Class 6 History – Chapter 1: What, Where, How and When? | Quick Overview

Introduction

Studying history helps us understand how human societies, cultures, and civilizations have developed over time. In Chapter 1, we explore the basics of historical study — how historians gather information, how people lived and moved in ancient times, and the main geographical regions in India where early communities settled.

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Key Points

• Early Civilizations in India:
  
  

  • Indus Valley – one of the earliest agricultural communities
    
    

  • Ganga Valley – thriving river settlements
    
    

  • Narmada Valley – an important region for trade and culture
    
    

• Important Geographical Features:
  
  

  • Sulaiman and Kirthar Hills – western areas of early settlement
    
    

  • Vindhyas – central India’s prominent hills
    
    

  • Garo Hills – located in northeastern India
    
    

• Origins of Names:
  
  

  • India – named after the river Sindhu (Indus)
    
    

  • Bharat – traditional name mentioned in ancient texts
    
    

• Sources of History:
  
  

  • Written Sources: manuscripts, inscriptions
    
    

  • Archaeological Sources: tools, pottery, ruins, coins
    
    

• Social Structures in the Past:
  
  

  • Certain communities had privileges, while others faced restrictions
    
    

• Time Measurement in History:
  
  

  • BCE / BC: Before Common Era / Before Christ
    
    

  • CE / AD: Common Era / Anno Domini
    
    

• Examples from Ancient Civilizations:
  
  

  • Egypt: Hieroglyphics (pictorial writing) and Papyrus (writing material)
    
    

Sample Questions (Preview)

Multiple Choice:

1. Which river was crucial for early agriculture in India?
   
   

2. What information do inscriptions provide about past societies?
   
   

3. What do the abbreviations CE and BCE represent?
   
   

Short Answer:

1. Name two valleys where early Indian civilizations developed.
   
   

2. Why are manuscripts considered valuable sources for history?
   
   

True/False:

• Papyrus was used as a writing material in ancient Egypt. (True/False)
  
  

• Ancient societies did not have social inequalities. (True/False)
  
  

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Continue Learning

• Read full chapter notes with examples and illustrations
  
  

• Download PDF study material for offline study
  
  

• Take interactive quizzes to test your understanding
  
  

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