The Foundation Stones of History Class 7 Notes Questions and Answers Social Chapter 12

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Class 7 Social Science Chapter 12 The Foundation Stones of History Notes Questions and Answers

The Foundation Stones of History Class 7 Notes Pdf

Class 7 Social Science Chapter 12 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Question 1.
Find out the sources used for preparing Local history write-up?
Answer:
Archaeological evidence, Inscriptions, Literary works, Monuments, Coins, Artifacts, Travelogues.

Question 2.
Conduct a panel discussion on the topic ‘History and Local History,’ after finding more details.
Answer:
(Hints) Using given points conduct a panel discussion in your class.

• History relies on official records, manuscripts, and inscriptions, while local history uses oral traditions, local records, and folklore.
• History has a broader, national or global scope, while local history focuses on specific regions or communities.
• History sources are centralised in archives or museums, whereas local history sources are found within communities or personal collections.
• History involves formal documentation and analysis, while local history emphasises informal, cultural sources.
• History faces challenges like biases in records and losses in conflicts, while local history struggles with the loss of oral traditions and limited preservation.

Question 3.
Do lithic monuments exist in your locality? Prepare a write-up about a lithic monument you know.
Answer:
Yes, The Muniyara Dolmens of Kerala, located in Marayoor near Munnar, are remarkable lithic monuments that provide a glimpse into the megalithic era. These dolmens are ancient burial chambers constructed with large stone slabs, arranged to form rectangular or polygonal enclosures, often covered by a single capstone. Believed to date back to 1000 BCE to 500 CE, they reflect the burial practices and architectural skills of early inhabitants. The Muniyara Dolmens are set amidst scenic landscapes, adding to their historical and cultural significance. These monuments not only serve as archaeological treasures but also highlight the early human settlements and their ways of commemorating the dead in Kerala’s prehistoric times.

Question 4.
Observe the stone plaque in your school. You might have seen these types of inscriptions in public buildings and places of worship in your locality. What information can be obtained from such stone slabs that helps to write the history of that institution?
Answer:
Date of Establishment, Founders and Contributors, Historical Context, etc.

Question 5.
There may be forts and palaces in your district too. Prepare a short description on them.
Answer:
(Hint) Write down a short description of forts and palaces in your district as like given example: Anchuthengu Fort is a historic fort located in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. Built by the British East India Company in 1696, it served as a key military base for the British during their colonial rule in India. The fort is strategically situated near the Arabian Sea, making it an important site for maritime defence. The fort’s structure includes a few remaining walls and watchtowers, reflecting the typical design of military forts of that era. Anchuthengu Fort is also historically significant for being one of the first British trading stations in Kerala. Though much of the original structure has deteriorated over time, the fort remains a reminder of Kerala’s colonial past and is an important heritage site for visitors interested in the region’s history.

Sakthan Thampuran Palace is a historic royal residence located in Thrissur, Kerala. Built in the 18th century, the palace is named after Sakthan Thampuran, the ruler of Cochin, who played a significant role in the region’s history. The palace is an excellent example of traditional Kerala architecture, featuring a blend of indigenous and colonial styles. It includes a central courtyard, wooden ceilings, and intricately carved doors and windows. The palace also has a well- maintained garden. Today, it houses a museum that showcases artifacts, royal memorabilia, and art from the era, offering a glimpse into the region’s royal past.

Question 6.
Conduct a seminar in the class on the topic ‘Archaeological Sources.’
Answer:
(Hints) Prepare a seminar by including the given steps:
Topic: ‘Archaeological Sources.”
Introduction
Definition
Types of Archaeological Sources
Importance of Archaeological Sources
Methods Used in Archaeological Sites
Conclusion

Question 7.
Identify the districts where the following monuments are located.

Answer:
Karumaadikkuttan Memorial – Alappuzha
Suspension-bridge of Punalur (Thookkupalam) – Kollam
Synagogue – Ernakulam
Chandragiri Fort – Kasaragod
Wagon Tragedy Memorial – Malappuram

Question 8.
This is a description about Kozhikode port by Abdur Razzaq, a persian traveller who came to Kozhikode in the 15th century. What can you find out from this description?
Answer:

• Maritime business existed.
• The entire responsibility of the market is vested with the King.
• 1 / 40 of the goods brought to the market should be paid as tax.
• Pepper is the important export item

Question 9.
Find travel literature from the school library and read the sections related to Kerala and organise a class discussion.
Answer:
(Hints) Organise a discussion by reading the books given below.

• “The Book of Duarte Barbosa”
• “The Travels of Ibn Battuta”
• “The Book of Marco Polo”
• “Kerala: God’s Own Country” by O.V. Vijayan

Question 10.
Examine the autobiographies and biographies available in the class library and find out the passages helpful for writing history.
Answer:
(Hints) Read the autobiographies and biographies given below and find out the passages helpful for writing history.

• “My Experiments with Truth” by Mahatma Gandhi
• “Wings of Fire” by A.P.J. by Abdul Kalam
• “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank
• “The Story of My Life” by Helen Keller

Question 11.
Prepare a magazine collecting news that came in the newspapers on your locality and the events that happened there.
Answer:
(Hints) As given below, collect news that came in the newspapers in your locality and the events that happened there.

Question 12.
Observe the locality where you live, and prepare a table.
Answer:
(Hints) Prepare a table as like the given example.

Name of the locality: Valiyaparamb	Village: Pala
Village: Pala	District: Ernakulam

Types of soil: Black Soil Types of plants: Coconut tree, Mango tree, etc Types of animals: Cow, Goat, etc Agricultural crops: Rice, Pulses, etc Types of agriculture: Wetland, Dairy farming, etc Occupation: Farmer, Fishing, etc Water sources: Bore well

Institutions: Police station, Hospital, etc Transport and communication facilities: Roadways, Waterways, etc and telephone, Postal services, etc. Places of worship: Temple, Church, etc. Dairy Festivals: Bonnathale, Carnival, etc. Food culture: Sadhya, Biriyani, etc. Style of dressing: Saree, Mundu and Dhothi, etc. Entertainments: Theater, Parks, etc. Literary works: Oru Desathinte Katha,Khasakkinte Itihasam, etc. Art forms: Kathakali, Theyyam, etc.

Question 13.
Prepare a table on regional data after consulting the elders in your family/locality.

Name of the locality	OLD	NEW
Institutions
Occupation
Agriculture
Style of dressing
Food culture
Transportation facilities

Answer:
(Hints) By visiting the elders in your family/locality prepare and fill the given table below.

Question 14.
Search the way in which your locality got its name, prepare notes and add the same to School Wiki.
Answer:
(Hints) By visiting the elders in your family/locality and find out the history of your locality and write down the changes in your place name. Then add to School Wiki.

Question 15.
This document kept in the Tamil Nadu Archives throws light on the freedom struggle of Kerala. What are the details mentioned in this document?
Answer:

• On 17th May 1930, people broke the British Salt Law at Calicut Beach.
• Gujaratis in Calicut actively participated.
• Volunteers from Travancore joined the protest to support the cause.
• Protesters made salt by distilling seawater, which was banned by the British.
• They carried materials to make salt and shouted anti-British slogans in a procession.
• The police acted brutally to stop the protest and arrest volunteers.
• P. Krishna Pillai and Abdul Rahman Sahib showed great courage.
• They protected the freedom struggle flag from being taken by the police.
• It showed how people in Kerala fought against unfair British laws.
• Leaders like Krishna Pillai and Abdul Rahman Sahib became heroes of the freedom struggle.

Question 16.
Observe the deed document/lease document of your property and note down the details.
Answer:
(Hints) Include more points in this by observing the deed document/lease document of your property.

• Name of the Parties Involved
• Property Description
• Lease or Sale Terms
• Rights and Responsibilities

Question 17.
Which are the regional varieties of paddy seeds referred to in these lines?
Answer:
Kooran, Chozhan, Pazhavari, Kurakkonganam, Vennakkannan, Modan, Kadan, Kuruva, Kodiyan, Panki, Ponkali, Chennel, Anakkodan, Kiliyira Kanangariyan Veeravithan.

Extended Activities

Question 1.
Write the history of your area by collecting and analysing the necessary details, based on the sources referred to in the chapter.
Answer:
(Hints)

• Introduction (name, location, and a brief overview)
• Ancient History (Check if your area is mentioned in ancient texts or inscriptions, research local legends or myths for connections to its past)
• Medieval History (Rulers or kingdoms controlled your area, major events like battles trade) Colonial/Modern History (Freedom fighters or movements)
• Cultural Heritage (Main festivals, traditions, languages, folk stories or local legends)
• Geography and Economy (near a river, mountain, or forest, main crops or industries)
• Recent Developments (education, roads, buildings, popular tourist spots)
• Conclusion (Suggest the importance of preserving its heritage)

Question 2.
Conduct a debate with the local historians and those who are interested in writing the local history of your place.
Answer:
(Hints) Conduct a debate on these points:

• Importance of local historians in writing local history.
• Importance of role of technology in writing local history.
• Problems faced by local histotians.

Question 3.
Prepare a description after visiting the historical monuments or palaces of your area.
Answer:
(Hints) Prepare a description of the palaces or historical monuments of your area on the basis of the given steps.

• Introduction (Start with the name and location of the monument or palace)
• Brief History
• Architecture and Design
• Important Features
• Surroundings and Environment
• Cultural and Historical Significance
• Personal Experience
• Conclusion

Question 4.
Collect ancient and modern coins of different countries and prepare an album after identifying the period, country and other features.
Answer:
Collect coins of different countries and prepare the album according to the given model.

Question 5.
Prepare the history of your school and add it to School Wiki.
Answer:
(Hints) Prepare the history of your school by considering the given points.
Foundation (Year of Establishment, Founder, Purpose)
Development (Major milestones in infrastructure development, Growth in the number of students and teachers over the years)
Achievements (Academic achievements, Extracurricular accomplishments, Awards or recognitions received by the school or students)
Special Events (Memorable occasions)
Current Status (Total number of students and teachers, Facilities available, Programs or initiatives that make the school unique)
Future Plans (Planned developments or projects. e.g., new technology, expanded facilities).

Class 7 Social Science The Foundation Stones of History Notes Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Define Local History.
Answer:
Local history is the minute and comprehensive documentation of a small geographical region, a person or an event.

Question 2.
Write a short note about History.
Answer:
History is the branch of study that scientifically records the past based on evidence. Several pieces of evidence that are necessary for reconstructing history have been left behind in various forms by each period. The writing of history is the process of collecting these pieces of evidence for scientific analysis and documenting the past.

Question 3.
Differentiate between History and Local History.
Answer:

History	Local History
Documents the history of a vast region, place or country.	A minute level of enquiry of the history of a small region, subjects or events apart from World History, the history of a nation or a province.
History is recorded using written documents, archaeological evidences and historical remains.	Local festivals, cuisines, customs, traditions and oral traditions become a part of the historical writing.
Assesses past events, cultures and societies with a broad perspective.	By democratising history, due representation is given to regions, peoples and events that have been left out of main stream history.

Question 4.
What are the main sources of history?
Answer:
The main sources of history are: Archaeological Remains, Monuments, Literary Works,, Travelogues, Newspapers, Official Documents

Question 5.
What are lithic monuments? Give examples found in Kerala.
Answer:
Lithic monuments are large stone structures, also known as Megalithic monuments. Examples in Kerala include Kudakkallu, Thoppikkallu, etc.

Question 6.
What is called Muniyara?
Answer:
These monuments were used to bury the mortal remains of people in ancient times.

Question 7.
What is the significance of Edakkal Cave?
Answer:
Edakkal Cave, located in Wayanad, is important because it contains ancient engravings and pictures that provide information about the life of humans in the Stone Age.

Question 8.
What are inscriptions, and where can they be found in Kerala?
Answer:
Inscriptions are messages or statements engraved on materials like stones, metal plates, or palm leaves. Important inscriptions in Kerala include Tharisappally Inscriptions (Kollam), Jewish Copper Plate (Mattancherry) and Paliyam Copper Plate (Alappuzha)

Question 9.
What are the main forts in Kerala?
Answer:
Some major forts in Kerala are: Bekal Fort (Kasaragod), Kannur Fort, Palakkad Fort and Anchuthengu Fort.

Question 10.
What is Numismatics?
Answer:
Numismatics is the study of coins. Coins give us information about the economic, political, and cultural history of the period they were used.

Question 11.
Match the following

Traveller	Region/Country
Megasthenes	Persia
Abdur Razzaq	Portugal
Marco Polo	China
Ibn Battuta	Venice
Ma Huan	Greece
Barbosa	Morocco

Answer:

Traveller	Region/Country
Megasthenes	Greece
Abdur Razzaq	Persia
Marco Polo	Venice
Ibn Battuta	Morocco
Ma Huan	China
Barbosa	Portugal

Question 12.
What is known as Sangam literature?
Answer:
Sangam literature in Tamil throws light on the ancient history of Kerala. Pathittupathu, Purananuru, Akananuru, Kurumtokai, Nattinai, etc., are major literary works belonging to the Sangam period.

Question 13.
Write the statements, whether True or False.
a) Local history can be written by studying only official documents.
b) The term ‘Koyilkotta’ means ‘a palace protected with a fort’.
c) Oral history is only useful if it is collected from written documents.
d) Family history is not a useful source for writing local history.
Answer:
a) False
b) True
c) False
d) False

Question 14.
Why is oral history important for writing local history?
Answer:
Oral history is important because it provides direct accounts and memories of people who have experienced the past, giving insights into cultural practices, changes, and events that may not be written down anywhere else.

Question 15.
What can place names tell us about local history?
Answer:
Place names can provide clues about the geography and history of the area. For example, Kozhikode was originally called Koyilkotta, meaning “a palace protected with a fort,” which reflects its past.

Question 16.
How can official documents be useful in writing local history?
Answer:
Official documents like census reports, survey reports, and court records provide accurate information about the population, governance, and significant events of a region, helping us understand its past.

Question 17.
Explain the role of oral history and memories in writing local history.
Answer:
Oral history is the memories collected from a generation that has direct experiences. Collecting the memories of the elders of the place chosen for writing local history is very important. It is essential to have oral descriptions to collect information on institutions, transport facilities, style of dressing and food culture of a locality, to write the history of that place. The memories of different persons on these matters will help in reconstructing history. These memories help us to analyse the practices that existed in the society and the changes that were effected in due course. It is essential to verify the oral information collected, with other sources, to ensure credibility.

Question 18.
Discuss the importance of family history in local history writing.
Answer:
The history of families is an important literary source in local history writing. It is the responsibility of the local historian to collect information on the interventions or contributions made by individuals to the growth and progress of a village or a region after ensuring the credibility of the information.

Question 19.
Write down the key points to write the local history. Explain any two key points.
Answer:
Physiographic Features, Historical monuments, Occupation/ Means of Living, Survival models, Cultural institutions, Land relations, Patriotism, Local self-government bodies and development and Bibliography theses are the things to be noted to write the local history.
Physiographic Features: The accurate geographical boundaries and natural features (mountain, river, watershed) of a place should be there in the history writing when it is selected for writing local history.
Historical monuments: There should be reference to the places of habitation, megaliths, stone inscriptions, forts, places of worship, and the like.

Question 20.
Write down the structure for writing local history.
Answer:
Local history writing helps us in retrieving our lost culture. Finding the changes that continuously happen in life, formulating ways to future plans and sharing the future generations a detailed information of the history of the place are the aims of writing local history. The major steps for writing local history are:

• Title
• Content/Declaration of the student
• Certificate
• Acknowledgement
• Introduction
• Chapters
• Conclusion
• References (names of those who were interviewed, places visited, institutions, etc.)
• Appendices (photos, songs, questionnaire)
• Bibliography

Std 7 Social Science The Foundation Stones of History Notes

• History is the branch of study that scientifically records the past based on evidence. Several pieces of evidence that are necessary for reconstructing history have been left behind in various forms by each period.
• Local history is the minute and comprehensive documentation of a small geographical region, a person or an event.
• Archaeological remains, Monuments, Literary works, Travelogues, Newspapers, Official documents, etc, are the main sources for writing history.
• Lithic monuments, caves, ancient inscriptions, forts and palaces, coins etc., are the major sources of archaeological remains.
• Nannangadis are large clay urns used in the Megalithic period for burying dead bodies. In these big earthen jars, mortal remains are buried and covered under soil.
• Some important caves are situated at Edakkal (Wayanad), Marayoor (Idukki), Aancode (Thiruvananthapuram) and Thenmala and Kottukkal (Kollam).
• Metal plates, Stones, and Palm leaves are several such inscriptions that have been found in different parts of Kerala.
• Tharisappally inscriptions (Kollam), Jewish Copper Plate (Mattancherry) and Paliyam Copper Plate (Alappuzha) are major inscriptions found in Kerala.
• Forts give us information on the different phases of Kerala and its rulers. Bekal Fort, Kannur Fort, Palakkad Fort and Anchuthengu Fort are the major forts in Kerala.
• The study of coins is called Numismatics. The coins that were found from different parts of Kerala are known under the names Kasu, Achu, Panam, Anantharayan Panam and Sulthan Kasu.
• The famous scholastic assembly named Revathy Pattathanam during the reign of the Zamorin was conducted at the Thali Temple. Mishkal mosque was the major war spot of the Zamorin against the Portuguese. The Devamatha Cathedral, built in 1513, is a memorial of the Portuguese presence.
• Observation of the locality, Local knowledge, Rites and rituals, Songs, Mortgage documents and deeds, Official documents, Place names, etc., are certain sources that help us in the writing of local history.
• Physiographic Features, Historical monuments, Occupation/Means of living, Survival models, Cultural institutions, Land relations, Patriotism, Local self-government bodies and development and Bibliography are the things to be noted when we attempt to write the local history of an area.
• Local history writing helps us in retrieving our lost culture.