NCERT Class 5 The World Around Us / EVS • Classic CBSE Track

Chapter 10: Walls Tell Stories

Golconda Fort, Bastions, Water Engineering, Cannons & Museum Artefacts | CBSE Session 2026–27

Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
  • Golconda Fort in Hyderabad has huge thick stone walls, bastions (burj) for 360-degree surveillance, and double heavy iron gates with sharp spikes.
  • Acoustics: Faint whispers at the main entrance (Fateh Darwaza) could be heard clearly up at the royal palace (Bala Hissar).
  • Cannons used bronze and iron gunpowder balls; Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb besieged Golconda for 8 months in 1687.
  • Water was lifted to high fortress gardens using clay pipes and bullock-powered Persian wheel mechanisms.

All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (22 Questions)

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Q1 Textbook Exercise
What were bastions (burj) in Golconda Fort and why were big holes made in them?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Bastions (burj) are circular towers built into the outer boundary walls of the fort, constructed much higher than the wall itself.
Purpose of holes: Soldiers peeped through small openings to scan for approaching enemy armies from all directions. The holes protected the soldiers while providing a wide vantage angle to aim guns and cannons safely.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Definition of bastions as elevated round towers 1.5 Marks
Strategic vantage for shooting weapons safely 1.5 Marks
Q2 Textbook Exercise
Why did Aurangzeb's massive army fail to enter Golconda Fort for eight months in 1687?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Aurangzeb's army could not breach Golconda Fort because:
  • The walls were exceptionally thick and built on steep granite bedrock.
  • A deep, wide water-filled moat surrounded the fortress walls. If soldiers tried to cross, they were easily targeted from bastions.
  • Heavy iron gates had sharp defensive spikes preventing war elephants from ramming them open.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Thick walls and steep terrain 1 Mark
Deep surrounding moat 1 Mark
Spiked iron gates preventing elephant entry 1 Mark
Q3 Textbook Exercise
How was water lifted to high palace gardens and fountains inside Golconda Fort hundreds of years before electricity was invented?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Engineers in Golconda Fort used ingenious gravity hydraulics and animal power:
  • Pairs of bullocks walked in circles turning a large horizontal wooden geared wheel.
  • This turned a vertical axle connected to a chain of earthen pots called a Persian wheel (Rahat / Arhat).
  • The pots dipped into deep underground stepwells, filled with water, rose to the top, and emptied into elevated stone channels.
  • Interconnected clay pipes embedded inside thick walls carried water upward to high palace reservoirs and fountains by hydraulic pressure.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Bullock-powered gear mechanisms and Persian wheel (Rahat) 1.5 Marks
Underground clay pipes and hydraulic pressure delivery 1.5 Marks
Q4 Textbook Exercise
Describe the unique acoustic (sound) engineering of Golconda Fort. How did it protect royalty from surprise attacks?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Golconda Fort features extraordinary acoustic engineering:
  • If a person stands at the main outer entrance gate (Fateh Darwaza) and claps or speaks, the sound echoes through specific vaulted stone arches and can be heard with striking clarity up at the royal palace (Bala Hissar) situated on top of the hill.
  • This served as an instant, foolproof warning alarm: guards at the gate could alert the Sultan of approaching enemy troops or suspicious visitors without using messengers.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Transmission of claps/whispers from Fateh Darwaza to Bala Hissar 1.5 Marks
Early warning defense system for the royal court 1.5 Marks
Q5 Textbook Exercise
Why is it our civic duty to preserve historical monuments? Why should visitors never scratch names or graffiti on heritage walls?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Historical monuments are irreplaceable treasures of human heritage:
  • They provide living proof of our ancestors' art, science, engineering, and culture.
  • Carving names, scratching paint, or throwing plastic wrappers causes permanent physical disfigurement to ancient limestone, frescoes, and stone engravings.
  • Once defaced, historic craftsmanship can never be restored to its original glory. Preserving monuments ensures future generations learn from our cultural heritage with pride.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Value of monuments as living historical and architectural evidence 1.5 Marks
Permanent damage caused by scratching graffiti and vandalism 1.5 Marks
Q6 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 1] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q7 Find Out and Write • Observational Field Study • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 2] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q8 Scientific Investigation • Ecosystem Relationships • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 3] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q9 Traditional Wisdom & Community Stewardship • Conservation • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 4] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q10 Survey & Data Collection • Experiential Inquiry • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 5] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q11 Health, Diet & Human Biology • Nutritional Science • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 6] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q12 Disaster Preparedness & Climate Resilience • Geography • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 7] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q13 Biodiversity & Habitat Adaptations • Wildlife Protection • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 8] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q14 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 9] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q15 Find Out and Write • Observational Field Study • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 10] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q16 Scientific Investigation • Ecosystem Relationships • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 11] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q17 Traditional Wisdom & Community Stewardship • Conservation • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 12] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q18 Survey & Data Collection • Experiential Inquiry • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 13] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q19 Health, Diet & Human Biology • Nutritional Science • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 14] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q20 Disaster Preparedness & Climate Resilience • Geography • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 15] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q21 Biodiversity & Habitat Adaptations • Wildlife Protection • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 16] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q22 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • Walls Tell Stories
[Textbook Activity & Question 17] In 'Walls Tell Stories', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Walls Tell Stories, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study

Acoustics & Defense Engineering of Golconda Fort

While visiting Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, school students observed that a soft hand-clap at Fateh Darwaza could be heard clearly at the Bala Hissar pavilion located nearly 1 km away on the hilltop. However, some tourists were seen carving names on ancient stone walls with keys.

Analytical Task: Explain the engineering purpose behind Golconda's acoustic design and describe why defacing historical monuments with graffiti is a punishable offense.
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Purpose of Acoustic Engineering: The Qutb Shahi rulers engineered the dome acoustics as an early military warning system. A guard clapping or beating a drum at the entrance gate instantly alerted the king and military commanders at the summit pavilion about approaching enemy attacks or treason, without requiring electric wires. Civic Duty to Protect Monuments: Historical monuments represent centuries of national culture, artistic mastery, and scientific heritage. Carving graffiti permanently disfigures priceless heritage stones, encourages further vandalism, and violates the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, which prescribes heavy fines and imprisonment.
Rubric: 2.5 Marks for acoustic military warning explanation + 2.5 Marks for monument preservation ethics and legal penalties = 5 Marks