What, Where, How and When? – Class 6 History Chapter 1 Quick Summary & Practice Questions

📚 What, Where, How and When? – Class 6 History Practice Questions

Welcome to this detailed practice page for Class 6 History Chapter 1: What, Where, How and When? This chapter introduces young learners to the basics of history — what it means, how it is studied, and how the past is discovered and interpreted. It sets the foundation for all other chapters in the History syllabus. On this page, you’ll find a complete summary, important concepts, and a wide range of practice questions with hints to help you test your understanding.

📌 What is History?

History is the study of the past. But it is not just about memorising dates and kings — it helps us understand how people lived, what they ate, the clothes they wore, the houses they built, and how societies changed over time. It tells us how ideas, inventions, and cultures spread across regions. History is like a big story that connects us with our ancestors.

📍 Where Did People Live in the Past?

Ancient people lived near rivers, forests, mountains, and seas. Early humans preferred places where water was available throughout the year — like the banks of the Indus, Ganga, and other rivers. Many ancient cities developed around these rivers, such as Harappa and Mohenjodaro. Some people also lived in hilly areas, forests, or coastal regions depending on their livelihood like farming, hunting, or fishing.

🔍 How Do We Know About the Past?

Historians and archaeologists find out about the past through various sources. These include:

• Manuscripts: Old handwritten books made on palm leaves or birch bark.
• Inscriptions: Writings on stone pillars, walls, or metal plates.
• Archaeological Sources: Tools, weapons, coins, pottery, and ruins of buildings found during excavations.

By carefully studying these sources, historians reconstruct the past and explain how life changed over thousands of years.

⏳ When Did Events Happen?

To understand when something happened, historians use dates and timelines. They often use the terms BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini) to place events in order. They also use centuries and timelines to make the study of history clearer. For example, the Iron Age or the Stone Age are time periods based on tools and technology.

📝 Practice Questions – Test Your Knowledge

👉 Fill in the Blanks

1. Manuscripts were usually written on ______ and ______.
2. The people who study inscriptions are called ______.
3. Harappa is situated on the banks of the river ______.
4. ______ are writings engraved on hard surfaces like stone or metal.
5. Old objects, buildings, and monuments are part of ______ sources.

👉 Match the Following

A	B
Harappa	Indus Valley
Manuscripts	Palm Leaves
Inscriptions	Stone Pillars
Archaeologists	Excavations

👉 Short Answer Questions

1. What is history and why should we study it?
2. Explain what inscriptions are and give one example.
3. How do manuscripts help historians?
4. Why did people prefer to settle near rivers in ancient times?
5. What is the difference between BC and AD?

👉 True or False

1. Coins are considered archaeological sources. ( )
2. Manuscripts were mostly printed books. ( )
3. Archaeologists study the remains of the past. ( )
4. The Ganga Valley was not inhabited in ancient times. ( )
5. History helps us understand the life of ancient people. ( )

💡 Extra Activity

Take an old coin, a photo of an old building, or an old family document. Ask your parents or grandparents about it — when was it made, who used it, and what does it tell about your family’s past? This simple activity will help you understand how sources help in knowing history!

✅ Key Takeaway

This chapter shows that history is not just dates — it is about people, places, and discoveries. Use these questions to revise and strengthen your understanding. Keep practicing and stay curious — the past has many stories waiting for you!

Keep Learning. Keep Exploring. 📖✨