In the last chapter of Class 6 History, students will explore the magnificent architecture, stunning artwork, and literary works of ancient times. The chapter covers a range of topics including the Iron Pillar, buildings made of brick and stone, stupas and temples, ancient paintings, and books.
As part of the chapter, students will also find a set of 8 exercise questions, all of which come with comprehensive answers in the solutions section.
CBSE Notes Class 6 History Chapter 11 – Building, Paintings and Books
- Writing Books:
The ancient period was marked by the creation and compilation of epic literary works. These epics were long and grand compositions that celebrated the heroic deeds of both men and women, as well as gods and goddesses.
- Building Temples:
During this era, a multitude of temples were constructed across the country, dedicated to various deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga, among others. These temples were masterpieces of architecture and served as important centers of religious and cultural activities.
- Iron Pillar in Delhi:
The Iron Pillar, located in Mehrauli, Delhi, stands as a testament to the exceptional skill and craftsmanship of Indian artisans. Despite being over 1500 years old, the Iron Pillar has not rusted and continues to be a marvel of ancient metallurgical engineering.
- Paintings:
The caves and monasteries at Ajanta are renowned for their stunning paintings. These paintings, which were created by unknown artists using torchlight, are now over 1500 years old and provide a glimpse into the artistic and cultural heritage of ancient India.
- Silappadikaram:
Around 1800 years ago, a Tamil epic called Silappadikaram was composed by poet Ilango. The story follows the life of a merchant and his wife, Kannagi, and mentions an incident that took place in Madurai.
- Writings of Kalidasa:
Sanskrit literature flourished during this period, and Kalidasa was one of its most prominent contributors. His works, such as Malavikagnimitra, Abhigyan Shakuntalam, Vikramorvasiya, Raghuvansham, and Kumarasambhava, remain popular to this day.
- Writing Puranas:
The period also saw the writing of many Puranas, which contained stories about gods and goddesses such as Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, and Parvati. These ancient texts provided valuable insights into the religious beliefs and cultural practices of ancient India.
- Stupa:
Stupas, which are mounds with common features of being round, tall, big or small, were also constructed during this period. At the center of each stupa was a small box, known as a relic casket, which contained bodily remains such as teeth, bone, and ashes.
- Books on Science:
The period saw significant advancements in the field of science, with mathematician and astronomer Aryabhatta writing a book called “Aryabhatiyam.” He also developed a scientific explanation for eclipses. Additionally, the concept of zero was invented in India during this period.
- Madurai:
The city of Madurai, located in Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its many temples. It was also the birthplace of the Tamil Sangam, which was the first assembly in a series of three and played a significant role in the development of Tamil literature.
- The Great Stupa:
The Great Stupa, located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, is a testament to the rich Buddhist history of India. Built during the reign of Ashoka, this ancient structure is considered one of the finest examples of Indian architecture.
- Monolithic Temples:
Monolithic Temples, which were carved out of a single huge rock, can be seen in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli in Delhi, made about 1500 years ago, is an exceptional example of Indian craftsmanship.
Craftspeople during this time also showed their skills in building stupas and temples, which were made of brick and stone. The Great Stupa at Sanchi, built over several centuries, and the magnificent stupa that once existed in Amaravati are noteworthy examples.
Stone temples in towns like Mahabalipuram and Aihole are considered among the finest in the country.
Building stupas and temples was a costly affair, so only kings and queens could afford it. They spent money from their treasury to pay the craftspeople who worked to build these beautiful structures.
The paintings of Ajanta, found in several caves carved out of hills over centuries, are world-renowned. Many of the caves were monasteries and decorated with paintings.
Some of the most famous epics were written during this period, such as the Silappadikaram and the Manimekalai, which were Tamil epics written by llango and Sattanar respectively. Writers like Kalidasa wrote in Sanskrit, and his best-known poem is the Meghaduta.
The Puranas, which contained religious stories written in simple Sanskrit verse and meant to be heard by everyone, including women and shudras, were also written during this time. The Mahabharata and Ramayana, popular Sanskrit epics, had been well-known for a long time.
The Mahabharata tells the story of a war fought between the Kauravas and Pandavas, who were cousins. The Ramayana is about Rama, the prince of Kosala, who was exiled for fourteen years.
The Jatakas, collections of stories told by ordinary people, were also prevalent during this time.
Books on science, such as Aryabhatta’s Aryabhatiyam, were written during this period. Aryabhatta was a mathematician and astronomer who stated that day and night were caused by the rotation of the earth on its axis. He also developed a scientific explanation for eclipses. The number zero was invented in India during this period as well.
- Epic:
Epics are lengthy, majestic compositions that narrate heroic tales of men, women, and gods.
- Garbhagriha:
Garbhagriha was a significant part of the temple where the main deity’s image was enshrined.
- Jatakas:
Jatakas were traditional stories told by ordinary folks.
- Mandapa:
Mandapa was a spacious hall-like structure built within the temple complex where devotees could gather and participate in religious activities.
- Painting:
Painting is a form of art that involves applying colours on a surface to create images.
- Purana:
The term Purana refers to ancient texts that contain stories about Hindu gods and goddesses.
- Stupa:
The term stupa refers to a mound-like structure that is used for religious purposes.
- Temple:
A temple is a sacred place for Hindus where they worship their gods and goddesses.
- Shikhara:
Shikhara refers to the towering spire of a Hindu temple.
- 2300 years ago – Beginning of Stupa building
- 2000 years ago – Amaravati
- 1600 years ago – Kalidasa
- 1500 years ago – Iron pillar, Temple at Bhitragaon, Paintings of Ajanta and Aryabhatta
- 1400 years ago – Durga Temple
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