NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 11 – Buildings, Paintings and Books (Notes)

Chapter 11 – Buildings, Paintings and Books

These NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 11 notes explain the development of art, architecture, and literature in ancient India. The chapter focuses on stupas, Ajanta paintings, temples, manuscripts, and famous scholars like Kalidasa and Aryabhata, making it important for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.

1. What does this chapter explain?

This chapter explains ancient architecture, art, and literature.
It tells us about buildings, paintings, sculptures, and books.
These sources help us understand ancient culture.
They provide information about religion.
They show the level of knowledge in ancient India.

2. Buildings: Stupas

A stupa is a religious structure.
Stupas were mainly built to preserve relics of Buddha.
Stupas generally had a dome-like shape.
They were important centres of worship.
Stupas reflect early religious architecture.

3. Important Stupa sites

Sanchi is an important stupa site in Madhya Pradesh.
Amaravati is another major stupa site in Andhra Pradesh.
Stupa building began around 2300 years ago.
The Amaravati Stupa was built around 2000 years ago.
These sites show the spread of Buddhism.

4. Stupa architecture

The anda formed the main dome of the stupa.
The harmika was a square railing on top.
Chatras were umbrella-like structures above the dome.
Railings and gateways were richly decorated.
Carvings depicted stories and symbols.

5. Paintings

Ancient paintings were made on cave walls.
The Ajanta paintings are the most famous.
Ajanta is located in Maharashtra.
These paintings show stories of Buddha.
Scenes of daily life, animals, and nature are also shown.

6. Time period of Ajanta Paintings

The Ajanta paintings were made around 1500 years ago.
They show high artistic skills.
Colours were prepared from natural sources.
Painters used fine brush techniques.
These paintings are important art heritage.

7. Sculptures

Sculptors carved scenes from daily life.
Many sculptures show religious stories.
Stone was the main material used.
Sculptures are found on stupas.
They are also found on temples and pillars.

8. Temples

Early temples were made of stone and brick.
The Durga Temple at Aihole is an important example.
Aihole is located in Karnataka.
The Durga Temple was built around 1400 years ago.
A brick temple is found at Bhitargaon in Uttar Pradesh.

9. The Iron Pillar

The Iron Pillar is located near Qutub Minar in Delhi.
It is famous because it does not rust easily.
The pillar shows advanced knowledge of metallurgy.
It reflects scientific skills of ancient India.
The pillar still stands strong today.

10. Books and Manuscripts

Manuscripts were handwritten books.
They were written on palm leaves.
Birch bark was also used for writing.
Manuscripts covered religion and science.
Subjects like mathematics and medicine were also included.

11. Famous scholars and books

Kalidasa was a great Sanskrit poet.
He lived around 1600 years ago.
He is known for his plays and poems.
Aryabhata was a famous mathematician and astronomer.
He lived around 1500 years ago.

12. Charaka

Charaka was a famous physician.
He lived around 2000 years ago.
He is associated with Ayurveda.
His work focused on medicine and health.
His contributions are still remembered.

13. Spread of knowledge

Knowledge spread through teachers and students.
Religious centres played an important role.
Books were copied by hand.
Manuscripts were preserved carefully.
This helped protect ancient knowledge.

14. Important dates (NCERT focus)

Stupa building began around 2300 years ago.
The Amaravati Stupa dates to around 2000 years ago.
Kalidasa lived around 1600 years ago.
Aryabhata lived around 1500 years ago.
The Durga Temple at Aihole was built around 1400 years ago.

15. Important keywords

Stupa is a religious structure.
Sculpture means carved figures.
Painting refers to visual art.
Manuscript means handwritten text.
Temple is a place of worship.

16. Why this chapter is important

This chapter explains cultural achievements of ancient India.
It shows the growth of art and architecture.
It highlights the development of learning.
It helps understand Indian heritage.
It is important for art and culture–based questions.

This chapter highlights the cultural achievements of ancient India, including advances in art, science, and learning. Understanding these developments helps students appreciate India’s rich cultural heritage.

You have now completed Class 6 History NCERT Notes. Go back to the Class 6 History hub page to revise all chapters or start Class 6 Geography next.

FAQs

Q1. What is explained in Class 6 History Chapter 11?
It explains ancient Indian buildings, paintings, sculptures, books, and scholars.

Q2. Why are Ajanta paintings important?
They show high artistic skills and depict stories of Buddha and daily life.