Class 10 Social History Chapter 5 Cultural Heritage of India and the North East Region
Are you looking for SEBA Class 10 Social History Chapter 5 Cultural Heritage of India and the North East Region? You have come to the right place. This article provides complete notes, textbook solutions, important questions and answers, and exam-oriented study materials for Class 10 students.
This chapter explores the rich cultural heritage of India and the North East region. Students will learn about the diverse traditions, languages, literature, art, music, dance, festivals, architecture, and cultural practices that make India unique. The chapter also highlights the cultural diversity and historical significance of the North Eastern states, helping students understand and appreciate the region’s valuable contribution to Indian culture.
All notes and answers are prepared in simple and easy-to-understand English, making learning easier and more effective. These study materials are ideal for revision and exam preparation, helping students perform well in class tests, annual examinations, and the HSLC board examination.
Part-I: History
Cultural Heritage of India and the North East Region
Selected Questions &Answers
Very Short Answer Type Questions (Mark-1)
1. Who composed the book ‘Padma Purana’?
Ans: Sukabi Narayan Deb.
2. Who is the author of the book ‘Darrang Raj Vamsavali’?
Ans: Suryakhari Daivajna.
3. What is the name of the first historical chronicle written in Assamese?
Ans: ‘Swarga Narayan Maharajar Akhyan’.
4. Whom does the President of India appoint as the Chairman of the North Eastern Council? HSLC ’17
Ans: One of the Governors of the states.
5. Which community contributed the technique of making jaggery from sugarcane? HSLC ’18
Ans: The Austric people.
6. Write the name of a classical dance of Andhra Pradesh. HSLC ’19
Ans: Kuchipudi.
7. What was the real name of Ajan Fakir? HSLC ’15
Ans: Shah Milan.
8. Write the names of two philosophers of ancient India. HSLC ’15
Ans: Kapila and Ramanuja.
9. Write the names of two Sanchi manuscripts of Assam. HSLC ’18
Ans: (a) Chitra Bhagavata and (b) Shankhachur Badh.
10. Write the names of two monuments listed as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations. HSLC ’18
Ans: (a) Ajanta Caves and (b) Taj Mahal.
11. Write the names of two scientists of ancient India.
Ans: Varahamihira and Brahmagupta.
12. Up to which limit did the eastern boundary of the Indus Civilization extend in the Gangetic valley? HSLC ’15
Ans: Up to Meerut.
13. When did the urban civilization of the Indus Valley develop?
Ans: 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE.
14. Which of the following tribes is Buddhist? HSLC ’20
(a) Khasi
(b) Khamti
(c) Adi
(d) Karbi
Ans: (b) Khamti
15. How many Borgeets did Mahapurush Madhabdev compose in Brajavali dialect?
Ans: 157.
16. Under whose patronage did Sukumar Barkait compose‘Hastividyarnava’?
Ans: Under the patronage of of Swargadeo Sivasimha and Queen Ambika.
17. What do the Mishings call Bihu?
Ans: Ali-Aye-Ligang.
18. Which tribe among the tribal groups of Assam belongs to the Austric language group?
Ans: The Khasis.
19. Who translated ‘Gita Govinda’ into Assamese? HSLC ’16
Ans: Ram Narayan Chakravarti.
20. What is the approximate period of composition of the Rigveda?
Ans: Between 1500 BCE and 1000 BCE.
21. From which text is the phrase ‘Satyameva Jayate’ in the National Emblem of India taken?
Ans: From the Mundaka Upanishad.
22. What is the name of the famous political science text written in ancient India?
Ans: Arthashastra by Kautilya.
23. What were the ancient names of Assam?
Ans: Pragjyotishpur and Kamrup.
24. From which root word is the name ‘Assam’ believed to have originated?
Ans: It is believed to have originated from the words ‘A-cham’ or ‘Hachom’ through Sanskritization.
25. What is meant by ‘Charyapada’?
Ans: The written literature of Assam composed between the 10th and 14thcenturies is called Charyapada.
26. When were the Charyapadas composed?
Ans: Between the 10th and 14th centuries CE.
27. Under whose patronage did Madhav Kandali translate the Saptakanda Ramayana?
Ans: Under the patronage of Barahi King Mahamanikya.
28. Who initiated prose writing in Assamese?
Ans: Bhattadeva.
29. Who composed ‘Zikir and Zari’?
Ans: Ajan Pir (Shah Miran).
30. Who was Ajan Pir?
Ans: A Sufi saint.
31. When did Ajan Pir come to Assam?
Ans: During the reign of Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha.
32. When was the Da-Parbatia stone gateway constructed?
Ans: In the 6th century CE.
33. What responsibility did the Changrung Phukan hold?
Ans: The Changrung Phukan in the Ahom administrative system was responsible for supervising construction works such as monasteries, temples, roads, palaces, and houses.
34. Which artist from Assam was awarded the Padma Shri for contributions to folk music?
Ans: Pratima Pandey Barua.
35. What is the name of the first newspaper of Assam?
Ans: Arunodoi.
36. Who reconstructed the Kamakhya Temple?
Ans: King Naranarayana with Chilarai’s support.
37. Which tribe of Northeast India belongs to the Austric group?
Ans: The Khasis of Meghalaya.
38. Write the names of the authors:
Ans:
(a) Arthashastra – Kautilya
(b) Hastividyarnava – Sukumar Barkait
(c) Kirtan – Srimanta Sankardev
(d) Namghosha – Madhabdev
(e) Chor Dhara Pimpara Guchowa – Madhabdev
(f) Kaliya Daman – Srimanta Sankardev
(g) Ram Bijoy – Srimanta Sankardev
(h) Katha Gita – Bhattadeva
(i) Rajtarangini – Kalhana
(j) Bharat Sambed – Jawaharlal Nehru
39. Name two foreign groups that came to India after the 6th century CE.
Ans: Portuguese and Dutch.
40. Name two religious leasers of India.
Ans: Gautama Buddha and Mahavira.
41. Through which book did the phrase ‘Unity in Diversity’ gain prominence?
Ans: Through ‘Bharat Sambed’ by Jawaharlal Nehru.
42. In which style of Indian sculpture was Greco-Roman influence seen?
Ans: Gandhara style.
43. When was Bharata Muni’s ‘Natyashastra’ composed?
Ans: Between 200 BCE and 200 CE.
44. How many verses are there in the Natyashastra?
Ans: 6,000.
45. What is the Heraka Movement?
Ans: The Heraka Movement was a movement led by freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu to preserve the traditional religious beliefs and culture of Nagaland.
46. The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is named after which bird?
Ans: The hornbill bird.
47. ‘Chapchar Kut’ is a traditional festival of which state?
Ans: Mizoram.
48. What is the meaning of the word ‘Mizo’?
Ans: The word ‘Mizo’ means hill people.
49. In which state of Northeast India is a matrilineal society practiced?
Ans: Meghalaya.
50. On what theme is Manipuri dance mainly based?
Ans: Manipuri dance is mainly based on the childhood of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the life of Krishna.
Short Answer Type Questions (Marks-2)
1. Mention two contributions of the Austric people to Indian culture. HSLC ’17
Ans: Two contributions of the Austric people to Indian culture are:
(a) They introduced techniques such as cultivation of rice, preparation of jaggery from sugarcane, and weaving cloth by making thread from cotton.
(b) They introduced the traditional use of vermilion in religious practices, use of turmeric, and the technique of elephant domestication.
2. What is meant by Jeng Bihu?
Ans: Jeng Bihu refers to a form of Bihu performed by women of Upper Assam in secluded places where men are not allowed to watch.
3. Write the names of two types of Ojapali. HSLC ’19
Ans: The two types of Ojapali are Byasor Oja and Suknanni Oja.
4. Write the names of two philosophers of ancient India.
Ans: Kapila and Ramanuja.
5. Write the names of two Buranjis written during the Ahom period.
Ans: Deodhai Buranji and Tungkhungia Buranji.
6. Mention two local festivals celebrated in Lower Assam similar to Bihu.
Ans: Deul in Darrang district, Bhatheli in old Kamrup, and Bas Puja in old Goalpara district.
7. How has geographical conditions played a role in creating diversity in Indian culture?
Ans: Geographical conditions have played an important role in creating diversity in Indian culture. Due to fertile agricultural land, transportation facilities, communication systems, and variation in natural resources, some regions became economically more prosperous while others remained less developed, leading to cultural diversity.
8. Write the names of the four Samhitas of the Vedas.
Ans: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda.
9. What is written about religious tolerance in Ashoka’s twelfth major rock edict?
Ans: In the twelfth major rock edict of Ashoka, it is stated that one should not praise only one’s own religion or criticize others’ religions. Instead, one should respect all religions and follow the path of harmony.
10. What is cultural pluralism?
Ans: Cultural pluralism refers to the diversity of cultures in a society and an attitude of respect towards that diversity.
11. Write the names of two scientists of ancient India.
Ans: Aryabhata and Brahmagupta.
12. Write the names of two medical texts of ancient India.
Ans: Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
13. Into how many parts can Indian painting be divided? HSLC ’17
Ans: Indian painting is mainly divided into two parts: large-scale mural paintings and miniature paintings.
14. Write the names of two Mughal emperors who patronized painting.
Ans: Akbar and Jahangir.
15. Write the names of two Assamese Sanchi manuscripts containing miniature paintings.
Ans: Hastividyarnava and Chitra Bhagavata.
16. Write the names of two illustrators of the book ‘Hastividyarnava’.
Ans: Dilbar and Dosai.
17. What is Jhum cultivation?
Ans: Jhum cultivation refers to the traditional method of agriculture practiced on hill slopes by clearing forests and cultivating the land.
18. Mention two folk dances of Darrang. HSLC ’20
Ans: Bardhuliya and Deodhani dance.
19. What are the main racial groups found in India?
Ans: The main racial groups in India are Nordic, Negro, Proto-Australoid, and Mongoloid.
20. Mention three factors that create unity in diversity in Indian culture. HSLC ’23
Ans: Religious tolerance, political unity, and cultural liberalism.
21. Into how many main types are the architectural remains of ancient India divided?
Ans: They are mainly divided into four types: mosques, palaces, tombs, and minarets.
22. What is meant by the ‘web of cultural unity’ in the context of India and the Northeast?
Ans: It refers to the diversity of cultures in a society and the respect for that diversity. India is a country where different cultures have coexisted like a network since ancient times.
23. Mention three monuments of India listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Ans: Sanchi Stupa, Ajanta Caves and Taj Mahal.
24. What types of sculptures were made in Indian sculptural art?
Ans: Indian sculpture includes forms ranging from simple and rigid figures to tribhanga and chaturbhanga postures. These sculptures were finely ornamented and expressed emotions such as peace, happiness, and anger through detailed artistic techniques.
25. What are the three main schools of Indian sculpture?
Ans: Gandhara school, Mathura school, and Amaravati school.
26. Mention three places in India where mural paintings are found.
Ans: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh.
27. Write the names of three Mughal miniature painting manuscripts.
Ans: Tutinama, Jahangirnama, and Dastan-i-Amir.
28. What is meant by the ‘Six Limbs of Painting’?
Ans: The six principles of painting include form, proportion, expression of emotions, artistic presentation, resemblance, and proper use of brush.
29. Write briefly about Yoga in India. HSLC ’24
Ans: Yoga is an important cultural heritage of India. Patanjali systematized it in the text ‘Yoga Sutra’. It is a method for achieving physical, mental, and spiritual development.
30. Mention three features of Indian architecture.
Ans: Indian architecture is mainly seen in religious structures such as monasteries, temples, and stupas. During the Sultanate and Mughal periods, four main types emerged: mosques, palaces, tombs, and minarets. Ancient temple architecture is broadly classified into Nagara (North Indian), Dravida (South Indian), and Vesara (Deccan region) styles.
31. What are the seven days of Rongali Bihu called?
Ans: Goru Bihu, Manuh Bihu, Gosai Bihu, Kutum Bihu, Senehi Bihu, Mela Bihu, and Sera Bihu.
32. What are the main themes of Kamrupi and Goalpariya folk songs?
Ans: Their themes are spiritual and philosophical, dealing with human life, its joys and sorrows, the impermanence of the body, importance of God, and devotion.
33. Name three texts where the ancient names of Assam—Kamrup and Pragjyotishpur—are mentioned.
Ans: Mahabharata, Kalika Purana and Yogini Tantra.
34. Into how many types are the architectural remains of ancient India divided? HSLC ’18
Ans: Ancient Indian architectural remains are mainly classified into religious structures such as monasteries, temples, and stupas. In the Sultanate period, four types of architecture are observed: mosques, palaces, tombs, and minarets.
Essay-type Question-Answers
1. Write briefly about the origin and development of cultural pluralism in India. HSLC ’24
Ans: Two important characteristics of Indian culture are “cultural pluralism” and “unity in diversity.” Cultural pluralism refers to the diversity of cultures in a society and the attitude of respect towards that diversity. The phrase “unity in diversity” in Indian culture signifies the blending of diverse cultures brought by different races, tribes, communities, and language groups who migrated to India at various times. The Vedas and Puranas composed inIndia have, through the ages, spread messages of truth, compassion, charity,
and human love, reflecting an inclusive spirit that embraced various incoming groups. On the other hand, during India’s freedom struggle, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and SubhasChandra Bose contributed significantly to building national unity in India.
2. Write a short note on Vaishnavite literature of Assam. HSLC ’23
Ans: The literature composed by Srimanta Sankardev, Madhavdev, and some later poets as part of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement is known as Vaishnavite literature. The main objective of this literature was to convey the ideals of Vaishnavism to common people in a simple and accessible language. The central themes of Vaishnavite literature are the greatness and divine play of Krishna. It began with the play “Chihna Yatra” written by Sankardev. The primary sources of Vaishnavite literature were texts like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas. Among the most important works are “Kirtan Ghosa”by Sankardev and “Namghosa” by Madhavdev. After them, writers like Bhattadev, Ananta Kandali, and Ram Saraswati continued this literary tradition.
3. Why is cultural diversity, assimilation, and evolution greater in Assam compared to other northeastern states? HSLC ’17
Ans: Compared to other Indian states, Assam in the northeastern region shows greater cultural diversity, assimilation, and evolution. Assam, located in the fertile Brahmaputra valley, is rich in natural resources and has been home to an advanced ancient civilization. Besides having routes connecting the northeast to China, a branch of the ancient Silk Route connecting China to the Roman Empire also passed through Assam. Moreover, due to its natural beauty, people from various ethnic groups migrated to Assam since ancient times as settlers, invaders, or traders and eventually made it their permanent home. All the major racial groups found in India are also present in Assam, including Aryan and non-Aryan groups. Over time, these groups have blended together, leading to a composite culture. Therefore, it can be said that Assam’s culture is a result of the combined contributions of both Aryan and non-Aryan groups.
4. Write a short note on Bihu festival or the Bihu festivals of Assam. HSLC ’20
Ans: Bihu is the national and traditional festival of Assam. It symbolizes love, peace, brotherhood, unity, and national integration. There are mainly three types of Bihu: Bohag Bihu, Kati Bihu, and Bhogali Bihu. Bohag Bihubegins on the last day of the month of Chaitra and continues up to the seventh day of Bohag. The seven days of Rongali Bihu are known as Goru Bihu, Manuh Bihu, Gosain Bihu, Kutum Bihu, Senehi Bihu, Mela Bihu, and Sera Bihu. The first day is Goru Bihu. Since this Bihu represents youthfulness, it is also called the spring festival.
Kati Bihu begins on the last day of the month of Ahin. During this time, granaries are empty and scarcity of food prevails, so it is also called “Kongali Bihu.” People light lamps near tulsi plants and paddy fields and pray for prosperity.
Magh Bihu begins on the last day of the month of Puh and continues for several days. At this time, farmers’ granaries are full. People prepare traditional foods like pitha, ladu, khoi, muri, and chira and share them with relatives. Since it is a time of feasting, it is also called “Bhogali Bihu.” Bihu beautifully reflects the unique culture and traditions of Assamese society and symbolizes love, unity, peace, and harmony.
5. What are the three main schools of Indian sculpture? HSLC ’18
Ans: The tradition of sculpture in India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Later, the art of making sculptures using materials like terracotta, stone, bronze, silver, copper, and gold developed significantly. These sculptures incorporated both indigenous techniques and foreign influences over time. Based on differences in style and characteristics, Indian sculpture is mainly divided into three schools: Gandhara School, Mathura School, and Amaravati School.
6. Write about the Neo-Vaishnavite movement of Assam. HSLC ’19
Ans: Srimanta Sankardev initiated the Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam in the 15th century. This religious movement was based on the philosophical ideas of the Bhagavad Gita. To spread its teachings, Sankardev and his chief disciple Madhavdev composed songs, plays, and literary works. The main focus of this literature was the glory and divine play of Krishna. The movement gave rise to Vaishnavite literature beginning with the play “ChihnaYatra.” Among the major works are “Kirtan Ghosa” by Sankardev and“Namghosa” by Madhavdev. Later writers like Bhattadev, Ananta Kandali, and Ram Saraswati continued this tradition. Through the propagation of NeoVaishnavism, Sankardev gave a new identity and unity to Assamese society.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Q. The earliest written religious text in the world.
(a) Samaveda
(b) Rigveda
(c) Yajurveda
(d) Atharvaveda
Ans: (b)
Q. When did urban civilization develop in the Indus Valley Civilization?
(a) 4th millennium BCE
(b) 3rd millennium BCE
(c) 5th millennium BCE
(d) 6th millennium BCE
Ans: (b)
Q. Which Ahom king started the construction of Talatal Ghar?
(a) Chandrakanta Singha
(b) Rudra Singha
(c) Rajeswar Singha
(d) Chakradhwaj Singha
Ans: (c)
Q. Who wrote the book ‘Arthashastra’?
(a) Kautilya
(b) Ramanujan
(c) Varahamihira
(d) Rishi Sunak
Ans: (a)
Q. Who wrote the book ‘Namghosa’?
(a) Madhavdev
(b) Sankardev
(c) Rabindranath
(d) Bhattadev
Ans: (a)
Q. Who wrote ‘Kirtan Ghosa’?
(a) Chanakya
(b) Sankardev
(c) Madhavdev
(d) Madhav Kandali
Ans: (b)
Q. Who wrote ‘Ram Bijoy’?
(a) Iqbal
(b) Sankardev
(c) Sukumar Barkath
(d) Madhavdev
Ans: (b)
Q. Who wrote ‘Hastividyarnava’?
(a) Bharadwaj
(b) Sankardev
(c) Sukumar Barkath
(d) Bhattadev
Ans: (c)
Q. Who wrote ‘Rajatarangini’? HSLC ’24
(a) Jayadeva
(b) Sankardev
(c) Madhav Kandali
(d) Kalhana
Ans: (d)
Q. Who wrote ‘Kathagita’?
(a) Bhattadev
(b) Sankardev
(c) Sukumar Barkath
(d) Madhavdev
Ans: (a)
Q. Who wrote ‘Padyagita’?
(a) Bhattadev
(b) Govinda Mishra
(c) Sankardev
(d) Kalhana
Ans: (b)
Q. The technique of making jaggery from sugarcane belongs to which group?
(a) Dravidians
(b) Mongoloids
(c) Austric
(d) Negroids
Ans: (c)
Q. Number of Scheduled Tribes listed in the Indian Constitution (state-wise).
(a) 705
(b) 706
(c) 707
(d) 707
Ans: (a)
Q. What was the ancient name of Assam?
(a) Pragjyotishpur
(b) Kamatapur
(c) Cooch Behar
(d) Kamrup
Ans: (a)
Q. Which classical dance belongs to Andhra Pradesh?
(a) Kathakali
(b) Kuchipudi
(c) Bharatanatyam
(d) Odissi
Ans: (b)
Q. Which of the following tribes follows Buddhism?
(a) Karbi
(b) Adi
(c) Khasi
(d) Khamti
Ans: (d)
Q. Who is considered the father of Assamese prose? HSLC ’24
(a) Bhattadev
(b) Sankardev
(c) Madhav Kandali
(d) Ananta Kandali
Ans: (a)
Q. Who wrote the book ‘Discovery of India’?
(a) Bikram Sen
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Subhas Bose
(d) Chanakya
Ans: (b)
Q. When did Azan Pir come to Assam?
(a) During Rudra Singha
(b) During Gadadhar Singha
(c) During Lora Raja
(d) During Siva Singha
Ans: (b)
Q. Who composed Zikir and Zari?
(a) Azan Pir
(b) Iqbal
(c) Zakir Hussain
(d) Sankardev
Ans: (a)
Q. Which group does the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya belong to? HSLC’24
(a) Negro
(b) Austric
(c) Dravidian
(d) Mongoloid
Ans: (b)
Q. Who is the father of Assamese prose?
(a) Madhav Kandali
(b) Madhavdev
(c) Bhattadev
(d) Sankardev
Ans: (c)
Q. ‘Arthashastra’ is a book on which subject?
(a) Economics
(b) Religion
(c) Political Science
(d) Ethics
Ans: (c)
Q. ‘Satyameva Jayate’ is taken from which text?
(a) Rigveda
(b) Samhita
(c) Mundaka Upanishad
(d) Markandeya Purana
Ans: (c)
Q. When is International Yoga Day observed? HSLC ’24
(a) 21 June
(b) 12 April
(c) 16 May
(d) 22 June
Ans: (a)
