Chapter-4
“Timeline and Sources of History“
Question 1.How do we measure historical time?
Answer:(a) BC: BC means Before Christ: Dates are generally counted and assigned to the birth
of Jesus Christ.
(b) AD: We sometimes find AD before dates. This stands for two Latin words, “Anno Domini”,
and mean in the year of the lord (i.e., Jesus Christ).
(c) CE: Sometimes, CE is used instead of AD. The letters CE stands for „Common Era‟.
(d) BCE: Sometimes BCE is used instead of BC. The letters BCE stands for „Before Common
Era‟.
(e) Script: Way .or style of writing of a language is called a script. It consists of letters or signs.
For example, „Devnagri‟ is a script of Hindi.
Question 2.How can various sources help us understand history?
Answer: There are three types of sources,
1)Primary Sources: Original documents or physical objects created during the time under study.
For example-inscriptions, ancient literature, letters, diaries, official documents, photographs and
newspapers.
2)Secondary Sources: Works that analize, or summarise primary sources. For example: Books,
articles, documentaries, and reviews.
3)Oral Histories: Recorded interviews and spoken accounts from individuals who experienced
or witnessed historical events. For example: Interviews and
recordings.
Question 3.How did early humans live?
Answer:
(a) Nomadic Hunter-gatherers: They travelled in small groups. They hunted animals, gathered
fruits, nuts and plants.
(b) Shelters: They constructed simple shelters using natural materials like branches, animal hides, and
stones.
(c) Tools: They created stone tools, like flint knives, hand axes, and scrapers, to aid in hunting and
processing food.
(d) Clothing: They likely wore animal hides, furs, and woven fibres for clothing and protection.
Chapter-4
“Timeline and Sources of History“
Question 1.How do we measure historical time?
Answer:(a) BC: BC means Before Christ: Dates are generally counted and assigned to the birth
of Jesus Christ.
(b) AD: We sometimes find AD before dates. This stands for two Latin words, “Anno Domini”,
and mean in the year of the lord (i.e., Jesus Christ).
(c) CE: Sometimes, CE is used instead of AD. The letters CE stands for „Common Era‟.
(d) BCE: Sometimes BCE is used instead of BC. The letters BCE stands for „Before Common
Era‟.
(e) Script: Way .or style of writing of a language is called a script. It consists of letters or signs.
For example, „Devnagri‟ is a script of Hindi.
Question 2.How can various sources help us understand history?
Answer: There are three types of sources,
1)Primary Sources: Original documents or physical objects created during the time under study.
For example-inscriptions, ancient literature, letters, diaries, official documents, photographs and
newspapers.
2)Secondary Sources: Works that analize, or summarise primary sources. For example: Books,
articles, documentaries, and reviews.
3)Oral Histories: Recorded interviews and spoken accounts from individuals who experienced
or witnessed historical events. For example: Interviews and
recordings.
Question 3.How did early humans live?
Answer:
(a) Nomadic Hunter-gatherers: They travelled in small groups. They hunted animals, gathered
fruits, nuts and plants.
(b) Shelters: They constructed simple shelters using natural materials like branches, animal hides, and
stones.
(c) Tools: They created stone tools, like flint knives, hand axes, and scrapers, to aid in hunting and
processing food.
(d) Clothing: They likely wore animal hides, furs, and woven fibres for clothing and protection.
Let’s Explore
Question 1.In the picture, (NCERT P-70) look at some activities of early humans in a rock
shelter. Which ones can you recognise? Give a brief description for each. (Page 70)
Answer: Here are some activities of early humans in a rock shelter with brief descriptions for
each:
1. Hunting and Gathering: Early humans in rock shelters engaged in hunting animals and
gathering wild plants for food. Evidence of this activity includes remains of animal bones, tools
made from stone and bone.
2. Tool Making: Stone tools, such as hand axes, scrapers, and arrowheads, were crafted by
early humans in rock shelters. These tools were essential for hunting, processing food.
3. Fire Making and Usage: Fire played a crucial role in the lives of early human. It was used for
cooking food, providing warmth.
4. Art and Symbolism: Rock shelters often feature prehistoric art, including paintings and
carvings on the walls. These artworks depict animals, human figures.
5. Shelter and Living Spaces: Rock shelters served as living spaces, providing protection from
harsh weather . Evidence of structured living areas, such as sleeping spots, storage areas, and
communal spaces, indicates how early humans organized their living quarters.
6. Food Preparation: Early humans prepared food in rock shelters, as indicated by grinding
stones and remains of processed plant and animal materials. These activities included cooking
and processing plants for consumption.
Question 2. Observe the scene on the next page. It depicts an agricultural community from a
few millenniums ago. List the main activities you can identify. (Page 71)
Answer: An agricultural community from a few millennia ago would have engaged in a variety of
activities essential for their survival and livelihood. Here are some main activities we can
identify:
1. Farming: Crop Cultivation, Irrigation and ploughing:
2. Animal Husbandry, Raising Livestock, Milking and Shearing and Herding.
3. Food Processing and Storage: Threshing and Winnowing, Grinding and Storage.
4. Tool and Equipment Making: Crafting Agricultural Tools and Repairing Equipment.
5. Construction and Maintenance: Building Homes and Structures .
6. Community and Ritual Activities: Festivals and Rituals and Social Gatherings.
7. Environmental Management: Land Management and Water Management.
Questions, Activities and Projects (Page 74)
Question 2.Can we compare historians to detectives? Give reasons for your answers.
Answer:
Historians Detectives
1. Historians examine primary and secondary
1. Detectives gather evidence, interview
sources, such as letters, diaries, official records
witnesses, and analyse crime scenes to solve
and other documents, to piece together an
a case and understand what happened.
accurate picture of past events.
2. Historians critically evaluate the reliability and 2. Detectives assess the credibility of evidence
bias of sources, cross check facts, and place and testimonies, looking for inconsistencies or
information in its historical context. corroborative details to determine the truth.
3. Detective reconstruct the sequence of
3. Historians build coherent narratives based on
events leading up to and following a crime,
their findings, providing explanations for
creating a logical account that explains how
historical events and the actions of individuals.
and why the crime occurred.
Ch-9
“Family and Community”
Question 1.Why is the family unit important?
Answer: Families are important because,
(a)Nurturing and Emotional Support.
(b)Socialization and Values
(c)Identity and Self-esteem
(d)Practical Support
(e)Community Building
Question 2.What is a community and what is its role?
Answer: A community is a group of people living in a specific area and sharing common
characteristics or interests.
Here are some key roles that communities play:
(a)Shared Resources and Services: Communities often have shared resources and services,
such as schools, hospitals, parks, libraries, and transportation systems.
(b)Problem-Solving and Collaboration: Communities can work together to address common
challenges and improve their living conditions.
(c)Preserving Culture and Traditions: Communities can play a role in preserving cultural
traditions and practices. They can provide a space for people to celebrate their heritage, and
pass down traditions to future generations.
Let’s Explore
Question 1.What types of families do you see in your neighbourhood? List the type with the
number of households for each type. (Page 138)
Answer: There are four type of family in my Neighbourhood:
(a) Nuclear Family: This is the most common type in many society, consisting of parents
(usually a married couple) and their children.
(b) Joint Family: Multiple generations living together, including parents, children, grandparents.
(c) Single-parent Family: A household with one parent and their children. This can be due to divorce, or
separation.
(d) Childless Family: Family with two partners who do not have kids in the family.
Question 2.What types are more frequent? Why do you think this is so? (Page 138)
Answer: A. Nuclear Family: This remains a common family structure in many societies specially
in cities. India is witnessing a surge in the number of nuclear family.
B. Joint Family: In a joint family, members are grandparents, parents, alongwith children and
their grandchildren.
Question3. Why do you think Shalini‟s parents bought clothes for everyone? (Page 141)
Answer: Family relations are based on love, care, and affection. Each member of the family has
a role and responsibility towards other members. Shalini‟s parents bought clothes for everyone
to show their love and support for her uncle and aunt.
Question 4.What would you have done if you were in Shalini‟s place?(Page 141)
Answer: If I was in Shalini‟s place, I would be happy that everyone in my family could get some
new clothes for the festival of Onam. I would have been happy as family members supports
each other.
Think About It
Question 1.Why does Tenzing‟s father consult his wife for special expenses? (Page 142)
Answer:
(1)Shared Decision-Making: In some cultures, financial decisions, even for special expenses,
are made jointly by spouses.
(2)Respect and Partnership: Consulting his wife could be a sign of respect for her opinion and a
way to involve her in financial decisions impacting the entire family.
(3)Budgeting and Planning: Perhaps Tenzing‟s father values his wife‟s input in planning and
budgeting for the household.
Questions, Activities And Projects (Page 148)
Question 1. What are some of the rules you follow in your family and neighbourhood? Why are
they important?
Answer: Some general rules in my family and neighbourhood are as follows:
I. In the Family:
(a) Respectful Communication: This might involve using kind words, listening attentively, and
resolving conflicts peacefully.
(b) Chores and Responsibilities: Contributing to household tasks teaches responsibility, time
management, and life skills.
(c) Curfews and Screen Time Limits: These rules promote healthy sleep habits, a balance
between screen time and other activities.
(d) Honesty and Truthfulness: Honesty allows parents to provide guidance and support when
needed.
II. In the Neighbourhood
(a)Property Respect: This involves not damaging other people‟s property, being mindful of noise
levels, and keeping the Neighbourhood clean.
(b)By following these rules, I have learnt valuable life skills and have become a responsible
member of my family and neighbourhood.
Question 3.Describe several situations that you have observed where community support
makes a difference. You can draw or write about these.
Answer: Here are some situations where community support makes a difference:
1. Natural Disasters: After a hurricane, community members came together to provide food,
shelter, and emotional support to affected families.
2. Neighbourhood Watch: A community organised a Neighbourhood watch program,
reducing crime and increasing safety through collective vigilance.
3. Fundraising for Medical Treatment: Community members raised funds for a neighbour‟s
medical treatment, showing financial and emotional support.
4. Volunteer Clean up Initiatives: Community volunteers cleaned – up local parks and
waterways, promoting environmental responsibility.
5. Disability Support: Community‟ members rallied around a family with a disabled child,
providing resources and inclusivity.
6. Food Banks and Pantries: Community-run food banks and pantries ensured no one went
hungry, especially during economic downturns.
7. Community Celebrations: Cultural events and festivals brought the community together,
fostering connection and belonging.
