India’s Cultural Roots Class 6 Question Answer Social Science Chapter 7
NCERT Class 6 Social Science SST Chapter 7 India’s Cultural Roots Questions and Answers Solutions
India’s Cultural Roots Class 6 Questions and Answers (InText)
Let’s Explore (Page 109)
Question 1.
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? (Hint: Think back to what you’re learning in the theme ‘Governance and Democracy’!) Write your thoughts in a paragraph of 100-150 words.
Answer:
The term for a society where people select their leaders is ‘democracy’. In a democratic system, individuals have a say in deciding who governs them. This ensures that leaders are accountable and responsive to their needs and interests. This creates a sense of ownership, participation and transparency in governance.
On the other hand, if people live under leaders they did not choose, they may face oppression, lack of representation, and disregard for their rights and needs. Such a situation can lead to dissatisfaction, unrest, and a lack of trust in the governing bodies, ultimately undermining social and political stability.
Let’s Explore (Page 115)
Question 2.
Discuss the way the Buddha is depicted in the above stone panel. Can you name some states of India or some other countries where Buddhism is a major religion even today? Try to plot these on a world map.
Answer:
In the image, Buddha is depicted imparting his teachings to his disciples. Buddhism remains a major religion in several regions and countries.
Some countries and states in India where Buddhism is widely practiced even today are
– States in India Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh and today Himachal Pradesh.
– Countries Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
Let’s Explore (Page 118)
Question 3.
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.
Class 6 SST India’s Cultural Roots Question Answer (Exercise)
Question 1.
If you were Nachiketa, what questions would you like to ask Yama? Write them down in 100-150 words.
Answer:
If I were Nachiketa, I would ask Yama the following questions
- What is the true nature of the soul, and how does it persist beyond physical death?
- How do our actions in this life impact our future lives, and what role does karma play in this process?
- Can you explain the concept of moksha, or liberation, and how one can attain it?
- How does the soul achieve unity with the ultimate reality or brahman?
Question 2.
Explain a few central ideas of Buddhism. Briefly comment upon them.
Answer:
Central ideas of Buddhism are as follows
The Four Noble Truths Buddhism teaches that life is characterised by suffering (dukkha), which is caused by desire and attachment (tanha). The end of suffering is possible through the end of desire, and this can be achieved by following the Eightfold Path.
The Eightfold Path This is a guide for ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing the individual from attachments and delusions. It includes Right Understanding, Right Intent, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.
Non-violence (Ahimsa) Central to Buddhism, it advocates for kindness and compassion towards all living beings as a means to reduce suffering.
Question 3.
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.
Question 4.
Explain a few central ideas of Jainism. Briefly comment upon them.
Answer:
Few central ideas of Jainism are as follows
Ahimsa (Non-violence) Jainism teaches that one should avoid causing harm to any living being, emphasising the interconnectedness of all life.
Anekantavada (Non-absolutism) The idea that truth and reality are complex and have multiple aspects. No single perspective can capture the whole truth, and understanding requires recognising different viewpoints.
Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness) It advocates for detachment from material possessions and the limiting of one’s needs to what is necessary.
Question 5.
Consider and discuss in class Andre Beteille’s thought
“The thousands of castes and tribes on the Indian sub-continent have influenced each other in their religious beliefs and practices since the beginning of history and before that the tribal religions have been influenced by Hinduism is widely accepted, but it is equally true that Hinduism, not only in its formative phase but throughout its evolution, has been influenced by tribal religions.”
Answer:
Andre Beteille’s thought highlights the reciprocal influence between tribal religions and Hinduism. Tribal religions have impacted Hindu practices and conversely, Hinduism has influenced tribal beliefs. This mutual enrichment shows the fluid nature of cultural and religious exchanges in India.
Question 6.
Make a list of popular gods and goddesses in your region and the festivals they are associated with.
Answer:
Here is a list of popular gods and goddessess in my region and the festivals they are associated with
- Lord Krishna Janmashtami
- Goddess Durga Durga Puja
- Lord Ganesh Ganesh Chaturthi
- Goddess Lakshmi Diwali
Question 7.
As a class activity, list two or three tribal groups from your region or state. Document some of their art and belief systems.
Answer:
Here is a list of tribal groups from the state of Tamil Nadu
- Toda Tribe They are known for their distinctive traditional shawls and rituals associated with nature worship. They consider mountain peaks sacred.
- Irula Tribe They are famous for their traditional weaving skills and snake-catching techniques. They practice animistic beliefs centered around natural elements.
True or False
1. The Vedic hymns were written on palm-leaf manuscripts.
Answer:
False
2. The Vedas are India’s oldest texts.
Answer:
True
3. The Vedic statement ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti reflects a belief in the unity of cosmic powers.
Answer:
True
4. Buddhism is older than the Vedas.
Answer:
False
5. Jainism emerged as a branch of Buddhism.
Answer:
False
6. Both Buddhism and Jainism advocated for peaceful coexistence and the avoidance of harm to all living beings.
Answer:
True
7. Tribal belief systems are limited to belief in spirits and minor deities.
Answer:
False
Class Activity :
Question 1.
Stage a small play with Yama, god of death, surrounded by several Nachiketas asking him questions about life.
Answer:
Here is a role-play example consisting of Yama, god of death, surrounded by several Nachiketas asking him questions about life.
- Characters Nachiketa, Yama and other actors as onlookers.
- Scene Nachiketa approaches Yama and asks profound questions about life, death and the nature of the soul.
- Dialogues Yama provides answers that reveal the nature of existence and spiritual truths.