NCERT Solutions for Class 6 social science Chapter 7: India s Cultural Roots Class 6

What are the Vedas? What is their message?
Answer:
The Vedas are a collection of ancient sacred texts that form the foundation of Hinduism. They are written in Sanskrit and are considered the oldest and most authoritative scriptures in Hindu religious tradition. The term “Veda” means “knowledge” or “wisdom.” There are four Vedas:
1. Rigveda: The oldest of the Vedas, it consists of hymns dedicated to various deities.
2. Samaveda: It consists mainly of verses that are meant to be sung rather than recited.
3. Yajurveda: Contains prose mantras used in ritual offerings.
4. Atharvaveda: It includes a diverse range of topics, including remedies for physical and mental ailments.
Teachings of Vedas: Vedas provide a guideline on living a righteous life, including virtues like truthfulness, charity, and respect for all living beings. They emphasize the unity of the individual soul (Atma) with the universal soul (Brahma). They uphold one’s duty and living in harmony with the cosmic order. They advocate for a balanced life that includes fulfilling material needs while also striving for spiritual growth. They provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the universe, human existence, and the relationship between the divine and the mortal.

What new schools of thought emerged in India in the 1st millennium BCE? What are their core principles?
Answer:
During the early 1st Millennium several new schools of thoughts emerged from Vedas.

What is the contribution of folk and tribal traditions to Indian culture?
Answer:
Folk and tribal traditions have significantly influenced Indian culture through oral traditions and rituals. These cultures frequently revere natural elements including mountains, rivers, trees, plants, and animals. Tribal cultures have unique deities, tales, and rituals, which have affected mainstream Hinduism. Some deities, such as Jagannath and the mother goddess, have tribal origins.

Do you know the term for a society where people select their leaders? How do you think people can benefit from such a situation? What could happen if they live under leaders that they did not choose? Write your thoughts in a paragraph of 100-150 words. (Page 109)
Answer:
The term for a society where people select their leaders is a democracy. In a democracy, leaders are typically chosen through elections, where citizens have the right to vote for their preferred candidates. In such a situation people have the opportunity to choose leaders who represent their interests and values and they are accountable to the public and can be voted out if they do not perform well.

Discuss the way the Buddha is depicted in the above panel.

Answer:
A stone panel from approximately 1,800 years ago depicts the Buddha preaching. The image highlights his status as a teacher and spiritual advisor, surrounded by followers who value his teachings. This image depicts the Buddha’s tranquil and enlightened demeanour, representing wisdom, serenity, and compassion. The artwork depicts the Buddha’s teachings and his impact on his pupils, emphasizing the significance of sharing his message of enlightenment and inner peace.

Observe the above panel (from a Jain temple in New Delhi). What is striking about it? What messages does it carry?
Answer:
The panel depicts a lion and a bull sharing water from a common vessel, a striking symbol of peace and coexistence between traditionally opposing forces. This depicts the Jain principle of ‘Ahimsa’ or non-violence, emphasising respect and harmony for all living beings, even those seen as natural enemies.

Have you heard or read any other story that conveyed an important message? What value did it teach you? (Page 110)
Answer:

If you were Nachiketa, what questions would you like to ask Yama? Write them down in 100-150 words.
Answer:
If I were Nachiketa, facing Yama, the god of death, I would seek profound wisdom and clarity about the nature of existence and the path to liberation. My questions would be:
What is the nature of the soul (Atman)? How does it differ from the physical body and the mind?
What is the ultimate reality (Brahman)? How can one realize this truth in their lifetime?
What happens to the soul after death? Is there a cycle of rebirth, and if so, how can it be transcended?
What is the essence of karma? How do our actions influence our future lives and spiritual progress?
What is the significance of living a righteous life (dharma)? How does it contribute to one’s spiritual journey?
Can true knowledge (jnana) alone lead to liberation (moksha), or is devotion (bhakti) also essential?
How can one achieve inner peace and overcome the fear of death?

Explain a few central ideas of Buddhism. Briefly comment upon them.
Answer:
Buddhism’s core concepts include the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths describe suffering (dukkha), its origin (tanha or craving), its end (nirodha), and the way to it (magga).

Discuss in class the quotation of the Buddha which begins with “Not by water is one made pure, though many people may bathe here [in sacred rivers” to make sure that its meaning has been understood by all.
Answer:
This quotation highlights that physical cleanliness or ritualistic actions, such as bathing in sacred rivers, do not lead to spiritual purity or enlightenment. True purity comes from moral conduct, self-discipline and mental clarity. It emphasises that inner transformation and ethical living are more significant than external rituals.

Explain a few central ideas of Jainism. Briefly comment upon them.
Ansswer:
Jainism emphasises three main principles: ahimsa (nonviolence), anekantavada (manysidedness), and aparigraha (non-attachment). Ahimsa advocates for complete nonviolence towards all living beings, reflecting deep respect for life.

Consider and discuss in class Andre Beteille’s thought (seepage 122).
Answer:
Andre Beteille’s is an Indian sociologist.

Make a list of popular gods and goddesses in your region and the festivals they are associated with.
Answer:
Here is the list of popular gods and goddesses with festivals associated with them:

As a class activity, list two or three tribal groups from your region or State. Document some of their art and belief systems.
Answer:
Gonds, Bhils, Santhal, Mundaand the Great Andamanese Tribes.

The Vedic hymns were written on palm-leaf manuscripts.
Answer:
True

The Vedas are India’s oldest texts.
Answer:
True

The Vedic statement ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti reflects a belief in the unity of cosmic powers.
Answer:
False

Buddhism is older than the Vedas.
Answer:
False

Jainism emerged as a branch of Buddhism.
Answer:
False

Both Buddhism and Jainism advocated for peaceful coexistence and the avoidance of harm to all living beings.
Answer:
True

Tribal belief systems are limited to belief in spirits and minor deities.
Answers
False

Stage a small play with Yama, god of death, surrounded by several Nachiketas asking him questions about life.
Answer:
Under the guideline of the teacher students will be selected in the class to play the role of different characters.