NCERT 6th Class (CBSE) Social Science: Flowering of Culture and Science

Question: Discuss the progress made in the field of astronomy during the ancient period.

Answer: The science of astronomy was also highly advanced. Romaka Siddhanta is an important work on astronomy. Aryabhata and Varahamihira were well-known mathematicians and astronomers. Aryabhata wrote a book called Aryabhatiyam, in Sanskrit. In it he stated that the earth moves around the sun as well as on its axis; the rotation of the earth on its axis caused day and night. He also explained why and how eclipses occur.

Question: How were stupas and temples built?

Answer: Building stupas and temples was not an ordinary job. It needed huge wealth which only kings or queens could afford.
There were several stages in building a stupa or a temple. Firstly, good quality stone had to be found, quarried and transported to the place that was often carefully selected for the new building. Secondly, these rough blocks of stone had to be shaped and covered into pillars, and panels for walls, floors and ceilings. Thirdly, these had to be placed in precisely the right position.Kings and queens spend money from their treasury to pay the crafts persons.

Question: What are the main features of Ajantapaintings?

Answer:

1. The paintings of Ajanta are world famous. Ajanta is a place where several caves were hollowed out of the hills over centuries.
2. Most of these were Buddhist monasteries while some of them were decorated with paintings.
3. The caves are dark inside and therefore most of these paintings were done in the light of torches.
4. The colours are vivid even after 1500 years.
5. These colours were made of plants and minerals.