Class 6 Social Science History Chapter 7 : India’s Cultural Roots Notes & Summary in English for CBSE students
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Chapter 7 Notes & Summary in English for “India’s Cultural Roots” (based on NCERT Social studies textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond).
History Chapter 7 – India’s Cultural Roots Complete Notes
Class 6 Social Science – Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Theme C — Our Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Traditions
History Chapter 7: India’s Cultural Roots
(Complete Notes + Concept-wise Explanation + Summary CBSE Class 6 Social Science – Exploring Society: India and Beyond (sst) Book)
Chapter 7: India’s Cultural Roots Chapter Notes and Summary
Chapter Summary
India’s culture is one of the oldest in the world. It developed over thousands of years like a large tree with many roots and branches. These roots include the Vedas, Upanishads, Buddhism, Jainism, and folk and tribal traditions. Though different in practices and beliefs, they share common values such as truth, non-violence, self-discipline, compassion, and respect for nature.
The Vedas are the earliest sacred texts and form the foundation of Indian thought. Later, new schools of thought such as Vedanta, Yoga, Buddhism, and Jainism explored deeper questions about life, suffering, and liberation. Alongside these, tribal and folk traditions enriched Indian culture through nature worship, oral stories, rituals, and artistic traditions.
All these traditions interacted with each other, borrowing ideas and influencing one another. This mutual exchange created the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India.
Concept-Wise Explanation
1. Meaning of Cultural Roots
India’s culture developed gradually from ancient times. Just like a tree has many roots feeding one trunk, Indian civilisation has many traditions that nourish one shared cultural identity. These include spiritual ideas, philosophical systems, social practices, arts, science, and ways of living.
2. The Vedas
What are the Vedas?
The word Veda means knowledge. The Vedas are India’s oldest sacred texts and among the oldest in the world. There are four Vedas:
- Rig Veda
- Yajur Veda
- Sama Veda
- Atharva Veda
They were passed down orally for thousands of years through memorisation and chanting.
Main Features of the Vedas
- Composed by rishis (sages) and rishikas (women seers)
- Written in early Sanskrit
- Contain hymns, prayers, and songs
- Addressed to natural forces such as Agni (fire), Indra (rain), Varuna (water)
Important Ideas in the Vedas
- Unity of existence – Truth is one, sages call it by many names
- Ritam – Cosmic order and truth
- Value of unity – People should think and work together
- Respect for nature
UNESCO has recognised Vedic chanting as a valuable oral heritage of humanity.
3. Vedic Society
Early Vedic society was organised into janas (clans) such as Bharatas, Kurus, and Yadus.
Governance
- Presence of a raja (king)
- Assemblies called sabha and samiti
Occupations
People followed many professions like farming, pottery, weaving, carpentry, healing, and priesthood.
4. Upanishads and Later Vedic Thought
The Upanishads developed deeper philosophical ideas from the Vedas.
Key Concepts
Brahman
The ultimate divine reality that exists everywhere.
Atman
The inner self or soul present in every being.
Connection between Atman and Brahman
Teachings like “Tat Tvam Asi” (You are That) and “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman) show that the individual soul is part of the universal reality.
Karma
Every action has consequences.
Rebirth
The soul takes birth again and again.
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
A prayer wishing happiness and freedom from suffering for all beings.
5. Yoga
Yoga developed as a method to realise the unity of Atman and Brahman. It teaches:
- Self-discipline
- Meditation
- Control over body and mind
- Spiritual growth
6. Buddhism
Founder
Siddhartha Gautama, born in Lumbini, became the Buddha after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.
Main Teachings
- Life has suffering
- Suffering is caused by desire and ignorance
- Suffering can end
- Follow the path of discipline, meditation, and wisdom
Important Values
- Ahimsa (non-violence)
- Self-control
- Truthfulness
- Compassion
The Buddha founded the Sangha, a community of monks and nuns.
7. Jainism
Founder
Vardhamana Mahavira, born near Vaishali in Bihar.
Main Teachings
Ahimsa
Non-violence towards all living beings, including small organisms.
Anekantavada
Truth has many sides; no single viewpoint is complete.
Aparigraha
Non-possession and limiting material desires.
Jainism teaches strong self-discipline, truthfulness, and respect for life.
8. Common Ideas in Vedic, Buddhist and Jain Traditions
Though different, these traditions share:
- Belief in karma
- Belief in rebirth
- Search for freedom from suffering
- Importance of self-control
- Emphasis on non-violence
- Value of truth
These shared ideas form the “trunk” of Indian civilisation.
9. Other Schools of Thought
Some schools like Charvaka (Lokayata) believed only in the material world and rejected the idea of rebirth or soul. This shows India always had intellectual freedom and debate.
10. Folk and Tribal Traditions
India’s culture is also shaped by oral traditions passed through songs, stories, rituals, and art.
Tribal Communities
- Live close to nature
- Share common ancestry, culture, and language
- Traditionally do not believe in private property
- Worship nature like mountains, rivers, trees, and animals
Examples of Tribal Beliefs
- Donyi-Polo in Arunachal Pradesh (Sun and Moon deity)
- Singbonga among Munda and Santhal tribes
- Sacred mountain peaks among the Todas of Tamil Nadu
Influence on Indian Culture
Many Hindu gods and goddesses have roots in tribal traditions. Tribal versions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata also exist.
11. Interaction of Traditions
Indian culture grew through mutual exchange:
- Tribal beliefs influenced Hindu practices
- Hindu traditions influenced tribal customs
- Buddhism and Jainism shared ideas with Vedic thought
This interaction created a diverse yet connected civilisation.
12. Key Values of India’s Cultural Roots
- Respect for knowledge
- Search for truth
- Non-violence
- Unity in diversity
- Respect for nature
- Compassion for all beings
- Importance of self-discipline
- Acceptance of many viewpoints
Conclusion
India’s cultural roots are deep and diverse. From the Vedas to tribal traditions, from philosophical debates to spiritual practices, India developed a civilisation based on knowledge, harmony, and respect for all life. Though traditions differed, they were connected by shared values and constant interaction. This unity in diversity remains the foundation of Indian culture even today.