Classes VI - X

 1. In this chapter you have read that health is a wider concept than illness. Observe this quote from the Constitution and explain the terms ‘living standard’ and ‘public health’ in your own words. An important aspect of the Constitution says it is the “duty of the state to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health”.  Ans. Living standard is defined as an individual’s level of living with regards to wealth, comfort, material goods and in this context, health. Living in excellent hygienic conditions are a good indicator of how high the living standard of an individual or the nation in general is. On the contrary, the lower the hygiene standards, the lower the living standards. An example of it is staying in dirty surroundings and consuming unhygienic food.  Public health is defined as the science of protecting and improving the general health of the communities at large through education, policy-making and research for disea...

 1. What are the three components of a map?  Ans. The three components of the map are - distance, direction and symbol.  2. What are the four cardinal directions?  Ans. The four cardinal directions are - North, South, East and West.  3. What do you mean by the term ‘the scale of the map’? Ans. The scale of the map is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map. There are two types of a map based on scale - Large scale map and small scale map.  4. How are maps more helpful than a globe? Ans. A map is a representation or a drawing of the earth’s surface or a part of it drawn on a flat surface according to a scale. It is impossible to flatten a round shape and scale it. Therefore, maps are more helpful than a globe. 5. Distinguish between a map and a plan. Ans. Map - A map is a representation or a drawing of the earth’s surface or a part of it drawn on a flat surface according to a scale. Maps give ...

 1. What is the angle of inclination of the earth’s axis with its orbital plane? Ans. The angle of inclination of the earth’s axis with its orbital plane is 66½° 2.  Define rotation and revolution. Ans. The movement of the earth on its axis is called rotation. The movement of the earth around the sun in a fixed path or orbit is called Revolution. 3. What is a leap year? Ans. Every fourth year, February is of 29 days instead of 28 days. Such a year with 366 days is called a leap year. 4. Differentiate between the Summer and Winter Solstice. Ans.  Summer Solstice - When the Southern hemisphere experiences winter season and there is summer in the northern hemisphere. At that point in time, the position of the earth on 21st June is called the Summer Solstice.  Winter Solstice - When the Southern hemisphere experiences summer season and reverse occurs at the Northern hemisphere. At that point in time, the position of the earth on 22nd Decembe...

 1. Look at the statements in the column on the left. Can you identify which level they belong to (Local/State/Central)? a) The decision of the Government of India to maintain peaceful relations with Russia - Central  b) The decision of the Government of West Bengal in whether to have a Board exam in Class 8 for all government schools - State  c) Introduction of two new trains between Dibrugarh and Kanyakumari- Central  d) The decision to locate a common well in a particular area of the village- Local  e) The decision to construct a big children’s park in Patna - Local  f) The decision of the Government of Haryana to provide free electricity for all farmers - State  g) Introduction of new 1000 rupee note - Central 2. What do you understand by the word ‘government’? List 5 ways in which you think Government affects your daily life. Ans. a. The decision on where to build roads and other infrastructure.  b. The decision on various social we...

 1. Fill in the blanks. a) Slaves were used to work . b) Megaliths are found in South India, Kashmir, North East . c)  Stone circles or boulders on the surface were used to point out the exact place of burial. d) Port-holes were used for burying other members of the same family at the same place. (e) People at Inamgaon ate peas, pulses, rice, barley, sesame . 2. In what ways are the books we read today different from the Rigveda? Ans. The books we use are written and printed. Rigveda was recited and heard rather than read. It was written down several centuries after it was first composed and printed less than 200 years ago. 3.  What kind of evidence from burials do archaeologists use to find out whether there were social differences amongst those who were buried? Ans. Archaeologists found that in some burials skeletons found were buried with lots, the number of pots buried was more if the person had higher social status. 4. . In what ways do you think ...

1. How do archaeologists know that cloth was used in the Harappan civilization? Ans. Actual pieces of cloth were found attached to the lid of a silver vase and some copper objects at Mohenjodaro. Archaeologists have also found spindle whorls, made of terracotta and faience. These were used to spin thread. 2. Why were metals, writing, the wheel, and the plough important for the Harappans? Ans. Metals – used for making tools, ornaments, vessels, weapons  Writing – for communication purpose   Wheel – for pottery and for making carts used for travelling.   Plough – used for farming purpose. 3. Make a list of all the terracotta toys shown in the lesson. Which do you think children would have enjoyed playing the most? Ans. We can find a list of 9 different items. 1. Peas 2. Barley 3. Rice 4. Wheat 5. Fruits 6. Mustard 7. Linseed 8. Sesame 9. Pulses 4. Do you think that the life of farmers and herders who supplied food to the Harappan...