Early Humans and Beginning of Civilisation Class 9 Question Answer SST Chapter 4

Detailed Understanding Society India and Beyond Class 9 Solutions and Class 9 Social Science SST Chapter 4 Early Humans and Beginning of Civilisation Question Answer NCERT Solutions make it easier to complete textbook exercises.

Class 9 SST Chapter 4 Early Humans and Beginning of Civilisation Question Answer

Class 9 Early Humans and Beginning of Civilisation Question Answer

InText Questions

Question 1.
Why do you think early humans left Africa to migrate to other regions? (Page No. 65)
Answer:
Early humans left Africa to migrate to other regions in search of better opportunities for survival. They moved to find food, water, a favourable climate, and new resources. As they developed better stone tools, they gradually spread to Asia and Europe.

Question 2.
Let us observe the images given below and answer the following questions. (Page No. 66)

(i) Do you notice any changes in the shape or features of the skulls across different ancestors?
(ii) Can you observe a gradual straightening of the face?
Answer:
(i) Yes, the skulls show several changes in their shape and features over time. The brain size became larger, the forehead became higher, the jaw became smaller, and the face became less protruding, resulting in the modern human skull.
(ii) Yes, a gradual straightening of the face can be observed. Early human ancestors had projecting faces and larger jaws, while modern humans have a straighter, flatter face with a smaller jaw and a more developed chin. This shows the gradual evolution of humans.

Question 3.
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. (Page No. 67)
Answer:
The shift to farming during the Neolithic period is called a revolution because it brought major changes in human life. People changed from hunting and gathering to farming and animal domestication. They began living in permanent settlements, produced surplus food, developed new tools and pottery, and laid the foundation for villages and the growth of civilisation.

Question 4.
Harappans had their own standard systems of weight and measurement. This is evident from the meticulously planned settlements and efficient interregional trade practices of the Harappans. They followed a binary multiple (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, etc.) system for weighing smaller units and used multiples of ten for larger denominations. Such cubical stone weights have been reported from several sites. Can you imagine how long-distance trade would have been affected had the Harappans not followed a standard system of weights? (Page No. 76)

Answer:
If the Harappans had not followed a standard system of weights, difficulties would have occurred.

• Traders would have faced confusion and disagreements while buying and selling goods.
• It would have been difficult to measure goods accurately, leading to unfair trade.
• Trade between different regions would have become less organised and less efficient.
• A standard system of weights helped ensure fair trade, accuracy, and smooth commercial exchanges across the Harappan civilisation.

Question 5.
Observe the chart and identify the animals that were domesticated. Also try to identify the types of human habitats and objects that were used. Are any of these still used in present times? (Page No. 71)

Answer:
The chart shows that Neolithic people domesticated several animals, lived in permanent settlements, and used a variety of tools and household objects.

• The domesticated animals shown are cattle, sheep, and goats.
• People lived in permanent villages with houses.
• They used polished stone tools, farming tools, pottery, and storage vessels.

Yes, many of these are still used today. People continue to rear domestic animals, live in permanent houses, practice farming, and use pottery, storage vessels, and agricultural tools, although in more advanced forms.

Question 6.
Why were rivers important in the growth of early civilisations? (Page No. 77)
Answer:
The rivers important in the growth of early civilisations because

• They supplied water for drinking and irrigation.
• The fertile soil deposited by rivers helped people grow crops.
• Rivers supported the growth of agriculture, settlements, and trade.
• They also served as routes for transport and communication, contributing to the development of prosperous civilisations.

Question 7.
Can you find out which countries constitute West Asia in present times? (Page No. 79)
Answer:
The major countries of West Asia are Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Yemen, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine and Turkey. These countries are also commonly known as the Middle East.

Question 8.
Do you find any similarities between the temples in India and those of the Sumerian civilisation as centres of socio-cultural and economic activity? (Page No. 80)
Answer:
Yes, there are several similarities between the temples in India and those of the Sumerian civilisation.

• Both served as important religious centres where people worshipped.
• They acted as social and cultural centres, where people gathered during festivals and ceremonies.
• Both were connected with economic activities, such as managing agricultural produce, trade and the storage of goods.
• They also played an important role in the administration and development of society.

Question 9.
The Epic of Gilgamesh, written during the Mesopotamian civilisation, is one of the earliest stories written. Try to find out more such stories and share them in class. (Page No. 82)
Answer:
Some well-known ancient stories include

• The Epic of Gilgamesh, Mesopotamian civilisation.
• The Iliad and The Odyssey, Ancient Greece, written by Homer.
• The Ramayana and The Mahabharata, Ancient India.
• The Tale of Sinuhe, Ancient Egypt.
• Journey to the West, Ancient China.

Question 10.
Why do you think there is a scale with a heart on one side and a feather on the other. What can this papyrus tell us about early Egyptian beliefs? (Page No. 85)

Answer:
The scale with a heart on one side and a feather on the other the ancient Egyptian belief in judgement after death.

• The heart represented a person’s thoughts, actions, and character, while the feather symbolised truth and justice.
• The Egyptians believed that after death, a person’s heart was weighed against the feather.
• If the heart was pure and lighter than the feather, the person was considered worthy of life after death.
• This papyrus tells us that the ancient Egyptians believed in life after death and that people should live an honest and righteous life.

Question 11.
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? (Page No. 87)

Answer
The social classes of early Egypt included the Pharaoh, government officials, nobles and priests, free landholders, artisans and merchants, and serfs and slaves. The typical daily routines of people from each social class in early Egypt are

• Pharaoh: The Pharaoh ruled the kingdom, met officials, made important decisions, performed religious ceremonies, and inspected building projects.
• Government Officials, Nobles, and Priests: They managed government work, collected taxes, advised the Pharaoh, conducted religious rituals, and supervised temples.
• Free Landholders, Artisans, and Merchants: Farmers cultivated crops, artisans made pottery, jewelry, and tools, while merchants bought and sold goods in the markets.
• Serfs and Slaves: They worked on farms, built monuments and temples, carried out heavy labor, and served in the homes of wealthy people.

Question 12.

Observe the images given above. (Page No. 88)
(i) What do the images tell you about Egyptian fashion?
(ii) Which social classes do you think used these items?
(iii) 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.
Answer:
(i) The images tell us that Egyptian fashion was simple, practical, and made from natural materials. People used woven sandals, baskets, and decorated pottery in their daily lives.
(ii) These items were mainly used by free landholders, artisans, merchants, and other common people in their everyday lives.
(iii) The clues are the simple woven designs, natural materials, and everyday objects, which show that these items were practical and suitable for daily use rather than luxury.

Question 13.
The Chinese script is logographic, with characters representing entire words or morphemes (smallest meaningful units of language) rather than sounds. Person tree: explore more examples of Chinese characters that resemble the objects or ideas they represent. Note down at least two such characters and explain how their shapes are connected to their meanings. (Page No. 90)
Answer:
The shapes of some Chinese characters are connected to the objects or ideas they represent are

• Shan (Mountain): The character looks like three mountain peaks, representing a mountain.
• Ri-Sun: The character is shaped like a square with a line inside, representing the sun.
• Mu-Tree: The character resembles a tree with a trunk and branches, representing a tree.
• Yue-Moon: The character looks like a crescent moon, representing the moon.

Question 14.
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. (Page No. 92)
Answer:
The Great Wall of China was built not only for defence but also for several other important purposes, which are as follows.

• It protected China from the attacks of nomadic tribes.
• It helped guard the borders of the empire.
• It enabled the government to control the movement of people and goods.
• It helped protect important trade routes.
• It served as a watch and communication system, allowing soldiers to send warning signals quickly.
• The Great Wall also symbolised the strength and unity of the Chinese Empire.

Early Humans and Beginning of Civilisation Class 9 Questions and Answers

Questions and Activities (Page No. 93-94)

Question 1.
Do you think life became easier or more challenging after humans started farming? Give two reasons for your answer.
Answer:
Life became easier in some ways, but it also became more challenging after humans started farming. The two reasons are as follows.

• Farming provided a regular supply of food, reducing dependence on hunting and gathering.
• People began living in permanent settlements, which led to the growth of villages and civilisation.

Question 2.
The environment offers human societies both opportunities as well as challenges. Explain with reference to early farming communities and river-valley civilisations.
Answer:
The environment provided both opportunities and challenges for early human societies in the following ways.

• Fertile land, rivers and a suitable climate helped early farming communities grow crops, domesticate animals and settle in permanent villages.
• However, they faced problems such as droughts, floods and crop failures, which affected food production.
• River-valley civilisations benefitted from fertile soil, water and trade routes, which supported agriculture and the growth of cities.
• At the same time, floods and changing river courses forced people to develop irrigation and flood-control systems.

Question 3.
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?
Answer:
Historians divide early human history into the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age based on the materials used

• It helps us understand the different stages of human development.
• Each age reflects improvements in technology, skills, and ways of life.
• It also shows changes in agriculture, trade, settlements, and social organisation.

Question 4.
Imagine you are a Neolithic farmer. Describe one day of your life. What challenges would you face that a hunter-gatherer would not?
Answer:
If I were a Neolithic farmer, my day would begin early in the morning. I would plough the fields, sow seeds, water the crops, and take care of my animals. I would also repair my tools, store grains, and work with my family to maintain our home and farm. The challenges I would face, unlike a hunter-gatherer, would be protecting crops from pests, floods, droughts, and wild animals. I would also have to wait for crops to grow, store food safely, and depend on a good harvest for my family’s survival.

Question 5.
Imagine that the Harappan script gets deciphered tomorrow. What new types of information do you think historians might learn?
Answer:
If the Harappan script is deciphered, historians may learn many new facts about the Harappan civilisation. They could discover the language spoken by the people, their system of governance, religious beliefs, customs, trade activities, and daily life. It may also reveal the names of rulers and cities and help explain the reasons for the decline of the civilisation. This would greatly improve our understanding of the Harappan people and their way of life.

Question 6.
Prepare a table with three columns—Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic- and fill in their distinctive features, tools, settlements, art and subsistence.
Answer:
The features of the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic are

Feature	Palaeolithic Age	Mesolithic Age	Neolithic Age
Distinctive Features	Earliest stage of human life; people lived by hunting and gathering.	Transition period between the Palaeolithic and Neolithic Ages.	Beginning of farming and animal domestication; settled life developed.
Tools	Large, rough stone tools made by chipping.	Small stone tools called microliths.	Smooth, polished stone tools such as axes and sickles.
Settlements	Lived in caves, rock shelters, and temporary camps.	Lived in temporary huts near rivers and lakes.	Lived in permanent villages with mud or stone houses.
Art	Cave paintings of animals and hunting scenes.	Rock paintings showing hunting, dancing, and daily life.	Pottery, weaving and decorated tools became common.
Subsistence	Hunting wild animals and gathering fruits, roots and nuts.	Hunting, fishing, gathering and some early domestication of animals.	Farming, animal domestication and food production.

Question 7.
“Bronze Age civilisations developed independently but shared common features.” Examine this statement with reference to the civilisations given in the chapter.
Answer:
Although the Bronze Age civilisations developed independently in different regions, they shared many common features.

• The Sindhu-Sarasvati, Mesopotamian, Egyptian and Chinese civilisations all developed in fertile river valleys.
• They depended on agriculture and used copper and bronze tools to improve farming and other activities.
• All of them developed well-planned settlements, trade and craft production.
• They established organised governments and followed social hierarchies.
• They also developed writing systems to record economic, administrative and social activities.
• Although each civilisation had its own unique culture and traditions, they all made significant contributions to the growth of urban life and civilisation.

Question 8.
Although rivers provided many benefits, they also created challenges for early societies. Discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of settling near rivers.
Answer:
Settling near rivers gave early societies many advantages, but it also brought some challenges. These are
Advantages

• Fertile soil helped farmers grow crops.
• Rivers provided water for drinking, farming, and animals.
• They supported fishing and transportation.
• Rivers made trade and communication easier.

Disadvantages

• Floods could destroy crops, homes, and lives.
• Droughts or changing river courses caused water shortages.
• Waterlogged areas increased the spread of diseases.
• Settlements were vulnerable to attacks by people using river routes.

Question 9.
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.
Answer:
The Code of Hammurabi was one of the earliest written law codes and was important for maintaining law and order in the Babylonian Empire. It is important because

• It was a collection of rules and laws for civil and social life throughout the empire.
• It helped ensure justice, maintain law and order, and strengthen the administration.
• It became a model for many later legal systems.

The reasons why it was not fair to all sections of society are

• The punishments varied according to a person’s social status.
• Wealthy people often received lighter punishments, while poor people and slaves received harsher punishments.
• Therefore, although the code helped maintain law and order, it did not provide equal justice to everyone.

Question 10.
If you had to choose one major innovation from early civilisations that changed the world permanently, what would it be and why?
Answer:
If I had to choose one major innovation from early civilisations, I would choose the invention of writing. Writing made it possible to record laws, history, trade, and knowledge. It helped people communicate across generations, preserve information, and develop education and administration. This innovation played a key role in the growth of human civilisation and continues to be significant even today.

Question 11.
Compare the social hierarchy and daily life of people in the Egyptian civilisation with those in Mesopotamia or China. What similarities and differences do you notice?
Answer:
The similarities and differences of Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations are

Aspect	Egyptian Civilisation	Mesopotamian Civilisation
Social Hierarchy	Pharaoh at the top, followed by priests, officials, merchants, artisans, farmers, and slaves.	King at the top, followed by priests, nobles, merchants, artisans, farmers and slaves.
Status of the Ruler	Pharaoh was considered a divine ruler (a god on Earth).	Kings were powerful but were usually not considered gods.
Daily Life	Most people were farmers and enjoyed a more stable life due to the regular flooding of the Nile.	Most people were farmers, but life was less secure because of frequent wars and unpredictable floods.
Religion	Religion was an important part of daily life.	Religion also played an important role in daily life.

Question 12.
Activity: Using maps, locate the major rivers and civilisations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China and the Sindhu-Sarasvati Valley. Mark the trade links between them.
Answer:
Do it yourself.

Question 13.
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.
Answer:
Mini Scrapbook: Ancient Egyptian Civilisation
1. Tools
Picture: Bronze tools, sickles, ploughs
Description: Egyptians used bronze tools for farming, construction, and crafts.
Significance: These tools increased farming and helped build great monuments.

2. Writing
Picture: Hieroglyphic symbols on papyrus
Description: Egyptians used hieroglyphics, one of the world’s earliest writing systems.
Significance: It helped record history, religious beliefs, and government records.

3. Art
Picture: Wall paintings or sculptures
Description: Egyptian art included colourful paintings, statues, and carvings showing daily life and religious beliefs.
Significance: Their art preserved their culture and beliefs for future generations.

4. Architecture
Picture: The Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx
Description: Egyptians built pyramids, temples, and tombs using stone.
Significance: Their architecture shows their advanced engineering skills and respect for their rulers and religion.

Conclusion: The Egyptian civilisation made remarkable contributions in tools, writing, art, and architecture. These innovations influenced later civilisations and continue to inspire people today.