🏛️ Buildings, Paintings and Books – Class 6 History Chapter 12 Questions & Answers

Buildings, Paintings and Books
Image by freepik

Welcome to the complete collection of important questions and answers from Chapter 12 – Buildings, Paintings and Books of the NCERT Class 6 History textbook Our Pasts – I. This page contains a well-curated list of very short, short, and long answer questions to help you revise better, perform well in exams, and understand key historical concepts effectively.

📝 Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)

Q1. What is a stupa?

Ans: A stupa is a dome-shaped structure built to house the relics of the Buddha or other monks.

Q2. Name any one ancient book mentioned in this chapter.

Ans: The Ramayana.

Q3. Which language was used in most of the ancient books?

Ans: Sanskrit.

Q4. What are murals?

Ans: Murals are large wall paintings usually found in caves or temples.

Q5. Name one place where caves with paintings were found.

Ans: Ajanta in Maharashtra.

📝 Short Answer Questions (2–3 Marks)

Q6. What are the main features of stupas?

Ans: Stupas have a circular base, a dome, and a railing around them. They often contain relics and are used for meditation and worship.

Q7. Who built the earliest Hindu temples, and for what purpose?

Ans: The earliest Hindu temples were built by kings and devotees to honor deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga. These were sacred places of worship.

Q8. Why is the Mahabharata important?

Ans: The Mahabharata is one of the longest epic poems in the world. It discusses the war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas and teaches about dharma (duty).

Q9. What are epics? Name two Indian epics.

Ans: Epics are long narrative poems that describe heroic deeds and adventures. Two Indian epics are the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Q10. What is meant by 'stories told in stone'?

Ans: Ancient sculptures and carvings on temple walls and pillars often depict stories from religious texts, epics, and daily life — these are referred to as ‘stories told in stone’.

📝 Long Answer Questions (4–5 Marks)

Q11. Describe the main components of a Hindu temple built during ancient times.

Ans: Ancient Hindu temples had several components:

  • Garbhagriha (sanctum): The main room where the deity's image was placed.
  • Shikhara: The tower above the sanctum.
  • Mandapa: A hall where people could gather and worship.
  • Decorative sculptures: The temple walls were often carved with mythological figures and stories.
These temples were built with stone and served as both places of worship and cultural centers.

Q12. What is the importance of the stories in the Jatakas?

Ans: The Jataka tales are stories about the previous lives of Gautama Buddha. They teach moral lessons and values like honesty, compassion, and kindness. These stories were often carved on the walls of stupas to spread messages to the public who could not read.

Q13. Explain the artistic importance of Ajanta caves.

Ans: The Ajanta caves are famous for their intricate murals and paintings that date back to over 1500 years. These paintings mostly depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and Jataka tales. The use of natural colors and fine detailing shows the advanced skill of ancient Indian artists.

Q14. What role did books play in ancient India?

Ans: Books were vital in preserving knowledge, culture, and religious beliefs. They were written on palm leaves or birch bark and covered topics like religion (the Vedas), epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and grammar. They helped pass on wisdom from one generation to another.

Q15. Describe the Ramayana. Why is it still read today?

Ans: The Ramayana is an ancient epic written in Sanskrit by the sage Valmiki. It tells the story of Prince Rama, his exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by Ravana, and how he rescued her. The Ramayana teaches lessons about duty, truth, loyalty, and devotion. It continues to be read today for its moral teachings and cultural significance.

✅ Additional Practice Questions

Q16. What are the main sources of information about ancient Indian art and architecture?

Q17. Who were the people behind building temples and stupas?

Q18. Mention two differences between stupas and temples.

Q19. Name two places famous for ancient cave paintings.

Q20. What do temple carvings tell us about ancient Indian life?

🎯 Conclusion

This chapter connects India’s glorious past of architecture, storytelling, religious expression, and fine arts. Practicing these questions will help students understand key elements of India's ancient heritage and prepare effectively for their exams. Keep revising, and don’t forget — history is not just about the past; it builds our future!

Keep learning with confidence. 📘 Questions bring answers, and answers bring success!