By reviewing Kerala Syllabus 6th Standard Social Science Notes Pdf English Medium and Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 Towards South Indian Notes Questions and Answers Kerala SCERT Solutions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.
Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 Towards South Indian Notes Questions and Answers
Class 6 Social Science Towards South Indian Notes Questions and Answers
Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus
Question 1.
As part of their study tour, ‘In search of Historical Remains’, the children of Kattadikkunnu Govt.UP School visited places like Kandanasseri, Muniyattukunnu, and Kudakkalluparambu and the Sakthan Thampuran Museum in Thrissur district. Let’s get familiarised with a part of Richu’s travelogue that contains the information gathered during the study tour. What are the historical remains described in Richu’s travelogue?
Answer:
- Kudakkallu
- Thoppikkallu
- Muniyara
Question 2.
Complete the given worksheet related to Megalithic monuments in South India.
Answer:
| Major Megalithic sites |
|
| Major Megalithic monuments in South India |
|
| Things buried with remains of the dead |
|
Question 3.
Observe Map. Which present day states do the coloured regions of the map represent?
Answer:
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Andhra Pradesh
Question 4.
List the main sources of information about ancient Tamizhakam.
Answer:
- Sangam Works
- Tirukural
- Silappadikaram
- Manimekalai
Question 5.
Prepare a note comparing the social life of Sangam Age with contemporary social life.
Answer:
The social life of the Sangam Age, as described in ancient Tamil songs, shows a society that was organised mainly on the basis of occupation, where people engaged in agriculture, cattle rearing, salt extraction, and the exchange of goods. Although there were social divisions, these were not very rigid, and Sangam works suggest that there was comparatively less social discrimination. Women enjoyed a respected position and participated actively in cultural and economic life, indicating the presence of gender equality to a great extent. In contemporary society, occupational divisions still exist, but individuals have the freedom to choose their careers based on education and interest. Modem laws protect people from social discrimination and promote equality among all communities. Gender equality is strongly encouraged today, with women taking part in all fields, though some inequalities still remain. Thus, both periods reflect a society that valued dignity, cooperation, and social harmony, while modem times continue to build on these ideals through legal and social reforms.
Question 6.
Based on the names of the Tinais, divide the class into five groups and present a skit including their geographical features and livelihoods.
Answer:
Step 1: Divide the class into five groups, one for each Tinai.
Step 2: Plan the Scene
Step 3: Use simple props (leaves, sticks, blue cloth (river) etc)
Step 4: Present the Skits in Order by including their geographical features and livelihoods. (Refer Topic 2.3 Table)
Question 7.
Observe Map 8.1 (Refer Topic 2) and list the Muvendar and their capitals.
Answer:
| Muvendar | Capital |
| Cheras | Vanchi |
| Cholas | Uraiyur |
| Madurai | Madurai |
Question 8.
Complete the concept map related to Perumal administration.
Answer:
Question 9.
Collect pictures and information depicting cultural changes during the Perumal rule and prepare an album/digital album with captions.
Answer:
(Hints: Collect images of Ritualistic arts like koothu and koodiyattam, Temple musicians and dancers, etc. and prepare an album)
Towards South Indian Questions and Answers Extended Activities
Question 1.
Collect pictures and information about Megalithic monuments in Kerala and prepare an album/digital album and display in class.
Answer:
Question 2.
Organise a seminar on the socio-economic and political life of the Sangam Age.
Sub-topics:
- Social Life
- Economic Life
- Tinais
- Political System
Answer:
(Hints: Divide students into four groups based on the sub-topics Social Life, Economic Life, Tinais, and Political System and let each group prepare short presentations and share their findings during the seminar.)
Socio-Economic Life In The Sangam Age
The ancient Tamil songs, including Sangam works, refer to the life of the people in ancient Tamizhakam. These songs have references to the social life, agriculture, cattle rearing, salt extraction, and the exchange of goods.
Features of the socio-economic life during the Sangam Age.
Tinais
Sangam works mention five geographical divisions based on its terrain which existed in ancient Tamizhakam. These are known as ‘Aintinais’. The lifestyle and livelihoods of the people in each Tinai varied according to its geographical features.
- The resources produced in each Tinai were exchanged with other Tinais. Such exchange of resources led to the formation of trade centres. These trade centres were known as Angadis (markets).
- ‘Allalavanam’ and ‘Nalangadi’ were the markets in ancient Tamizhakam.
- ‘Allalavanam’ were evening markets, and ‘Nalangadi’ were daytime markets.
Political System
Each region in ancient Tamizhakam was ruled by the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas.
- The Chera, Chola and Pandya who ruled ancient Tamizhakam were collectively known as ‘Muvendar’ or ‘Muvarasar’.
- Although many ruling powers existed in Tamizhakam, the Muvendar had an authoritative position. These kings were referred to as Ko, Kon, and Kadumko.
- After the Sangam Age, the regions which were under the control of the Cheras later came under the
Perumal rule.
Question 3.
Under the auspices of the Social Science Club, construct models of Megalithic monuments and display them in school.
Answer:
(Hints: Use clay, cardboard, thermocol, or stones to create models of dolmens, stone circles, and menhirs, and arrange them with labels to display their features at the school exhibition.)
Question 4.
Collect the pictures and information about various arts that developed during the reign of Perumal and prepare a video presentation.
(Hints: Architecture, sculpture, painting, instrumental music, dance, music and so on.)
Answer:
(Hints: Prepare a video presentation by using the given steps)
- Step 1: Collect Pictures of various arts
Step 2: Prepare Short notes - Step 3: Create Slides or Clips
- Step 4: Add Voice-over or Background Music
- Step 5: Save and Present
Towards South Indian Class 6 Notes Pdf
Std 6 Social Science Towards South Indian Notes
- Kudakkallu (umbrella stone), Thoppikkallu (cap stone), and Muniyaras (dolmens) made of granite and laterite are known as Megalithic Monuments.
- The period during which the stone monuments were built is known as the ‘Megalithic Age’.
- South India comprises the southern Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, as well as the Union Territories of Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
- Since numerous iron tools were found from Megalithic monuments, this period is also known as the Iron Age.
- Megalithic culture is the creation of people who progressed from food gathering to food production.
- The South Indian region was known as ‘Tamizhakam’ in ancient times.
- The main historical sources providing information about ancient Tamizhakam are pazhamthamizhpattukal (ancient Tamil songs), coins, travelogues, inscriptions and so on.
- The Sangams were groups of Tamil poets centred around Madurai.
- In addition to Sangam literature, other Tamil literary works that provide information about ancient Tamizhakam are ‘Tirukural’, ‘Silappadikaram’, and ‘Manimekalai’.
- The ancient Tamil songs, including Sangam works, refer to the life of the people in ancient Tamizhakam.
- Sangam works mention five geographical divisions based on its terrain which existed in ancient Tamizhakam. These are known as ‘Aintinais’.
- Exchange of resources led to the formation of trade centres. These trade centres were known as Angadis (markets).
- The Chera, Chola and Pandya who ruled ancient Tamizhakam were collectively known as ‘Muvendar’ or ‘Muvarasar’.
- In the 9th century CE, Perumal rule was established with its centre at Mahodayapuram (Makotai), near present-day Kodungallur.
- During the Perumal rule, the kingdom was divided into various Nadus. The Nadus were further divided into Desams, and Desams into Karas.
- The Perumal was at the top of the administrative hierarchy.
- There was a strong economic foundation during the reign of Perumals.
- During the Perumal rule, there were significant changes in the cultural sphere as well.
- By the beginning of the 12th Century, the rule of the Perumals disintegrated.
- The Nadus that were part of the Perumal kingdom later came to be known as Naduvazhi Swaroopams and these were under the control of the Naduvazhis.
- The important Naduvazhi Swaroopams included Kolathunadu (Kannur), Nediyiruppu (Kozhikode), Perumpadappu (Kochi), and Trippappur (Venad).
- The Janmi system was the system that controlled the socio-economic and political spheres in medieval Kerala.
Introduction
The chapter “Towards South Indian History” takes us on a journey into the early past of South India, especially ancient Tamilakam, where vibrant cultural and social traditions flourished. It introduces the valuable Sangam literature that describes the everyday life, occupations, and landscapes known as Tinais. The chapter also explains the rise of the powerful Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms, their political systems, trade networks, and cultural achievements. It highlights the growth of early administrative structures, the importance of local governance, and the development of art, architecture, and religious practices. Through this chapter, we gain a deeper understanding of how the foundations of South Indian society were laid and how they continue to influence the region’s identity even today.
Megalithic Age
- Kudakkallu (umbrella stone), Thoppikkallu (cap stone), and Muniyaras (dolmens) made of granite and laterite are known as Megalithic Monuments.
- Since these are made of huge stones or stone slabs they are called Megalithic Monuments.
- The period during which these stone monuments were built is known as the ‘Megalithic Age’.
The evidences of the Megalithic Age are found in most parts of South India. Marayoor, Cheramanangad, Kuppakkolli and Mangad in Kerala, Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu, Brahmagiri in Karnataka, and Nagaijunakonda in Andhra Pradesh are important Megalithic sites in South India. South India comprises the southern Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, as well as the Union Territories of Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
Megalithic monuments are associated with ancient burial practices. Such stone monuments were constructed for burying the remains of the dead. Since numerous iron tools were found from Megalithic monuments, this period is also known as the Iron Age. Along with the remains of the dead, ornaments, weapons, tools, vessels, and coins that they used were also found from Megalithic monuments.
The Iron Age in South India
- Weapons and tools of different shapes and sizes were used during the Iron Age. This includes knife,
sword, sickle, spearhead, tripod and lamps made of iron. - The use of iron helped in the agricultural progress of the Megalithic Age. Megalithic culture is the creation of people who progressed from food gathering to food production.
STATE FORMATION IN SOUTH INDIA
Ancient Tamizhakam
- The South Indian region which is coloured on the map, was known as ‘Tamizhakam’ in ancient times.
- The main historical sources providing information about ancient Tamizhakam are pazhamthamizhpattukal (ancient Tamil songs), coins, travelogues, inscriptions and so on.
- Among these, more information can be found in Sangam literature, a collection of ancient Tamil songs.
Sangam Literature
(Everywhere is our land, everyone is our kin. Neither evil nor good comes from others.)
The lines given above are from Purananwn, a Sangam literary work.
- The Sangams were groups of Tamil poets centred around Madurai.
- These Sangams collected and preserved the songs of the singers of that time. Therefore, these songs are referred to as ‘Sangam works’, and this period is called the ‘Sangam Age’.
- In addition to Sangam literature, other Tamil literary works that provide information about ancient Tamizhakam are ‘TirukuraP, ‘Silappadikaram’, and ‘Manimekalai’.
- Like Purananuru many other literary works were composed during that age.
Sangam Works
Sangam works are generally classified into two ‘Akam songs’ and ‘Puram songs’. The ‘Akam songs’ refer to the family life and social life. The ‘Puram songs’ refer to the economic, political and military life.
Tirukural: It is one of the immortal literary works in Tamil literature. Thiruvalluvar is the author of this book.
Silappadikaram: Ilango Adigal is the author of’Silappadikaram’ which tells the story of Kannaki and Kovalan.
Manimekalai: It is a work that tells the story of Manimekalai, the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi. Manimekalai was composed by Chithalai Chathanar.
Socio-Economic Life In The Sangam Age
The ancient Tamil songs, including Sangam works, refer to the life of the people in ancient Tamizhakam. These songs have references to the social life, agriculture, cattle rearing, salt extraction, and the exchange of goods.
Features of the socio-economic life during the Sangam Age.
Tinais
Sangam works mention five geographical divisions based on its terrain which existed in ancient Tamizhakam. These are known as ‘Aintinais’. The lifestyle and livelihoods of the people in each Tinai varied according to its geographical features.
- The resources produced in each Tinai were exchanged with other Tinais. Such exchange of resources led to the formation of trade centres. These trade centres were known as Angadis (markets).
- ‘Allalavanam’ and ‘Nalangadi’ were the markets in ancient Tamizhakam.
- ‘Allalavanam’ were evening markets, and ‘Nalangadi’ were daytime markets.
Political System
Each region in ancient Tamizhakam was ruled by the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas.
- The Chera, Chola and Pandya who ruled ancient Tamizhakam were collectively known as ‘Muvendar’ or ‘Muvarasar’.
- Although many ruling powers existed in Tamizhakam, the Muvendar had an authoritative position. These kings were referred to as Ko, Kon, and Kadumko.
- After the Sangam Age, the regions which were under the control of the Cheras later came under the
Perumal rule.
PERUMALS OF MAHODAYAPURAM
- In the 9th century CE, Perumal rule was established with its centre at Mahodayapuram (Makotai), near present-day Kodungallur.
- The ‘Perumals’ came to be known as ‘Later Cheras’.
- The kings here adopted titles such as ‘Perumal’, ‘Cheraman’ and ‘Kulasekhara’.
Mahodayapuram
Mahodayapuram was the capital of the Perumals who ruled from the 9th century CE to the beginning of 12th century CE. Mahodayapuram was famous throughout South India as a prominent centre of knowledge and culture. Ramarajasekharan, Sthanu Ravi, Indukotha, and Bhaskara Ravi were the prominent rulers of Mahodayapuram.
Perumal Administration
- During the Perumal rule, the kingdom was divided into various Nadus. The Nadus were further divided into Desams, and Desams into Karas.
- The Nadus were administered by Naduvazhis and the Desams were administered by Desavazhis. Desavazhis ruled under the control of Desakkoottams which were popular in their nature. The Panchayats mled Karas. The Perumal was at the top of the administrative hierarchy.
Economic Development
There was a strong economic foundation during the reign of Perumals. Along with agriculture, trade also flourished during that period. The spice trade with foreign countries and the customs duties (taxes) collected through ports, resulted in the economic changes in the Perumal kingdom. The commercial activities of trading groups like Anchuvannam, Manigramam, Valanjiar, and Nanadesikal, which were prevalent throughout South India at that time, helped the economic development in this region.
Cultural Life
During the Perumal rule, there were significant changes in the cultural sphere as well.
By the beginning of the 12th Century, the rule of the Perumals disintegrated. Thus, the political unity of the regions under their rule was lost. Consequently, many Nadus that were part of the Perumal kingdom became independent.
NADUVAZHI SWAROOPAMS
- The Nadus that were part of the Perumal kingdom later came to be known as Naduvazhi Swaroopams and these were under the control of the Naduvazhis.
- Swaroopams were self-governing regions that existed based on the ‘Marumakkathayam’ system (matrilineal inheritance). Joint families based on the ‘Marumakkathayam’ system controlled the ‘Swaroopams’. ,
- Makkathayam and Marumakkathayam were the inheritance systems prevalent in ancient Kerala.
- Makkathayam is the system of inheritance from father to children whereas Marumakkathayam was a- system by which right of inheritance was passed to the sons of the sister in the family.
The important Naduvazhi Swaroopams included Kolathunadu (Kannur),
Nediyiruppu (Kozhikode), Perumpadappu (Kochi), and Trippappur (Venad). With the expansion of Naduvazhi rule, the Janmi system (landlordism) became widespread. The Janmi system was the system that controlled the socio-economic and political spheres in medieval Kerala. The rise of Naduvazhi Swaroopams was the result of expansion of the Janmi System.
| Kolathunadu Swaroopam | Ruled from Kannur as its centre |
| The ruler was known as ‘Kolathiri’. | |
| Nediyiruppu Swaroopam | Ruled from Kozhikode as its centre |
| The ruler was known as ‘Samoothiri (Zamorin). | |
| The fame of Samoothiri raised after he had become the protector (rakshapurusha) of the Mamankam festival. | |
| Perumpadappu Swaroopam | The Kodungallur region became Perumpadappu Swaroopam. |
| It was later known as the ‘Kochi Royal Family’. | |
| Trippappur Swaroopam (Venad) | The Swaroopam situated at Southern part of Kerala. |
| Later it evolved into the powerful princely state of Travancore. |
- Venad developed into the powerful princely state of Travancore during the reign of Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma.
- It was Sakthan Thampuran who transformed the Perumpadappu Swaroopam into the Kochi kingdom.
Reforms introduced by Marthanda Varma and Sakthan Thampuran
| Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma | Sakthan Thampuran |
| Suppressed the Madambis and Ettuveettil Pillamar, the powerful landlords | Suppressed the Naduvazhis |
| Measured and surveyed the land in the kingdom | Established trade centres |
| Performed Thrippadidanam | Initiated the Thrissur Pooram. |
Kerala, once part of the ancient Tamizhakam emerged as a distinct political region under the rule of the Perumals. But, the collapse of Perumal rule led to the disintegration of this political unity. The emergence of independent and autonomous Naduvazhi Swaroopams significantly altered the socio-economic and political structures of medieval Kerala. Later, the princely states that evolved from these Naduvazhi Swaroopams were unified to form the modem state of Kerala.
Thrippadidanam
On January 3, 1750, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma performed Thrippadidanam. He surrendered his sword, the symbol of his authority, to Sree Padmanabha, the family deity of Travancore, and became a Padmanabhadasa (servant of Lord Padmanabha). This is known as Thrippadidanam. This was part of the changes Marthanda Varma brought about in the administration of Travancore to counter the excessive threat from landlords.
Mamankam
Mamankam was a festival celebrated once every twelve years on the banks of the Bharathappuzha at Thirunavaya. The Zamorin later seized the protectorship (rakshapurusha) of Mamankam from the Valluvakkonathiri, the ruler of Valluvanad.