CBSE Class 6 Social Science Important Questions Chapter 7 - India’s Cultural Roots

1. What are the Vedas?
Ans: The Vedas are ancient Indian texts, composed of hymns and prayers. There are four Vedas: the Ṛig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sāma Veda, and Atharva Veda.

2. What does the word "Veda" mean?
Ans: The word "Veda" comes from the Sanskrit word "vid," meaning knowledge.

3. Who composed the Vedic hymns?
Ans: The Vedic hymns were composed by rishis (male sages) and rishikas (female sages).

4. What are the Upaniṣhads?
Ans: The Upaniṣhads are a group of texts that expanded on Vedic concepts, introducing ideas like rebirth and karma.

5. What does 'aham brahmāsmi' mean?
Ans: 'Aham brahmāsmi' means "I am brahman," expressing the belief that the Self is divine.

6. What are some important characteristics of Indian culture?
Ans: Indian culture has many branches, such as art, literature, science, medicine, and religion. It has roots in ancient civilisations like the Indus-Sarasvatī, and many schools of thought, such as Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain, which have shaped its unique personality.

7. How have the Vedas been preserved over time?
Ans: The Vedas were transmitted orally for thousands of years through rigorous memorisation and training. This careful transmission has ensured that the Vedic hymns remained almost unchanged. In 2008, UNESCO recognised Vedic chanting as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.

8. What is the meaning of 'ṛitam'?
Ans: 'Ṛitam' refers to truth and order in human life and the cosmos. It is a key concept in Vedic thought, maintained by the gods and goddesses through the prayers and actions of the sages.

9. What are yajñas?
Ans: Yajñas are Vedic rituals involving prayers and offerings to gods, especially Agni, the deity associated with fire. These rituals were performed for individual or collective benefit and well-being.

10. What does 'tat tvam asi' mean?
Ans: 'Tat tvam asi' means "You are That," signifying the oneness of all beings with the divine essence, brahman.

11. What are the key ideas introduced by the Upaniṣhads?
Ans: The Upaniṣhads introduced several important ideas, such as the concept of ātman (the Self) and brahman (the ultimate reality). They taught that the ātman resides in every being and is one with brahman. Other key ideas include rebirth (the cycle of life, death, and rebirth) and karma (the results of one’s actions). These texts also emphasised the interconnectedness of all life and the search for the deeper truths of existence.

12. What role did the Ṛig Veda play in early Indian society?
Ans: The Ṛig Veda is the most ancient of the Vedas and played a central role in early Indian society. It contains hymns that were recited during rituals to various deities, like Indra and Agni. These hymns focused on sustaining truth and order in the world. The Ṛig Veda also gives us insight into the different janas or clans, such as the Bharatas and Kurus, which shaped the society of that time.

13. How did the Buddha attain enlightenment?
Ans: Siddhārtha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, left his life as a prince to become an ascetic in search of the root cause of suffering. After meditating for many days under a pipal tree in Bodh Gaya, he attained enlightenment. He realised that ignorance and attachment are the causes of suffering and developed a method to overcome them, which he taught to others.

14. What are the central teachings of Jainism?
Ans: Jainism teaches ahimsa (non-violence), anekāntavāda (the belief that truth has many aspects), and aparigraha (non-possession). Mahāvīra, the founder of Jainism, emphasised the importance of refraining from harming any living creature, detaching from material possessions, and recognising the multiple perspectives that contribute to understanding the truth.

15. How did Buddhism and Jainism differ from the Vedic tradition?
Ans: Buddhism and Jainism departed from the Vedic tradition by rejecting the authority of the Vedas and developing their own philosophies. Buddhism emphasised the elimination of suffering through enlightenment and ahimsa, while Jainism focused on non-violence, non-possession, and multiple perspectives on truth. Both religions sought to break the cycle of rebirth and achieve spiritual liberation.

16. Why is oral tradition important in Indian culture?
Ans: Oral tradition played a crucial role in preserving India’s ancient knowledge, such as the Vedas. In a time before written texts, oral transmission ensured that knowledge was passed down accurately. This method required rigorous memorisation and careful recitation. It also helped maintain a strong cultural continuity over thousands of years, as seen with the Vedas.

17. How does the concept of karma influence Indian schools of thought?
Ans: Karma, the belief that actions have consequences, influences many Indian schools of thought, including Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. It teaches that good actions lead to positive results, while harmful actions bring negative outcomes. This concept encourages individuals to live ethically and consider the impact of their actions on future lives.

18. How do the Vedas and the Upaniṣhads complement each other?
Ans: The Vedas provide the foundation of Indian religious thought through hymns, prayers, and rituals. The Upaniṣhads build on this foundation by offering philosophical interpretations of Vedic concepts. They introduce ideas like ātman, brahman, and karma, exploring the deeper spiritual meaning of life. Together, the Vedas and Upaniṣhads provide a holistic understanding of the divine and human existence.

19. Why did Siddhārtha Gautama leave his palace life?
Ans: Siddhārtha Gautama left his palace life after encountering suffering in the form of old age, sickness, and death. These experiences deeply affected him, and he realised that material comforts could not prevent suffering. He decided to become an ascetic to search for the root cause of suffering and to find a way to overcome it.

20. How do Buddhism and Jainism interpret the concept of ahimsa?
Ans: In both Buddhism and Jainism, ahimsa means not just refraining from physical violence but also avoiding harm in thoughts and intentions. Both religions teach that non-violence is essential for spiritual growth, and that hurting others, whether physically or emotionally, causes harm to the Self. This idea of non-violence extends to all living beings, emphasising compassion and kindness.

Study Extra Questions for Extra Score

1. What does the term 'anekāntavāda' mean in Jainism?
Ans: 'Anekāntavāda' means that truth has many aspects and cannot be fully captured by any single statement. It emphasises understanding different perspectives.

2. What is the significance of brahman in Vedanta philosophy?
Ans: In Vedanta philosophy, brahman is the ultimate reality that pervades everything in the universe. It is the divine essence from which all life and existence emerge.

3. Who was Mahāvīra?
Ans: Mahāvīra was the founder of Jainism. He was born as Prince Vardhamāna but left his royal life to become an ascetic and achieved enlightenment after 12 years of rigorous practice.

4. How does Jainism view the interconnectedness of life?
Ans: Jainism teaches that all life is interconnected and that every living being, no matter how small, plays a role in supporting others. This belief leads to a strong emphasis on non-violence and respect for all forms of life.

5. Why is 'aparigraha' an important principle in Jainism?
Ans: 'Aparigraha,' or non-possession, is important in Jainism because it encourages detachment from material things. By limiting oneself to what is necessary, individuals can focus on spiritual growth and reduce their attachment to the physical world.

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

Ans: Jainism revolves around the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and Asteya (non-stealing). Ahimsa, the most important principle, requires Jains to avoid causing harm to any living being, no matter how small. This principle is reflected in their strict vegetarianism and careful way of life. Jainism also teaches Anekantavada (many-sidedness), the belief that truth and reality are complex and cannot be fully grasped from a single perspective. These ideas promote tolerance, non-violence, and simplicity in living.

CBSE Class 6 Social Science Chapter 7 – India’s Cultural Roots Important Questions include short answer questions designed to simplify key concepts and enhance your understanding of the chapter. These questions help you grasp the historical and cultural aspects of India more effectively.

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