Class 6 History Notes
Table of Contents
Introduction to Class 6 History
These comprehensive Class 6 History notes follow the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) syllabus and cover all important topics from ancient civilizations to the rise of Islamic civilization. The notes include multiple choice questions, short questions, and detailed answers to help students master the subject.
Objective Part
Unit 1: World Ancient Civilization
Unit 2: The Ancient Civilization
Unit 3: Persian Greeks and Romans
Unit 4: Aryans, Kushans, Guptas
Unit 5: Rise of Islamic Civilization
Subjective Part
Unit 1: Short Questions
History: History is the study of past. The "History" is derived from the Greek word "Historia" Which means seeking knowledge through inquiry, narratives and historical records.
Early River valley civilizations are
- Mesopotamia civilization
- Egypt Civilization
- Indus Valley Civilization
- China Civilization
Main inventions of Sumerians are hoes, knives, adzes, as well as clay artifacts such as sickles, bricks, painted pottery and porcelains that are still use today.
Duties of Pharaoh: Pharaoh's responsibilities included
- Uniting Egypt.
- Leading in good and bad time.
- Issuing orders.
- Participations in religious ceremonies.
Ans: The Mummies and Mummification: The Ancient Egyptians believed in the concept of afterlife. This was primary reason for the ancient ritual of mummifications. The body was cloth-wrapped and adorned with jewels and charms. A mask bearing the likeness of the deceased was placed on the face. Drinks, foods, and riches were buried with mummy.
Ans: Cuneiform was an ancient system of writing invented by the Sumerians.
Unit 2: Short Questions
Inventions & Discoveries: During the Shang and Zhou periods, the Chinese studied the movement of the Planets, recorded eclipses, and developed and accurate calendar. As China's Bronze Age reached its peak, the Shang Dynasty produced writing system, exquisite bronze vessels, horse-drawn Chariot and Weapons.
Mehrgarh is thought to be the forerunner of the Indus Valley Civilization. Between 7000 to 5500 BC, Mehrgarh was a small pre-indus farming and pastoralist settlement located at the foot of the Bolan Pass in Baluchistan, Pakistan.
Layout of Harappa Town: The Houses were made up of hundred bricks. Streets were fairly wide having a width between 10, 20 feet. Beneath the streets were many small drains that carried waste and sewerage towards the main drains out of the city. There were two very important buildings found in the Indus Valley, the Stamp and a public bath.
Ans: Seals were used in ancient times for trade as trademarks.
Ans: Archaeologists believe that the society in Indus valley was divided into four main classes:
- Priest,
- Warriors
- Traders and
- Working class.
Unit 3: Short Questions
Origin of Persian: Ancient Iran, also known as Persia, was a historical region of southwestern Asia Closely linked to modern Iran. Early Persians referred to their homeland as Persia.
Both of these civilizations have many similar culinary offerings. Their dishes were common.
The city of Taxila is located in Rawalpindi district in Pakistan. The archeological excavations depict that the city was well developed under the Persian Empire.
The Greek added value to Indian intellect. They introduced industrial technology developed astronomy.
Unit 4: Short Questions
Chandragupta: Around 321 BCE to 185 BCE, Chandragupta established the Mauryan dynasty which is also known as the Pan-Indian Empire. Chandragupta Maurya expanded the power towards the Western and Central part of the Subcontinent.
The Kushans were a tribe that migrated to Gandhara around the first century. They promoted their art of architecture when they conspired India.
The Arthashastra is a Sanskrit book written by Chanakya Kuatilya in ancient Indian about diplomacy, economic policy, and military strategy. Kuatilya also served as an advisor to Chandragupta Maurya.
Kanishka is recognized as the greatest emperor of the Kushan Dynasty.
Stupas are reliquary containing the Buddha's ash. These are mound-like hemisphere at structure.
Unit 5: Short Questions
Ans:
- Holy Prophet was threatened to be killed by the Meceans.
- Qurayish issued a decree to boycott the clan of Banu Hashim. They expelled them out of their homes and sent them to bee desert and were prevented from get up food or water. But Holy Prophet tolerated all hardships and continued preaching Islam.
Islam proved a revolutionary change that spread in Arabia in 7th Century.
The first challenge for Rasulullah was poverty of the believers. The Muhajir (immigrants) who left everything in Makkah and came to Madina were very poor. At the same time their helpers in Madinah (Ansaar) were also financially not very sound. In order to rehabilitate the homeless Muhajireen in Madinah, and to integrate them into the economic and social life of the city, Rasoolullah made them "brother" of the Ansaar. The Ansaar treated the Muhajireen from Makkah better than their real brother. They made them live tin their own houses and made them partners in their business and farming. History cannot produce any other such example of generosity.
Khulafa-e-Rashideen promoted Islam. They promoted equality and justice. They made the Islamic state welfare.
Caliphate of the Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique.
Caliphate of the Hazrat Urner Farooq
Caliphate of the Hazrat Usman Ghani
Caliphate of the Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib.
| Year | Rule | AH | Caliph |
|---|---|---|---|
| 632-634 | 2.5 years | 11 | Hazrat Abu Bakar ( ) |
| 634-644 | 10 years | 13 | Hazrat Urner Farooq ( ) |
| 644-656 | 12 years | 23 | Hazrat Usman Ghani ( ) |
| 656-661 | 405 years | 35 | Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib ( ) |
Detail Questions
Unit 1: Detail Questions
Ans: Babylonian Civilization
Babylonians Civilization was amongst the first empire builders who rose in ancient Mesopotamia. Babylonian cities were built along the Euphrates River. IN 1792 BC, Hammurabi became the first king of Babylon. Under Hammurabi's rule, Babylon developed as the cradle of learning and culture and grew into a powerful city by erecting magnificent and lavish buildings, royal places with compounds, gardens, cemeteries, and ziggurats. In cities like Ur, residential areas were made up of ordinary houses on winding streets dotted with elite housing, shops, and shrines.
Ans: Egyptian Society was organized like a pyramid. The pharaohs were at the top. They were kings and queens of Egypt. Next to him was Vizier. All the other officials reported to the vizier. Other officials who reported to Pharaoh were the priests, army commanders, the chief treasurer, and the minister of public works. Scribes kept track of the finances and recorded taxes and the census. The farmer who lived in small villages always paid the taxes on the crops they grew. These strata of society also provide soldiers in the military and forced labor for building project in the kingdom.
| Step | Summer Valley | Ancient Egypt |
|---|---|---|
| Last one Base | Farmers & Slaves | Workers, Soldiers, Farmers and Builders |
| Second last | Scribes, merchants & Artisans | Artists-craftsman |
| Government | Officials and Priests | Scribes-Merchants |
| King | Physicians-Engineers | |
| Priests-Elite-Officials | ||
| Vizier | ||
| King |
The world's early civilizations developed along the banks of warm river valleys. Egypt is well-known for its Nile River. Agriculture is an important feature of all civilizations. Water tanks, dykes and small dams were built near river banks to store water for irritation of farmlands through water channels.
Status of women in Sumerian Civilization: The Sumerian women had some degree of independence and respect. Many women performed household responsibilities whereas men were regarded as the family's head. Women enjoyed many right in society as a result of their religious beliefs and traditions. Women served as priestesses, and some were so powerful that they could buy and sell property, slaves, run businesses and performed religious ceremonies.
Status of women in Egyptian Civilization: In ancient Egypt, women had rights and freedom, even the ability to become pharaoh, for example Hatshepsut. She was more interested in trade which brought immense wealth to Egypt.
Unit 2: Detail Questions
Ans:
Governance in Shang dynasties: Shan Dynasty was ruled by absolute monarchs' system. This meant that the king was the only one with the authority to make laws in the country, and no one else had the power to dominate him in ancient dynasties, society was organized through social hierarchy.
Religion: They adhered to a polytheistic religion and believed in spirits from nature. Shang's thought was worshipping the spirits of their forefathers would bring blessings and good fortune to their family.
Government in Indus Valley Civilization: In Indus Valley Civilization the governance in Indus Valley was founded on religion and trade who commands coming from great priests or Monarchs. The Indus Valley Civilization had laws to care for nature, to avoid violence, and to pay taxes.
Religion: Polytheism was widespread in the Indus Valley.
Ans: During the Shang and Zhou eras, the empire's economy was mainly based on agriculture. Historians note that the presence of fertile alluvial sediments on either side of yellow river enabled Shang and Zhou people to grow more food. Wealth and skilled labor were available for other innovative works such as Shang tombs, walled cities and the Grand Canal.
Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who flourished around 500 BC. His teachings had a significant impact on the development of Chinese character and way of life. He thought appropriate personal behavior and advised that children should respect their elders. He highlights that a good leader should have a strong moral character and serve as a role model for his people. Confucius believed that the ideals of justice, respect love, wisdom and sincerity are at the heart of good governance. The Confucius Code of Ethical Life is a compilation of lessons that are still relevant in modern china.
Unit 3: Detail Questions
The Greeks were innovative in arts, architecture and science. They built Ancient Theater. They were expert in astronomy. Ancient Greek Vase express their tendency towards arts.
Alexander the great and the Hellenistic Age of Greek Civilization (323BC-31BC)
Alexander the great is one of the exceptional rulers in human history who founded the largest empire the world has ever witnessed. Alexander III of Macedon, also known as Alexander the Great, ascended to the throne in 336 BC.
King Porus and Alexander: Alexander advanced to Indian Punjab in 327 BC where various times surrendered to him King Pours whose kingdom was located between the river Jhelum and Chenab had one of the biggest armies of his time. When Porus was compelled to surrender before Alexander he refused to recognize Alexander's power and challenged him to a battle Porus resisted Alexander successfully and the battle remained indecisive. Alexander was amazed by the boldness and valour of this Indian King.
Alexander desired to go further east in order to conquer India completely but his soldiers refused to continue the campaign.
Ans: Among the many legacies of Rome that impacted the world's culture civilization, the emergence of Christianity as a major world religion was the most significant. The teachings of Jesus Christ were based on peace, forgiveness, love, and equality. Through the Mediterranean, Christianity spread to Egypt, North Africa, Syria, Turkey, and Greece. Rome eventually became the centre of Christianity.
Ans:
Athens: Athens was one of the oldest and most powerful city-states with a known history spanning over 340 years. Ancient Athens was center for philosophy, arts, science and learning which came to be known as the Cradle of Western Civilization. Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum are also housed there. The ancient Athenians had a democratic system of their own.
Sparta: Sparta was also a chief city state in Greece. It was a warrior society. During the Greco-Persian Wars, Sparta was a key force in the Greek military. The assembly in Sparta was made up of elected Spartans. The Spartan's social order was divided into land owning governing family, industrial workers and slaves. All manual labour in the city was performed by slaves, giving Spartan men greater time to engage in military activities.
1: Cyrus the Great:
Ans: Cyrus the Great and Darius The Great: According to Historians, the Persian Empire was founded by Cyrus the Great. He was an outstanding diplomatic ruler and warrior. He was able to build one of the world's largest empires by conquering the Babylonians, Phoenicians and Assyrians. Cyrus always followed the law of the land the conquered. It helped to preserve his power as well as the culture for the future. Cyrus founded the Achaemenid Dynasty.
2: Byzantine Empire:
Ans: The Byzantine Empire, also referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire, was the continuation of the Roman Empire centered in Constantinople during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
Unit 4: Detail Questions
Ans: Social Structure of Aryans: Aryans developed a caste system in India by defining key social standing in society held by native Indians. The four castes were as follows: 1) Brahmins (Priests and teachers. 2) Warriors and rulers are examples of Khatryas. 3) Vaishyas were Merchants, traders, and farmers 4) Shudras, who were the working class. The Dalits were referred to as the Untouchables because they were outside the caste system. Among their responsibilities were cleaning lavatories, sewage, and other jobs considered unclean by upper castes.
Ans: Contribution of Ashoka:
- After the spiritual transformation, Ashoka's administration was mainly focused on the well-being and prosperity of his subjects. The direct collection of taxes on agriculture and provision of justice to the people were the two main pillars of his government.
- He showed his non-violent outlook of life through the edicts or laws carved onto the stones or the pillars of the famous trade routes and the pilgrimage sites in the empire.
- During Ashoka's reign, art and architecture touched their peak. He best surviving examples of Mauryan art are Ashoka's Pillars. They were created by cutting single stone from the grey Chunar. There are around 30 pillars located throughout the Indian Subcontinent.
Ans: Similarities in art and architecture of Kushans and Guptas:
- Kushan art, the art of the Kushan Empire in Northern Indian Flourished between the 1st and the 4th Century. It blended the traditions of Guptas.
- Their Cultural creativities were magnificent architecture sculptures and paintings.
- They used the art of ancient Greece.
- The style of Kushan art work was stiff, hieratic and frontal.
- They used spotted red stones.
- Beautiful temples, monasteries and other official buildings of both the civilizations are magnificent and were like each other.
Ans: Importance of Ajanta and Ellora:
- Ajanta and Ellora are renowned masterpieces of Buddhist religious art and have had a significant impact on India's art history. The Ajanta and Ellora caves are carved into the mountains. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Ellora has 34 caves dating from the 6th to 11th centuries AD, whereas Ajanta has 29th caves spanning from the 2nd Century BC to the 6th Century AD
- Ajanta cave are all Buddhist, but Ellora's caves are a mix of Buddhist Hindu, and Jain caves. The Ajanta Caves are carved into a 75 Meter (246 foot) rock wall.
- Ajanta caves contain ancient monasteries and worship halls of several Buddhist schools. According to the ancient Indian texts, Ellora Caves were used as a monks' monsoon retreat and a resting place for merchants and pilgrims. Various emperors contributed funds to the construction of the caves. The rock-cut sculptures, murals and paintings in Ajanta Caves are generally themed around Buddhism and Jainism. Ellora caves are located nearly 100 km away from Ajanta caves.
Ans: His strategy for Promoting peace: Ashoka was one of the greatest emperors of the Mauryan Empire. He was ambitious and fiercely aggressive throughout his early reign as a monarch. He became inclined to Buddhist ideals to tolerance, non-violence, and good behavior towards all people which eventually led him to embrace Buddhism. It was due to Ashoka that Buddhism spread beyond the frontiers of the empire. Ashoka sent missionaries to Southeast Asia to preach Buddhism.
Unit 5: Detail Questions
Ans: Rasoolullah was born in the noble family of Quraish in 570 A.D. Early in life, Hazrat Muhammad Rasoolullah Khatam-un-Nabiyeen built up a reputation for truthfulness and honesty.
The people of Makkah Mukarrama would bring their cash, jewelry, and other valuables to him. In the case of the company, the money was paid for a year or so. The bank had been sold in 2015, but it was not yet available.
Ans: Charter of Madina (Message of Madinah): Rasoolullah drew up a charter with the Jews in which it was established that Muslims and Jews were to aid each other in all matters concerning the city. They were to be allies against all common enemies. The main clause of this charter is as follows: "The Jews who attach themselves to our common wealth shall have an equal right with our own people to our assistance and good offices. They shall practice their religion as freely as the Muslim." The constitution of Madinah is an example of finding solution to the problems in a peaceful manner. Here peace and Pluralism were not achieved through military successes but through respect and acceptance –aspects that reflect some of the basic tenets of Islam. During the then years that Rasoolullah lived in the Madinah Munawwara, the city was a center for political, cultural and religious enthusiasm. The message and teachings of Islam were practiced by the companions in true letter and spirit. Madinah not only became the first capital of Islamic culture but also a luminous example for the leaders till doomsday.
Ins: In the light of State in Madinah, we can make Pakistan Prosperous and a welfare state by adopting these measures.
Establishment of the Muslim State in Madinah Munawwara: Unlike Makkah Mukarrama, the life in Madinah Munawwara was not that difficult. The people were friendly and ready to receive the message of peace in order to give practical shape to the principles of Islam, some form of apolitical organization was required. This necessity paved the way for the new Islamic State of Madinah Munawwara which became model for the entire world.
Welfare state of Islam: Islam is the only religion among all the religions of world which conceive of a state with complete system for human welfare. This welfare state must ensure the implementation of all Islamic principles.
Just and Equitable System: The basic principle of a welfare state that the principles of easily available justice to its citizens dispensation of rights (based on justice and equity) should be pursued. so that the rich and the poor, coloured and white and all kinds of racial religious, ethic discrimination is negated.
provisions of Basic necessities for all: Harrat Umar (God be blessed with him) said that if a dog went without food on the bank of river Nile, its responsibility should devolve on his shoulders. In a welfare state all the basic necessities of citizens such as clothing, food, and house must be fully met.
Brotherhood and Fraternity: One of the most prominent principles of a welfare state is the creation of an atmosphere of brotherhood and fraternity. Inter-provincial prejudices, ethnic and racial discrimination must end in a welfare state. There should be no differences of a Punjabi, a Muhajir, a Baluchi and a Sindhi. All of them must become one nation.
Internal peace and Harmony in a Welfare State: A welfare state should be strong enough to maintain peace and harmony in it. Theft, robbery, swindling, chaos, anarchy must give way to stability peace, harmony and oneness integrity and unity.
Elimination of Terrorism: There should be fool proof arrangements in ht state so that the possibility of any terrorist activity could be ruled out and no turmoil and upheaval might take place and no one should dare to harm property, life and honour of any citizen.
Protection of Life, Property & Honour: Self- respect is dearest to everyone. It is therefore, necessary that the welfare state should provide full protection to its citizens.
External Peace: Along with internal peace in a welfare state it is essential that it should protect its boundaries through its strong-armed forces and administrative machinery so that in peace and war the nation may be defended. In case of foreign invasion the facilities enjoyed by citizens in a state cannot be ensured.
Education & Health: In an era of peace and Prosperity it is the duty of a state to decide for its citizens that they may enjoy al basic necessities. free education and provision of proper treatment through hospitals and doctors is the basic right of every citizen.
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