question 3. Our National Motto “Sathyameva Jayate” is taken from
(a) Brahmana
(b) Veda
(c) Aranyaka
(d) Upanishad
Answer: (d) Upanishad
In simple words: India's national motto, "Truth Alone Triumphs," comes from a sacred text called the Upanishad. It is a powerful message about the importance of truth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be familiar with important national symbols and their historical or literary sources.

 

Question 4. What was the ratio of land revenue collected during the Vedic Age
(a) 1/3
(b) 1/6
(c) 1/8
(d) 1/9
Answer: (b) 1/6
In simple words: During the Vedic Age, the government collected one-sixth of the land's produce as tax. This was a common system for collecting revenue.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific ratios or fractions related to taxes and administration are key details to remember for historical periods.

II. Match the Statement with the Reason/ Tick the appropriate answer

 

Question. Assertion: The Vedic age is evidenced by a good number of texts and an adequate amount of material evidence. Reason: Shrutis comprise the Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
Answer: (d) A is false but R is true
In simple words: The statement that the Vedic age has plenty of material evidence is not true. However, it is true that Shrutis include the Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads, which are important texts.

🎯 Exam Tip: When evaluating Assertion-Reason questions, first check if each statement is individually true, then check if the reason correctly explains the assertion.

 

Question 2. Statement I: Periplus mentions the steel imported into Rome from peninsular India was subjected to duty in the port of Alexandria. Statement II: Evidence for iron smelting has come to light at Paiyampalii.
(a) Statement I is wrong.
(b) Statement II is wrong.
(c) Both the statements are correct,
(d) Both the statements are wrong.
Answer: (c) Both the statements are correct
In simple words: Both statements are correct. The first statement about steel trade and duties at Alexandria is true. The second statement about finding evidence of iron smelting at Paiyampalli is also true.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to historical facts about trade routes and archaeological discoveries as they often appear in questions.

 

Question 3. Which of the statement is not correct in the Vedic society.
(a) A widow could re-marry.
(b) Child marriage was in practice.
(c) Father's property was inherited by his son
(d) Sati was unknown
Answer: (b) Child marriage was in practice
In simple words: In Vedic society, child marriage was not a common practice. Other options like widow remarriage, property inheritance by sons, and the absence of Sati were generally true for that period.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand social customs and norms of different historical periods to identify incorrect statements about them.

 

Question 4. Which is the correct ascending order of the Rig Vedic society?
(a) Grama < Kula < Vis < Rashtra < Jana
(b) Kula < Grama < Vis < Jana < Rashtra
(c) Rashtra < Jana < Grama < Kula < Vis
(d) Jana Grama < Kula < vis < Rashtra
Answer: (d) Jana Grama < Kula < vis < Rashtra
In simple words: The smallest unit was Grama (village), then Kula (family/clan), then Vis (group of villages), Jana (tribe), and finally Rashtra (kingdom or larger territory). This shows how society was organized from small to large units.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always remember the hierarchical structure of social and administrative units in ancient periods, especially their ascending or descending order.

III. Fill in the blanks

 

Question. 1. Vedic culture was ................ in nature.
2. ................ was a tax collected from the people in the Vedic period.
3. ................ system is an ancient learning method.
4. Adhichanallur is in ................ district.
Answer:
1. Chalcolithic
2. Bali
3. Gurukula
4. Thoothukudi
In simple words: Vedic culture was from the Chalcolithic period. Bali was a tax. Gurukula was a learning method. Adhichanallur is in the Thoothukudi district. These are key facts about the Vedic era.

🎯 Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks, recall specific terms related to culture, taxation, education, and geography of the period.

IV. True or False

 

Question. 1. The Roman artifacts found at various sites provide evidence of Indo-Roman trade relations.
2. A Hero Stone is a memorial stone raised in remembrance of the honourable death of a hero.
3. The army chief was called Gramani.
4. The Black and Red ware pottery became the characteristic of the Megalithic period.
5. Evidence for iron smelting has come to light at Paiyampalli.
Answer:
1. True
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. True
In simple words: Roman artifacts show trade with India. Hero stones mark brave deaths. Black and Red pottery define the Megalithic time. Iron smelting evidence is found at Paiyampalli. The army chief was not called Gramani.

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully read each statement in True or False questions, checking for small details that might make a seemingly correct statement false.

V. Match the following

 

Question. Site Finds
a) Keezhadi - 1) Ivory dice
b) Porunthal - 2) tip of ploughs
c) Kodumanal - 3) Spindles
d) Adichanallur - 4) gold ornaments
Answer: (d) 1 2 3 4
In simple words: The correct matches are: Keezhadi with Ivory dice, Porunthal with tip of ploughs, Kodumanal with Spindles, and Adichanallur with gold ornaments. Each site is known for specific archaeological finds.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize important archaeological sites and their key discoveries, as these are common matching questions.

VI. Answer in one or two sentences

 

Question 1. Name the four Vedas.
Answer: The four Vedas are Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva. These are ancient sacred texts of Hinduism, each containing hymns, rituals, and philosophical insights.
In simple words: The four main Vedas are Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva.

🎯 Exam Tip: This is a basic knowledge question; ensure you can list the names correctly and quickly.

 

Question 2. What were the animals domesticated by Vedic people?
Answer: Vedic people domesticated horses, cows, goats, sheep, oxen, and dogs. Later, during the Late Vedic period, Aryans also tamed elephants. Domesticating animals was crucial for agriculture, transport, and warfare.
In simple words: Vedic people kept animals like horses, cows, goats, sheep, oxen, and dogs. Later, they also tamed elephants.

🎯 Exam Tip: List key animals and mention the period if there were changes in domestication practices.

 

Question 3. What do you know about Megalith?
Answer: The word 'Megalith' comes from Greek, where 'Megas' means great and 'lithos' means stone. Megaliths are large stone slabs used to build structures, often as burial sites. These impressive stone monuments show advanced building skills for their time.
In simple words: Megalith means "big stone." It refers to burial sites or monuments made from large stone slabs.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define the term by its origin and describe its main purpose or characteristic.

 

Question 4. What are Dolmens?
Answer: Dolmens are a type of Megalithic tomb. They are built with two or more upright stones, topped by a single large stone slab, covering a burial site. These structures served as permanent memorials for the deceased.
In simple words: Dolmens are Megalithic tombs made of several standing stones with a big flat stone on top.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between general Megaliths and specific types like Dolmens by their unique construction.

 

Question 5. What are Urns?
Answer: Urns are large pottery jars that were used for burying the dead, often holding ashes or bones after cremation. These were significant in burial customs, representing a way to respectfully inter remains.
In simple words: Urns are big clay pots used to bury dead people or their ashes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the purpose of different burial artifacts in ancient cultures.

 

Question 6. Name the coins used for business transactions in the Vedic period.
Answer: During the Vedic period, Nishka, Satmana (gold coins), and Krishna (silver coins) were used for business transactions. These early forms of currency helped facilitate trade and economic activity.
In simple words: Nishka, Satmana (gold coins), and Krishna (silver coins) were used for buying and selling things in the Vedic period.

🎯 Exam Tip: Name the different types of currency used and mention their metallic composition if possible.

 

Question 7. Name some Megalithic monuments found in Tamil Nadu.
Answer: Some Megalithic monuments found in Tamil Nadu include Dolmens and Menhirs. Specifically, Megalithic Dolmens have been found in places like Veeraraghavapuram village (Kanchipuram district), Kummalamaruthupatti (Dindigul district), and Narasingampatti (Madurai district). These sites are important for studying ancient burial practices.
In simple words: Dolmens and Menhirs are Megalithic monuments found in Tamil Nadu. Some places with Dolmens are Veeraraghavapuram, Kummalamaruthupatti, and Narasingampatti.

🎯 Exam Tip: List both general types of monuments (Dolmens, Menhirs) and provide specific locations within Tamil Nadu.

VII. Answer the following

 

Question 1. Write briefly about the archaeological site at Kodumanal.
Answer:
1. Kodumanal is located in the Erode district. It is an important archaeological site.
2. More than 300 pottery inscriptions in Tamil-Brahmi script have been found there, which gives clues about the ancient language.
3. Archaeologists also discovered spindles and whorls, which were tools used for making thread from cotton, showing ancient textile production.
4. Pieces of cloth, along with various tools, weapons, ornaments, and beads (especially camelina), have also been found at the site.
5. A Menhir found at the burial site has been dated to the Megalithic period, indicating its long history.
In simple words: Kodumanal in Erode district is an old site with many pottery writings in Tamil-Brahmi. Tools for making thread, cloths, weapons, jewelry, and beads were found there. A Menhir from the Megalithic period was also discovered.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing an archaeological site, mention its location, significant finds, and what these finds tell us about the past culture.

 

Question 2. Write about the Vedic women in a paragraph.
Answer:
1. In the Rig Vedic society, women generally had some freedom and respect.
2. The wife was respected as the head or mistress of the household.
3. Women could perform rituals in their homes.
4. Widows were allowed to remarry during the Rig Vedic period, which was a progressive practice.
5. However, they were not allowed to inherit parental property.
6. They did not play any role in public affairs or politics.
7. In the later Vedic period, the position of women declined, and rules for performing rituals and marriage became stricter.
8. Polygamy became common, and women were denied education during this later period.
In simple words: In early Vedic times, women had some freedom and respect at home, could do rituals, and widows could remarry. But they could not own property or join public matters. Later, their status became lower, rules got stricter, and education was often denied.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing social roles, clearly differentiate between different periods (e.g., Rig Vedic vs. Later Vedic) as women's status often changed over time.

VIII. HOTS

 

Question 1. Difference between the Gurukula system of education and the Modern system of education.
Answer:
1. The Gurukula system is an ancient learning method, while the modern system of education is contemporary.
2. In Gurukula, students (shishyas) lived with their guru, serving them and learning simultaneously. In the modern system, students attend institutions like schools and colleges, typically returning home daily.
3. Gurukula education was mostly through oral tradition, requiring students to memorize everything. Modern education uses various methods, including written texts, technology, and practical applications, with less emphasis on rote memorization.
4. Subjects taught in Gurukula included the four Vedas, Ithihasas, Puranas, Grammar, Logic, Ethics, Astrology, Maths, and Military Science. Modern education offers a wider range of subjects across many disciplines.
5. Only Dvijas (twice-born) could be students in Gurukula, trained to lead a disciplined life, making it exclusive. Modern education aims to be inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of social status.
In simple words: Gurukula was an old system where students lived with a teacher, learning by heart. Only certain groups could join. Modern education is for everyone, happens in schools, uses many learning tools, and covers a wider range of subjects.

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing systems, focus on key differences like location, teaching methods, curriculum, and accessibility.

IX. Pride any joy – Let us find out the fact

 

Question. Archaeological Sites Archaeological Finds Fact

Answer: The table correctly matches archaeological sites with their finds and the historical facts they reveal. Each row provides a specific connection between a site, what was found there, and its significance for understanding ancient cultures.
In simple words: This table links old digging sites to what was found there and what those finds tell us about history, like trade or food.

🎯 Exam Tip: When presented with a table, ensure you understand the relationship between each column and can recall key facts for each site.

X. Student Activity

 

Question 1. Sentence making by using these new words. Shruti, Gramani, Rashtras, Iron Age, Semi-nomadic, Barter
Answer:
1. The knowledge transmitted orally through generations is called Shruti.
2. Gramani was the leader of the village in the Vedic period.
3. Many Janas came together to form the Rashtra.
4. The Iron Age society in South India is linked to the Vedic period in North India.
5. Rig Vedic Aryans were known to be Semi-nomadic, moving seasonally with their cattle.
6. The barter system, where goods were exchanged directly without money, was common in the Rig Vedic Period.
In simple words: Shruti means knowledge passed down by speaking. A Gramani led a village. Rashtras were formed by many tribes. The Iron Age in South India matches the Vedic period. Early Aryans were semi-nomadic. Barter was used to trade goods.

🎯 Exam Tip: To score well, ensure each sentence uses the given word correctly and clearly, explaining its historical context.

 

Question 2. Word Search

1. A pass
2. Text containing teachings on religions
3. A group of villages
4. A trible assembly
5. Assembly of people
6. Fire
7. Gold Coin
8. Period of Vedic Age
9. Megalithic tomb
Answer:
1. KHYBER
2. SMRITI
3. VIS
4. GANA
5. SAMITI
6. AGNI
7. SATMANA
8. IRON AGE
9. URN
In simple words: The word search reveals several historical terms. KHYBER is a pass, SMRITI is a religious text, VIS is a group of villages, GANA is a tribal assembly, SAMITI is an assembly of people, AGNI is fire, SATMANA is a gold coin, IRON AGE is a period, and URN is a megalithic tomb.

🎯 Exam Tip: For word searches, carefully scan rows, columns, and diagonals for the hidden words, correlating them with the provided clues.

XI. Life Skill

 

1. Collect information from Newspapers about archaeological finds with the help of your teacher.
2. Site Visit: Visit any one of the archaeological sites near your locality.
Answer: These are activity-based tasks designed to enhance practical learning. Collecting information from newspapers helps develop research skills and awareness of current archaeological discoveries. Visiting a local archaeological site provides a hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of historical context.
In simple words: These are activities to help you learn about history by looking at news and visiting old sites.

🎯 Exam Tip: Engaging in such activities helps build a practical understanding of history and improves critical thinking skills.

XII. Answer Grid

 

Question 1. Mention two Ithikasas:
Answer: The two Ithikasas are Ramayana and Mahabharatha. These are two major ancient Indian epic poems, central to Hindu mythology and literature.
In simple words: Ramayana and Mahabharatha are two main old Indian stories.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the names of important epics and their significance in cultural history.

 

Question 2. Vertical monolithic pillar planted in memory of the dead is called ............
Answer: A vertical monolithic pillar planted in memory of the dead is called a Menhir. Menhirs are large upright stones, often prehistoric, serving as monuments or markers.
In simple words: A tall stone pillar put up to remember a dead person is called a Menhir.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between different types of megalithic structures like Dolmens (burial chambers) and Menhirs (single upright stones).

 

Question 3. Name the ancient town in the Sivagangai district dating to the Sangam age.
Answer: The ancient town in the Sivagangai district dating to the Sangam age is Keezhadi. This site has yielded significant archaeological findings related to ancient Tamil civilization.
In simple words: Keezhadi is the old town in Sivagangai district from the Sangam age.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect specific archaeological sites with their locations and the historical periods they represent.

 

Question 4. Name any two Iron Age sites in Tamilnadu
Answer: Two important Iron Age sites in Tamil Nadu are Paiyampalli and Porunthal. These sites have provided valuable evidence about the early use of iron and related cultural practices in the region.
In simple words: Paiyampalli and Porunthal are two places in Tamil Nadu from the Iron Age.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be able to name key archaeological sites that define significant historical periods like the Iron Age.

 

Question 5. What method of agriculture was practiced by early Aryans?
Answer: Early Aryans practiced slash and burn agriculture. This method involves clearing forests by cutting and burning vegetation, then cultivating crops on the fertile ash-rich soil. It was a common practice in early agricultural societies.
In simple words: Early Aryans used a "slash and burn" method for farming, where they cut down trees and burned them to clear land for crops.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the basic agricultural techniques used by ancient civilizations and their impact on the environment.

 

Question 6. Name two large cities that emerged during the Vedic period.
Answer: Two large cities that emerged during the Vedic period were Indrapastha and Ayodhya. These cities became important political and cultural centers during that era.
In simple words: Indrapastha and Ayodhya were two big cities that grew during the Vedic period.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recall the names of prominent cities or settlements associated with specific historical periods.

I. Choose the correct answer

 

Question 1. The main occupation of the Aryans was ............
(a) Agriculture
(b) Fishing
(c) Cattle rearing
(d) Hunting
Answer: (c) Cattle rearing
In simple words: The main job of the Aryans was raising cattle. Cattle were very important for their economy and way of life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the primary economic activity of ancient groups, as it often shapes their society and culture.

 

Question 2. The main source of wealth in the Rig Vedic period was ............
(a) Land
(b) Gold coins
(c) Cattle
(d) Rice
Answer: (c) Cattle
In simple words: In the Rig Vedic period, cattle were considered the most important source of wealth. Owning many cattle showed a person's richness.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand what constituted "wealth" in different historical contexts, as it wasn't always money or land.

 

Question 3. The staple crop was ............
(a) Barley
(b) Wheat
(c) Rice
(d) Cotton
Answer: (a) Barley
In simple words: The main food crop during that time was barley. It was widely grown and eaten by the people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the primary crops grown in different historical periods, as they indicate dietary habits and agricultural practices.

 

Question 4. Vishayapati was the head of a ............
(a) Rashtra
(b) Village
(c) Clan
(d) Jana
Answer: (c) Clan
In simple words: The Vishayapati was the leader or head of a clan, which was a group of families. This role helped in managing the affairs of the clan.

🎯 Exam Tip: Learn the titles and roles of administrators and leaders within the social structures of ancient societies.

II. Fill in the blanks

 

Question. 1. Within the early Vedic Society there were ................ divisions.
2. When Aryans settled permanently they began to practice ............
3. The rules of ................ became much more complex and rigid.
Answer:
1. three
2. agriculture
3. marriage
In simple words: Early Vedic society had three main divisions. When Aryans settled down, they started farming. Marriage rules became more complicated and strict over time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recall the specific numbers, key activities, and social norms that apply to the Vedic period.

III. True or False

 

Question. 1. Rig Vedic Aryans worshipped mostly the earthly and celestial gods.
2. True Education was denied to women.
3. The term 'Megalith' is derived from Latin.
Answer:
1. True
2. True
3. False
In simple words: It is true that Rig Vedic Aryans worshipped gods of the earth and sky. It is also true that women were often denied proper education. However, the word 'Megalith' comes from Greek, not Latin.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be precise with the origins of terms and specific details about religious practices and social roles.

V. Answer in One or Two Sentences

 

Question 1. Name the metals known to Rig Vedic People.
Answer: The Rig Vedic people knew about several important metals. These included Gold, which they called Hiranya. They also knew about Iron, which they referred to as Shyama, and Copper or Bronze, which they called Ayas. This shows they had some understanding of how to use and work with different metals in their daily lives.
In simple words: People in the Rig Vedic period knew about gold (Hiranya), iron (Shyama), and copper/bronze (Ayas).

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to list specific items, remember to include any alternative names or classifications provided in the answer for full marks.

 

Question 2. What are Shrutis?
Answer: Shrutis are a collection of sacred texts from the Vedic period. They include the four Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads. These texts are believed to be eternal truths that were heard directly from divine sources, making them very important for religious knowledge and practices.
In simple words: Shrutis are important holy writings like the Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. People believed these were sacred, unchanging truths heard from divine beings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that 'Shruti' means "that which is heard" and refers to knowledge revealed directly, distinguishing it from 'Smriti' ("that which is remembered").

 

Question 3. Name the occupations of Rig Vedic Aryans.
Answer: The Rig Vedic Aryans had several important jobs. Many people were involved in raising cattle, which was a primary activity. Other occupations included skilled crafts like carpentry, making chariots, pottery, and working as blacksmiths. There were also weavers and leather workers who provided essential goods and services for their community.
In simple words: Rig Vedic Aryans mainly raised cattle. They also worked as carpenters, chariot makers, potters, smiths, weavers, and leather workers.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing occupations, it's helpful to categorize them (e.g., agriculture, crafts, trade) to show a broader understanding of society.

VI. Mind Map