Buildings, Paintings and Books Class 6 Extra Questions and Answers Free PDF Download
FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 6 Social Science Buildings, Paintings and Books - 2025-26
1. What are some expected short-answer questions from CBSE Class 6 History Chapter 11, 'Buildings, Paintings and Books'?
For the Class 6 Social Science exam, some frequently asked short-answer questions from this chapter include defining key terms. You should be prepared to explain:
- Stupa: A mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics.
- Garbhagriha: The inner room of a temple where the image of the main god or goddess is placed.
- Mandapa: The hall in a temple where people could assemble.
- Puranas: Literally meaning 'old', these are collections of stories about Hindu gods and goddesses.
2. How can one structure a 5-mark answer describing the main architectural features of early Hindu temples?
To score full marks on a question about early Hindu temple architecture, you should structure your answer with the following points:
- The Garbhagriha: Start by describing the most important part, the garbhagriha, which was a room housing the image of the chief deity. Explain that this was the most sacred space.
- The Shikhara: Mention the tower, known as the shikhara, which was built on top of the garbhagriha to mark it as a sacred place.
- The Mandapa: Describe the assembly hall called the mandapa, which was located in front of the garbhagriha for devotees to gather.
- Examples: Provide examples from the chapter, such as the early temple at Bhitargaon in Uttar Pradesh (made of brick) or the temples at Aihole in Karnataka.
3. What were the key scientific contributions of Aryabhata that are important for exams?
Aryabhata was a famous astronomer and mathematician whose contributions are an important topic. For your exam, focus on these key points:
- He wrote a book in Sanskrit called the Aryabhatiyam.
- He stated that day and night were caused by the earth rotating on its axis, which was a revolutionary idea for that time.
- He developed a scientific explanation for eclipses.
- He found a way of calculating the circumference of a circle, which is very close to the formula we use today, and calculated the value of pi (π) to 3.1416.
4. What are monolithic temples, as mentioned in Chapter 11?
A monolithic temple is a structure that is carved out of a single, massive piece of rock. Instead of being built by adding stones or bricks one by one, the entire temple, including its pillars, walls, and sculptures, is hewn from one large stone. The shore temple at Mahabalipuram is a prime example of this type of architecture mentioned in the NCERT textbook for Class 6.
5. Why is the Iron Pillar at Mehrauli in Delhi considered a remarkable example of ancient Indian craftsmanship?
The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli is considered a remarkable achievement because of the advanced metallurgical skill it represents. For over 1500 years, it has stood in the open, exposed to sun and rain, yet it has not rusted. This demonstrates a deep understanding of metalworking, particularly in creating rust-resistant iron, a technology that was exceptionally advanced for that period in history. This is a very common topic for HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions.
6. How did the function of a Stupa differ from that of an early Hindu temple?
The primary difference between a Stupa and a temple lies in their religious purpose and structure. A Stupa, like the one at Sanchi, was built to enshrine relics of the Buddha or his followers and was a site for Buddhist veneration and meditation, often featuring a path for circumambulation (pradakshina patha). In contrast, an early Hindu temple was built as a home for a specific deity, whose image was placed in the central shrine called the garbhagriha, where priests performed religious rituals.
7. What insights do epics like the Silappadikaram and Manimekalai offer about society during that period?
These Tamil epics are important because they provide a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, not just kings and queens. The Silappadikaram, for example, tells the story of a merchant named Kovalan, offering insights into urban life, trade, and the justice system of that time. The Manimekalai explores themes of social change and religion. Together, they reveal details about the social norms, economy, and cultural values prevalent in South India centuries ago.
8. What is important to know about the Ajanta paintings for the Class 6 exam?
For your exam, you should know that the Ajanta paintings are murals located in rock-cut caves in Maharashtra. Key points to remember are:
- The paintings were made in dark caves, likely illuminated by torchlight.
- The colours, made from plants and minerals, have remained remarkably vivid for over 1500 years.
- Many of the paintings depict stories from the Jataka tales, which are stories about the previous lives of the Buddha.
- The artists were able to show emotion and create a sense of three-dimensional space, showcasing a high degree of artistic skill.
9. How did the Puranas make religious stories accessible to everyone, including women and Shudras?
The Puranas played a crucial role in making Hindu religious traditions more inclusive. Unlike the Vedas, which were complex and not accessible to women and Shudras, the Puranas were written in simple Sanskrit and were meant to be read and heard by everybody. They were often recited in temples by priests, allowing people from all walks of life, regardless of their caste or gender, to learn about the stories of gods like Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga. This helped spread religious ideas to the masses.
