Culture and Science, Class- VI,Subject- Social science,Solved exercises

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B. Write T for True and F for False statements

1. The image of the main deity was placed at the mandapa of the temples.
➡️ False (It was placed in the garbhagriha.)


2. The Shore Temple is at Sanchi.
➡️ False (It is at Mahabalipuram.)


3. Aryabhatta and Varahamihira are two great mathematicians and astronomers of ancient India.
➡️ True


4. The Puranas contain stories about various gods and goddesses.
➡️ True


5. The Bhagavad Gita is a part of Ramayana.
➡️ False (It is part of the Mahabharata.)




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C. Fill in the blanks

1. Manimekalai was composed by Sattanar.


2. The Ajanta caves are situated in Maharashtra.


3. Aryabhatta wrote Aryabhatiya.


4. Panchatantra is a set of animal fables composed by Vishnu Sharma.


5. The Five Rathas at Mamallapuram is an example of a free-st

D. Very Short Answer Type Questions (20–30 words)

1. Who composed Manimekalai? What does it describe?

Answer:
Manimekalai was composed by Sattanar. It describes the story of the heroine Manimekalai and highlights Buddhist teachings and ideals.

2. Name two poems of Kalidasa.

Answer:
Two famous poems of Kalidasa are Meghaduta and Ritusamhara.

3. What is the meaning of Panchatantra?

Answer:
Panchatantra means “Five Principles” or “Five Strategies.” It is a collection of short animal stories that teach moral lessons.

4. Which part of the temple is the garbhagriha?

Answer:
The garbhagriha is the innermost and most sacred chamber of a temple where the main deity’s idol is placed.

5. Name two rock-cut temples.

Answer:
Two rock-cut temples are Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves.


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E. Short Answer Type Questions (50–60 words)

1. Describe secular literature.

Answer:
Secular literature includes all writings that are not related to religion. It deals with subjects such as grammar, poetry, drama, astronomy, medicine, mathematics, and political science. These works provide knowledge about society, culture, and scientific achievements of ancient India.

2. Write a note on the two main Tamil epics.

Answer:
The two main Tamil epics are Silappadikaram and Manimekalai. Silappadikaram, written by Ilango Adigal, tells the story of Kannagi. Manimekalai, written by Sattanar, is a sequel to Silappadikaram and reflects Buddhist philosophy and teachings.

3. Who was Aryabhata? Appraise his contribution to science.

Answer:
Aryabhata was a great mathematician and astronomer of ancient India. He wrote the Aryabhatiya, explained the value of π, introduced the concept of zero, and stated that the Earth rotates on its axis. His discoveries greatly advanced mathematics and astronomy.

4. Distinguish between the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

Answer:
The Mahabharata, written by Ved Vyasa, is the story of the conflict between the Kauravas and Pandavas and contains the Bhagavad Gita. The Ramayana, written by Valmiki, narrates the life and adventures of Lord Rama. Both are important epics but differ in theme and characters.

5. What do you understand by the Puranas?

Answer:
The Puranas are ancient Hindu religious texts containing stories about gods, goddesses, creation of the universe, kings, and traditions. They were written in simple language to spread religious ideas among common people. They also describe festivals and rituals.


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F. Long Answer Type Questions (80–100 words)

1. What was the valuable contribution of Indians in the field of medicine?

Answer:
Ancient Indians made remarkable contributions in medicine through the works of Charaka and Sushruta. Charaka is known as the father of Ayurveda and wrote the Charaka Samhita, explaining diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Sushruta is considered the father of surgery. He wrote the Sushruta Samhita and described surgical instruments, plastic surgery, and operations like cataract removal. Their scientific methods laid the foundation of Indian medical science.

2. What are stupas? Describe the architecture of the stupas.

Answer:
Stupas are dome-shaped Buddhist structures built over relics of Buddha or Buddhist monks. A typical stupa consists of a hemispherical dome (anda), built on a circular base. It has a harmika (square railing on top), a yasti (central pillar), and chhatras (umbrella-like structures). Stupas are surrounded by a pradakshina patha for circumambulation. The gateways, or toranas, are beautifully carved.

3. Explain the salient features of the earliest Hindu temples. Give examples to support your Answer.
Answer: The earliest Hindu temples were simple Answer: structures made of bricks and stone. They usually had a garbhagriha for the deity, a mandapa for worshippers, and sometimes a shikhara above the sanctum. These temples had beautiful carvings and sculptures. Examples include the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh and the rock-cut temples of Ellora and Mahabalipuram.

4. Elaborate on the development of painting in India. Give examples to support your answer.

Answer:
Indian painting developed significantly during ancient times. The Ajanta Caves contain beautiful murals illustrating the life of Buddha. The Ellora and Bagh caves show detailed frescoes. Early paintings used natural colours and depicted religious themes, nature, and daily life. They show India’s artistic skills and creativity. These artworks remain masterpieces of ancient Indian art.

5. There was no shortage of secular literature in Ancient India. Support this statement with examples.

Answer:
Ancient India produced a wide range of secular literature that was not connected to religion. Works on astronomy like Aryabhatiya, on medicine like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, on grammar like Ashtadhyayi by Panini, and on politics like Arthashastra by Kautilya are important examples. Literary works like Meghaduta, Kalidasa’s plays, and fables like Panchatantra further prove the richness of secular writing.


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G. Differentiate between the following

1. The Jataka Tales and the Panchatantra

Jataka Tales Panchatantra

Answer:

Stories about previous births of Buddha. Collection of animal fables teaching moral lessons.
Buddhist religious literature. Secular literature.
Focus on moral values and karma. Focus on practical wisdom for life.



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2. Rock-cut temples and free-standing temples

Rock-cut Temples Free-standing Temples

Answer:

Carved out of a single rock or hillside. Built by assembling stone blocks or bricks.
Example: Ajanta, Ellora. Example: Five Rathas, early stone temples.
More like caves with carvings. Independent structures with pillars and halls.



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