10. Buildings Paintings and Books Class 6 NCERT Notes chapter 10 History

Welcome to NCERT Notes on class 6 Chapter 9 History From Buildings Paintings and Books .

Metallurgy in Ancient India

• Contributions of Ancient Metallurgists:
  • The Harappans demonstrated exceptional skill in copper metallurgy by crafting intricate artifacts.
  • They achieved the remarkable feat of producing bronze through the alloying of copper with tin.
• Transition to the Iron Age:
  • The Harappan civilization belonged to the Bronze Age, succeeded by the Iron Age.
  • India’s metallurgists excelled in producing advanced iron, including forged iron, wrought iron, and cast iron.

The Iron Pillar’s Enduring Legacy

• Marvel of Indian Craftsmanship:
  • Standing tall in Mehrauli, Delhi, the Iron Pillar is a testament to Indian artisans’ skill.
  • It was constructed from iron, measures 7.2 meters in height, and weighs over 3 tonnes.
  • The pillar’s creation dates back around 1500 years.
  • An inscription on the pillar links it to Chandra, a ruler of the Gupta dynasty.
  • Remarkably, the pillar has resisted rusting despite the passage of centuries.

Architectural Marvels in Brick and Stone

• Skillful Craftsmanship Evident:
  • Surviving structures such as stupas and temples showcase the expertise of Indian artisans.
• Distinct Features of Stupas:
  • Stupas, characterized by their unique mounds, house central relic boxes.
  • The railings and gateways surrounding stupas are adorned with intricate sculptures.
• Temple Architecture and Deities:
  • Temples dedicated to deities showcase distinct architectural designs.

Literary Richness: Epics and More

• Unveiling Epic Narratives:
  • Epics, grand compositions, narrate tales of heroism, gods, and goddesses.
• Tamil Epics:
  • “Silappadikaram” by Ilango portrays themes of love and sacrifice.
  • “Manimekalai” carries forward the saga of the daughter’s journey.
• Sanskrit Epics:
  • “Mahabharata” recounts the epic Kurukshetra war and its ramifications.
  • “Ramayana” chronicles the captivating journey of Rama.

Recording and Safeguarding Tales

• Ancient Texts and Religious Narratives:
  • Puranas encompass captivating stories of gods, goddesses, and world creation.
• Legacy of “Mahabharata” and “Ramayana”:
  • “Mahabharata” and “Ramayana” stand as monumental Sanskrit narratives.
• Emergence of Scientific Thought:
  • Aryabhata‘s mathematical treatises and Varahamihira‘s astronomical contributions enhanced knowledge.

Ayurveda and Scientific Endeavors

• Exploring Ancient Health Sciences:
  • Ayurveda, an all-encompassing health system, flourished during this era.
• Pioneers in Mathematics and Science:
  • Aryabhata’s pioneering work in mathematics and astronomy revolutionized understanding.
• Ordinary Contributions to Literature:
  • Ordinary individuals enriched the literary landscape through the transmission of folk stories, poems, songs, and theatrical performances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What remarkable contributions did ancient Indian metallurgists make?

• The Harappans excelled in copper metallurgy and produced bronze through copper-tin alloying.
• India’s transition to the Iron Age led to advancements in iron forging, wrought iron, and cast iron.

2. Could you share more about the Iron Pillar in Delhi?

• The Iron Pillar in Delhi, erected 1500 years ago, stands as a remarkable testament to craftsmanship.
• An inscription on the pillar links it to Gupta ruler Chandra, and its rust-free state remains an intriguing feat.

3. How were stupas and temples constructed during this period?

• Stupas, housing relic boxes, were surrounded by adorned railings and gateways.
• Temples featured distinct designs, with the garbhagriha housing the main deity’s image.

4. Tell us about the significance of Tamil and Sanskrit epics.

• Tamil epics like “Silappadikaram” and “Manimekalai” portray themes of love, sacrifice, and lineage.
• Sanskrit epics such as “Mahabharata” and “Ramayana” narrate tales of war, devotion, and heroism.

5. How did ancient India contribute to scientific and mathematical thought?

• Mathematicians like Aryabhata introduced advanced concepts, including understanding of day and night, eclipses, and circle circumference.
• Ayurveda and mathematical treatises paved the way for scientific exploration.

6. Could you elaborate on the role of ordinary individuals in preserving stories?

• Ordinary people enriched literature through folk stories, poems, songs, and theatrical performances.
• Collections like Jatakas and Panchatantra preserve these narratives.

7. What significant contributions emerged from ancient Indian health sciences?

• Ayurveda stood as a comprehensive health science, offering holistic approaches to well-being.

8. Who were some notable mathematicians and astronomers of this era?

• Pioneers like Aryabhata, Varahamihira, and others revolutionized mathematical and astronomical understanding.

9. How did epics like “Mahabharata” and “Ramayana” impact Indian culture?

• Epics played a pivotal role in shaping cultural and moral values, while offering insights into heroic deeds and divine interactions.

10. What is the legacy of this era’s literature on present-day India?

• The literature of this era laid the foundation for diverse storytelling traditions, influencing cultural identity and creativity in modern India.

This was the end of NCERT Notes on class 6 Chapter 10 History Buildings Paintings and Books.

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