NCERT Solutions to Class 6 Social Science Exploring Society: India and Beyond Chapter 7 “India’s Cultural Roots”

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Textbook Page 105

The Big Questions

1. What are the Vedas? What is their message?

Answer:

The Vedas are ancient Indian texts that form the foundation of Hinduism. They are considered to be among the most ancient texts in the world. The word ‘Veda’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘vid’ which means ‘knowledge’. There are four Vedas – Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda.
They consist of thousands of hymns – prayers in the forms of song – that were recited orally in Sanskrit and reflected the spiritual and philosophical wisdom of ancient Indian civilization.
They were composed in the ‘Sapta-Sindhava’ region and what is amazing about the Vedas is that these texts have been committed to memory through rigorous training and transmitted orally with hardly any changes for several millennia.
The hymns were composed by rishis and rishikas in an early form of Sanskrit and addressed to many deities such as Indra, Agni, Varuṇa, Mitra, Sarasvatī, Uṣhas, and many more.
The core message of the Vedas stresses the pursuit of knowledge, truth, righteousness (Dharma), and the connection between the divine and the universe.
They advocate living in harmony with nature and understanding the self’s place in the cosmos. The Rig Veda also calls for unity among people.

2. What new schools of thought emerged in India in the 1st millennium BCE? What are their core principles?

Answer:

During the early part of the 1st millennium, various new schools of thought emerged from the teachings of the Vedas.

• One of these was Yoga, which introduced practices aimed at achieving self-awareness and consciousness.
  
  
• A collection of texts known as the Upanishads expanded on Vedic ideas, and introduced new concepts such as of rebirth (taking birth again and again) and karma (our actions or their results). These texts dwelt on the unity of the individual soul (Atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman), and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
  
  
• Another school of thought known as Vedanta emphasized the belief that all things—human life, nature, and the universe—are part of a single divine essence called Brahman, the ultimate reality.

These schools of thought helped shape the foundations of Hinduism. Other schools also arose, but they did not recognize the authority of the Vedas. Their core belief was that God is only one. Among them were the following:

• Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), whose core teachings centred on the principle of ‘ahimsa’, which means non-violence or not causing harm to any living being.
   He also preached the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, focusing on the cessation of suffering and the attainment of nirvana through moral conduct, meditation, and wisdom.

• Jainism was founded by Mahavira, it promotes non-violence (ahimsa), ‘anekantavada’ (the belief in multiple viewpoints), and ‘aparigraha’ (non-attachment).

• Truth, non-attachment, and asceticism are seen as a means to achieve liberation (moksha). These principles were also closely connected with the tenets of Buddhism and Vedantic school of thought and with the broader Indian cultural and philosophical landscape.
• The Charvaka School rejected the idea of life after death. However, its ideas faded over time as they did not gain widespread acceptance.

3. What is the contribution of folk and tribal traditions to Indian culture?

Answer:

Folk and tribal traditions have played a significant role in shaping India’s diverse cultural heritage. There has been a continuous process of exchange between folk and tribal traditions and the major schools of thought in India.
For instance, Lord Jagannath, worshipped in Puri (Odisha), was originally a tribal deity, as were many forms of the mother-goddess worshipped across India. Some tribal groups also adopted Hindu deities and adapted their own versions of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as seen from North eastern India to Tamil Nadu.
The exchange between folk, tribal, and Hindu belief systems has been fluid because of their shared reverence for nature. Mountains, rivers, trees, animals, and stones are considered sacred by all, with tribes often worshipping deities linked to these elements. Despite a variety of deities, many tribal groups, like Hindus, believe in a supreme being, such as Donyipolo in Arunachal Pradesh or Singbonga among the Munda and Santhal tribes. These interactions have enriched India’s cultural heritage.

Text Book Page 109

LET’S EXPLORE

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:

A society where people select their leaders is called a democracy.
In a democracy, citizens have the right to vote and choose the leaders who will govern them. This ensures that their voices and ideas are heeded when the government shapes policies.
A government that is chosen by the people is more likely to listen to and help the people because they are accountable to them. People benefit because the government focuses on their needs when it takes decisions.

However, a government which establishes itself without the consent of the people of people is likely to be autocratic and despotic like the British who took over the governance of India.
People feel alienated and detached from the government. This can make them unhappy and cause mistrust.
Such a government may pass unfair rules and disregard the needs and will of the majority, which can lead to unrest in society. Autocratic regimes exploit resources for their own benefit and deprive the people of their fundamental rights.

Text Book Page 110

THINK ABOUT IT

Have you heard or read any other story that conveyed an important message? What values did it teach you?

Answer:

Yes, I have heard many stories which convey important messages.  One such story is narrated below:
                                   

                                           “The Fisherman and the Little Fish.”

A poor fisherman once cast his net into the sea and caught only one small fish. As he was about to put it in his basket, the fish pleaded with him to let it go. It said that it was very small in size and would not be worth much, but if the fisherman were to let it go and allow it time to grow to its full size, the fisherman could catch it again when it was bigger and worth much more.

The fisherman considered the proposition of the little fish, then shook his head. He smiled and said that if he let the fish go now, he might never be able to catch it again. It is better to keep the small fish now than hope for a bigger fish later on.

Saying so, he placed the fish in his basket and went home content with his catch

The story teaches us that it is smarter to accept small gains instead of risking everything for something uncertain in the future.

Text Book Page 115

LET’S EXPLORE

Discuss the way the Buddha is depicted in the above 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:
The stone panel which is about 1800 years old depicts Buddha standing surrounded by his disciples or followers. This standing posture represents the Buddha in the act of teaching or guiding others. He seems to be addressing a disciple who is seen with hands folded in reverence. The people surrounding him are seen in various postures of reverence with their hands joined in prayer as they listen to his teachings. This panel highlights Buddha’s role as a compassionate teacher, sharing his wisdom and guiding his disciples towards enlightenment.

States in India where Buddhism Is a major religion even today are:

Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh (Union Territory), Himachal Pradesh (Dharamshala) and Maharashtra (Nagpur region)

Countries where Buddhism is widely practised even today are Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, Cambodia, and China (Tibet).

Text Book Page 118

LET’S EXPLORE

Observe the above panel (from a Jain temple in New Delhi). What is striking about it? What messages does it carry?

Answer:

The above panel shows the image of a lion and a cow drinking from the same lotus shaped bowl placed between them. The striking feature is that the lion cub is suckling the cow while the calf is snuggling against the lion. This unusual scene is symbolic and carries a profound message of peace, harmony, and coexistence between natural enemies.
It reflects the Jain values of non-violence (ahimsa) and the belief that all living beings can co-exist in harmony, regardless of their differences.
This imagery underscores Jainism’s emphasis on non-harm, tolerance, and the idea that through spiritual discipline, even nature’s fiercest enmities can be transcended.

Text Book Page 123

Questions, activities and projects

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 take the opportunity to ask Yama about all that puzzles me about life and death. First, I would ask, “What happens to us after we die? If the soul is eternal and lives on, where does it go?”

I would also want to know how to live a pious and peaceful life and ask, “How can we attain moksha (freedom from the cycle of life and death), and what should we do to ensure that we attain moksha?”

I would ask why people suffer and what the purpose of life is, saying, “Why do we face pain and difficulties in our daily lives? Is it pre-ordained being part of a bigger plan or is it because of our actions?”

Finally, I would ask, “How can we overcome the fear of death and live bravely, knowing that life doesn’t last forever?” The answers to these questions would help me understand the mysteries of life.

2. Explain a few central ideas of Buddhism. Briefly comment upon them.

Answer:

Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Gautama Buddha, around 500 BCE. It does not follow the ideas and teachings of the Vedas.

The central ideas of Buddhism are as follows:
Human suffering comes from ignorance (not knowing the truth) and attachment (wanting things too much). To help end suffering one must let go of desires.
By following the Eight-fold path which includes being kind, speaking truthfully and living with wisdom, good behaviour and mindfulness, one can overcome suffering and lead a balanced and peaceful life. Buddhism preached non-violence and sincere inner discipline to reduce human sufferings.
The Buddha also preached about the concepts of ‘Karma’ and ‘Rebirth’. Karma means that that our actions, good or bad, affect our future. Rebirth means that after death, we are born again, and how we live this life affects our next one.
These ideas encourage people to act kindly and wisely, knowing that their actions have long-lasting effects.

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:

The Buddha’s quotation, “Not by water is one made pure, though many people may bathe here [in sacred rivers],” teaches an important lesson.

It means that the mere act of bathing in holy rivers or performing rituals does not make a person truly pure. Purity comes from within—by following the path of truth and dharma (righteousness), by performing good acts and having virtuous and kind thoughts.

True spiritual growth and purity come from living an honest and kind life, not just by performing external acts like bathing in sacred waters.

He who can control his inner mind through meditation is a thousand times greater than an emperor who conquers a thousand people on the battlefield.

4. Explain a few central ideas of Jainism. Briefly comment upon them.

Answer:

The central ideas of Jainism include the concepts of ‘ahimsa’, ‘anekāntavāda’, and ‘aparigraha’. These ideas are also found in Buddhism and the Vedantic schools of thought and are an important part of Indian culture.

‘Ahimsa’ means “non-violence”. Mahavira, the great Jain teacher, preached that living creatures should not be harmed, hurt, mistreated, or driven away.

‘Anekāntavāda’ means “many perspectives”. This idea teaches that the truth has many facets, and it can’t be fully explained by just one viewpoint.

‘Aparigraha’ means “non-possession”. This concept tells us to not hold onto material things and to only keep what we really need to live a simple life.

Jainism also teaches that all living creatures, from humans to tiny organisms, are connected and depend on each other. This idea has been supported by scientists who study nature, showing how plants and animals rely on each other to survive.

5. Consider and discuss in class André Béteille’s thought (see page 122).

Answer:

André Béteille’s thought explains how tribal religions and Hinduism have influenced each other over the ages. He says that while many people accept that tribal religions have been moulded by Hinduism, the converse is also true.  It is a fact that Hinduism has also borrowed from tribal beliefs and practices throughout its history.

This idea teaches us that different religions and cultures in India have interchanged ideas with each other. Tribal traditions might have added to the rich variety in Hinduism, like in their rituals, gods, and customs. At the same time, Hinduism also might have influenced the way tribal groups understand religion and spirituality.

The continuous exchange of ideas between tribal people and Hindus has helped create the rich and diverse culture we see in India today.

6. Make a list of popular gods and goddesses in your region and the festivals they are associated with.

Answer:

Here’s a list of popular gods and goddesses in Delhi and the festivals they are associated with:

1. Lord Ganesha

Festival: Ganesh Chaturthi

2. Goddess Durga

Festival: Durga Puja, Navratri

3. Lord Rama

Festival: Dussehra, Diwali (celebrating his return to Ayodhya)

4. Lord Krishna

Festival: Janmashtami

5. Goddess Lakshmi

Festival: Diwali (for wealth and prosperity)

6. Lord Shiva

Festival: Maha Shivaratri

7. Goddess Saraswati

Festival: Saraswati Puja (during Vasant Panchami)

8. Lord Hanuman

Festival: Hanuman Jayanti

These gods and goddesses are worshipped across Delhi, and the festivals associated with them are celebrated with great fanfare in the region.

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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:
The answers will vary depending on your state. We are providing a sample answer for your reference.

Here are a few important tribal groups from Assam along with details about their art and belief systems:

1. Bodos

Art: The Bodos are well-known for their handloom weaving. Their traditional dokhna (women’s attire) and gamosa (a traditional cloth) are made with intricate designs and bright colours. They also create beautiful bamboo crafts.

Belief Systems: The Bodos traditionally practice Bathouism, worshipping the god Bathou, symbolized by the sijou plant. The Bodos revere the sijou plant as a symbol of the supreme one. They also believe in ancestor worship and perform various rituals to honour their Gods and spirits. In recent times, some Bodos have adopted Hinduism and Christianity.

2. Mishing

Art: The Mishing tribe is known for their handwoven textiles, especially mekhela chadors (traditional women’s attire) made with bright colours and patterns. They also excel in basket weaving and crafting household items from bamboo and cane.

Belief Systems: The Mishing people follow Donyi-Polo, a belief system that worships the Sun (Donyi) and the Moon (Polo). They believe in the spiritual power of nature and practice animism, worshipping natural elements like rivers and trees. Some sections of the Mising tribe have adopted Hinduism, while some have converted to Christianity in the 20^th century.

3. Karbi

Art: The Karbi tribe is skilled in pottery, weaving, and basket-making. Their distinctive attire is made from handwoven textiles with unique patterns and colours. The Karbi also perform folk dances during festivals.

Belief Systems: The Karbi people believe in animism which is the belief that every natural thing in the universe has a soul. They also practise ancestor worship. Their religious practices involve offering prayers to local deities and spirits, and they celebrate their cultural festivals with dances and rituals.

These tribes in Assam contribute to the state’s cultural diversity with their traditional crafts, beliefs, and ways of life.

True or false

1. The Vedic hymns were written on palm-leaf manuscripts.
Answer:
False – The Vedic hymns were originally passed down orally from generation to generation before being written down.

2. The Vedas are India’s oldest texts.
Answer:
True – The Vedas are indeed considered the oldest texts of India.

3. The Vedic statement ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti reflects a belief in the unity of cosmic powers.
Answer:
The statement means that “The Existent (Supreme reality) is one, but sages give it different names. It reflects a belief in the unity of cosmic powers.

4. Buddhism is older than the Vedas.
Answer:
False – The Vedas were in existence much before Buddhism.

5. Jainism emerged as a branch of Buddhism.
Answer:
False – Jainism and Buddhism are distinct schools of thought and emerged independently around the same time.

6. Both Buddhism and Jainism advocated for peaceful coexistence and the avoidance of harm to all living beings.
Answer:
True – Non- violence and peaceful co-existence of all living beings were at the centre of both Buddhism and Jainism.

7. Tribal belief systems are limited to belief in spirits and minor deities.
Answer:
False – Tribal belief systems believe in a multiplicity of deities, but many tribal groups have a concept of a Supreme Being or higher divinity.

Class activity

1. Stage a small play with Yama, God of death, surrounded by several Nachiketas asking him questions about life.
Answer:

To stage a small play with Yama, the God of death, and several Nachiketas asking him questions about life, follow these simple steps:

Characters:

Yama – The God of death

Nachiketa 1 – An intelligent and inquisitive child

Nachiketa 2 – An ardent seeker of wisdom

Nachiketa 3 – A student

Narrator – To describe the scene and proceedings

Scene :

The play takes place in Yama’s abode, where the Nachiketas come to meet Yama, the God of death to seek answers to questions about life and death.

Opening (Narrator):

“Long, long ago, a young boy named Nachiketa went to Yama’s world to seek wisdom from Yama, the God of death. Today, we have not one, but three Nachiketas who have arrived in Yama’s world to ask him questions about life, death, and the truth of existence.

(Yama strides majestically on to the stage, sits on his throne and studies with interest the three newcomers who have been brought before him.)

Scene 1: The Question of Life’s Purpose

Nachiketa 1:
“O Yama, please enlighten me about the purpose of life? Why are we here?”

Yama:
“The purpose of life is not the same for every man. Some want happiness, others seek fame, some want to acquire knowledge, some want to care for others and help them. The true purpose is to understand that desires lead to pain and that peace comes from understanding one self.  Seek wisdom, and you will find your path.

Nachiketa 1:

Thank you, great Yama for your explanation!

Scene 2: The Question of Death

Nachiketa 2:

“O Yama, I would like to know what happens to us after death? Is there life beyond?”

Yama:

“For the soul, death is a journey, not the end. The soul moves on, transformed by karma – the actions of past lives. Kind deeds bring peace in the afterlife, while mean acts bring suffering. Rebirth continues until the soul attains ‘moksha’, in other words until it is free from the cycle of life and death.”

Nachiketa 2:

I shall remain grateful to you for your words of wisdom, O Yama!

Scene 3: The Question of Karma

Nachiketa 3:

“O Lord Yama! Pray tell me what is karma, and how does it affect us in life and after?”

Yama:

“Karma is the law of cause and effect. Every action or intention determines their future effect. Kindness brings good karma and a happier rebirth, while bad karma brings worse rebirths. Karma shapes not only the present life but also the lives to come. Live with compassion if you want a future of peace.”

Nachiketa 3:

O Yama! You are great! I am inspired by your words of wisdom.

Closing (Narrator):

“And so, the Nachiketas learned valuable lessons from Yama that life’s purpose, death, and karma are all inter-connected. By seeking wisdom, showing kindness and compassion, and understanding the truth of life, one can find peace and freedom from suffering.”

(The Nachiketas leave the stage after bowing to Yama.)

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