26Mar, 2026
    Gifts of Grace : Honouring our vocations

    Crack NTA

    India's No 1 E-Learning Platform

    Poem”Gifts of grace : Honouring our vocations” Q&A and Poem Analysis

    Meta Description: Looking for complete answers for your textbook exercises? Explore our comprehensive guide covering the “Reflect and Respond” riddles, poem analysis, critical reflection, and vocabulary exercises for the poem celebrating Bharat’s varied vocations.

    Welcome to your complete study guide! Whether you are a student preparing for exams or a teacher looking for discussion points, this post provides clear, step-by-step answers to all textbook exercises related to the poem celebrating India’s diverse vocations.

    Page 1 & 2: Reflect and Respond (Vocations and Riddles)

    Let’s begin by identifying the essential workers who build and sustain our society through their traditional skills.

    Part I: Riddle Time

    Read the riddles below and identify the professions:

    • Q: In furrows deep, secrets I sow, As time passes, I watch them grow. Who am I?Answer: A Farmer.
    • Q: From wheel to kiln, my skill is born, Step by step, an art takes form. Who am I?Answer: A Potter.
    • Q: I lay foundations, brick by brick, To build a house, it’s me you pick. Who am I?Answer: A Mason or Builder.
    • Q: I work with pots, pans, and spice, Creating dishes that taste so nice. Who am I?Answer: A Cook or Chef.

    Part II: The Role of Vocations

    Q: How do these individuals contribute to society?

    Answer: They provide essential goods and services that sustain our daily lives. Farmers grow our food, potters create utility vessels, masons build our infrastructure, and cooks prepare our nourishment.

    Part III: Visual Identification and Comparisons

    Based on textbook imagery depicting basket weaving, pottery making, and cloth weaving:

    • Five additional vocations: Plumber, Electrician, Teacher, Doctor, and Tailor.
    • Common theme in the pictures: They all depict individuals engaged in traditional, skill-based manual labor and crafts.
    • Skill-based work is known as: Vocations.
    • Handmade vs. Machine-made: Handmade products require human skill, take more time, and are unique. Machine-made products are mass-produced, uniform, and manufactured quickly.

    Page 4 & 5: Check Your Understanding (Poem Analysis)

    True or False Statements

    • The poem highlights the skilled work of craftspersons. -> True.
    • The poet shares that musicians express emotions through their instruments. -> False. (Musicians are not mentioned in this way in the extract).
    • The carpenters in the poem are admired for their logical work. -> False. (Carpenters are not explicitly mentioned).
    • The electricians in the poem are recognised for their crucial role in lighting up lives. -> False. (Electricians are not mentioned in the extract).
    • The poem pays homage to shoemakers who manufacture quality footwear. -> True.
    • The poem celebrates the patriotism of the people of Bharat. -> False. (It primarily celebrates varied vocations).
    • The poet feels that each vocation deserves to be respected. -> True.

    Literary Devices and Appreciation

    • Rhyme Scheme: The poem is written in free verse.
    • Line Length Impact: Varying lengths create a flowing, conversational rhythm mimicking the diverse nature of vocations.
    • Line Structure: Most lines introduce a worker and then describe the nature or quality of their work.
    • Speaker: An observer listening to and celebrating the diverse voices across Bharat.
    • Tone: Celebratory and reverential.
    • Mood: Joyful.
    • Visual Imagery Examples: “The boatmen gathering their nets from the shore” and “feet that walk, dance, run, jump”.
    • Auditory Imagery: “singing while at work” and “delicious singing of the cook”.
    • Metaphor: The “delicious singing” of the cook is a metaphor equating the pleasing quality of the song to the taste of great food.
    • Personification Line: “The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity.”
    • Repetition Significance: Beginning and ending with the same line emphasizes the central theme of celebrating diverse skills.
    • Alliteration Examples: “sailing, and singing” and “voice of their vocation”.
    • Symbolism: Each vocation symbolizes the identity of the worker.

    Page 6 & 7: Critical Reflection

    Extract-Based Questions

    • Meaning of ‘affirm’: To declare with confidence.
    • Role of quality shoes: They help the feet walk, dance, run, jump, and return home.
    • Symbolism of ‘return home’: A sense of safety, comfort, and a reliable foundation.
    • Phrase showing distinct contributions: “each celebrating what belongs to them and to none else”.
    • Context of feet activities: Refers to the daily activities and journeys of life supported by the shoemaker’s craft.

    Short Answer Questions

    • Why say ‘I hear Bharat celebrating’? The poet views the diverse labor of the people as a joyful expression of national identity.
    • Significance of ‘humming’: It suggests the worker finds personal joy in their vocation.
    • Voice of vocation = voice of identity: This highlights that a person’s work is deeply intertwined with who they are culturally and personally.
    • Importance of all vocations: A functional society relies on diverse skills. Farmers provide sustenance, while sanitation workers ensure safety, showing that every role holds unique value.
    • Sensory imagery used: Rich descriptions like “boatmen sailing and singing” bring the everyday work to vibrant life.

    Page 7 & 8: Vocabulary in Context & Synonyms

    Match the Vocation

    DescriptionVocation
    Studies or grows garden plantsHorticulturist
    Trained female community health workerASHA worker
    Producer of raw silkSericulturist
    Makes or sells sweets and chocolatesConfectioner
    Works with precious metalsGoldsmith
    Fuses materials togetherWelder

    Identify the Odd One Out (Not a Synonym)

    • myriad: countable (Odd one out)
    • hues: drawing (Odd one out)
    • precision: calculation (Odd one out)
    • varied: uniform (Odd one out)
    • delicious: inedible (Odd one out)

    (Note: The Listen and Respond section on Pages 8 and 9 requires an audio transcript and is done practically in the classroom).

    Page 10: Writing Task – Career Mela Poster

    If you are organizing a school event to explore different vocations, here is how you can structure your poster:

    • NAME OF THE ORGANISER: [Your School Name]
    • Event: CAREER MELA
    • Purpose: To spread awareness about various careers
    • Date & Time: On 25 February from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Venue: At the School Grounds / Auditorium
    • Highlights/Attractions: Information provided for all streams, Career Counsellors on-site, Interactive Sessions with professionals.
    • Slogan: CHART YOUR FUTURE AT CAREER MELA
    • Entry tickets: FREE
    • Sponsors: [Local Businesses / Educational Partners]
    • Issuing Authority: School Administration
    <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-0307163004445488"
     crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
    <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-0307163004445488" crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
    5Aug, 2025
    Chapter 7 – India’s Cultural Roots

    Worksheet – 19 PP Publication

    A. Tick the correct option:

    1. A woman Upanishadic thinker:
      (a) Urmila
      (b) Jabali
      ✔ (c) Gargi
      (d) Satyakama
    2. Monks and nuns lived in
      ✔ (a) Caves
      (b) Huts
      (c) Under trees
      (d) Houses
    3. The tribals of Tamil Nadu who avoid pointing to 30 peaks of the Nilgiris with a finger:
      (a) Adiyan
      (b) Kadar
      (c) Kanikar
      ✔ (d) Toda
    4. In Eastern India, the Munda and Santhal tribals worship
      (a) Khandoba
      (b) Donyipolo
      (c) the Sun
      ✔ (d) Singbonga
    5. In both Buddhism and Jainism, it means refraining from violence in thought:
      (a) Non-violence
      ✔ (b) Ahimsa
      (c) Peace
      (d) Non-tormented

    B. Fill in the blanks:

    1. A tribe is a group of families or clans sharing a tradition of common descent, a culture and a language.
    2. In the 19th century, anthropologists studying tribes often described them as ‘primitive’ or ‘inferior’.
    3. According to tradition, Jagannath, worshipped at Puri, was originally a tribal deity.
    4. Vedanta and Yoga are among the best known schools of thought.
    5. Buddhism and Jainism departed from the authority of the Vedas.

    C. State whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F):

    1. Tribal belief systems and art have interacted with Hinduism for millenniums.
      ✅ True
    2. There is no interaction between folk and tribal tradition.
      ✅ False
    3. The Vedic, Buddhist and Jain schools had no differences.
      ✅ False
    4. In English, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism are ‘belief systems’.
      ✅ True
    5. Many scholars agree that the word ‘religion’ is too limiting in the context of the Indian civilisation.
      ✅ True

    D. Short Answer Questions:

    1. Name any two Indian states and the countries where Buddhism is a major religion even today.
      • States: Bihar and Maharashtra
      • Countries: Sri Lanka and Thailand
    2. After how long did Vardhamana achieve supreme wisdom and become Mahavira? How did he enlighten the people with his great ideas?
      • Vardhamana achieved supreme wisdom after 12 years of ascetic discipline. He became Mahāvīra and enlightened people by teaching values such as ahimsa, anekāntavāda, and aparigraha.
    3. Jainism insists on the interconnectedness and interdependence of all creatures. Discuss.
      • Jainism teaches that all living beings, from humans to invisible organisms, depend on one another for survival. This belief emphasizes non-violence, mutual respect, and living in harmony with nature.
    4. What is the difference between monasteries and caves where ascetics lived?
      • Monasteries were formal institutions created for teaching and learning. Caves, on the other hand, were natural or man-made shelters in rocks used by ascetics for solitary spiritual practice.
    5. Schools of thought like Charvaka disappeared with time. Why?
      • Schools like Charvaka did not gain wide acceptance as they denied the existence of life after death and spiritual aspects. Due to lack of support and written tradition, they gradually disappeared.

    E. Long Answer Questions:

    1. Along with important differences, the Vedic, Buddhist and Jain schools also shared some common concepts. What are those concepts?
      • Common concepts include:
        • Dharma (righteous conduct)
        • Karma (action and its consequences)
        • Rebirth
        • Ahimsa (non-violence)
        • Search for truth and end of suffering
    2. For Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, the phrase ‘schools of thought’ should be preferred in place of ‘religions’. Why?
      • Because these traditions involve philosophical, spiritual, ethical, and social aspects, and not just ritual or belief. The term ‘religion’ is too narrow to describe their diversity and depth.
    3. What similar concepts do the folk, tribal and Hindu belief systems have?
      • All three:
        • Regard nature as sacred
        • Believe in a supreme divinity
        • Emphasize spiritual connection with elements like rivers, trees, animals, mountains
    4. Describe the following terms briefly:
      • Ahimsa: Non-violence in thought, word, and deed
      • Anekāntavāda: Truth has many sides or perspectives
      • Aparigraha: Non-possession; living with only what is necessary

    F. Read the paragraph and answer the questions:

    “The thousands of castes and tribes on the Indian subcontinent have influenced each other in their religious beliefs and practices since the beginning of history and before. That the tribal religions have been influenced by Hinduism is widely accepted, but it is equally true that Hinduism, not only in its formative phase but throughout its evolution, has been influenced by tribal religions.”

    1. Whose lines are these?
      • André Béteille
    2. Who has influenced whom?
      • Tribal religions have influenced Hinduism and vice versa.
    3. What do you conclude?
      • There has been a mutual exchange of ideas, practices, and beliefs between tribal and mainstream Indian belief systems, leading to cultural enrichment.

    G. Identify the given picture and describe it briefly, discussing the following points:

    1. What does the picture depict?
    The picture depicts the rock-cut caves at Ellora, which include Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples and monasteries carved into the hillside.

    2. Its exact location
    The Ellora Caves are located near the village of Ellora (Verul), about 30 km from Aurangabad, in the state of Maharashtra, India.

    3. Its period
    The caves were carved between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. They reflect the religious harmony and architectural excellence of ancient India.

    4Aug, 2025
    Chapter 7 – India’s Cultural Root

    Worksheet No 18 PP Publication

    Chapter 7: India’s Cultural Roots – Worksheet

    A. Tick the correct option (MCQs):

    1. Siddhartha was born approximately years ago.
      (a) 1500 (b) 3000 (c) 2500 ✅ (d) 2000
    2. Siddhartha was born in
      (a) Lumbini ✅ (b) Vajji (c) Ujjain (d) Vaishali
    3. Mahatma Buddha attained enlightenment at
      (a) Varanasi (b) Sarnath (c) Bodh Gaya ✅ (d) Kushinara
    4. Vardhamana was born in the early
      (a) 3rd century BCE (b) 4th century BCE (c) 5th century BCE (d) 6th century BCE ✅
    5. At what age did Vardhamana renounce his home?
      (a) 20 (b) 21 (c) 30 ✅ (d) 35

    B. State whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F):

    1. Jain teachings include ahimsa, anekantavada and aparigraha. – True ✅
    2. Mahavira’s birth place was at Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. – False ❌
    3. Sangha, founded by the Buddha, was a community of warriors. – False ❌
    4. The word ‘Jain’ or ‘Jaina’ comes from jina, meaning conqueror. – True ✅
    5. After meditating for many days under a pipal tree at Bodh Gaya, Siddhartha attained enlightenment. – True ✅

    C. Fill in the blanks:

    1. The Buddha insisted on a sincere inner discipline.
    2. Vardhamana practised an ascetic discipline and, after 12 years, achieved infinite knowledge or supreme wisdom.
    3. Aparigraha means ‘non-possession’.
    4. The Jataka tales tell the stories of the Buddha’s former births.
    5. After 12 years Vardhamana became known as ‘Mahavira’ or great hero and started preaching.

    D. Match the items in Column A with Column B:

    1. A man who gives up the usual life and dedicates himself to religious or spiritual pursuits – (e) Monk
    2. A community of monks – (d) Sangha
    3. Conqueror – (b) Jain/Jaina/Jina
    4. Someone who engages in rigorous discipline to attain higher consciousness – (a) Ascetic
    5. The quality of being aware, for instance, of something within oneself – (c) Consciousness

    E. Long Answer Questions:

    1. What are Vedas? How many Vedas are there? Name them. Which is the oldest one?
    • The Vedas are ancient Indian texts composed of hymns and prayers. There are four Vedas: Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda. The Rig Veda is the oldest.
    1. Who composed the Vedic hymns? In which language are these hymns composed and how were they passed to the next generation?
    • Composed by rishis and rishikas in early Sanskrit, the Vedic hymns were memorised and passed orally over generations with minimal changes.
    1. How is the Truth explained in the Upanishadic worldview? What do you understand by the terms “rebirth” and “karma”?
    • Truth is explained as brahman, the divine essence of all existence. Rebirth is the cycle of life and death; karma is the law of cause and effect based on one’s actions.

    F. Read the story from Katha Upanishad and answer:

    1. The man was giving away all his possessions as part of a ritual donation.
    2. Nachiketa asked his father to which god he would be offered; his father said, “I give you to Yama.”
    3. Nachiketa asked Yama what happens after death. Yama first avoided but later explained the immortality of atman.
    4. Atman is the Self or soul, eternal and immortal, neither born nor dies.

    G. Identify the given figures and write the answers:

    1. Fig. (ii) shows Lord Buddha meditating, carrying a message of peace, compassion, and enlightenment.
    2. Similarities: Both taught ahimsa and rejected caste distinctions.
    3. Monks and nuns (Sangha for Buddha; Jain monks and nuns for Mahavira) spread the teachings.
    4. In Fig. (i), the ascetic Buddha is shown in calm posture with disciples around, symbolising detachment and spiritual guidance.
    5. The lines by Buddha mean that true purity comes from truth and dharma, not external rituals like bathing in sacred rivers.

    End of Worksheet

    4Aug, 2025
    Chapter 7 India’s Cultural Root

    Worksheet 17 PP Publication

    A. Fill in the blanks using appropriate words:

    1. The word “Veda” comes from the Sanskrit word vid which means knowledge.
    2. The Vedas consist of thousands of hymns.
    3. The Vedic hymns were composed by rishis and rishikas.
    4. The last verses of the Rig Veda also call for unity among people.
    5. A group of texts known as Upanishads built upon Vedic concepts.

    B. State whether the following statements are True or False:

    1. The Vedas are the most ancient texts in the world.
      ✅ True
    2. The hymns were composed in the Vidarbha region.
      ❌ False (They were composed in the Sapta Sindhava region)
    3. The hymns were in a written form.
      ❌ False (They were recited orally)
    4. The Vedic hymns were in an early form of Sanskrit language.
      ✅ True
    5. The Vedic schools of thought became the foundation of Hinduism.
      ✅ True

    C. Match the following:

    Column AColumn B
    1. Concerned with the spirit or soul(d) Spiritual
    2. Someone who seeks the truths of the world(e) Seeker
    3. Our actions or their results(b) Karma
    4. The world or universe as an ordered system(a) Cosmos
    5. Someone who uses traditional healing methods(c) Healer

    D. Very Short Answer Questions:

    1. What are the Vedas?
      They are the most ancient texts of India, consisting of hymns that form the basis of Indian knowledge traditions.
    2. Who composed the Vedas?
      The rishis and rishikas (male and female seers).
    3. What do the last mantras (verses) of the Rig Veda call for?
      They call for unity of purpose, speech, and thought among people.
    4. Make a list of professions mentioned in the Vedic texts.
      Agriculturist, weaver, potter, builder, carpenter, healer, dancer, barber, priest.
    5. Name a school of thought that grew out of the Vedas.
      Vedanta or Yoga.

    E. Short Answer Questions:

    1. In which language were the Vedic hymns composed and to whom were they addressed? Name all those deities.
      • Composed in early Sanskrit.
      • Addressed to Indra, Agni, Varuṇa, Mitra, Sarasvatī, Uṣhas, and more.
    2. Name all the four Vedas. What do the Vedas consist of?
      • Ṛig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sāma Veda, Atharva Veda
      • They consist of thousands of hymns.
    3. In 2008, UNESCO recognised Vedic chanting as ‘a masterpiece’. Why?
      Because of its meticulous oral transmission over thousands of years without written texts.
    4. How many Janas are listed in the Rig Veda? List any five of them.
      • Over 30 janas.
      • Examples: Bharatas, Purus, Kurus, Yadus, Turvaśhas
    5. What is Atman? Where was this concept introduced?
      • Atman is the divine self within every being.
      • Introduced in the Upanishads.

    F. Long Answer Questions:

    1. What do the Vedas consist of? Where and when were the Vedas composed?
      • Vedas consist of hymns, songs, and prayers.
      • Composed orally in the Sapta Sindhava region, between 5th and 2nd millennium BCE.
    2. Write a note in detail on Vedic culture and Vedic schools of thought.
      • Vedic culture involved rituals (yajña), hymns, social organisation in janas.
      • Schools like Vedanta, Yoga emerged later, emphasizing unity with brahman, ātman, karma, rebirth, and truth as a divine essence.

    G. Complete the hymns/verses:

    1. ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti…
      “The Existent is one, but sages call it by many names.”
    2. Come together, speak together; common be your mind, may your…
      “United be your purpose, united may your thoughts agree.”
    3. Aham brahmāsmi
      “I am brahman” (I am divine)
    4. Tat tvam asi…
      “You are That“

    4Aug, 2025
    Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

    Worksheet No. 16 PP Publication

    A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – with options and correct answers:

    1. If tin is added to copper the resulting metal is:
      (a) Bronze ✅
      (b) Aluminium
      (c) Steel
      (d) Silver
    2. The most favoured ornament of Harappans were made of:
      (a) Beads
      (b) Shells
      (c) Gold
      ✅ (d) Copper
    3. The traders identified their goods as well as each other by using this:
      (a) Dresses
      (b) Language
      (c) Faces
      ✅ (d) Seals
    4. Despite all achievements, the Sindhu-Sarasvati civilisation began to fall around:
      (a) 1700 BCE
      (b) 1800 BCE
      ✅ (c) 1900 BCE
      (d) 2000 BCE
    5. There has been found a dockyard, with length a little more than that of two football grounds, at/in:
      (a) Kalibangan
      (b) Dholavira
      ✅ (c) Lothal
      (d) Harappa

    B. True or False:

    1. The Harappans were the first in Eurasia to grow cotton and they used to weave it into clothes.
      ✅ True
    2. The intense agricultural activity was managed by villages and the cities could survive only if enough agricultural produce from rural areas reached them on a daily basis.
      ✅ True
    3. The Harappans imported bronze metal along with other goods.
      ❌ False (They made bronze by mixing copper with tin.)
    4. The Harappans used bronze to make tools, pots, pans, figurines, etc.
      ✅ True
    5. Seals were used by traders to identify goods in the market.
      ✅ True

    C. Fill in the blanks:

    1. Steatite was a soft stone used to make seals.
    2. A dockyard in Lothal was used to receive and send boats for goods.
    3. The most favoured ornaments of the Harappans were beads of carnelian.
    4. At Dholavira, at least six large reservoirs were built with stones.
    5. The Harappans made farming tools including the plough.

    D. Match the following:

    Column AColumn B
    1. Conch shell(a) Bangles
    2. A reddish semiprecious stone(e) Carnelian
    3. Found on the Oman coast(d) Ivory comb
    4. Seals(c) Steatite
    5. A bronze figurine from Mohenjo-Daro(b) Dancing Girl

    E. Short Answer Questions:

    1. What the Harappans imported in exchange of the exported goods is not clear. It probably included —
      Copper, as it was not commonly available locally.
    2. If tin is added to copper, what is the resulting metal? Which of these two is harder?
      It forms bronze, which is harder than copper.
    3. Why did the Harappans return to rural life around 1900 BCE?
      Due to climatic changes and the drying up of the Sarasvati river, urban life declined.
    4. What do you observe in the ‘Dancing Girl’ figurine?
      She expresses confidence and pride, with bangles covering her entire arm — a custom still seen in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
    5. Do you think workers were paid for their labour like today? (HOTS)
      No. There was no money system like today; payment may have been in kind or organized by community leaders.

    F. Long Answer Questions:

    1. Why could cities survive only if enough agricultural produce reached them?
      Cities depended on daily food supply from surrounding villages. Without this, urban populations couldn’t sustain themselves.
    2. Describe Harappan trade: what did they export/import and how?
      • Exports: Beads, ornaments, timber, cotton, food items
      • Imports: Copper (likely), semi-precious stones
      • Transport: Via land routes, rivers, and sea (dockyard at Lothal)
    3. List ornaments worn by Harappans (also draw any two):
      • Beads of carnelian, shell bangles, gold items, copper rings, ivory combs
        (User can draw: Shell bangles and Carnelian bead necklace)
    4. Why did Harappans return to rural settlements? What caused decline?
      • Reasons:
        1. Climatic change around 2200 BCE
        2. Drying of Sarasvati River
        • Lack of water and food forced shift from cities to rural lifestyle.

    G. Paragraph-Based Questions and Answers:

    Q1. What caused the decline of the Harappan civilisation?
    A: Climatic change (less rainfall) and drying of Sarasvati River, leading to abandoned cities.

    Q2. Which two factors have archaeologists proposed?
    A:

    1. A global climatic shift from 2200 BCE causing droughts.
    2. Sarasvati river dried up, affecting cities like Kalibangan and Banawali.

    Q3. What do these factors remind us of?
    A: Our dependence on environment and climate for food, water, and survival.

    4Aug, 2025
    Chapter 6 – The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

    Worksheet No 15 PP Publication

    A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

    1. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro are now in
      ✅ (b) Pakistan
    2. The famous ‘Great Bath’ is in
      ✅ (c) Mohenjo-Daro
    3. A waterproofing material applied on bricks:
      ✅ (a) natural bitumen
    4. City with six large reservoirs:
      ✅ (c) Dholavira
    5. They gave much importance to water management:
      ✅ (d) Dholavira

    B. True or False:

    1. The Harappans had separate areas for bathing in their homes.
      ✅ True
    2. The largest reservoir was in Kalibangan, measuring 73 m long.
      ❌ False (It was in Dholavira)
    3. People at Mohenjo-Daro were the first in Eurasia to grow cotton.
      ✅ True
    4. There was no money at that time as we have today.
      ✅ True
    5. In Harappan cities, quality of construction varied with house size.
      ❌ False (Construction quality was uniform)

    C. Fill in the blanks:

    1. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were the two important cities of the Indus Valley civilisation.
    2. There was a high density of sites in the Sarasvati basin.
    3. Lothal is in the present-day state of Gujarat.
    4. Goods to be transported were stored in large structures called warehouses.
    5. Most Harappan cities were surrounded by fortifications.

    D. Match the following:

    Cities and States:

    CityState
    Dholavira(a) Gujarat
    Rakhigarhi(b) Haryana
    Ganweriwala(d) Cholistan
    Lothal(a) Gujarat
    Kalibangan(c) Rajasthan
    Banawali(b) Haryana

    E. Very Short Answer Questions:

    1. Define the following:
      • Fortification: A massive wall surrounding a settlement or city, generally for protection.
      • Elite: The higher social classes such as rulers, priests, and officials.
      • Reservoir: A place, natural or artificial, where water is collected and stored.
    2. What were the warehouses used for?
      Warehouses were used to store goods to be transported.
    3. Which two distinct parts did Harappan cities have?
      The upper town (for elites) and lower town (for common people).
    4. How was construction quality the same for all houses?
      Both large and small houses were made with the same quality of baked bricks.
    5. What crops did Harappans grow?
      Barley, wheat, millets, pulses, vegetables, and cotton.

    F. Short Answer Questions:

    1. How did the Indus Civilisation decline?
      Due to climate change and drying up of Sarasvati River, leading to agricultural failure and city abandonment.
    2. How were Harappan cities planned?
      With wide, straight streets, drainage systems, and zones like upper and lower towns.
    3. How did people in other regions draw water?
      From ponds, reservoirs, or nearby streams.
    4. Why did Harappans settle near rivers?
      For water, fertile soil for farming, and transportation/trade.
    5. Name crops grown by Harappans.
      Wheat, barley, millets, pulses, vegetables, and cotton.
    6. How do we know Harappan diet was diverse?
      Scientific tests on pots found remains of dairy, turmeric, ginger, banana, etc.

    G. Long Answer Questions:

    1. Why is the Great Bath a matter of debate?
      Some archaeologists think it was for religious rituals, others think for royalty. No written records confirm either.
    2. How do we know Harappans valued water management?
      Cities had wells, reservoirs, drains, and homes had separate bathing areas.
    3. What does presence of animal and fish bones show?
      That Harappans ate meat and fish, suggesting non-vegetarian diet and fishing practices.

    H. Assertion and Reasoning:

    1. Assertion: Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro grew along the Indus and its tributaries.
      Reason: Rivers were the main source of water and irrigation.
      ✅ (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation.
    2. Assertion: The term ‘Valley’ is obsolete in ‘Indus Valley civilisation’.
      Reason: The civilisation extended beyond the Indus region.
      ✅ (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation.

    4Aug, 2025
    Chapter 6 -The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

    Worksheet -14 PP Publication

    A. Tick the correct option (MCQs):

    1. One of the oldest civilisations in the world is
      (a) Indus
      (b) Harappan
      (c) Indus-Sarasvati
      (d) All of these ✅
    2. The river Sarasvati is first mentioned in the
      (a) Ramayana
      (b) Mahabharata
      (c) Rig Veda ✅
      (d) Vishnu Purana
    3. The river worshipped both as a goddess and as a river flowing ‘from the mountain to the sea’:
      (a) Beas
      (b) Indus
      (c) Ghaggar
      (d) Sarasvati ✅
    4. Lothal and Dholavira were discovered in
      (a) Punjab
      (b) Haryana
      (c) Rajasthan
      (d) Gujarat ✅
    5. Which of the following characteristics of a civilisation is the most fundamental one?
      (a) Government and administration
      (b) Cultural ideas/crafts
      (c) Trade
      (d) Agriculture ✅

    B. True or False:

    1. The inhabitants of the Indus Valley civilisation are called Harappans.
      True ✅
    2. The river Sarasvati later dried or disappeared.
      True ✅
    3. Mohenjo-Daro is in Haryana (India).
      False ❌ (It is in Pakistan)
    4. The Mesopotamian civilisation began in 3000 BCE.
      False ❌ (It began around 6000 years ago — ~4000 BCE)
    5. The Indus Valley civilisation extended much beyond the Indus region.
      True ✅

    C. Fill in the blanks:

    1. Towns and cities grew along Indus and its tributaries.
    2. The Indus civilisation is also called the ‘First Urbanisation’ of India.
    3. The term civilisation is used for an advanced stage of human societies.
    4. Harappan was the earliest civilisation of the Indian Subcontinent.
    5. River Sarasvati was first mentioned in the Rig Veda.

    D. Match Column A with Column B:

    Column AColumn B
    1. A river that flows into a larger river(d) Tributary
    2. A technique to extract metal from its ore.(e) Metallurgy
    3. Enough to feed not only just the villages(a) A productive agriculture
    4. Town planning(c) Urbanisation
    5. Flows during the rainy season(b) Seasonal

    E. Match cities with modern regions:

    CityModern Region
    1. Mohenjo-Daro(e) Sindh
    2. Dholavira(c) Gujarat
    3. Harappa(b) Punjab
    4. Rakhigarhi(a) Haryana
    5. Kalibangan(d) Rajasthan

    F. Very Short Answer Questions:

    1. Define the following terms: (a) Metallurgy: The technique of extracting metals from nature, purifying or combining them, and studying their properties. (b) Civilisation: An advanced stage of human society with urbanism, administration, agriculture, writing, culture, and trade.
    2. Which river is worshipped as a goddess?
      Sarasvati River
    3. Name the two important cities which grew along the Indus and its tributaries.
      Harappa and Mohenjo-daro

    G. Short Answer Questions:

    1. Give the course of the river Sarasvati.
      The Sarasvati River flowed from the foothills of the Himalayas through Haryana, Punjab, parts of Rajasthan, and Gujarat. It is now known as the Ghaggar in India and Hakra in Pakistan.
    2. What is urbanism?
      Urbanism refers to the planning and development of cities, including town planning, drainage, water supply, and infrastructure.
    3. Write down the main tributaries of the Indus. Important cities grew along these rivers. Why?
      The main tributaries include the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Cities grew along them due to fertile soil, water for agriculture, and ease of transport and trade.
    4. What are the two main reasons for developing different forms of writing?
      To keep records and to communicate — especially for trade and administration.
    5. What do you understand by the term ‘a productive agriculture’?
      Agriculture that produces enough surplus to feed not only villages but also cities.

    H. Long Answer Questions:

    1. What characteristics should a civilisation have? Explain them.
      A civilisation should have:
      • Some form of government and administration
      • Urban planning and cities
      • A productive agriculture
      • Trade (internal and external)
      • A writing system
      • Crafts and industries
      • Cultural expressions like art, literature, and architecture
    2. How can you say that all these characteristics are present in most societies in the world today?
      Today’s societies have governments, cities with infrastructure, written languages, varied trades, agriculture supporting urban life, and vibrant cultural traditions — all rooted in ancient civilisational traits.

    I. Assertion and Reasoning:

    1. Assertion: Today the inhabitants of Indus civilisation are called Harappans.
      Reason: The city of Harappa was the first of this civilisation to be excavated, way back in 1920–21.
      Answer: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion. ✅
    2. Assertion: The plains of Punjab and Sindh are favourable to agriculture.
      Reason: These plains could only feed the villages.
      Answer: (c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false. ✅
    4Aug, 2025
    Chapter 5 India That is Bharat

    Worksheet – 13 exploring society India and Beyond class 6 PP Publication

    🅐 Tick the correct option:

    1. “Uttaram yat samudrasya himadrescaiva” can be read in an ancient text called:
      • (a) The Ramayana
      • (b) The Mahabharata
      • (c) The Vishnu Purana ✅
      • (d) The Vedas
    2. The first foreigners to mention India were the:
      • (a) Russians
      • (b) Americans
      • (c) Chinese
      • (d) Persians ✅
    3. In the 6th century BCE, a Persian emperor launched a military campaign and gained control of the region of the:
      • (a) Indus River ✅
      • (b) Ganga River
      • (c) Narmada River
      • (d) Godavari River
    4. The traveller who came to India in the 7th century CE from China was:
      • (a) Baotang Wuzhu
      • (b) Xuanzang ✅
      • (c) Faxian
      • (d) Yijing
    5. The term which was first used in a Persian inscription and was used by most invaders:
      • (a) Bharata
      • (b) Bharat
      • (c) Bharatam
      • (d) Hindustan ✅

    🅑 State whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F):

    1. Different parts of our country adopted different definitions for India. – False
    2. Persians in their earliest records and inscriptions referred to India as ‘Hidu’, ‘Hind’ or ‘Hindu’. – True
    3. The ancient Chinese had respect for India as a land of higher mountains. – False
    4. The first foreigners to mention India were the ancient inhabitants of Iran. – True
    5. The Hindi version of the Indian Constitution uses the phrase ‘Bharat arthath India’. – True

    🅒 Fill in the blanks using appropriate words:

    1. In north India, the Indian Subcontinent is written as Bharat, while in south India, it is referred to as Bharatam.
    2. The snowy mountains in the extreme north of India are the Himalayas.
    3. A poem of ancient Tamil literature praises a king whose name is identified as known from Cape Kumari to the Himalayas.
    4. An Indian emperor has left us many inscriptions. Ashoka.
    5. ‘Bharatavarsha’ means ‘the country of the Bharatas’.

    🅓 Match the following:

    Column AColumn BCorrect Match
    1. A document that tells out the basic principles and laws of a nation(d) Constitution1 – d
    2. Pragjyotisha(c) Today’s Assam2 – c
    3. Tianzhu(e) Sindhu3 – e
    4. Jambudvipa(a) Jamun Island4 – a
    5. Indoi(b) The ancient Greeks5 – b

    E. Short Answer Questions:

    1. Written in about 250 BCE, Ashoka in his inscriptions used the name ‘Jambudvipa’ to describe the whole of India. Which other countries did he include in it which are not part of India today?
      Answer: Ashoka’s Jambudvipa included present-day Bangladesh, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan.
    2. Name the regions which are listed in the Mahabharata. Which two terms are used in the Mahabharata for India?
      Answer: The Mahabharata lists regions like Kāshmīra, Kurukshetra, Vanga, Prāgjyotiṣha, Kaccha, and Kerala. The terms used are Bhāratavarṣha and Jambudvīpa.
    3. The Greeks named the Sindhu region as Indoi and dropped the letter ‘H’. Why?
      Answer: Because the Greek language did not have the letter ‘H’.
    4. The Persians in their stone inscriptions referred to India as ‘Hind’ or ‘Hindu’.
      Answer: True
    5. Did they mean by ‘Hindu’ the Hindu religion? Describe in short.
      Answer: No, in ancient Persian, ‘Hindu’ was a geographical term derived from ‘Sindhu’; it did not refer to the Hindu religion.

    F. Long Answer Questions:

    1. Who was Xuanzang? Why did he come to India?
      Answer: Xuanzang was a Chinese traveler who came to India in the 7th century CE. He visited many parts of India, met scholars, collected Buddhist texts, and translated them into Chinese upon returning to China after 17 years.
    2. The Mahabharata uses the terms ‘Bharatdweepa’ and ‘Jambudvipa’ for the Indian Subcontinent. Describe both the terms.
      Answer: ‘Bharatdweepa’ or ‘Bhāratavarṣha’ means “the country of the Bharatas.” ‘Jambudvipa’ means “the island of the jamun tree,” and referred to the Indian Subcontinent as a whole.
    3. A poem of ancient Tamil literature from about 2,000 years ago praises a king as “from [Cape] Kumari in the south………”. Why is it said that it looks like ancient Indians knew their geography well?
      Answer: Because the poem mentions geographical boundaries such as Cape Kumari, the great mountains (Himalayas), and the eastern and western oceans, indicating ancient Indians’ detailed knowledge of the subcontinent’s geography.

    G. Questions on the Constitution (Fig. 5.5):

    1. Define the term ‘Constitution’.
      Answer: A Constitution is a document that spells out the basic principles and laws of a nation.
    2. Who wrote the Indian Constitution? (HOTS)
      Answer: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is considered the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
    3. What is the First part of the Indian Constitution called?
      Answer: The Preamble.
    4. When did the Constitution of India come into force? (HOTS)
      Answer: On 26th January 1950.
    3Aug, 2025
    India, That is Bharat

    WorkSheet – 12 PP Publication

    A. Tick the correct option

    1. India’s most ancient text is
      (a) Rig Veda
      (b) Sam Veda
      (c) Atharva Veda
      (d) Yajur Veda
      ✅ Answer: (a) Rig Veda
    2. ‘Sindhu’ refers to the river
      (a) Sutlej
      (b) Indus
      (c) Ravi
      (d) Beas
      ✅ Answer: (b) Indus
    3. India’s most famous text:
      (a) Ramayana
      (b) Mahabharata
      (c) Puranas
      (d) Ram Charita Manas
      ✅ Answer: (b) Mahabharata
    4. ‘Bharata’ is a name that first appears in the
      (a) Mahabharata
      (b) Ramayana
      (c) Puranas
      (d) Rig Veda
      ✅ Answer: (d) Rig Veda
    5. In one of his inscriptions, Ashoka used this name to describe whole India:
      (a) Bharata
      (b) Indus
      (c) Jambudvipa
      (d) Hindustan
      ✅ Answer: (c) Jambudvipa

    B. Fill in the blanks using appropriate words

    1. In the course of history, India was called by many names, both by its inhabitants and by visitors from outside.
    2. India’s most ancient text gives the northwest region of the Subcontinent the name Sapta Sindhava.
    3. The ancient Indian texts are difficult to date.
    4. ‘Bharata’ is a name that first appeared in the Rig Veda.
    5. ‘Bharatavarsha’ means the country of the Bharatas.

    C. State whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F)

    1. About 5,000 years ago, the ‘Indian Subcontinent’ has had many different names and shifting boundaries. – ✅ True
    2. Mahabharata is a very long poem written from a few centuries BCE onwards. – ✅ True
    3. ‘Bharata’ is a name that first appears in the Mahabharata. – ❌ False
    4. ‘Jambudvipa’ means ‘the island of the fruit of the jamun tree’. – ✅ True
    5. Chandragupta Maurya left us many inscriptions. – ❌ False (It was Emperor Ashoka)

    D. Match the items in Column A with Column B

    Column AColumn BAnswer
    1. People who live in a particular place(h) Inhabitants1 → h
    2. The northwest region of the Subcontinent(e) Sapta Sindhava2 → e
    3. Malabar plum tree(f) Jambul tree3 → f
    4. Kaccha(a) Kutch4 → a
    5. Pragjyotisha(g) Assam5 → g
    6. Vanga(c) Parts of Bengal6 → c
    7. Kurukshetra(d) Parts of Haryana7 → d
    8. Kashmira(b) Kashmir8 → b

    E. Very Short Answer Questions

    1. Name all the four Vedas. (HOTS)
      → Rig Veda, Sam Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda
    2. Which one is the most ancient Veda?
      → Rig Veda
    3. Who created the Vedas? (HOTS)
      → The sages or rishis of ancient India (exact authors unknown)
    4. Which region of the Indian Subcontinent is covered by the Rig Veda in its text?
      → The northwest region, referred to as Sapta Sindhava
    5. Name the terms used in the Mahabharata to describe ancient India.
      → Bharatavarsha and Jambudvipa

    F. Long Answer Questions

    1. What are the different sources to learn about India’s past and evolution?
      → Ancient texts, inscriptions, foreign travelers’ accounts, archaeological findings, coins, literature, and oral traditions.
    2. Name any two ancient texts of the Indian Subcontinent. Describe them briefly.
      → Rig Veda – The earliest known sacred text composed in Sanskrit, describing hymns and rituals.
      → Mahabharata – An epic poem that narrates the story of the Kauravas and Pandavas and includes references to ancient geography and culture.
    3. Describe the meaning of the given terms:
      (a) Bharatavarsha – The land of the Bharatas, referring to the Indian Subcontinent.
      (b) Jambudvipa – The land (or continent) associated with the jamun tree; another ancient name for India.

    G. Assertion and Reason Questions

    1.

    • Assertion: It is difficult to say when we came across a name for the entire Indian Subcontinent.
    • Reason: Ancient Indian texts are difficult to date.
      ✅ Answer: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

    2.

    • Assertion: We can learn about India’s past and evolution from many different sources.
    • Reason: India was very different 5,000 years ago.
      ✅ Answer: (b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.