Practice Worksheet : History Chapter 7 – India’s Cultural Roots Class 6 Social Science

(CBSE Class 6 Social Science – ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond‘ Book)

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Class 6 Social Science – History Chapter 7 India’s Cultural Roots – Practice Worksheet

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 Worksheet for Class 6 Social Science – Chapter 7 : India’s Cultural Roots (Exploring Society: India and Beyond Textbook).

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WORKSHEET

Name: ____________ Class: ______ Date: ____________

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SECTION A – Multiple Choice Questions (1 × 10 = 10)

1. The word “Veda” comes from a Sanskrit root meaning
   a) Prayer
   b) Knowledge
   c) Worship
   d) Book
2. The Vedas were preserved mainly through
   a) Stone inscriptions
   b) Palm-leaf manuscripts
   c) Oral tradition
   d) Copper plates
3. Which of the following is NOT one of the four Vedas?
   a) Rig Veda
   b) Sama Veda
   c) Atharva Veda
   d) Upanishad Veda
4. UNESCO recognised Vedic chanting as
   a) A world religion
   b) A historical monument
   c) Oral and intangible heritage
   d) A classical language
5. “Ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti” means
   a) Gods are many and separate
   b) Truth is one, sages call it by many names
   c) Nature is more powerful than humans
   d) Fire is the greatest deity
6. Sabha and Samiti in Vedic society refer to
   a) Temples
   b) Rivers
   c) Assemblies
   d) Books
7. The Upanishads introduced ideas such as
   a) Democracy
   b) Karma and rebirth
   c) Industrial trade
   d) Sea travel
8. “Aham brahmāsmi” expresses the idea that
   a) Humans are separate from nature
   b) I am divine
   c) Only gods are powerful
   d) Knowledge comes from books
9. Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at
   a) Lumbini
   b) Sarnath
   c) Bodh Gaya
   d) Vaishali
10. Mahavira is associated with
    a) Buddhism
    b) Jainism
    c) Vedanta
    d) Yoga

SECTION B – Fill in the Blanks (1 × 10 = 10)

1. The Vedas consist of thousands of __________ in poetic form.
2. The Vedic concept of truth and order is called __________.
3. Female seers in Vedic times were known as __________.
4. The Upanishads speak of the divine essence called __________.
5. The inner Self is known as __________.
6. The founder of Buddhism is known as the __________.
7. The Buddhist community of monks and nuns is called the __________.
8. The word “Jain” comes from __________, meaning conqueror.
9. __________ means non-possession in Jainism.
10. Folk and tribal traditions are mainly preserved through __________ traditions.

SECTION C – True or False (1 × 10 = 10)

1. The Vedas were originally written down in ancient times.
2. Rishikas were women seers who composed Vedic hymns.
3. The Upanishads discouraged questioning and debate.
4. Vedanta teaches that everything is connected through one divine essence.
5. The Buddha believed that attachment leads to suffering.
6. Ahimsa means avoiding harm to all living beings.
7. Jainism teaches that truth has only one viewpoint.
8. The Charvaka school believed only the material world exists.
9. Tribal traditions never influenced Hindu traditions.
10. Indian culture is compared to a banyan tree in the chapter.

SECTION D – Match the Following (5 × 1 = 5)

Column A | Column B
Rig Veda | Ancient Vedic text
Buddha | Founder of Buddhism
Mahavira | 24th Tirthankara of Jainism
Upanishads | Philosophical Vedic texts
Anekantavada | Many-sided truth

SECTION E – Very Short Answer Questions (2 × 5 = 10)

1. What does the word “Veda” mean?
2. Who were rishis and rishikas?
3. What is meant by ātman?
4. What is ahimsa?
5. Name one tribal deity mentioned in the chapter.

SECTION F – Short Answer Questions (3–4 sentences) (3 × 5 = 15)

1. Describe how the Vedas were preserved for thousands of years.
2. Explain the idea expressed in “Tat tvam asi.”
3. What did the Buddha discover about the cause of suffering?
4. Explain any two principles of Jainism.
5. How have tribal traditions influenced Indian culture?

SECTION G – Long Answer Questions (More than 6 sentences) (5 × 2 = 10)

1. Describe the main ideas found in the Vedas and Upanishads.
2. Compare the basic teachings of Buddhism and Jainism.

SECTION H – Activity / Project Work (5 Marks)

1. Make a chart showing the four Vedas and one key idea from each.
2. On a map of India, mark Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Vaishali.
3. Write a short paragraph on any one tribal tradition from your region.

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WORKSHEET – ANSWERS

Class 6 Social Science – Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Theme C: Our Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Traditions
Chapter 7: India’s Cultural Roots

Name: ____________ Class: ______ Date: ____________

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SECTION A – Multiple Choice Questions (1 × 10 = 10)

1. The word “Veda” comes from a Sanskrit root meaning
   Answer: b) Knowledge
2. The Vedas were preserved mainly through
   Answer: c) Oral tradition
3. Which of the following is NOT one of the four Vedas?
   Answer: d) Upanishad Veda
4. UNESCO recognised Vedic chanting as
   Answer: c) Oral and intangible heritage
5. “Ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti” means
   Answer: b) Truth is one, sages call it by many names
6. Sabha and Samiti in Vedic society refer to
   Answer: c) Assemblies
7. The Upanishads introduced ideas such as
   Answer: b) Karma and rebirth
8. “Aham brahmāsmi” expresses the idea that
   Answer: b) I am divine
9. Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at
   Answer: c) Bodh Gaya
10. Mahavira is associated with
    Answer: b) Jainism

SECTION B – Fill in the Blanks (1 × 10 = 10)

1. The Vedas consist of thousands of hymns in poetic form.
2. The Vedic concept of truth and order is called ṛitam.
3. Female seers in Vedic times were known as rishikas.
4. The Upanishads speak of the divine essence called brahman.
5. The inner Self is known as ātman.
6. The founder of Buddhism is known as the Buddha.
7. The Buddhist community of monks and nuns is called the Sangha.
8. The word “Jain” comes from jina, meaning conqueror.
9. Aparigraha means non-possession in Jainism.
10. Folk and tribal traditions are mainly preserved through oral traditions.

SECTION C – True or False (1 × 10 = 10)

1. The Vedas were originally written down in ancient times.
   Answer: False
2. Rishikas were women seers who composed Vedic hymns.
   Answer: True
3. The Upanishads discouraged questioning and debate.
   Answer: False
4. Vedanta teaches that everything is connected through one divine essence.
   Answer: True
5. The Buddha believed that attachment leads to suffering.
   Answer: True
6. Ahimsa means avoiding harm to all living beings.
   Answer: True
7. Jainism teaches that truth has only one viewpoint.
   Answer: False
8. The Charvaka school believed only the material world exists.
   Answer: True
9. Tribal traditions never influenced Hindu traditions.
   Answer: False
10. Indian culture is compared to a banyan tree in the chapter.
    Answer: True

SECTION D – Match the Following (5 × 1 = 5)

Column A	Column B
Rig Veda	Ancient Vedic text
Buddha	Founder of Buddhism
Mahavira	24th Tirthankara of Jainism
Upanishads	Philosophical Vedic texts
Anekantavada	Many-sided truth

Answers:
Rig Veda – Ancient Vedic text
Buddha – Founder of Buddhism
Mahavira – 24th Tirthankara of Jainism
Upanishads – Philosophical Vedic texts
Anekantavada – Many-sided truth

SECTION E – Very Short Answer Questions (2 × 5 = 10)

1. What does the word “Veda” mean?
   Answer: The word “Veda” comes from the Sanskrit root vid, meaning knowledge. The Vedas are considered the earliest sources of knowledge in Indian tradition.
2. Who were rishis and rishikas?
   Answer: Rishis were male seers or sages who composed Vedic hymns. Rishikas were female seers who also contributed to the Vedic hymns.
3. What is meant by ātman?
   Answer: Ātman refers to the inner Self or soul present in every being. It is considered divine and ultimately one with brahman.
4. What is ahimsa?
   Answer: Ahimsa means non-violence or non-harming. It teaches that one should not harm any living being in thought, word, or action.
5. Name one tribal deity mentioned in the chapter.
   Answer: One tribal deity mentioned is Singbonga, worshipped by the Munda and Santhal tribes.

SECTION F – Short Answer Questions (3–4 sentences)

1. Describe how the Vedas were preserved for thousands of years.
   Answer: The Vedas were preserved through a strong oral tradition. Students memorised the hymns under the guidance of teachers with great accuracy. Special chanting techniques ensured correct pronunciation. This method helped preserve the texts without major changes for centuries.
2. Explain the idea expressed in “Tat tvam asi.”
   Answer: “Tat tvam asi” means “You are That.” It teaches that the individual self (ātman) is not separate from the universal divine essence (brahman). This idea shows the unity of all existence. It encourages respect for all life.
3. What did the Buddha discover about the cause of suffering?
   Answer: The Buddha discovered that suffering is caused by ignorance and attachment. People cling to desires and temporary things. This leads to sorrow and dissatisfaction. He taught a path to overcome these causes.
4. Explain any two principles of Jainism.
   Answer: Ahimsa teaches complete non-violence towards all living beings. Aparigraha advises people to avoid greed and limit possessions. These principles help in spiritual growth. They also promote peaceful living.
5. How have tribal traditions influenced Indian culture?
   Answer: Tribal traditions have contributed many deities, stories, and rituals to Indian culture. Nature worship is common in both tribal and Hindu beliefs. Many festivals and practices show this blending. This interaction enriched Indian cultural heritage.

SECTION G – Long Answer Questions (More than 6 sentences)

1. Describe the main ideas found in the Vedas and Upanishads.
   Answer: The Vedas are the oldest sacred texts of India and contain hymns, prayers, and philosophical ideas. They speak about various deities representing natural forces. A key idea is ṛitam, meaning truth and cosmic order. The Upanishads build upon the Vedas and focus more on spiritual knowledge. They introduce ideas such as brahman (universal reality) and ātman (inner self). They teach that all existence is connected through one divine essence. These texts encourage self-knowledge, truth, and unity among people.
2. Compare the basic teachings of Buddhism and Jainism.
   Answer: Both Buddhism and Jainism emerged in the 1st millennium BCE and focused on ending suffering. Both emphasised ahimsa and self-discipline. Buddhism teaches the Middle Path and the removal of ignorance and desire. Jainism stresses strict non-violence, aparigraha (non-possession), and anekantavada (many-sided truth). Both rejected blind rituals and encouraged ethical living. Their teachings greatly influenced Indian culture and values.

SECTION H – Activity / Project Work – Answers

1. Chart showing the four Vedas and one key idea from each

Veda	Key Idea
Rig Veda	Contains hymns praising various deities like Agni, Indra and Varuna; focuses on nature and cosmic order (ṛitam).
Yajur Veda	Contains mantras and instructions for performing yajñas (ritual sacrifices).
Sama Veda	Consists mainly of hymns from the Rig Veda set to music; used in chanting during rituals.
Atharva Veda	Includes hymns, prayers and charms for daily life, health, and protection from evil.

2. Map Work – Locations to Mark

Students should mark the following places on the map of India (or Indian subcontinent):

• Lumbini – Birthplace of Gautama Buddha (now in Nepal, near the India–Nepal border)
• Bodh Gaya – Place where Buddha attained enlightenment (in Bihar)
• Vaishali – Associated with Mahavira and an important ancient city (in Bihar)

(Teacher Note: Locations should be marked in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, mainly around Bihar and the Nepal border.)

3. Short Paragraph on One Tribal Tradition (Sample Answer)

One important tribal tradition is the worship of Singbonga by the Munda and Santhal tribes of eastern India. Singbonga is regarded as the supreme deity and the creator of the world. Nature plays a very important role in their belief system, and forests, rivers, and hills are considered sacred. Festivals, dances, and songs are performed to honour their deities and celebrate seasonal changes. Their traditions teach respect for nature and community living. These tribal beliefs have influenced wider Indian culture by strengthening the idea that nature is sacred.

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