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NCERT Solution for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us - 2025-26

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What are the main questions and answers from Class 6 History Chapter 4?

Class 6 History NCERT Solutions for Chapter 4, ‘What Books and Burials Tell Us’, focuses on studying historical writings and monuments. Students are shown the importance of Vedic literature and its discoveries in ancient societies. History Class 6 What Books and Burials Tell Us also looks at memorial customs, providing some interesting observations on the beliefs and behaviours of many cultures. From examining these materials, students discover more about the customs, social systems, and way of life of previous cultures.

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This chapter contains amazing experiences and information that make history come to life. Check out the revised Class 6 social science syllabus and start practising social science Class 6 Chapter 4 question answer.


Glance on NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 4 What Books And Burials Tell Us

  • Chapter 4 of Class 6 History, What Books and Burials Tell Us, provides an interesting look into the history of ancient India. 

  • The chapter highlights the significance of Vedic literature and what it can teach us about early Indian society, including their way of life, beliefs, and social structure—particularly as it connects to the Rigveda. 

  • It also looks at burial rituals, showing how other societies respected deceased people and what these customs tell about their values and way of life. 

  • Students develop an understanding of the customs, lifestyles, and cultures of ancient civilizations by studying these materials. 

  • This chapter's wealth of incidents and information makes history interesting and accessible. 

  • History Class 6 Chapter 4 question answer solutions help students understand key concepts and provide confident answers to necessary problems.

Access NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us

Let’s Recall

1. Match the columns.

Sukta

Stone boulder

Chariots

Sacrifice

Yajna

Well-said

Dasa

Used in battles

Megalith

Slave


Ans:

Sukta

Well-said

Chariots

Used in battles

Yajna

Sacrifice

Dasa

Slave 

Megalith

Stone boulder


2. Complete the sentences:

(a) Slaves were used for_____.

Ans: Slaves were used for various labours.

(b) Megaliths are found in_____.

Ans: Megaliths are found in Deccan, south India, north-east and Kashmir.

(C) Stone circles or boulders on the surface were used to_____.

Ans: Stone circles or boulders on the surface were used to indicate a burial site.

(d) Port-holes were used for_____.

Ans: Port-holes were used for the entrance of the grave.

(e) People at Inamgaon ate _____.

Ans: People at Inamgaon ate various grains, seeds, pulses, animal meat, birds, crabs, fishes, crocodiles, turtles, different fruits.


Let's Discuss

3. In what ways are the books we read today different from the Rigveda? 

Ans: The books we read today are in written or printed form. Rigveda was not originally in written format rather it was memorised, recited and heard.

4. What kind of evidence from burials do archaeologists use to find out whether there were social differences amongst those who were buried? 

Ans: Archaeologists unearthed various objects buried with the dead. They found some of the graves contain more objects than others. Some graves even had gold and stone beads, copper bangles, conch shells etc. These were valuable items during the ancient age. Some graves only had a few pots. This suggests the difference in social status among the buried people. The graves of rich or important people contained valuables compared to the poor and common people.

5. In what ways do you think that the life of a raja was different from that of a dasa or dasi? 

Ans:  The raja was a higher social position compared to that of a dasa or dasi. The dasa or dasi were prisoners of wars and were used as slaves for various labours. Comparatively, a raja was one of the prominent persons of the society.


Let's do

6. Find out whether your school library has a collection of books on religion, and list the names of five books from this collection.

Ans: Yes, our school library has a collection of books on religion. The names of the books are:

  • Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta

  • Quran

  • Bible

  • Ramayana

  • Mahabharata


7. Write down a short poem or song that you have memorised. Did you hear or read the poem or song? How did you learn it by heart?

Ans: Our Father, who is in heaven

Hallowed be thy name, 

Thy kingdom come,

They will be done.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

Amen.

I heard this for the first time in my school. I learnt it by heart by practising it every day.


8. In the Rigveda, people were described in terms of the work they did and the languages they spoke. In the table below, fill in the names of six people you know, choosing three men and three women. For each of them mention the work they do and the language they speak. Would you like to add anything else to the description?

Ans:


Name

Work

Language

Anything Else

Ram

Temple priest

Speaks Hindi; also knows Sanskrit.

He helps people perform worship.

Rajveer

Teacher

Bengali

Very hardworking.

Ramu 

Gardener

Hindi

Very soft-spoken.

Geeta

Sweeper

Marathi

Very honest lady.

Girja

Housecleaner

Hindi

Very trustworthy.

Asha

Cook

Punjabi

Cooks are very tasty food.


Topics Covered in Class 6 History Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us

History Chapter 4 Class 6 Topics

  1. One of the oldest literary sources in the world

  1. How historians study the Rigveda

  1. Cattle, horses, and chariots

  1. Words to describe people

  1. Silent Sentinels—the story of the megaliths

  1. Finding out about social differences

  1. Were some burial spots meant for certain families?

  1. A special burial at Inamgaon

  1. Occupations at Inamgaon


Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us

  • Chapter 4 simplifies the study of ancient writings, such as the Rigveda, focusing on their value; this helps students in understanding early Indian civilization and the meaning of Vedic literature.

  • Offers direct responses to important questions, helping awareness of key concepts with simple explanations.

  • Improves student's general knowledge by helping them obtain a deeper understanding of early Indian society and its social systems.

  • Discusses every important subject and question, supporting students in becoming more test-ready for their exams.

  • Regular use of History Chapter 4 Class 6 PDF solutions can improve the performance of students in history and improve their results.


Important Study Material Links for Class 6 History Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us


Conclusion 

Vedantu's Class 6 History Chapter 4, What Books And Burials Tell Us helps students understand ancient texts like the Rigveda and various burial practices. Students have a better understanding of previous cultures by studying Vedic literature and funeral traditions. This chapter makes history interesting and applicable by connecting the past to the present. Student's knowledge of history and its importance in understanding our cultural heritage is improved.


NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History - Other Chapter-wise Links - FREE PDF

Check out the FREE PDF links offering chapter-wise NCERT solutions prepared by Vedantu Experts, to help you understand and master the social concepts.


Related Important Links for Class 6 History

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FAQs on NCERT Solution for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 4 What Books and Burials Tell Us - 2025-26

1. How can I find the correct and step-by-step answers for all the exercise questions in NCERT Class 6 Social Science History Chapter 4?

You can find detailed and accurate solutions for all the exercises in Class 6 Social Science Chapter 4, 'What Books and Burials Tell Us', on Vedantu. These solutions are prepared by subject matter experts and follow the latest CBSE 2025-26 syllabus, ensuring every answer is structured correctly for exams. For a comprehensive overview of all subjects, you can refer to the NCERT Solutions for Class 6.

2. According to the NCERT Solutions, how do archaeologists determine the social status of people from ancient burial sites?

The NCERT Solutions for Chapter 4 explain that archaeologists analyse objects found with a skeleton to determine social status. Key indicators include:

  • Quantity and Quality of Objects: A person buried with many valuable items like gold beads, copper bangles, and conch shells was likely wealthier than someone with only a few clay pots.
  • Distinctive Pottery: The presence of special pottery, such as the Black and Red Ware, found at sites like Inamgaon, also indicates the person's standing.
  • Location of Burial: Sometimes, the place of burial, such as within a house, could also signify social importance.
You can explore more such questions on this topic in our Important Questions for Class 6 Social Science Our Past Chapter 4.

3. What are the four main Vedas mentioned in the NCERT textbook for Chapter 4?

The NCERT solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 4 list the four main Vedas as:

  • The Rigveda (the oldest Veda, composed about 3500 years ago)
  • The Samaveda
  • The Yajurveda
  • The Atharvaveda

4. What information do the NCERT Solutions say can be obtained from studying ancient skeletons?

As per the NCERT Solutions, studying ancient skeletons provides crucial information. Archaeologists can often determine the gender of the individual by examining bone structure, as women generally have a broader hip or pelvic area. The condition of the teeth can suggest the person's approximate age at death. Additionally, objects found with the skeleton, like jewellery or weapons, can offer clues about their social role and lifestyle.

5. How should I structure my answer for questions about the Rigveda, following the CBSE pattern?

When answering questions about the Rigveda, it's best to follow the clear, structured method shown in the NCERT Solutions. Start with a direct introductory sentence defining the Rigveda as the oldest Veda. Then, use bullet points to list key facts, such as:

  • It contains over a thousand hymns called 'sukta' or 'well-said'.
  • These hymns are in praise of various gods and goddesses, like Agni, Indra, and Soma.
  • They were composed by sages (rishis) and were recited and passed down orally for centuries before being written down.
This approach ensures your answer is comprehensive and easy for examiners to read.

6. Why is the Rigveda considered a primary historical source in the NCERT solutions, and not just a religious text?

The NCERT solutions explain that the Rigveda is a vital historical source because its hymns offer a detailed window into the early Vedic period. Beyond prayers, the hymns describe the society, economy, and political structure of the time. They tell us about the roles of the 'raja' and priests, the importance of cattle, horses, and chariots, and the conflicts between different groups, providing a rich narrative of life 3500 years ago.

7. How do the NCERT solutions connect the objects found in burials with the beliefs of the people from that era?

The NCERT solutions explain that the objects buried with the dead provide insights into their beliefs, particularly about the afterlife. For example, archaeologists often find pots, food, and water placed in graves. This suggests that people believed the deceased would need these items in another world. The presence of tools and weapons could also imply a belief that the person would continue their occupation or need protection after death.

8. What is the difference between manuscripts and inscriptions as historical sources, as explained in Chapter 4?

As detailed in the chapter's context, the key difference lies in the material and durability:

  • Manuscripts are handwritten records, typically on perishable materials like palm leaves or the bark of birch trees. They are fragile and can be easily damaged by insects or time.
  • Inscriptions are writings engraved on hard, durable surfaces like stone or metal. Because of this, inscriptions survive for a much longer time and are often a more reliable source of information for archaeologists.
For a quick review of these concepts, you can check the revision notes for Chapter 4.

9. How do the solutions for Chapter 4 help in understanding the social hierarchy during the Rigvedic period?

The NCERT solutions clarify the early social structure described in the Rigveda was based on work, language, and community, not birth. The solutions highlight two main groups described by their work: the priests (or brahmins), who performed rituals, and the rajas, who were leaders but did not have capital cities, armies, or the power to collect taxes like later kings. The solutions explain how society was also divided into the 'jana' or 'vish', and the text distinguishes between the 'Aryas', who composed the hymns, and the 'Dasas' or 'Dasyus', who were often their opponents.