TOOLS AND TRANSPLANTATION
We often take the use of iron for granted today. Things made of iron (and steel) are a part of our daily lives. The use of iron began in the subcontinent around 3000 years ago. Some of the largest collections of iron tools and weapons were found in the megalithic burials, about which you read in Chapter 4 (WHAT BOOKS AND BURIALS TELL).
Around 2500 years ago, there is evidence for the growing use of iron tools. These included axes for clearing forests and the iron ploughshare. As we had seen (Chapter 5(KINGDOMS, KINGS AND AN EARLY REPUBLIC)) the ploughshare was useful for increasing agricultural production.
Other steps to increase production: irrigation
The kings and kingdoms you have been reading about could not have existed without the support of flourishing villages. While new tools and the system of transplantation (Chapter 5(KINGDOMS, KINGS AND AN EARLY REPUBLIC)) increased production, irrigation was also used. Irrigation works that were built during this time included canals, wells, tanks, and artificial lakes.
Activity:
A. If you look at the chart, you will find that some of the stages in the construction of irrigation works are mentioned.
Fill in the rest by using the following phrases:
a. Labour is provided by the people.
b. Farmers also benefit because crop production is more certain.
c. Farmers have to increase production to pay taxes.
d. Kings provide money and plan irrigation works.
1. Kings need money for armies, palaces, forts.
2. They demand taxes from farmers
3. ______________________________
4. This is possible with irrigation.
5._______________________________
6._______________________________
7. Production increases
8. So does revenue
9._______________________________
B. Iron tools. Here is a set of captions. Choose the right one for each of the pictures. Sickle, tongs, axe.
C. Prepare a list of at least five objects made of iron or steel that you use almost every day.
Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK