NCERT solutions for सोशल सायन्स अंडरस्टॅंडिंग सोसायटी इंडिया अँड बियॉन्ड पार्ट १ [इंग्रजी] इयत्ता ९ chapter 4 - Early Humans and Beginning of Civilisation [Latest edition]

How did humans live on Earth before the beginning of civilisation?

How did humans communicate before writing was invented?

How is archaeology helpful in understanding our past?

How did early civilisations interact with each other?

You have studied about the Harappan script in your previous grades. Observe this seal carefully and discuss why the script has not yet been deciphered. Also, find out what efforts have been made to decipher it. You can use your textbook, consult your teacher, or refer to online sources.

Why do you think early humans left Africa to migrate to other regions?

Let us observe the images given above and answer the following question.

Do you notice any changes in the shape or features of the skulls across different ancestors?

Let us observe the images given above and answer the following question.

Can you observe a gradual straightening of the face?

Why do you think the shift to farming during the Neolithic period is called a revolution rather than a simple change? Discuss with your classmates.

Observe the chart and identify the animals that were domesticated. Also try and identify the types of human habitats and objects that were used. Are any of these still used in present times?

Can you imagine how long-distance trade would have been affected had the Harappans not followed a standard system of weights?

Why were rivers important in the growth of early civilisations?

Can you find out which countries constitute West Asia in present times?

Do you find any similarities between the temples in India and those of the Sumerian civilisation as centres of socio-cultural and economic activity?

Do you think our understanding of a civilisation changes when its script is deciphered compared to when it is not?

The Epic of Gilgamesh, written during the Mesopotamian civilisation, is one of the earliest stories written. Try and find out more such stories and share them in class.

Why do you think there is a scale with a heart on one side and a feather on the other fig., What can this papyrus tell us about early Egyptian beliefs?

Can you locate the River Nile on the given map? Why do you think the northern part is called Lower Egypt and the southern part Upper Egypt?

Look at the social hierarchy pyramid in the image. What were the social classes of early Egypt? What were the different kinds of occupations? What could have been a typical daily routine of the people from each class?

Observe the images given above. What do they tell you about Egyptian fashion?

• Which social classes do you think used these items?
• What clues in the images help you to make this guess? 

Try to explain your reasoning based on the materials, designs, or accessories shown in the pictures.

What could have been the other reasons for building the Great Wall of China? Explore and share your findings on the Great Wall through a model or presentation.

Do you remember studying about the Silk Route in Grade 7? How was India connected with it? Can you recollect China’s contact with India with reference to Buddhism that you studied in Grade 7?

Do you think life became easier or more challenging after humans started farming? Give two reasons for your answer.

The environment offers human societies both opportunities as well as challenges. Explain with reference to early farming communities and river-valley civilisations.

Why do historians divide early human history into different ages such as Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age? What does this classification tell us about human progress?

Imagine you are a Neolithic farmer. Describe one day of your life. What challenges would you face that a hunter-gatherer would not?

Imagine that the Harappan script gets deciphered tomorrow. What new types of information do you think historians might learn?

Prepare a table with three columns – Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic – and fill in their distinctive features: tools, settlements, art, and subsistence.

“Bronze Age civilisations developed independently but shared common features.” Examine this statement with reference to the civilisations given in the chapter.

Although rivers provided many benefits, they also created challenges for early societies. Discuss the advantages of settling near rivers.

With the help of your teacher, find out more about the Code of Hammurabi. Why was it important? Do you think it was fair to all sections of society? Give reasons for your answer.

If you had to choose one major innovation from early civilisations that changed the world permanently, what would it be and why?

Compare the social hierarchy and daily life of people in the Egyptian civilisation with those in Mesopotamia or China. What similarities do you notice?

Compare the social hierarchy and daily life of people in the Egyptian civilisation with those in Mesopotamia or China. What differences do you notice?

Activity: Using maps, locate the major rivers and civilisations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and the Sindhu–Sarasvatī Valley. Mark the trade links between them.

Activity: Choose one early civilisation (Mesopotamia, Egypt, or China) and prepare a mini-scrapbook or a presentation showing their innovations in tools, writing, art, and architecture. Include pictures, brief descriptions, and explain their significance.