NCERT Question-Answer Solution for Class 6 Social Science History Chapter 7 – India’s Cultural Roots
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 NCERT Question–Answer Set for Class 6 Social Science (Exploring Society: India and Beyond Textbook)
Class 6 Science NCERT Solution – History Chapter 7: India’s Cultural Roots
History – India’s Cultural Roots – Full NCERT Question–Answer Solution (CBSE Class 6 Social Science – Exploring Society: India and Beyond Book)
Chapter 7: India’s Cultural Roots Full NCERT Question–Answer Set
Big Questions – Answers
1. What are the Vedas? What is their message?
The Vedas are the oldest sacred texts of India and among the oldest in the world. The word Veda means “knowledge.” There are four Vedas — the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda. They were composed in Sanskrit by rishis and rishikas and were preserved through oral chanting for many generations.
The Vedas contain hymns, prayers, and songs addressed to various deities like Agni, Indra, and Varuna. Their message emphasizes truth (ritam), unity, harmony with nature, and the idea that the divine reality is one though known by many names. They encourage cooperation, shared thinking, and spiritual understanding of life.
2. What new schools of thought emerged in India in the 1st millennium BCE? What are their core principles?
During the 1st millennium BCE, several new schools of thought developed in India. Important among them were Vedanta, Yoga, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Vedanta taught that the ultimate reality is Brahman, and the self (Atman) is one with this universal reality. Yoga developed methods like meditation and discipline to realise this truth. Buddhism, founded by Gautama Buddha, taught that suffering is caused by ignorance and desire and can be ended through right conduct, meditation, and wisdom. Jainism, taught by Mahavira, stressed non-violence, non-possession, and acceptance of multiple viewpoints.
All these schools aimed to end suffering and ignorance and promoted ethical living and self-control.
3. What is the contribution of folk and tribal traditions to Indian culture?
Folk and tribal traditions have deeply influenced Indian culture. These traditions were passed on orally through songs, stories, rituals, and art. Tribal communities often worship nature — mountains, rivers, trees, animals — and consider them sacred.
Many Hindu gods and goddesses have roots in tribal traditions, such as Jagannath of Puri. Tribal groups also have their own versions of epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. There has been a long interaction between tribal beliefs and other Indian traditions, leading to mutual exchange and enrichment. These traditions have helped preserve respect for nature, community life, and spiritual values.
Questions, Activities and Projects – Answers
1. If you were Nachiketa, what questions would you like to ask Yama?
If I were Nachiketa, I would ask Yama what truly happens after death and whether the soul continues to exist. I would ask how a person can live a life that leads to peace and freedom from fear. I would want to know how to control desires and anger and how to understand my true self. I would also ask what actions bring lasting happiness instead of temporary pleasure. Finally, I would ask how knowledge of the self can remove suffering and ignorance.
2. Explain a few central ideas of Buddhism. Briefly comment upon them.
Buddhism teaches that life involves suffering, which is caused by desire and ignorance. It says that suffering can end if we remove attachment and follow a path of right living, meditation, and wisdom. The Buddha also taught ahimsa, compassion, truthfulness, and self-discipline.
These ideas are important because they guide people toward peaceful living and inner understanding. They encourage individuals to take responsibility for their actions and develop kindness towards all beings.
3. Explain the meaning of the Buddha’s quotation: “Not by water is one made pure…”
This quotation means that true purity does not come from outer rituals like bathing in sacred rivers. Instead, purity comes from inner qualities such as truthfulness, right conduct, and moral discipline.
The Buddha emphasized that real spiritual progress depends on controlling one’s thoughts, words, and actions. Self-control and inner honesty are more important than external ceremonies.
4. Explain a few central ideas of Jainism. Briefly comment upon them.
Jainism teaches ahimsa (non-violence), anekantavada (many-sided truth), and aparigraha (non-possession). Ahimsa means not harming any living being, even small organisms. Anekantavada teaches that truth has many aspects and no single viewpoint is complete. Aparigraha advises limiting material desires and living simply.
These ideas promote tolerance, respect for life, and self-discipline. They help reduce conflict and encourage people to live with care and responsibility toward others and nature.
5. Comment on André Béteille’s thought.
André Béteille explains that tribal religions and Hindu traditions have influenced each other for centuries. Tribal beliefs have shaped Hindu practices, and Hindu ideas have also influenced tribal communities.
This shows that Indian culture developed through mutual exchange and interaction. No tradition grew in isolation; instead, all contributed to the richness and diversity of Indian civilisation.
6. List of popular gods and festivals (example answer)
In many parts of India, popular deities include Shiva (Mahashivaratri), Vishnu (Janmashtami, Ram Navami), Durga (Durga Puja), Lakshmi (Diwali), and Ganesha (Ganesh Chaturthi). These festivals celebrate devotion, community bonding, and cultural traditions.
7. List two or three tribal groups and their art and belief systems. (example answer)
Some tribal groups in India include the Santhal, Munda, Gond, Bhil, and Toda. Many of them create beautiful art forms like Warli painting and Gond art. They worship nature, follow community rituals, and pass on their traditions orally through songs and stories.
True or False – Answers
- The Vedic hymns were written on palm-leaf manuscripts.
False - The Vedas are India’s oldest texts.
True - The Vedic statement ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti reflects belief in the unity of cosmic powers.
True - Buddhism is older than the Vedas.
False - Jainism emerged as a branch of Buddhism.
False - Both Buddhism and Jainism advocated peaceful coexistence and avoidance of harm to living beings.
True - Tribal belief systems are limited to belief in spirits and minor deities.
False
Short Notes (Important Concepts)
Vedas
Ancient oral texts containing hymns, prayers, and spiritual knowledge.
Upanishads
Philosophical texts explaining ideas like Atman, Brahman, karma, and rebirth.
Buddhism
Teaches removal of suffering through right conduct and wisdom.
Jainism
Teaches strict non-violence, truth, and non-possession.
Tribal Traditions
Nature worship, oral storytelling, sacred landscapes, and community rituals.
THINK ABOUT IT
1. Have you heard or read any story that conveyed an important message? What values did it teach you?
Yes, many stories teach important values. For example, stories from the Panchatantra teach wisdom, honesty, and the importance of thinking before acting. Such stories show how good behavior leads to good results and bad actions bring trouble. They teach us to be kind, truthful, and helpful. Stories also help us understand the difference between right and wrong. They shape our character and guide our actions in daily life.
2. In both Buddhism and Jainism, ahimsa means more than avoiding physical violence. What does this suggest?
This suggests that non-violence should be practiced not only in actions but also in thoughts and words. A person should avoid hatred, anger, and jealousy. Even negative thoughts towards others are considered harmful. These teachings encourage people to develop kindness and compassion. They also remind us to be gentle with ourselves and others. True peace begins in the mind.
LET’S EXPLORE
1. Do you know the term for a society where people select their leaders? How do people benefit from such a situation?
A society where people select their leaders is called a democracy. In a democracy, people have the right to vote and choose their representatives. This makes leaders more responsible because they must work for the people’s welfare. People can express their opinions and participate in decision-making. It protects freedom and equality. If people live under leaders they did not choose, their rights may be ignored and they may not get justice.
2. Discuss the way the Buddha is depicted in the panel.
The Buddha is usually shown sitting calmly in a peaceful posture. His face looks gentle and full of compassion. He is often shown teaching, with one hand raised in a gesture of blessing or explanation. His calm expression shows inner peace and wisdom. This depiction reflects his message of meditation, discipline, and kindness.
3.Can you name some states of India or countries where Buddhism is a major religion today?
In India, Buddhism is followed in states like Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Maharashtra. Outside India, Buddhism is a major religion in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, China, and Bhutan.
4. Observe the Jain panel. What messages does it carry?
Jain panels often show Tirthankaras in deep meditation. They appear calm and detached from worldly things. This shows the importance of self-discipline and spiritual knowledge. The images also reflect non-violence and peace. They remind followers to control desires and live a simple life.