Write a short note on the Mayan Culture.


1. The Mayan culture of Mexico developed remarkably between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries, but in the sixteenth century they had less political power than the Aztecs.

2. Corn cultivation was central to their culture, and many religious ceremonies were centred on the planting, growing and harvesting of corn.

3. Efficient agricultural production generated surplus, which helped the ruling classes, priests and chiefs to invest in architecture and in the development of astronomy and mathematics.

4. The Mayas devised a pictographic form of writing that has only been partially deciphered.

Write a short note on the Mayan Culture.
Maya Temple, Guatewala

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Why did the food-producing stage in some part of Africa start later than in some other parts of the world? Describe.

According to an estimate the food producing stage, in many parts of the world started about 10,000 years ago. But in some parts of Africa the food producing stage started about 5,000 years ago.


The reasons why food producing stage in these parts started later than in some other parts of the world are given below:

(i) The soil in most parts of Africa is not very fertile. Therefore, the tilling for cultivation was very difficult.

(ii) Most of the African land was covered with thick jungles. In those days to clear the land to make it fit for agriculture was almost impossible.

(iii) African climate was very hot. There were no sources of irrigation so the cultivation could not be done earlier.

(iv) The African people learnt the use of the iron at the later stage than the people of the other parts of the world. It was also a factor responsible for the beginning of agriculture in Africa.
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What is reclamation? 


Reclamation is the conversion of wasteland into land suitable for habitation or cultivation.

Tips: -

(V. Imp.)
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Describe the influence of Islam on the African civilisation.


Influence of Islam on the African Civilisation:


(i) Prosperity: The people became prosperous due to brisk trade and commerce with other countries.

(ii) Construction of Mosques and Tombs: The influence of Islam caused the construction of many mosques, forts and tombs.

(iii) New Language: The ‘Swahili’ language sprang up as a result of the intermingling of Bantu and Arabic languages.

(iv) Centres of Islamic Culture: The African states became centres of Islamic education and culture. The Arab scholars reached there and wrote the history of Africa.

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What do you know about the society of Aztec? Discuss. 


The society:


i. Aztec society was hierarchical. The nobility included those who were nobles by birth, priests, and others who had been awarded the rank.


ii. The hereditary nobility was a small minority who occupied the senior positions in the government, the army and the priesthood.

iii. The nobles chose from among them a supreme leader who ruled until his death. The king was regarded as the representative of the sun on earth.


iv. Warriors, priests and nobles were the most respected groups, but traders also enjoyed many privileges and often served the government as ambassadors and spies. Talented artisans, physicians and wise teachers were also respected.
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