ICSE CLASS 6 HISTORY CHAPTER-THE EARLY VEDIC PERIOD NOTES AND EXERCISE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

ICSE CLASS 6 HISTORY CHAPTER-THE EARLY VEDIC PERIOD NOTES AND EXERCISE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

The Early Vedic Period

1. Give an account of the various stages of the Aryan settlement in India.

Ans - The Aryans entered India in main two stages and took several centuries to bring India under their control. The first settled in sapta sindhu. The region is named Brahmavarta which means the land of the gods. The period between 1500 BCE and 1000 BCE during which they lived here is known as the Early Vedic Period.

2. Name the four Vedas. How have they come down to us?

Ans - The four Vedas are the followings-

i. Rigveda ii. Atharva Veda iii. Sama Veda iv. Yajur Veda. 

Veda have come down orally handed down from generation to generation and were finally recorded in books.

3. How did the Rajan rule his tribe? What features of the political system show that he was not an absolute ruler?

Ans - The Rajan did not have absolute power because the members of two councils Sabha and Samiti exercised control over the king. They advised and guided the king.

4. What were the main forms of recreation of the Aryans?

Ans - The main forms of recreation of the Aryans were horse racing, chariot racing, and hunting. They also did the gambling with dice. They were found in outdoor activities. They also like music and dance.

5. Name the gods worshipped by the Rig Vedic Aryans. 

How did they worship their gods?

Ans - Aryans worshiped the different forces of nature as gods and goddesses. They worshiped Indra, Agni, Surya, Varuna, Vayu, Soma, Prithvi, Usha and Yama. The Aryans did not built temples for worship. They worshipped in open air by recited prayers in praise of these gods and making offerings grain, ghee and milk. People recited prayers in praise of these gods for good health, for the birth of sons and for cattle.

6. Name the four classes in the Rig Vedic period. Who were the members of each of these classes?

Ans - The  four classes in the Rig Vedic period are following-

i. Brahmanas : They were educated priests and scholars who performed religious rites and imparted education.

ii. Kshatriyas : They were the soldiers and protect the tribe from outside attacks.

iii. Vaishyas : They were the farmer's traders and craftsmen. They had to shoulder the entire responsibility of society.

iv. Shudras : They formed the lowest order of society and served the other three groups and did menial jobs.

7. What was the main occupation of early Aryans?

Ans - The Aryans were essentially pastoral people. Their main occupation was farming and cattle rearing.