Revised Subharmbha social 6 2077 for sir ctp

Lesson Duties of a Citizen

4

Introduction: Duty
The moral or legal obligation or responsibility that one is required to fulfill
towards others and to the nation is called duty.

Rights are our privileges guaranteed to us by the state and in return we
should fulfill certain responsibilities. Duties are our responsibilities towards
our country and to others. Rights are privileges and duties are responsibilities.
They are two sides of a single coin and two wheels of a single cart. They
come together: A person cannot claim his rights without doing his duties.

Our Fundamental Duties
Most important duties that we have to fulfill as citizens are fundamental
duties. A citizen of a country has to perform mainly three types of duties.
They are as follows: Moral Duty, Legal Duty, and Civil Duty.

Moral Duty: A duty which one owes, and which
he ought to perform, which he thinks right to
do, but which he is not legally bound to fulfill
is moral duity. We perform moral duties not
being forced by someone else but out of our
conscience and being conscious. If a person
fails to perform his moral duties, he/she is
not punishable by law but socially criticized or
condemned. Moral duity maintains social norms and values.

A person should learn to live morally and ethically dignified life. One needs to
respect elders, teachers, relatives and neighbours, and develop social and
harmonious relationship with everyone in the society.

Legal Duty: A duty which one needs to fulfill by law is legal duty. It is every
citizen’s duty to respect and abide
by law of the land. Violation of law is
punishable. Legal duties maintain
order in the society. It ensures general
welfare of every citizen of the country.

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Civil Duties: Civil duties are the social responsibilities of citizens in the
interest of the public. We need to do such duties as a responsibility for the
betterment of society.

As citizens we owe allegiance to our country. We have to fulfill certain
obligations towards our country. Such obligations or duties are called civil
duties.

Constitution of Nepal 2072 BS has mention the following points as duties
of citizens.

(a) Protect nationality, sovereignty and integrity of Nepal by pledging
allegiance to the national.

(b) Follow the constitution and law.

(c) Compulsorily help when the state needs the service.

(d) To protect and conserve public property.

(e) Cast votes

(f) Pay taxes (g) Rise voice in favour of truth and justice.

Duties of Children
Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin. One
can’t be complete without the other. One must fulfill
certain duties to enjoy rights. Rights without duty is not
possible. While enjoying rights, the children need to fulfill
certain duties as well. Some important duties of children
are:

• To respect and pay attention to parents, teachers
and elders

• To love, care and help younger to them
• To help people and friends in need
• To share certain things with others
• To be disciplined and obedient
• To learn good manners and polite language
• To study, play, eat and sleep in time.

Rights and Duties as a Student
School is also an important part of the society. As a student, you have
both rights and duties towards your school. It is your right to receive proper
education, and at the same time you have to follow school’s rules and

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regulations. You should respect school
property. You should honour and keep up the
dignity of the school. You should cooperate
and behave well with your friends and
colleagues. You should respect teachers,
seniors and love juniors. You should
cooperate with school authority and help
improve the overall standard of your school.
You should also utilize your knowledge for
the betterment and well-being of the society. All the more, you have to strive
for good performance in your studies.

Points to Remember:

F Moral or legal obligation that one is required to fulfill towards others
and to the nation is called duty.

F Rights are privileges and duties are responsibilities.
F There are mainly three types of duties: Moral Duty, Legal Duty, and

Civil Duty.
F Moral duty is a moral obligation, not legally bound, on the part of a

citizen to do or not to do something.
F Legal duty is a duty which one needs to fulfill by law, respecting

laws of the land.
F Civic duties are the social responsibilities of citizens in the interest

of the public.
F As a child, it is your duty to respect and pay attention to parents,

teachers and elders.
F As a student, you have to follow school’s rules and regulations and

protect school property.

Key Terms and Words: 103

• Abide by: accept
• Allegiance: loyalty
• Colleague : fellow, associate
• Conscience: a person’s moral sense of right or wrong
• Condemned: blame

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Key Terms and Words:

• Ethically: honestly, morally
• Dignity : honour, glory
• Dignified: honourable
• Obligation: something one must do because of law, responsibilities,

commitments
• Privilege: a special right or advantage
• Strive : try for, aim

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions:
1. What is duty?
2. Why is it important to fulfill our duty?
3. What happens if we don’t exercise our voting right properly?
4. What are the three types of duties a citizen should perform?
5. What is civil duty? Give examples.
6. What is Legal Duty? Give examples.
7. What is moral Duty? Give examples.

Short or/and long questions:
1. Why do we perform moral duties? Explain with examples.
2. What are the differences between the moral duty and legal duty?
Write with examples.
3. Rights and duties are two faces of the same coin. Justify.
4. What will happen if the people do not perform their moral duties?
5. What are the civil duties ? List them out and explain any two of
them.
6. What are your duties as a student? Write in points.
7. What are the duties of citizens mentioned in our constitution?

Community Based Work:

Make a list of five duties for each that you perform in your classroom, home and
community or neighborhood. Compare your duties with others in the class. Compile
all the duties and write them on the chart paper and display in your class.

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Lesson Traffic Rules

5

In present day, we have different mode of
transportations, such as bus, bike, train, car etc. The
different modes of transportations bring convenience
for people. However, we must know traffic rules. The
traffic light colors are universal throughout the world,
the red light means “stop”, the yellow light means “slow
down”, the green light means “go”.
Even though the light colors are standard, the traffic
rules in different countries are not the same. For
example, in China, cars are driven on the right side of the road, while in
Nepal cars are driven on the left side of the road.
Traffic rules are the general procedures that drivers and pedestrian need
to follow. Traffic rules are both the laws and the informal rules that have
developed over time to facilitate the orderly and timely flow of traffic. Traffic
rules regulate vehicles.
It is the cultural norm that the basic traffic rules are followed. Drivers are
expected to obey the rules in order to avoid collision with another automobile
or pedestrians. Both drivers and pedestrians should obey the traffic lights
and traffic signs. For instance, if there is a stop sign at an intersection, the
vehicles must stop and allow pedestrian to cross the street before going
on its way. Similarly the pedestrian should cross the road either from
zebra crossings or from the overhead bridge. It helps for reducing road
accidents.
At present, the number of vehicles has been increasing tremendously. Traffic
rules and regulations are devised to ensure smooth running of the vehicles
on the road. Traffic rules are also meant for the pedestrians, cyclists and
motor cyclists. The knowledge of traffic rules and traffic signs and markings
are very essential for divers and road users. One of the causes of frequent
accident on roads is lack of proper obedience to traffic rules. So, the proper
knowledge of the traffic rules and traffic signs can reduce the accidents. It
will establish a healthy and organized traffic system.

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Respect the Traffic Rules by following the Traffic Signals

No Parking No U Turn No Left Turn

Speed No Entry No Right Turn

No Stop Danger No Cycle

No Horn Speed Breaker No Trucks
106
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Points to Remember:

F There are different modes of transportation at present such as bus,
bike, train, and car etc.

F There are many rules that we must know and follow, traffic rules is
one of them.

F Traffic light color are universal throughout the world, the red light
means “stop”, the yellow light means “slow down”, the green light
means “go”.

F Even though the light colors are standard, the traffic rules in different
countries are not the same: cars are driven on the right side in China,
America etc, but on left in the UK, Nepal etc.

F Traffic rules are the general procedures that drivers and pedestrians
need to follow.

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Key Terms and Words:

• Collision : accident, bumb
• Convenience : benefit, comfort
• Devise : conceive, dream up
• Intersection : crossroads
• Mode : manner, way, form
• Pedestrian : person on foot
• Regulate : manage, control
• Universal : worldwide, entire

Evaluation Activities

Short answer questions
1. What is meant by traffic rules?
2. Draw a picture that reflects the traffic lights with their meanings.
3. Why is it necessary for drivers and road users to have thorough
knowledge of traffic rules and traffic signals?
4. Do you think the people living in remote areas should also have
thorough knowledge of traffic rules and traffic signals? If yes or no,
why?
5. What is a Zebra Crossing? Why is it an important traffic sign?

Community Based Works:
a. Divide the class into groups. Conduct a role play based on ‘Traffic
Rules and Traffic Signals. ’Include Zebra crossing, Traffic Lights, Traffic
Police and Pedestrians in the play. Let your subject teacher evaluate
and provide suggestions if required. (You can use card board and
colourful papers for traffic lights and white ribbons or white papers for
zebra crossing).
b. What do the following signs mean.

c. Draw different traffic symbols on the chart paper and compare your
art with your friends in the classroom.
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Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Lesson Concept of Nation &
Nationality
6

Introduction: Nation
The mechanism of a country having people by sharing
the different cultures, traditions, literatures, languages,
history, and inhabiting a particular area under one
government with same aspiration is called a nation. A
nation should be independent, sovereign and should
have self rule.
Nation may also refer to a large group of people who
share a common language, culture, ethnicity, descent,
or history.
Constitution of Nepal 2072 states, "Having multi-ethnic, multi-lingual,
multireligious, multi-cultural characteristics with common aspirations of
people living in diverse geographical regions, and about of allegiance to
national integrity, national interest and prosperity of Nepal, all the Nepali
people collectively constitute the nation"

Introduction: Nationality
The legal right of belonging to a particular country
is nationality. In other terms, it is a sense of glory,
nationalism and patriotism towards a nation.
The word nationality is also used in the sense of
an ethnic group of people who share a common
ethnic identity, language, culture, descent, history,
and so forth. For example: Limbus, Rais, Gurungs,
Magars, Tamangs, Newars, Tharus etc are nationalities. They have got their
own ethnic identity, language, culture, descent, history, place of residence
and so on.

Difference between Nation and Nationality
There is a different between nation and nationality. A nationality comprises
of people bound together by a common culture religion, race, history and

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ideology, and it becomes a nation by getting a political organization with the
power of self -determination. A sovereign political organization is the symbol
of nation, but a nationality doesn't have such an organization.

"A nationality by acquiring unity and /fli6«o ufg
sovereign independence becomes a nation."
A State in India, for example, constitutes a ;of+} y'·f km'nsf xfdL Pp6} dfnf g]kfnL
nationality. If it gets a separate home-land ;fje{ fd} eO{ kml} nPsf d]rLdxfsfnL=======@
of its own, it will become a nation.
k|s[ltsf sf6] L–sf6L ;Dkbfsf] cfr“ n

A nation is a bigger group having different jL/x?sf /utn] :jtGq / c6n .
nationalities within its range. The Rais, 1fg e"ld, zflGt el" d t/fO{, kxf8, lxdfn
the Limbus, the Gurungs, the Magars, cv08 of] Kof/f] xfdf| ] dfte[ "ld gk] fn
the Newars, the Tamangs etc for example ax'n hflt efiff wd{ ;:+ s[lt 5g\ ljzfn
are different nationalities constituting the
Nepali nation. cu|fdL /fi6« xfd|f] ho ho gk] fn .

Nationality is also the status of belonging Jofs'n dfOnf
to a particular nation by origin, birth -k|bLk s'df/ /fO{_

or naturalization. It is the legal right of
belonging to a particular country. People belonging to a same nationality
have common spiritual and psychological sentiments. They feel themselves
united and also feel they are different and distinct from other group.
Nationality is the feeling of glory, devotion and loyalty to the nation.

Since the historical time, Nepal has remained a sovereign country. We
have never surrendered and bowed in front of anyone. Our country boasts
a glorious history of devotion, loyalty and self-respect. This, we owe to our
ancestors. They were extremely inspired by the feeling of nationalism and
patriotism. They were ready to sacrifice their life for the interest and welfare
of the nation. They have preserved and protected our nation and nationality
in the past and now, it is our duty to do so.

All the mother tongues spoken in Nepal are national language where as
Nepali language written in Devnagari script is official language of Nepal.
Along with Nepali language, a province shall select one of more national
language that is spoken by majority of the people in that province as the
language of official business, as provided by the provincial law.

Our nation and nationality are our identity and pride. It is our fundamental duty
to protect, preserve and promote our nation and nationality. This is possible
when all the citizens have unity, loyalty, love and respect for their country.

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We should be ready to sacrifice our lives for the safety, honour and welfare
of the nation. We all should raise our voice when our country is in danger.
Unity should be maintained by ending the discrimination on the basis of caste,
creed, gender etc. For a true citizen there is nothing more important than
nation and nationality.

Points to Remember:

F Accordingly having a large number of people sharing the same culture,
tradition, literature, language, history, and inhabiting a particular area
under one government is called a nation.

F “A community of people composed of one or more nationalities with
its own territory and government is a nation”- Webster Dictionary.

F Nepal has been defined as a “Democratic, independent, indivisible,
sovereign and secular country.”

F Nationality is the status of belonging to a particular nation by origin,
birth or naturalization.

F Nationality also means an ethnic group of people who share a
common ethnic identity, language, culture, descent, history, and so
forth.

F Although, there are diverse nationalities in our nation, indivisible,
sovereign and secular Nepal is our country and our nationality is
Nepali.

Key Terms and Words: 111

• Aspirations: goals, hopes
• Commitment: obligation, guarantee, promise
• Descent: fall
• Devotion: great love or loyalty
• Glory: take great pride in
• Integrity: honesty, loyalty
• Nationalism: patriotic feeling
• Naturalization: make a citizen of a country
• Patriotism: a strong feeling of supporting or defending the country
• Sentiment: an opinion or feeling
• Sovereign: completely independent
• Spiritual : religious, divine

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions
1. Define nation and nationality.
2. What does our history show?
3. Why should we honour and respect our national anthem and national
emblem?
4. What are our national languages?

Short answer questions
1. Define “Nationality” with examples.
2. How do you differentiate between ‘nation’ and ‘nationality’?
3. Nation and Nationality are complimentary to each other. Explain
with example.
4. How can we preserve and protect our nation and nationality?
5. How can we promote unity among us? Give your ideas.

Community Based Works:
Divide class into four groups, A, B, C, D. All the groups will work on the
project ‘Nation and Nationality.” Each group will prepare for the project
under the given subjects:
Group A: Collecting news, views, information, articles, pictures and photos.
Group B: Writing poems and songs.
Group C: Writing articles and essays.
Group D: Drawing pictures and paintings.
The group projects will be evaluated by the subject teacher and marks
will be given to each. Winners will be announced and rewarded. The
project work can be displayed in the classroom.

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Lesson Concept of Federal
Democratic Republic
7

Pari, Rahul, Muskan and Apurwa
are good friends. They want to
take help from Pari’s father,
who is a social studies teacher,
to know more about the concept
of Federal Democratic Republic
System.

Muskan: Good morning, Uncle!
I am not yet that clear
about Federal System, could you please explain?

Uncle: Listen carefully. Federal system is a system of government in
which a country has governments at different levels. Generally,
in a Federal System of Government, there are three levels of
government: Central, State or Provincial and Local bodies. Power is
divided among these different levels of government. For example:
India and the USA are federal republics, where there are central or
federal government and a number of state governments. The USA
is divided into 50 states and India into 28 states. The states are
autonomous and have their own constitutions, legislature, court
and government. They make their own laws within the framework
of the national constitution. They run the state administration and
bring about development within their respective state. The central
government usually does not interfere in their works.

Rahul: How is a country divided into states?

Uncle: A country can be divided into several states or provinces depending
on its size, population, means, resources, accessibility, ethnic
groups, geography, culture, historical background etc. Important
thing is the state should be economically sustainable.

Apurwa: Uncle, what is a democratic republic?

Uncle: As you know, democracy is the supreme form of liberty where

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people govern for the welfare of people through rules made by
people. Democratic republic means a democratic system where
head of state is elected president. Nepal was declared as republic
country on 15th Jestha 2065 BS.

Muskan: Uncle, if there are different levels of government in the Federal
System, how are the powers divided?

Uncle: Very good question. There is central government and a number of
state and local governments in the federal system of government.
Powers are divided among them. The central government or the
federal government generally looks after the major national issues
like border security, monetary policy, foreign affairs, national army,
national highways, big hydro projects etc, and the rest like health,
education, culture, and agriculture etc are looked after by state
governments.

Apurwa: Uncle, could you tell us more about
‘Federal Democratic Republic of
Nepal.”?

Uncle: After the declaration of Federal
Democratic Republic of Nepal,
Ram Baran Yadav became the first
president and Puspa Kamal Dahal
(Prachanda), the first elected Prime
Minister in the history of Federal
Democratic Puspa Kamal Dahal

Republic of Nepal. After the declaration of
new constitution, election of president was
held which elected Vidya Devi Bhandari as a
president of Nepal.

President Vidya Devi Bhandari The federal system of government has
some advantages over the unitary system
of government. There will be the feeling of
competition among the autonomous states
leading to rapid development of the country.
Decisions making will be prompt and effective

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because states do not have to wait for central government. The
government will be closer to the people. For every small thing,
people won’t have to come to Kathmandu. Local resources will be
best utilized as per the need of the state. There will be people’s
active participation and a balanced development can be achieved
in the country.
Children: Thank you, uncle! We all understood the lesson very well.

Points to Remember:

F Federal system is a system of government in which a country has
different governments at different levels like: Central, State or
Provincial and Local governments.

F India and the USA are federal republics, where there are central or
federal government and a number of state governments. The USA is
divided into 50 states and India into 28 states.

F In Federal System, the states are autonomous and have their own
constitutions, legislature, court and government.

F A country can be divided into several states or provinces depending
on its size, population, resources, ethnic groups, culture, historical
background etc.

F Democracy is the rule of people by the people and for the people.
F Democratic republic means a democratic country with an elected

President as the Head of State.
F Interim Constitution of Nepal 2063 BS declared Nepal as a “Federal

Democratic Republic on 15th Jestha 2065 BS by ending 240 years old
monarchy.
F Central government is generally responsible for national issues like
national security, monetary policy, foreign affairs, national highways
etc and the rest are handled by state governments.
F Dr Ram Baran Yadav is the first president and Puspa Kamal Dahal
(Prachanda), the first elected Prime Minister of Democratic Federal
Republic of Nepal.

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Key Terms and Words:

• Affairs: issue, matter
• Autonomous: self-governing or independent
• Declaration: formal statement or announcement
• Prompt: without delay
• Provision: the action of providing

Evaluation Activities

Short answer questions
1. What is Federal system?
2. List any six powers of state government?
3. What are the powers of central government?
4. What is republic system? When was Nepal declared as a republic
state?
5. Write a paragraph on democracy.
6. What are the merits of federal system?

Community Based Works:
a. Think and write two merits and demerits of federal system.
b. Write the names of six federal countries of the world.
c. Do you think Federal system is suitable for a country like Nepal?
Discuss in the class and come to the conclusion.

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UNIT

5

OUR EARTH

In this unit, we will learn about the following subjects: 117
• Our Earth
• Latitudes and Longitudes
• Geographical Features of Nepal
• Physical Features of Nepal
• Social Life of Nepal
• Map Work
• Physical, Social and Economic Environment of Asia
• Climate Change
• Disaster Management

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Lesson Our Earth

1

Earth, our home planet, is the only planet
in our solar system known to sustain life.
Our earth is 4.5 to 4.6 billion years old. It
is the third planet from the sun and the
fifth largest of the eight planets in the
solar system. Our earth is also called
‘Mother Earth' because the earth nurtures
us and gives us what we need to live, like
a mother does to her children. It is also
known as ‘Blue Planet’ because almost
70% of the earth is made up of water.

Origin of the Earth
The most popular theory regarding
the origin of the earth is the ‘Big Bang
Theory’. It is believed that about 5 billion
years ago, a big explosion took place in
the universe. Such an explosion gave
birth to galaxies, planets and stars in the
universe. Our earth is one of them.

Shape and Size of the Earth
The shape of the earth is spherical but
not a perfect sphere. The equator which
divides the earth into two equal halves
is bulged out and the north and south
poles are flat. The shape of the earth is very nearly spherical, but slightly
flattened at the two poles.

Earth is classified as the largest planet in term of its circumference and
diameter. Its equatorial diameter is 12,756km and polar diameter is
12,714km. The circumference of the earth at the equator is 40,076km and
the polar circumference is 40,008km.

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Hemispheres of the Earth
Hemisphere is a half of a sphere.
Hemisphere is half of a section
of a whole area. The earth for
instance has four hemispheres.
Each one is half of the whole
earth, eastern hemisphere,
western hemisphere, southern
hemisphere and the northern
hemisphere.

Northern and Southern Hemisphere: The equator or 0° latitude divides the
earth into two equal parts North and South. The part lying to the north of the
equator is called Northern Hemisphere and the part lying to the south of the
equator is called Southern Hemisphere. All countries north of the equator
are in the Northern Hemisphere while all countries south of the equator are
in the Southern Hemisphere.

Eastern and Western Hemisphere: Similarly, the Prime Meridian or
0° longitude drawn from north to south divides the earth into two equal
parts East and West. The part east of the Prime Meridian is called Eastern
Hemisphere and the part west of the Prime Meridian is called Western
Hemisphere. North and South America lies in the western hemisphere while
Europe, Asia and Africa lie in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Motions of the Earth

The Earth is constantly in motion,
revolving around the Sun and rotating on
its own axis. The earth has two important
motions: Rotation and Revolution.

Rotation: The Earth spins on its axis from
West to East (counter-clockwise). This
motion of the earth is called rotation. It
takes 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4.09
seconds (24 hours) to complete one
full turn on its axis. Day and night are Rotation and Revolution

produced by the rotation of the Earth.
The part facing the sun has day and the part away from the sun has night.

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Revolution: While the Earth is spinning on its axis, it is revolving around
the Sun in a counter-clockwise direction. This motion of the earth is called
revolution. The Earth takes one full year (365 and one-fourth days) to
complete one full revolution around the Sun. This phenomenon causes the
change of seasons and varying lengths of day and night at different times.
The path on which the earth moves around the sun is known as the Earth's
orbit. It is very near a circle. The earth is tilted in its axis. In the process of
movement around the sun, the whole of northern hemisphere gets direct
rays of the sun and experience summer season. At this time, southern
hemisphere is opposite of northern hemisphere. It does not get direct but
slanting rays of the sun and has winter season. That is why, when Nepal in
the northern hemisphere has summer, Australia in southern hemisphere
has winter.

Points to Remember:

F Earth, our home planet, is the only planet in our solar system known
to have life.

F Earth is the third planet from the sun and the fifth largest of the eight
planets in the solar system.

F Earth is also known as ‘Blue Planet’ because almost 70% of the earth
is made up of water.

F Shape of the earth is very nearly spherical, but slightly flattened at
the two poles.

F Earth has four hemispheres: Northern, Southern, Eastern and
Western.

F Big Bang that occurred about 5 billion years ago in the universe gave
birth to galaxies, planets and stars in the universe, the earth is one of
them.

F Earth is constantly in motion, revolving around the Sun and rotating
on its axis.

F Earth has two important motions: Rotation and Revolution.
F Earth’s motion on its axis from West to East (counter-clockwise is

called rotation. The Earth takes 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4.09

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Points to Remember:

seconds (24 hours) to complete one full turn on its axis.
F Earth’s motion around the Sun in a counter-clockwise direction is

called revolution. It takes one full year (365 and one-fourth days) to
complete one full revolution around the Sun.
F Rotation causes day and night while revolution causes change of
seasons.

Key Terms and Words:

• Bulged: a rounded swelling
• Circumference: the boundary which encloses a circle
• Diameter: a straight line passing from side to side through the center

of the circle
• Explosion: an act of bursting or shattering violently
• Galaxy: a system of millions or billions of stars
• Phenomenon: a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen
• Spherical : round, ball-shaped
• Sustain: support, bear, keep
• Universe : everything in creation, natural world

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Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions:

1. How old is our earth?
2. Why is our earth called Mother Earth?
3. Why is the earth known as Blue Planet?
4. What is Big Bang Theory?
5. What is the equatorial and polar circumference of the earth?
6. What is the equatorial and polar diameter of the earth?
7. What causes day and night?
8. What causes change of seasons?
9. What is the shape of the earth?
10. How long does the earth take to complete one round around the

sun?
11. What is an orbit?

Short answer questions:

1. Write about the hemispheres of the earth.
2. When northern hemisphere experience summer, southern

hemisphere has winter. Give reasons.
3. Define ‘Rotation of the Earth.’ What is its result?
4. Define ‘Revolution of the earth.’ What is its result?
5. When it is summer in Nepal, it is winter in Australia. Give reasons.
6. Differentiate between rotation and revolution.

Community Based Works:
Divide the class into four groups. Do project works on the following topics
and display in your classroom.

Origin of the Earth’s Rotation of The Revolution of
Earth Hemisphere Earth The Earth

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Lesson Latitudes and
Longitudes
2

Latitude
• Latitudes are imaginary lines drawn from east to west on a map or
globe for some specific purposes.
• They are measured in degrees. The Equator, which is located in the
middle of the globe, is measured as 0°.
• The equator is taken as the reference point in
order to begin the measurement of latitudes.
• Besides the Equator, there are altogether 180
latitudes: 90 in the north and 90 in the south of
the equator.
• Latitudes run horizontally on either side of the
Equator.
• Latitudes are circles parallel to one another but with varying lengths.
• The equator (40,000km or 25000 miles) is the largest circle of
latitudes whereas the North Pole and the South Pole are merely
point.
• For example: 70° N latitude has a smaller circumference than that
of 25° N latitude.
• 1° latitude is 111 km or 69 miles approximately.
• Latitudes are measured from 0° (Equator) to 90° N and to 90°
S (North Pole and South Pole). Hence, the Equator at 0° latitude
makes a 90° or right angle with North Pole or South Pole.
• The half of the globe to the north of the Equator is known as northern
hemisphere, and the other southern half is known as the southern
hemisphere.

Longitude
• Longitudes are imaginary lines, measured in degrees, join all places
having the same angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian
or Greenwich Meridian.
• Prime Meridian, which is the reference line for measuring longitudes
is considered as 0° longitude.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 123

• There are 360 longitudes: 180 in the eastern hemisphere and 180
in western hemisphere.

• The same line of longitude is numbered as
180° E and 180°W.

• They are half-circles, not parallel and are of
equal lengths.

• Longitudes run vertically of the Prime
Meridian.

• All longitudes start from one pole and join at
another pole.

• They are widest apart at the equator.
• The Prime Meridian 0° along with 180°

longitude divides the earth into eastern and western hemisphere.
• Longitudes are called meridians because all the places located

along the same longitude (meridian) experience noon or mid-day at
the same time.
• Longitudes and latitudes intersect the Equator and form grid on the
surface of the earth and help us to locate a place on the globe or
earth.
• Each degree of latitudes and longitudes is divided
into 60 minutes and each minute into 60 seconds.

The International Date Line (IDL)
The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the
surface of the Earth. It runs from the north to the South
Pole and demarcates one calendar day from the next. It
passes through the middle of the Pacific Ocean, roughly
following the 180° longitude but it deviates to pass around
some territories and island groups.

The Prime Meridian

The Prime Meridian or 0°
meridian (longitude) is on
the opposite side of IDL. The
Prime Meridian is used to IDL

define Universal Time and is
the meridian from which all other time zones are
calculated. Time zones to the east of the Prime
Meridian are in advance of Universal Time Co-
ordinated (UTC)and time zones to the west are behind UTC.

124 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Key Terms and Words:

• Circumference : perimeter, circuit
• Demarcate : differenciate, separate
• Deviate : differ, drift, angle off
• Meridian : zenith, high noon, apex

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions

1. What is the importance of latitude and longitude?
2. How many latitudes and longitudes are there?
3. How are latitude and longitude expressed?
4. What is the latitude of Equator and longitude of the Prime Meridian?
5. Where does the Prime Meridian pass through?
6. Which longitude determines the time?
7. Which longitude determines the day and date?
8. What divide the earth into the North and the South Hemisphere?

Short answer questions

1. Define Latitudes and Longitudes.
2. What is a hemisphere?
3. Define Prime Meridian. What will be the time in the east and west of

Prime Meridian?
4. Define International Date Line. What does it determine?
5. What is northern and southern hemisphere?
6. Draw a diagram showing the five important latitudes.
7. Why are latitude circles and longitude only half-circles?
8. How do the Equator and the Prime Meridian divide the Earth?

Community Based Works:

a. Draw a full page outline map of Nepal and mark the latitudes and
longitudes.

b. Find the latitudes and longitudes of the SAARC countries with the
help of an atlas.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 125

Lesson Geographical
Features of Nepal
3

Location
Nepal is located in the Southern lap of the great Himalayan Range. It lies
in the South Asia between China and India. It is in between 80° 4' to 88 °
12' East Longitude. In the same way, it is between 26° 12' to 30° 27' North
Latitude.

Shape
It extends from the East to West. It is rectangular in shape. It is wider in the
North-West and narrower in the east.

Size
It has 1,47,181 sq. km of total land. It is 65 and 22 times smaller than its
immediate neighbours, China and India respectively, and it ranks 93rd in the
world in size. It is 0.3% of the total area of Asia and 0.03% of the world. Its
North-South width varies from 150 to 250 km. and it measures about 800
kilometers along its Himalayan axis.

126 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Nepal is landlocked by India on three sides east, south and west and China's
Autonomous Region of Tibet on the North. West Bengal's narrow Siliguri
Corridor or Chicken's Neck separates Nepal and Bangladesh.

Boundary
Nepal is bordered on the north by the Tibetan Autonomous Region of the
People’s Republic of China (PRC). The two rivers, the Mechi in the east and

Bridge to Dhodhar and Chadani

the Mahakali in the west are natural boundaries
separating Nepal with India in the east and west
respectively. There is west Bengal state of India
in the east, Uttaranchal state in the West and
Indian states of Bihar and Uu in the South.
To the south-west of Nepal across the Mahakali
River, lie two Nepali places called Dodhara and
Chandani. The ten yard wide “No Man’s Land” or Das Gaja (Boarder Pillar)
“Das Gaja” with pillars is the arbitrary boundary
between Nepal and India in the south. It is an open border. The people from
both the countries can cross this border without any restrictions.
Population: According to the population census 2068Bs, the total population
of Nepal is 2,64,93,504 (Two cores sixty-four lakhs ninety-three thousand
and five hundred and four). The population growth rate is 1.35%

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 127

Points to Remember:

F Nepal, located in the Southern lap of the great Himalayan Range, lies
between China and India.

F Nepal which extends from the East to West is almost rectangular in
shape.

F Nepal, which is 65 and 22 times smaller than China and India
respectively, ranks 93rd in the world.

F Nepal has 1,47,181 sq. km of total land, which is 0.3% of the total
area of Asia.

F Nepal’s North-South width varies from 150 to 250 km. and the length
along its Himalayan axis is about 800 kilometers.

F According to the population census 2068 BS, the total population of
Nepal is 2,64,93,504.

Key Terms and Words:

• Arbitrary: irrational, inconsistent
• Corridor: passage, passageway, lobby
• Das Gaja: 10 yards width
• Lap: orbit, circuit
• No man’s land: nobody’s land, forbidden ground

128 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions:

1. What is longitudinal and latitudinal location of Nepal?
2. What are the states of India bordering with Nepal?
3. What is the east-west and north-south distance of Nepal?
4. How big are China and India than Nepal?
5. Why is Nepal called a landlocked country?
6. What is the ‘No-Man’s Land’?
7. What’s ‘Das Gaja’?
8. What are the places of Nepal beyond the Mahakali River?
9. What is the population of Nepal according to the population census

of 2068?

Short answer questions:

1. There is open border between Nepal and India? What should we do
to protect the border of our country?

2. Draw a full page outline map of Nepal and insert the following:
i. Two natural borders
ii. Bordering countries
iii. Bordering states
iv. Latitude
v . Longitude

Community Based Work:

a. Collect pictures and photos etc and prepare an introduction booklet
or poster of Nepal.

b. Divide the class into 4 groups, make at least 10 questions on
geographical facts of Nepal , and conduct quiz contest.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 129

Lesson Physical Features of
Nepal
4

Nepal is a small country, but it has tremendous diversity in landform, climate
and natural vegetation. It rises from 60 m elevation in the tropical Terai to the
Earth's highest point 8,848 m (29,029 ft), Mount Everest or Sagarmatha.
Within the narrow width lies variety of landforms. Diversity in landforms is
one of the important features of Nepal.
Along North- South, Nepal can be divided into three distinct geographical
belts: Mountain, Hill and Terai.

Mountain Region
The mountain region lies in the northernmost part of Nepal. It occupies
15% of the total land area of our country, and only 2% of it is suitable for
cultivation. It lies within the altitude of, 4,877 m to 8,848 m above sea level.
Its breadth from north to south varies from 25 km to 50 km and its length
is 885 km.

Mount Sagarmatha

It has the world’s highest mountain peak Sagarmatha (8,848m) and the
third highest peak Kanchanjunga (8,598m). There are some 200 snow
peaks above 6000m and 13 peaks above 8000m in this region.

130 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Other important snow peaks of this region are Makalu, Choyu, Ama Dablan,
Lhotse, Dorje Lakpa, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhere etc. There
are many pastures, gorges, passes and small lakes in this region. Almost all
the big and perennial rivers running through the country are originated from
this region. This belt is often very cold and snowy in winter. It has coniferous
forest of pine, spruce etc.

Hilly Region

The hilly region is
situated between
Mountain region in
the north and Terai
region in the south.
It occupies 68% of
the total land area
of Nepal. The hilly
region lies within the
altitude of 600m to Pokhara

4877m above the sea level. It is from 75 to 125 km wide. There are some
valleys like Arun, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Surkhet etc in this region. The Arun
Valley, which is the world’s deepest valley, lies in Sankhuwasabha district of
Koshi zone. There lies two ranges, Mahabharat and Chure. These parallel
ranges extend all the way from east to west of Nepal. In between these
ranges lie elongated valley called Dun or Inner Terai or Bhitri Madhesh. This
region has a mild climate due to its moderate altitude. It has deciduous
forest of chestnut, saal, khayer, uttis etc. which shed their leaves in winter.

Terai Region
The Terai region lies between Chure range in the north and India in the
south. It occupies 17% of the total land area of Nepal. Its altitude varies from
60m to 600m above sea level. The plain landform, fertile soil and suitable
climate have made Terai region the most fertile region of Nepal. This region
produces most of the food grains for the whole country. So it is called the
"Granary of Nepal". It is too cold in winter season due to mist and haze
whereas excessive hot in summer season. It has a tropical evergreen forest.
The famous "Charkose Jhadi" lies in this region.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 131

Climate
The climate of Nepal varies with its topography. The climate of mountain
region is cold, dry and windy. There is snow almost all the time. The climate
of hilly region is moderate. It is neither too hot nor too cold all the year round.
As Terai region is flat and lies in the southern part of the country, it has hot
and humid climate.

Nepal experiences four seasons. They are: Spring Season (March – May),
Summer Season (June- August), Autumn Season (September- November)
and Winter Season (December- February).

It rains during summer season by the monsoon wind blowing from the Bay of
Bengal. It rains very little in winter. Winter is generally dry and windy.

Natural Vegetation

Various types of natural
vegetation are found in
Nepal. Landform, climate,
soil types, altitude etc have
brought great diversity in the
types of natural vegetation.

Terai region has tropical and
sub-tropical evergreen forest.
The trees have hard wood Laligurans Forest

with broad leaves. Generally
evergreen trees are found in this region. The species of trees are Sal, Sisau,
Khayar etc.

Hill region has deciduous forest. Trees shed their leaves in winter season.
The species of trees found in this region are, Katus, Chilaune, Uttis, Malato
etc.

Mountain region has evergreen coniferous trees. The trees are shaped like
a cone and they have needle like leaves. The species of trees found in this
region are rhododendron, pines, spruce, bhojpatra etc.

To the north of the coniferous forest, lies alpine grassland as the temperature
and rainfall does not support the growth of trees. To its north lies tundra
vegetation where there is snowfall and the land is covered with snow almost
all the year round.

132 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Rivers
Nepal, a landlocked country, is blessed by many snow capped mountains
in the north. Some of the important rivers of Nepal have their origin in the
snow fed mountains and
glaciers. There are three
major river systems in
Nepal. They are: Koshi,
Gandaki and Karnali river
systems.

Eastern part of Nepal is
drained by River Koshi
with its seven tributaries
called Sapta-Koshi. The
seven tributaries are Sun
Koshi, Dudh Koshi, Tama
Koshi, Arun, Tamor, Likhu
River Systems of Nepal

and Indrawati. Koshi is
the biggest river in Nepal in terms of volume of water.

Central part of Nepal is drained by River Gandaki and its seven tributaries
called Sapta-Gandaki. The seven tributaries are Kali-Gandaki, Budi-Gandaki,
Seti, Marshyangdi, Trisuli, Madi and Daraundi.

Western part of Nepal is drained by river Karnali. It is the longest river of
Nepal. The important tributaries of river Karnali are Humla Karnali, Mugu
Karnali, Seti and Bheri. All these rivers are perennial rivers as they come
from the snow fed mountains.

River Mechi, Kankai, Kamala and Bagmati have their origin in Mahabharat
range. River Bagmati which originates in Bagdwar and drains out through the
Chovar is the most important river of Kathmandu Valley. Similarly, streams
and rivulets originating mostly from Chure range rely on monsoon rain. The
rivers originating in Mahabharat and Chure range are non-perennial or they
dry in summer season.

Lakes
There are many big and small lakes in Nepal. Lake Tilicho is one of the highest
altitude lakes in the world situated at an altitude of 4919m, in Manang district.
Rara , which is situated in Mugu district, is the biggest lake of Nepal. Lake

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 133

Shey-Phoksundo (Dolpa) in
Dolpa is the deepest lake of
Nepal.

Other important lakes
include Phewa, Begnas,
Rupa, Maidi, Deepang,
Khaste (Pokhara),
Gosaikunda and Syapru
(Rasuwa), Beeshazar
(Chitwan), Ghoda Ghadi Rara Lake

(Kailali) etc.

Points to Remember:

F Nepal has tremendous diversity in landform, climate and natural
vegetation.

F It rises from 60 m elevation in the tropical Terai to the Earth's highest
Points 8,848 m (29,029 ft), Mount Everest or Sagarmatha.

F Along North- South, Nepal can be divided into three distinct
geographical belts: Mountain, Hill and Terai.

F Mountain region which is 15% of the total land area lies in the
northernmost belt of Nepal.

F Sagarmatha (8,848m) is the highest and Kanchanjunga (8,598m),
the third highest peak.

F Hilly region, 68% of total land area, lies between the Mountain region
and Chure range within the altitude of 600m to 4877m above the sea
level.

F Terai region, which is from 61m to 600m above sea level, occupies
17% of the total land area of Nepal.

F There are 3 major river systems: Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali.
F Lake Rara is the biggest, lake Tilicho the highest altitude and lake

Shey-Poksundo the deepest lake of Nepal.

134 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Key Terms and Words:

• Alpine : high altitude, snowcapped
• Glacier : mountain of ice, snow slide
• Gorge: a narrow valley
• Pass: a route over or through mountains
• Pasture: land suitable for grazing
• Perennial: lasting for a very long time
• Topography : lay of the land, terrain
• Tributary : branch, secondary, shoot

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions

1. Why is Nepal called a mountainous country?
2. Name any five important mountain peaks of Nepal.
3. What percentage of land is occupied by the mountain, hill and Terai

region of our country?
4. Name the deepest valley of the world situated in Nepal.
5. Name the lake which is in the highest altitude. Where is it situated?
6. Why is Terai region called "Granany of Nepal"?
7. What factors have brought diversity in the natural vegetation of

Nepal?
8. Name the biggest lake of Nepal. Where is it situated?
9. Name the three perennial river systems of Nepal.
10. Name some of the popular lakes of Nepal.

Short answer questions

1. At what altitudes are Mountain, Hill and Terai region of our country
situated?

2. What is ‘Dun’? In which geographical region is it situated?
3. Which rivers are seasonal in Nepal and why?
4. What is a subtropical forest? Where is it found and what are its

characteristics?

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 135

5. What type of forest is found in Hilly region? What are its
characteristics?

6. Name the type of forest found in Mountain region. Why is it called
so?

7. What type of climate you find as you go from south to north of Nepal?
8. Name the tributaries of Sapta-Koshi.
9. Name the tributaries of Sapta-Gandaki? Which part of Nepal does it

drain?
10. Name the longest river of Nepal and its tributaries.
Long answer question
1. What are the three physical features of Nepal? Describe each of

them.
2. Draw a full page outline map of Nepal and insert the following using

suitable index or symbols.
i. Mountains
ii. Valleys
iii. Rivers
iv. Lakes
3. Draw a full page outline map of Nepal. Show the natural vegetation

of Nepal using suitable index.
Community Based Works:

a. Collect facts, information, and pictures of the geographical region
you live in. Include the following: Physical, Social, and Economic
aspects and give it a suitable title.

b. Compare your works with others. Take the help of your teacher if
necessary. Let your teacher evaluate the project works and give
grade. Announce the best project work of three geographical regions.
Put them in the display board for others to see and learn about our
country, Nepal.

136 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Lesson Social Life of Nepal

5

The present population of Nepal is about 27 million. There are more than
125 ethnic groups or nationalities and 123 dialects. They live in different
geographical regions of the country. Most of them have their own unique
costumes, cultures, religions, festivals and way of life. Hence Nepal is known
as a small but socially and culturally very diverse and unique country. People
live in diverse landforms, climatic conditions and environment ranging from
plains of Terai in the south to the Hills in the middle and rugged Mountains
in the north.
The diverse landforms and climatic conditions have greatly influenced the
lifestyle of the Nepalese people. Here we briefly describe about the lifestyle
of Nepalese people living in three distinct geographical regions.

Mountain Region Sherpa Women
The mountain region lies in the northern part of
the country. Here lies some of the highest peaks Dhindo
of the world. This part is always covered with 137
snow. This region is inhabited by Sherpa Thakali,
Tamang. They have their own way of living, and are
different from that of others. Only7% of the total
population lives in this region. Life in mountain
region is comparatively hard due to severe cold
climate and difficult terrain.
Food: The climate and landform is not suitable for
growing of crops. Very little crops are gown here.
Some common crops grown are millet, barley
and buck wheat. People eat Dhindo, home-made
bread, potato and meat. Potato is their staple
diet. They also eat variety of dairy products since
animal husbandry is their main occupation. They
drink plenty of especially prepared tea called
Suza. Usually, salt and yak ghee is added in the
tea. They eat dried cheese called Chhurpi.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Costume: The people of mountain region usually wear costumes similar to
that of the Tibetan people. They wear thick woolen clothes. Men wear knee
length garment called bokkhu and long short called tutung. They cover their
legs with pant like garment called nangoya. The bokkhu worn by the females
are called anggis and the inner shirt is called bangjur. Both male and female
wear woolen woven boots called docha. Married women wear a colourful
piece of cloth called pangden in the front below the waist. Women are very
fond of wearing ornaments of gold, silver and copper. Some men also keep
their hair long like women.

Housing: Most of the houses are
single storeyed and made up of
stones and wood. The houses have
flat roofs with small doors and
windows. This keeps the house
warm and protects from strong
winds.

Health: The difficult landform and
severe climate make the life of the
people very difficult. People need
to work hard to make their living.
The crops grown in this region are Houses in Mountain

very healthy and nutritious. As a
result people are found to be healthy and strong. Some health posts and
health centers have been established in some places.

Education: There are very few schools. The people have to go to other places
for better and higher education.

Religion and Festivals: Most of the people follow Buddhist religion. They
celebrate Lhosar and Buddha Purnima as their main festivals.

Life Style in The Hilly Region
The hilly region is situated between the Mountain and the Chure range. It
has hilly and rocky landform. It lies at a fairly high altitude. So this region
has a moderate climate. It is neither too cold, nor too hot. About 44% of the
total population of the country live here. The Hilly region is mostly inhabited
by Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Magar, Sunuwar, Gurung, Jirel, Chepang, etc. There
are Bahun, Chettri, Newar, and Thakuri, Kami, Damai,Sarki etc.The climate

138 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

is moderate and suitable for living.

Food: Rice and pulses (dal) and vegetables Gundruk
are the main diet of the people living in hilly
region. Style of cooking and dishes vary from
ethnic group to group. However, the main
dishes are rice, dhindo, home-made bread
(roti), vegetables, gundruk, sinki, achar, meat,
eggs, milk, curd, butter, ghee etc.

Costumes: The climate is moderate. So people
wear clothes suitable to the climate. Different
ethnic groups of people have their own costumes.
Common costumes worn by male are daura-
suruwal, patuka, coat and topi, bhoto- kachhad
and costumes worn by female are phariya, gunyu,
chaubandi cholo, khasto, ghalek, haku patasi
etc. But, now-a- days, men wear pant – shirt
and women wear saree, blouse, salwar –khurta
according to their convenience.

Housing: Most of the houses are made up of Gundruk

stone, wood and clay with sloping roofs. Houses
have sloping and thatched roofs as it rains heavily in the hilly region. Houses
normally have two-storeys or levels. There are multi-storey modern and
concretized buildings in towns and cities.

Health and Education: Health and Tongba of Hile, Dhankuta
education facilities are comparatively
better in the Hill region than the Mountain
region. There are several health posts,
health centres, hospitals, schools, colleges
and universities located at various places
of this region. Kathmandu, Pokhara,
Dhankuta, Tansen, Birendranagar, Banepa
etc of this region are well-known for health
and education.
Religion and Festivals: There are people
following different religions in hilly region.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 139

There are Hindus, Buddhists, Kirats, Indra Jatra
Muslim, Christians, Sikhs and Jains. They
celebrate their own festivals like Dashain,
Tihar, Buddha Purnima, Lhosar, Ubhauli,
Udhauli, Id, Christmas etc. The Newar
community in Kathmandu Valley observe
various Jatras, parvas and ceremonies like
Gai Jatra, Bisket Jatra, Indra Jatra, Janku
etc.

Life Style in the Terai Region

The Terai region lies in the southern part of the country. It has hot and
humid climate. The landform is plain and the
soil is fertile. The people living in Terai region
are Tharus, Rajbansi, Yadav, Dhimal, Jha,
Kurmi, Mandal etc. People speak many local
dialects like Tharu, Maithali, Bhojpuri, Awadhi
etc. About 50 % of the total population of the
country live in this region.
Food: The main foods of the people living in Tharu Cultural Dance

Terai region are rice and home-made bread
(roti), vegetables, milk, etc. Terai region is very
suitable for tropical fruits like mango, banana,
litchi, watermelon etc. People also eat fishes
which are available in the rivers, lakes and
ponds.
Home Made Bread (Roti)

Costume: The climate of Terai is hot and
humid. So the people wear light cotton clothes. Male
members wear dhoti, lungi , vest, and women wear
sari, choli, lehenga, kurtha- suruwal. In the towns and
cities, men wear shirt and pants and women wear
saree and blouse.

Housing: People in the villages live in small huts with
thatched roofs made up of bamboo, straw and clay.
Houses are joined or very closely located. Doors,

A peson in Dhoti & Kamij

140 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

windows and walls of the houses are usually decorated with pictures of
animals, birds and flowers. These houses look very unique and peculiar.
There are modern buildings in the towns and cities.

Health: People in the past used to suffer from various diseases like malaria,
small pox etc. These diseases have been
eradicated in recent years. Health situation
is improving day by day. Snake bites,
diarrhea, dysentery in summer and sitlahar
(thick blanket of cloud and late sunshine in
winter mornings) in winter are major health
problems in this region. There are hospitals,
health posts and health centers in almost
every important part of Terai region.
Buffalo-Cart
Education: The infrastructures like
transport, communication and education
are comparatively more developed in Terai
region. There are many schools, colleges and
some universities in this region. The literacy
rate is gradually increasing. The main centers
of education are Bhadrapur, Biratnagar,
Birgunj, Rajbiraj, Janakpur, Narayangarh,
Butwal, Bhairahawa, Taulihawa, Nepalginj,
Dhangadi, Mahendranagar etc.

Religion and Festivals: Majority of the people Chhath
ofTerairegionareHindusfollowedbyMuslims.
Hindus celebrate festivals like Holi, Chhath,
Diwali, Maghi, Shivaratri, Ramnawami. The
people of Muslim community celebrate Id,
Bakar- Id, Moharram etc.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 141

Points to Remember:

F Nepal is a land of diverse geography, climate, cultures and religions.
F There are more than 125 ethnic groups or nationalities, most of

them having their own way of life, cultures, traditions, religions and
festivals.
F People’s life styles are very much influenced by the geographical and
climatic conditions.
F Life in the Mountain is comparatively hard than in the Hill and the Terai.
F Mountains are thinly populated, whereas the Terai is heavily populated
with almost 50 % of total population.
F People in the Mountain are mostly Buddhists, their main festivals are
Lhosar and Buddha Purnima.
F Houses in Mountains are usually single storeyed and flat roofed and
foods are dindo, roti, chyakhla, potato, and meat.
F People in mountain wear thick woolen clothes, keep yaks, sheep and
goats.
F Mostly different ethnic groups of people having their own way of life
live in the Hill region.
F Life in the Hill region is comparatively better than in the Mountain.
F Majority of the people in Hill are Hindus followed by Buddhist and Kirats.
F Dal, bhat, tarkari and achar are the popular dishes enjoyed in the Hill.
F People in the Terai mostly eat roti, rice, and tarkari made of various
vegetables.
F People in Terai mostly follow Hinduism followed by Islam.
F People in Terai wear thin cotton clothes like dhoti, kamij, kurtha,
paijama etc.

Key Terms and Words:

• Beneficial: favourable
• Convenience: easy
• Ethnic: people who have common cultural tradition
• Staple: a main item

142 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions
1. What have influenced the lifestyle of the Nepalese people?
2. What percentage of the total population of the country live in
Mountain, Hill and Terai region?
3. Why do the houses of mountain region have small doors and windows?
4. Name the crops grown in mountain region.
5. What is the climate of hilly region like?
6. Why do the houses in the hilly region have sloping roofs?
7. What is the climate of Terai region?
8. Name the traditional costumes of the people of mountain region.
9. Why do the houses in the mountain region have generally flat roofs?

Short answer questions
1. Why do majority of people live in the Terai?
2. Why does the life style differ from one geographical region to another region?
3. What is the difference in costumes worn by the people of mountain
and Terai region?
4. Name the traditional costumes worn by the people of hilly region?
5. Why is mountain region very backward in education compared to
other geographical regions?
6. Many different types of festivals are observed in the Hill region, why?
7. Why do the houses in Terai region look unique and peculiar?
8. Name the two festivals each celebrated in the Mountain, Hill and Terai region.

Long answer questions
1. Compare the social life of three geographical regions by making a column
as given below.

Region Total % of Ethnic Foods Housing Costumes Religion/
Mountain Population Groups Festivals

Hills

Terai

Community Based Work:

Divide the class into three groups. Each group will work on one geographical
region. The title of the project will be’ My Geographical Region.’ Collect news,
information, articles, pictures, facts based on social life.

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Lesson Map Work

6

Introduction: Map
A map is a representation of the earth or a portion of it drawn to a on a
flat piece of paper. Indeed a map is as indispensable to geography as a
telescope is to astronomy or the microscope to biology.

Maps are very useful. They are essential part of the modern communication.
Maps guide us while traveling. They give us various information about
topography, human activities, natural resources and so on.

What Should a Map Have?
• A map should have a Title, Legend or Key or Index and most
importantly Scale.
• Title tells what the map is about.
• Legend or key explains what each symbol or colour or shading used
in map stands for.
• Scale enables a reader to measure and calculate the distances of
various positions.

Types of Maps
There are different kinds of maps. They are as follows:

a. Topographical Map: It shows natural features and man- made
features.

b. Political Map: It shows the political divisions of a country like states
and districts etc.

c. Physical Map: It shows the various types of landforms, rivers, lakes,
sea, and ocean, etc.

d. Distributional Map: It shows the distribution of natural resources,
crops and population .

e. Climatic Map: It shows the temperatures and rainfall of a place or
region.

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Direction
The four cardinal directions or cardinal Points are the directions of north,
east, south, and west, commonly denoted by their initials: N, E, S, W. East
and west are at right angles to north and south. Intermediate points between
the four cardinal directions form the points of the compass. The intermediate
directions are northeast (NE), southeast (SE), southwest (SW), and northwest
(NW). On earth, upright observers facing north will have south behind them,
east on their right, and west on their left

North in a Map
Now, let’s see how we can find out direction in a map. Most of the maps have
an arrow at the right hand top corner. The head of the arrow points to north
on the map. It is mostly towards the top of the map. It means the top part of
the map as you face is the north direction in the map. The north in the map
must be aligned to the geographical or actual north on the ground to be able
to read or relate objects from ground to map and from map to ground.

Colours or Shades
• Dark Brown Colour = Very high hills and mountains
• Light Brown Colour = low hills and mountains
• Green Colour = Plain areas
• Blue Colour = Rivers, streams, lake, Pond, Sea, Ocean
• Black Colour = International, Regional, Zonal, District boundaries
• Shades = for showing extensive areas like crops, natural vegetation,
landform, climate

Signs and Symbols
Maps have special symbols and signs known as Conventional Symbols to
represent different objects and features. Some of the common Conventional
Symbols are given below.

Peak Canal

Mountain Range Dam

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Lake North of Map
River
Bridge International
Boundary

State Boundary

Pass District
Road Boundary
Railways Ropeways/Cable
Path car
Capital
Airways
Town/City
Oil

Sea

Temple Stupa

Drawing a Map of Nepal
There are several methods of drawing a map. Here we learn Geometrical
Method of drawing an outline map of Nepal.
The following is a simple method of drawing a map of Nepal.
First draw a rectangle ABCD: AB=CD=20cm and AD=BC=10cm or half the
length of AB or CD. Measure 4 cm from A along AB and AD, and mark as E
and F respectively. Again measure 4 cm from C along CB and CD, and mark
G and H respectively. Join EF, FG, GH and HE as shown on the figure, which
is a parallelogram.
Now, take help from atlas and draw a map of Nepal using the rectangle and
the parallelogram as the basis. Once you finish drawing, measure 10 cm
along AB and DC, and mark as J and K respectively. Join J and K with dotted

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line as shown in the diagram which divides Nepal almost into two halves.
We can insert any information we like in this map using proper conventional
signs and symbols. Insert the symbols or colours or shades to represent the
items inside the map.

A 4 cm E J B

4 cm

F 10 cm
G

4 cm

D K H C
4 cm

20 cm
Method of Drawing a Map of Nepal

Points to Remember:

F A map is a representation of the earth or a portion of it drawn on a flat
surface.

F A map should have a Title, Legend or Key or Index and most importantly
the Scale

F The four cardinal directions are north, east, south, and west, commonly
denoted by their initials: N, E, S, W

F The head of the arrow on the map Points to north in the map. It is
mostly towards the top of the map.

F Different colours, signs and symbols are used to represent different
information.

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Key Terms and Words:

• Cardinal: key, important
• Coincide: go along with, coexist
• Conventional: common, normal
• Indispensable : necessary, vital

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions:
1. What is a map?
2. What are the cardinal Points?
3. What are conventional signs?
4. Which direction is shown by the top part of a map?

Short answer questions:
1. What are the important components of map?
2. What are the different types of maps and what do they show?
3. What is meant by legend or index in a map? Why are they important?
4. Which colours or shades are used to show?
Mountain/ Hill/ Terai, River, Lake, Zonal boundary, crops growing
areas
5. Draw an outline map of Nepal with the following measurement:
30cm x 15cm rectangular.
6. Draw a map of Nepal on the basis of the scale given below: Rectangle
AB= CD=15 cm, AD=BC=7.5 cm, and parallelogram RO = QP =3 cm.
AU=DV=CV=BU=7.5 cm.
7. Draw an outline map of Nepal and insert the following using suitable
symbols or shades:
a. Three physical features
b. Two mountain peaks
c. Two rivers
d. Two lakes
8. Insert the following using suitable symbols or shades in outline map
of Nepal.

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a. Developmental Regions
b. Kathmandu
c. Manakamana Temple
d. Tea growing areas
9. Draw the conventional symbols for the following:

Mountain ranges, lake, capital city, ropeway, temple, bridge, industry,
pass, way

Community Based Work:

a. Go to a place where you can see your whole locality or community
and draw its sketch map. Show or insert all the things that you see
around using suitable conventional symbols.

b. Sketch an outline map of the area from your house to school. Show
shops, office buildings, bridges, temples, rivers, ponds, houses,
trees etc, and any other roads linked to it.

c. Identify the symbols.

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Lesson Physical, Social and
Economic Environment of
7
Asia

Location, Shape and Size
Asia is the largest continent of both in size and population. It has the largest
country, Russia and most populous country, China. It covers approximately
30 percent of the Earth’s land area. It lies mostly in northern hemisphere. It
has roughly 60 percent of the total population of the world.

Asia is in the northern and eastern hemisphere. It extends from 10°S to
80°N latitude and 28°E to 180°E longitude. It makes up the eastern portion
of the Eurasian supercontinent; Europe occupies the western portion. Asia’s
western border is an indirect line that follows the Ural Mountains, the Caucasus
Mountains, and the Caspian and Black Seas. Asia is bordered by the Arctic
Ocean in the north, Pacific in the east, and Indian Ocean in the south.

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