NCERT Book Class 6 Social Science (History) Chapter 10 Buildings, Paintings and Books

CHAPTER 10
BUILDINGS, PAINTINGS AND BOOKS

Marutasami and the iron pillar
Marutasami was so excited. His brother had propelled
his wheelchair all along the dusty, stony path, past the
Qutb Minar, and up the metal ramp. It had been tough,
but now he was here, in front of the famous iron pillar.
It was an unforgettable experience.

The iron pillar
Metallurgy
Ancient Indian metallurgists made major
The iron pillar at
contributions to the metallurgical history of the Mehrauli, Delhi, is a
world. Archaeological excavations have shown remarkable example
that the Harappans were master craftsmen and of the skill of Indian
had knowledge of copper metallurgy. They even craftspersons. It is
manufactured bronze by mixing copper and tin. made of iron, 7.2m
While the Harappans belonged to the Bronze Age,
high, and weighs over
their successors belonged to the Iron Age. India
produced highly advanced types of iron-forged 3 tonnes. It was made
iron, wrought iron and cast iron. about 1500 years
ago. We know the
The iron pillar date because there is an inscription on the pillar
mentioning a ruler named Chandra, who probably
belonged to the Gupta dynasty (Chapter 9). What
is amazing is the fact that the pillar has not rusted
through the centuries.

Buildings in brick and stone
The skills of our crafts persons are also apparent in
the buildings that have survived, such as stupas.
The word stupa means a mound. While there
are several kinds of stupas, round and tall, big
and small, these have certain common features.
Generally, there is a small box placed at the centre
or heart of the stupa. This may contain bodily
remains (such as teeth, bone or ashes) of the

Chapter 9-10.indd 96 22 April 2022 02:53:33