| Latest Social Science NCERT Notes, Solutions and Extra Q & A (Class 6th & 7th) | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6th | 7th | ||||||||||||||||||
Latest Class 6th Social Science NCERT (Exploring - India and Beyond) Notes, NCERT Question Solutions and Extra Q & A
1. Locating Places On The Earth
This chapter introduces the fundamental tools and concepts used in geography to locate any place on Earth. It explains that a globe is a true, three-dimensional model of the Earth, which accurately shows the shape, size, and location of continents and oceans. To locate places precisely, we use a network of imaginary lines. The most important of these is the Equator, an imaginary line that runs around the middle of the Earth, dividing it into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Horizontal lines running parallel to the Equator are called parallels of latitude, which measure distance north or south. Vertical lines running from the North Pole to the South Pole are called meridians of longitude, which measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. The intersection of these latitude and longitude lines forms a grid system, allowing us to pinpoint the exact coordinates of any location. Understanding this grid is essential for reading maps and finding the precise position of India, which lies entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, with the Tropic of Cancer passing through it.
2. Oceans And Continents
This chapter explores the major domains of the Earth: the landmasses, known as continents, and the vast water bodies, known as oceans. The Earth's surface is divided into seven continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia. Asia is the largest and most populous continent, while Australia is the smallest. The chapter also describes the five major oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern (or Antarctic), and Arctic. The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest. A unique feature is the Indian Ocean, the only ocean named after a country, India, highlighting our nation's significant coastline and historical maritime influence. This chapter helps students build a mental map of the world, understanding the distribution of land (lithosphere) and water (hydrosphere) and locating India's strategic position at the head of the Indian Ocean.
3. Landforms And Life
This chapter focuses on the varied natural features of the Earth's surface, called landforms, and their profound impact on human life. It introduces the three major landforms: mountains, plateaus, and plains. Mountains, like the mighty Himalayas, are high and rugged, acting as climate barriers and sources of rivers. Plateaus, such as the Deccan Plateau in India, are elevated, flat-topped lands, often rich in minerals. Plains, like the fertile Northern Plains of India, are vast, flat areas ideal for agriculture, which is why they are densely populated. The chapter explains how these landforms are created by internal and external forces of the Earth. It further illustrates how human activities, settlements, and lifestyles are adapted to these different physical environments—from farming in the plains to mining in plateaus and tourism in the mountains, showing the deep connection between geography and life.
4. Timeline And Sources Of History
This chapter introduces the foundational concepts for studying the past. It explains how historians use a timeline to arrange events in chronological order, using the system of BC (Before Christ) or BCE (Before Common Era) for the period before the birth of Christ, and AD (Anno Domini) or CE (Common Era) for the period after. The chapter then details the different sources of history that historians use as evidence. These are broadly categorized into Archaeological sources (physical remains like tools, pottery, monuments, and coins) and Literary sources (written records like manuscripts, religious texts, and accounts of foreign travellers). A special focus is given to inscriptions, which are writings engraved on hard surfaces like rocks or pillars, such as the famous edicts of Emperor Ashoka. By learning to analyze these sources, students understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed.
5. India, That Is Bharat
This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of our country. It begins by discussing its two official names, India and Bharat, as stated in the Indian Constitution. The chapter then explores India's vast and diverse geography, outlining its major physical divisions: the towering Himalayan Mountains in the North, the fertile Northern Plains, the ancient Peninsular Plateau, the coastal plains along the east and west coasts, the Thar Desert, and the island groups of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. In addition to its physical geography, the chapter introduces India's political structure as a union of states and Union Territories. Understanding this framework of physical and political geography is essential for studying the history, culture, and society of India, providing a clear map of the nation.
6. The Beginnings Of Indian Civilisation
This chapter takes us back to the dawn of civilization in the Indian subcontinent. It starts with the early humans of the Stone Age and then moves to the subcontinent's first great urban culture, the Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization. Flourishing around 2500 BCE in the basin of the Indus River, this Bronze Age civilization was remarkable for its advanced urban planning. Cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were built on a grid pattern with sophisticated drainage systems. The chapter highlights key archaeological discoveries, such as the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro, granaries for storing food, and distinctive seals with animal motifs and an undeciphered script. These findings reveal a highly organized society with a thriving economy based on agriculture and trade, providing a glimpse into one of the world's most ancient and advanced civilizations.
7. India's Cultural Roots
This chapter explores the ancient origins of India's enduring cultural and philosophical traditions. It begins with the Vedic period, characterized by the composition of the Vedas (Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda), the sacred texts that form the basis of Hinduism. This era laid down many social and religious customs. The chapter then discusses the emergence of two other major religions in the 6th century BCE: Buddhism, founded by Gautama Buddha, who taught the path to enlightenment and freedom from suffering; and Jainism, propagated by Vardhamana Mahavira, which emphasized the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings. The teachings of these religions, along with the development of early art, architecture (like stupas and viharas), and literature, formed the deep cultural roots that continue to shape the identity and values of India today.
8. Unity In Diversity, Or 'Many In The One'
This chapter celebrates a defining feature of India: its remarkable unity in diversity. It details the immense variety found across the country in terms of geography, languages, religions, customs, and cultures. India is a land of diverse festivals (like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Guru Nanak Jayanti), varied cuisines, different styles of clothing, and numerous classical and folk dance forms. Despite this linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity, a deep-rooted sense of unity binds the nation together. This unity is nurtured by a shared history, particularly the freedom struggle, a common constitution, national symbols like the flag and anthem, and a spirit of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The phrase 'Many in the One' beautifully captures how these countless different threads are woven together to create the strong, vibrant fabric of a single Indian nation.
9. Family And Community
This chapter examines the foundational blocks of society: the family and the community. The family is described as the primary social unit where individuals are born and nurtured. It discusses different family structures, including the nuclear family (parents and their children) and the joint family (multiple generations living together), a traditional feature of Indian society. Beyond the family, people are part of a larger community, which is a group sharing a common locality, interests, or identity. The chapter stresses the importance of interdependence and cooperation within these groups. Families provide emotional and financial support, while communities offer a sense of belonging and collective security. Together, they play a crucial role in teaching social values, preserving traditions, and shaping the character of individuals.
10. Grassroots Democracy — Part 1: Governance
This chapter introduces the essential concept of governance, which refers to the system of making and implementing decisions to manage a country or a community. It explains that governance is necessary to maintain law and order, provide public services like schools and hospitals, and ensure the welfare of citizens. The chapter outlines the different levels of government in India: the Central Government for the whole nation, the State Government for individual states, and local governance for villages and cities. The focus is on the idea of democracy, a form of government where people have the power to choose their leaders. This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding how decisions are made and how citizens can participate in this process, starting from the "grassroots" or local level, which is the foundation of a democratic country like India.
11. Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government In Rural Areas
This chapter provides a detailed look at democracy at the village level in India through the Panchayati Raj system. This system of rural local self-government has a three-tier structure. At the base is the Gram Panchayat for a village or a group of villages, whose members are elected by the Gram Sabha (all adult voters of the village). The Gram Panchayat, led by a Sarpanch, is responsible for local needs like water supply, village roads, and sanitation. The next level is the Block Samiti (or Panchayat Samiti), and at the top is the Zila Parishad at the district level. This chapter explains how the Panchayati Raj empowers local communities to participate directly in decision-making and manage their own development, making democracy a reality for millions in rural India.
12. Grassroots Democracy — Part 3: Local Government In Urban Areas
This chapter shifts the focus to local self-government in India's urban areas—towns and cities. It explains that, similar to rural areas, urban areas have their own local bodies to manage civic life. These bodies vary based on the city's size: Municipalities (or Municipal Councils) for smaller towns and Municipal Corporations for large metropolises like Mumbai or Delhi, which are headed by a Mayor. The chapter details their essential functions, which include providing civic amenities such as clean water supply, waste management, construction and maintenance of roads and parks, and running public schools and hospitals. Their income is generated through various sources like property tax, water tax, and financial grants from the state government. This system ensures that urban dwellers have a say in how their cities are managed.
13. The Value Of Work
This chapter delves into the significance of work in an individual's life and its contribution to society. It explains that all forms of work, whether physical labour (like farming) or mental work (like teaching), are essential for a functioning society. A central theme of the chapter is the dignity of labour, the principle that all honest work should be treated with equal respect and that no occupation is superior or inferior. This is a crucial social value that challenges discrimination based on profession. The chapter highlights that work not only provides a livelihood by helping people earn money (₹) to meet their needs but also gives them a sense of purpose, self-worth, and an opportunity to contribute to the nation's progress. It encourages an attitude of respect for all workers and their contributions.
14. Economic Activities Around Us
This chapter introduces the basics of economics by exploring the economic activities people undertake to earn a living. It explains the core processes of an economy: production (creating goods and services), distribution (transporting and selling them), and consumption (using them). The chapter categorizes these activities into three main sectors. The Primary Sector involves extracting raw materials from nature, like agriculture and mining. The Secondary Sector involves manufacturing or processing these raw materials into finished products in industries, such as making cloth from cotton. The Tertiary Sector provides services, like banking, transportation, and healthcare. Understanding these sectors helps students see how different jobs are interconnected and contribute to the overall economy, enabling people to earn an income (₹) and improve their quality of life.