Early States Class 6 Notes Questions and Answers Social Science Chapter 2

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Class 6 Social Science Chapter 2 Early States Notes Questions and Answers

Class 6 Social Science Early States Notes Questions and Answers

Class 6 Social Science Chapter 2 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Question 1.

“Friends, are you familiar with this symbol? The Olympics, in which the whole world enthusiastically participates today, originated in ancient Greece. The democracy that originated in the Greek city-state of Athens is our greatest contribution to the world. Greece is located in southeastern Europe. My country is rich in geographical features such as isolated valleys located high above the sea level, hills, and small mountains.
You should listened to Athena’s description. What are the details you have got from it?
Answer:

• The Olympics started in ancient Greece.
• Democracy began in Athens.
• Greece is in Southeastern Europe.
• Greece has rich geographical features.

Question 2.
Identify and write down the major city-states that existed in ancient Greece.

Answer:

• Sparta
• Athens
• Thebes
• Corinth

Question 3.
Present the characteristics of Athens and Sparta in dialogue form.

Answer:

i. Athens

• The initial form of democracy originated in the Greek city-state of Athens.
• All men having citizenship in Athens participated in electing rulers and making laws.
• Women, slaves, and foreigners did not have citizenship status.
• The political body of Athens was known as the ‘Assembly’.
• A system of education that gave importance to art and culture.
• Two years of compulsory military service for boys.
• A strong navy and military.

ii. Sparta

• Sparta had an aristocratic rule.
• The education system in Sparta emphasized traditional values and military training.
• Boys were required to serve in the military for twenty-three years.

Question 4.
Create a wall magazine with pictures and information about Greeks who contributed to history, philosophy and literature.
Answer:

Question 5.

“Friends… Our country, Iran has Persian cultural heritage. The Persian empire was the most important empire that existed at that time. The Persian empire was a mixture of diverse cultures, languages and traditions as different geographical territories were part of this empire. Persepolis was the capital of this empire”.

You have listened to Jahan’s description who represented Iran in the cultural exchange programme. What are the ideas that we get from Jahan’s description?
Answer:

• Iran has a Persian Cultural heritage
• The Persian Empire was a very powerful and influential empire of its time.
• The empire encompasses a diverse range of cultures, languages, traditions, and regions.

Question 6.
Prepare questions and answers to organise a quiz on the Persian Empire and its culture.
Answer:
(Hints)
1. What was the capital city of the Persian Empire?
Answer:
Persepolism

2. Who was the founder of the Persian Empire?
Answer:
Cyrus the Great

3. Which empire did Persia fight in the Greco-Persian Wars?
Answer:
The Greek city-states

4. Which Persian king built a large road system to connect the empire?
Answer:
Darius I

5. What was the religion of many Persians called?
Answer:
Zoroastrianism

Question 7.
Note down the information got from Elena’s description of ancient Rome.

“Hi friends…my name is Elena. My country Italy was part of the Roman Empire. The city of Rome is considered to be the birthplace of Western civilization. The expression ’all roads lead to Rome’ itself indicates the Importance of this empire. In the early days, Rome was a monarchy. However, in the in the course of time, rebellions arose against the rulers who were not concerned about the people and the monarchy ended in the 6th century BCE. Then, a new system of government called the ‘Republic’ came into existence in Rome. The rise of the ‘Republic’ was a major turning point in the history of ancient Rome”.

Answer:

• Rome is considered the birthplace of Western civilisation.
• Rome was a monarchy.
• Monarchy was ended in 6th century BCE.
• A new system of government called the ‘Republic’ was formed.

Question 8.
Make a note on the different administrative systems that existed in Rome.
Answer:
Administrative Systems in Ancient Rome
1. Monarchy (753 BCE – 509 BCE)

• Rome was ruled by kings.
• The king held supreme power in law, religion, and the army.
• A council of elders (Senate) advised the king.

2. Republic (509 BCE – 27 BCE)

• Rome became a republic after overthrowing the last king.
• Power was held by elected officials:
• Consuls: Two leaders elected yearly to lead the army and government.
• Senate: A powerful body of former officials who advised the consuls.
• Assemblies: Groups of citizens who voted on laws and leaders.

3. Empire (27 BCE – 476 CE)

• Started with Augustus Caesar, the first emperor.
• The emperor held all power – military, political, and religious.
• The Senate still existed but had little real power.

Question 9.
Complete the worksheet given below.

Answer:

1. Discovery and use of iron
2. Expansion in agricultural production
3. Increase in production
4. Surplus production
5. Trade centers
6. Urban centers
7. Janapadas

Question 10.
Discuss and prepare a note on how Magadha which was a Mahajanapada, grew into powerful Maurya Kingdom.
Answer:
From Magadha to the Maurya Kingdom

Magadha was one of the strongest Mahajanapadas (big kingdoms) in ancient India. It was located in present-day Bihar. Magadha grew powerful because:

• It had rich land and plenty of iron, which helped in making strong weapons.
• It was near important rivers like the Ganga, which helped in farming and transport.
• The kings had strong armies and used war elephants.

Later, Chandragupta Maurya defeated the last king of Magadha and started the Maurya Empire. With the help of his clever advisor Chanakya, Chandragupta made Magadha into a much bigger and powerful kingdom – the Maurya Kingdom.

Question 11.
Analyse the common characteristics in the ideals of Jainism and Buddhism.
Answer:

• Do not hurt anyone
• Always speak the truth
• Do not steal
• Be kind and good

Early States Questions and Answers Extended Activities

Question 1.
Mark the countries -Greece, Italy, Iran, and India—on a world map and include it in your Social Science Observation Book.
Answer:

Question 2.
Collect more information about the state formation in the ancient world and prepare either a magazine or a digital album on the topic.
Answer:
(Hints)
State Formation in the Ancient World
Project – Magazine / Digital Album

• Early humans were hunters and moved from place to place.
• Later, they settled near rivers and started farming.
• Leaders were chosen to manage people – they became kings.
• Big cities grew with rules, soldiers, and buildings.
• This led to the birth of ancient states or kingdoms.

Famous Ancient States

• Mesopotamia – near Tigris River
• Egypt – near Nile River
• Indus Valley – in India and Pakistan
• China – near Yellow River

Fun Ideas for Your Project

• Draw pyramids or palaces
• Paste pictures of ancient kings
• Make a mini timeline of early state

Question 3.
Collect stories related to Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha and present it in your Social Science Club.
Answer:
Story of Vardhamana Mahavira: Vardhamana Mahavira was bom into a royal family. At the age of 30, he left his home in search of truth. He lived a simple life, meditated, and practiced nonviolence. One day, he saw a snake in pain but did not hurt it. Instead, he showed kindness. From this, people learned compassion for all living beings.
Lesson: Always be kind and do no harm to others.

Story of Gautama Buddha: Gautama Buddha was bom as Prince Siddhartha. He lived a comfortable life but once saw an old man, a sick person, and a dead body. This made him think deeply about life. He left his palace to find the meaning of life. After many years of meditation, he gained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.
Lesson : True happiness comes from understanding and helping others.

Question 4.
Observe an atlas and locate Rajgir and Patna in modern India. Mark them on a map of India, and add it to your Social Science Observation Book.
Answer:

Early States Class 6 Notes Pdf

Std 6 Social Science Early States Notes

• A city and a number of surrounding villages came together and began to transform into city-states. These city-states were known as ‘Polis’.
• Athens and Sparta were the major city-states of Greece.
• The initial form of democracy originated in the Greek city-state of Athens.
• All men having citizenship in Athens participated in electing rulers and making laws.
• Women, slaves and foreigners did not have citizenship status.
• “Democracy” is the name of the system by which the people elect their rulers.
• The political body of Athens was known as the ‘Assembly’.
• The Histories is a famous work based on the Greco-Persian Wars. It is considered to be the first historical work in the world.
• It was written by Herodotus, who is known as the Father of History.
• Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were the major Greek philosophers who have influenced the world.
• The prominent rulers of the Persian Empire were Cyrus, Darius I and Xerxes
• Rome is considered the birthplace of western civilization.
• “Janapadas” emerged around urban centres.
• Jainism was a philosophy that emerged in India during the 6th century BCE.
• Buddhism was another major philosophy that emerged in ancient India.

INTRODUCTION

This chapter, “Early States” helps us to understand about the political and philosophical developments that took place in different parts of the world during this period. We also become familiar with the changes that happened in the fields such as state formation, administrative systems and cultural advancements. From 6th century BCE onwards, new perspectives began to form in all domains of human life across the world. Lets study about the Athens and Sparta, the two important Greek city states, Jainism, Buddhism, Roman and Persian Empire in detail.

GREEK CITY-STATES

• In ancient Greece, villages were the main settlements.
• As agriculture and trade developed, cities were formed.
• Eventually, a city and a number of surrounding villages came together and began to transform into city-states. These city-states were known as ‘Polis’.
  • Seas or high mountains separated these city-states of ancient Greece from each other. So each city-state was isolated.
  • Consequently, a uniform administrative system was lacking in ancient Greece.
  • Athens and Sparta were the major city-states of Greece.

ATHENS

• The initial form of democracy originated in the Greek city-state of Athens.
• All men having citizenship in Athens participated in electing rulers and making laws.
• Women, slaves and foreigners did not have citizenship status.
• It was during the time of Pericles that democracy began to expand in Athens. The political body of Athens was known as the ‘Assembly’.
• “Democracy” is the name of the system by which the people elect their rulers.

The Citizens of Athens Not everyone was considered a citizen in Athens. To get citizenship, there were conditions such as a person had to be a free man and have both parents as Athenians.

Pericles
It was during the reign of Pericles, one of Athens’ most powerful rulers, that Athens achieved a prominent status among the Greek city-states. Pericles maintained the idea that power should be shared among all citizens rather than being concentrated in a single individual.

SPARTA

MARATHON RACE
During the Greco-Persian War, the Greeks and the Persians fought at Marathon, located about 26 miles from Athens. The Greeks emerged victorious in this battle. A messenger was sent to Athens to deliver the news of their triumph. After running the entire distance, he joyfully shouted, “Rejoice, we have won!”. As he ran a very long distance, he died immediately. In memory of this event, the long-distance race came to be known as the Marathon Race.

HERODOTUS AND THUCYDIDES
The Histories is a famous work based on the Greco-Persian Wars. It is considered to be the first historical work in the world. It was written by Herodotus, who is known as the Father of History. The Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens was recorded by the historian Thucydides. The name of this work is History of the Peloponnesian War.

GREEK PHILOSOPHERS
• Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were the major Greek philosophers who have influenced the world.

PERSIAN EMPIRE
• The prominent rulers of the Persian Empire were Cyrus, Darius I and Xerxes

ZOROASTRIAN PHILOSOPHY

ROMAN EMPIRE

• Rome is considered the birthplace of western civilization.
• In the Roman Republic instead of a King, governance was entrusted to elected officials known as
  ‘Consuls’,
• In 1^st century BCE, Julis Caesar who held the office of consul, ended the republican system and assumed power as a dictator.

CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF ROME
Contributions of Rome remain in areas such as language, literature, art and urban planning. The Aqueducts which are arched canals built to supply water and vast and open venue called Colosseum are the cultural contributions of Rome.

STATE FORMATION IN INDIA
FROM “JANAPADAS” TO “MAHAJANAPADAS”

• “Janapadas” emerged around urban centres.
• Fertile river banks and abundant forests made certain “Janapadas” more powerful. The stronger Janapadas that conquered neighbouring Janapadas evolved into “Mahajanapadas”.
• This period of the Mahajanapadas is known as the ‘Second Urbanisation’ in India.

JANAPADAS ‘Janapada’ means ‘the land where people reside.’ People who established agricultural fields and residential zones in resource-rich areas started to settle there. This is how “Janapadas” were formed. THE SIXTEEN “MAHAJANAPADAS” Kamboja, Gandhara, Magadha, Anga, Vajji, Malla, Kashi, Vatsa, Koshala, Chedi, Panchala, Ashmaka, Avanti, Shurasena, Kuru, and Matsya were the sixteen Mahajanapadas.

MAGADHA ROSE TO PROMINENCE
• In the 6th century BCE, among the sixteen Mahajanapadas, Magadha became a prominent force.

THE MAURYA KINGDOM

• In 321 BCE, Chandragupta Maurya defeated Dhanananda, the ruler of Magadha and captured power.
• It was Chandragupta Maurya who established the Maurya kingdom by annexing nearby regions to Magadha.
• It was Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, his minister who helped Chandragupta Maurya to transform Magadha into an expansive kingdom and in establishing an efficient administrative system.
• Asoka, the eminent Mauryan ruler, expanded the kingdom further by conquering regions like Kashmir and Kalinga (present-day coastal Odisha).

RULERS OF MAGADHA: Bimbisara, Ajatasatru, Mahapadma Nanda, Dhanananda

KAUTILYA’S ARTHASHASTRA We get information about the Maurya kingdom from “Arthashastra” written by Kautilya. This work describes how a king should govern and expand his kingdom. It offers detailed descriptions on protecting the state from invasions, collecting taxes, and so on.

PHILOSOPHIES OF ANCIENT INDIA
JAINISM

• Jainism was a philosophy that emerged in India during the 6th century BCE.
• It was propagated by Vardhamana Mahavira.
• He was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. He is also known as ‘Jina,’ meaning “the conqueror of worldly desires.”

Tirthankaras: The term “Tirthankara” means one who has attained wisdom through asceticism. According to Jain beliefs, there were twenty-four Tirthankaras.

BUDDHISM

• Buddhism was another major philosophy that emerged in ancient India.
• It was founded by Gautama Buddha.
• His original name was Siddhartha. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, he came to be known as Gautama Buddha.

IDEALS OF BUDDHISM

Charvaka Philosophy: Another philosophy that existed in ancient India was Charvaka Philosophy. It was also known as Lokayata. Charvaka philosophy gave importance to the principle of enquiry rather than that of belief.