Q1.
Classify the following sources of history and give reasons accordingly:
Sr.
Name of the source Classification Reason
No.
Text written on Inscriptions →
a.
temple walls Archaeological Source
Archaeological Source →
b. Red Fort
Monument
Seals of Harappa Archaeological Source →
c.
civilization Artefact/Object
Literary Source → Religious
d. Mahabharata
text
Oral Source →
e. Folk songs
Cultural/Literary
Q2. Complete the paragraph with the suitable words given below:
(Human Development Burial Site objects sources timeline chronology
Scholars’ history archaeologist monuments scientists)
History is the study of __________________ from the earliest time to the recent years. History is
studied through various _________. __________________ is a very important aspect of studying
history as it deals with series of events. _____________ who studies history is called historians. The
historians arrange events of history in sequence according to the time period on a ________
______________________ is an expert who is trained in excavating and exploring old remains to
study history. The important reason to study __________ is to understand our roots and link our lives
to the past.
Read the following passage and answer the following questions:
To study the history of human civilization, experts often use terms and tools that help them place
events and cultures in a timeline. One such term is BCE, which stands for Before Common Era. It
refers to the years before the beginning of the Gregorian calendar, much like the older term BC
(Before Christ).
A key field that helps us explore ancient times is archaeology. Archaeology is the study of past
cultures through the material remains left behind by people. These remains include things like pottery,
tools, buildings, inscriptions, and other artefacts. By examining these objects, archaeologists can
reconstruct how people lived, what they believed in, and how their societies were structured.
Often, we learn about such findings through the journals or notes of professionals working in the field.
In one such journal, a person describes discovering seals that resemble those found at Harappa,
along with metal objects. From the nature of these observations, it's clear that the writer is likely an
archaeologist, someone who specializes in excavating and analyzing ancient remains.
The materials found during excavations—like seals, tools, and ornaments—are known as sources in
historical study. These archaeological sources are incredibly valuable because they provide direct
evidence about the lives of people from ancient civilizations. For example, seals from Harappa give
insight into the script, trade, and religious practices of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Such sources are essential for historians and archaeologists, as they help reconstruct life in ancient
times. Through these materials, researchers can better understand a civilization’s culture, tools,
economy, social structures, and its connections to other societies. Each discovery adds a new piece
to the puzzle of our shared human history.
a) BCE stands for what?
(b) Explain Archaeology.
(c) What do you think is the profession of the person whose journal we are referring?
(d) The material used by historians for study is called sources. What are the sources the person is
referring to in the journal?
(e) How are these sources useful to the people who are studying history?
Q4. Application Based Questions:
1.You are writing a letter to a friend about the importance of studying history. What are some of the
reasons you would give?
2.You find an old, rusted metal box in your attic. What kind of historical source is it? How could it help
you learn about your family's past?
3. Explain with an example from the ancient period that why is it important to consult multiple sources
(like archaeological findings, written records, and oral traditions) when studying history?
Q5. Study the Timeline and answer the following questions:
2500 BCE - 1900 BCE:
1500 BCE - 500 BCE:
322 BCE - 185 BCE:
320 CE - 550 CE:
712 CE:
1192 CE:
1526 CE:
1757 CE:
1857 CE:
1947 CE:
Questions:
What is the earliest civilization mentioned on the timeline?
Which empire came after the Mauryan Empire?
How many years passed between the end of the Gupta Empire and the establishment of
the Delhi Sultanate?
Which event marks the beginning of the Mughal Empire?
What happened in the year 1947?
Which period on the timeline is the longest?
What event on the timeline signifies the start of British rule in India?
How many years passed between the end of the Indus Valley Civilization and the
beginning of the Vedic period?
Based on the timeline, which period lasted for the shortest duration?
If you were to continue this timeline, what event would be next after 1947?
