Class 6 Social Science - BIHAR
History: Timeline and Sources of History
The chapter 'History: Timeline and Sources of History' introduces Class 6 students to the fascinating world of the past. It explains how historians divide time into Pre-history, Proto-history, and History using dates, BCE, and CE. Students will learn about the valuable sources of history, categorized into archaeological sources (monuments, coins, inscriptions, artifacts) and literary sources (religious books, secular literature, accounts of foreign travelers). Understanding these concepts helps Bihar Board students grasp how we reconstruct past events, understand human evolution, and value our rich cultural heritage, forming a crucial foundation for board examinations.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Timeline and Dating
History is measured using a timeline divided into BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era), where BCE dates count backwards and CE dates move forward.
Archaeological Sources
Physical remains of the past such as old buildings, coins, pottery, tools, and inscriptions studied by archaeologists to understand ancient lifestyles.
Literary Sources
Written records of the past including handwritten manuscripts on palm leaves and bark, religious texts, and secular literature.
Inscriptions
Writing carved on hard surfaces like rocks, metal pillars, and cave walls, which provide important historical facts and royal decrees.
Foreign Accounts
Travelogues and diaries written by travelers, pilgrims, and ambassadors who visited India and recorded their observations about our society.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar Board Class 6 Social Science examinations, this chapter typically carries around 5 to 8 marks. Questions usually include objective fill-in-the-blanks, short answer questions defining terms like manuscripts or inscriptions, and distinguishing between archaeological and literary sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BCE and CE?
BCE means Before Common Era and counts years backwards before the birth of Jesus Christ, while CE means Common Era and counts years forward from year 1.
Why are coins and inscriptions important for history?
Coins and inscriptions are direct archaeological evidence that do not get tampered with easily, helping us know about kings, dates, trade, and languages of ancient times.
What are manuscripts?
Manuscripts are handwritten books from the past, usually written on palm leaves or specially prepared bark of the birch tree.
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