Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas

ffImage
banner

NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 6 Questions and Answers - FREE PDF Download

Vedantu’s NCERT Solutions for History Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6, ‘New Questions and Ideas,’ according to the latest CBSE Class 6 Social Science syllabus explores the inventions of new ideas and philosophies in ancient India, focusing on key figures like Buddha and Mahavira, and the impact of their teachings on society.

toc-symbolTable of Content
toggle-arrow


In NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 6 questions and answers, students understand the significance of these new thoughts and their influence on Indian culture and traditions The Class 6 History NCERT Solutions offers clear, step-by-step explanations for Class 6 History Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas to help students master the content.


Glance on NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas

  • NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 6 Questions and Answers covers the rise of new philosophical and religious ideas in ancient India, focusing on key figures like Buddha and Mahavira.

  • It explains the historical background that led to the development of the new ideas and their impact on society.

  • The chapter highlights how the teachings of Buddha and Mahavira influenced Indian culture, traditions, and social norms.

  • The chapter covers Mahavira’s teachings on Jainism, which include the principles of non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha). Mahavira’s emphasis on strict asceticism and self-discipline is also highlighted.

  • The chapter explores the establishment of monasteries (viharas and mathas) and the role they played in the spread of these new ideas.

Access NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 6: New Questions and Ideas

1. Describe the ways in which the Buddha tried to spread his message to the people.

Ans: Buddha tried two fundamental methods to get his message out to the masses:

a. He chose Prakrit because it was a common people's language, allowing him to reach a wide number of people with his message.

b. Instead of simply following him, he encouraged others to think forward.


2. Write whether true or false:

(a) The Buddha encouraged animal sacrifices.

Ans: False - Buddha taught people not to kill and to respect other people's lives, especially the lives of animals.


(b) Sarnath is important because it was the place where the Buddha taught for the first time.

Ans: True - Sarnath is the site of Gautama Buddha's first Dharma teachings and the birthplace of the Buddhist Sangha after Kondanna's enlightenment.


(c) The Buddha taught that karma has no effect on our lives.

Ans: False - According to Gautam Buddha, the consequences of our acts (karma), whether good or negative, affect us both in this life and in the afterlife.


(d) The Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.

Ans: True - It's where the Buddha attained enlightenment under a hallowed Bodhi Tree.


(e) Upanishadic thinkers believed that the atman and Brahman were ultimately one.

Ans: True - The atman, or individual soul, and the brahman, or universal soul, were described by Upanishadic thinkers. They believed that the Atman and the Brahman were one in the end.


3. What were the questions that Upanishadic thinkers wanted to answer?

Ans: They were looking for answers to the following questions:

a. What exactly is life's actual purpose?

b. What happens after we die?


4. What were the main teachings of the Mahavira?

Ans: Mahavira's main teachings are:

a. Those who seek the truth must leave their homes.

b. The ahimsa rule must be followed by the truth seeker. It implies that no living being should be harmed or killed.


5. Why do you think Anagha's mother wanted her to know the story of the Buddha?

Ans: Anagha's mother wanted her to know about Buddha's life so that she could learn from it because we all know that he was a great thinker whose teachings are very essential in our lives.


6. Do you think it would have been easy for slaves to join the sangha? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans: Slaves found it difficult to join the sangha since they needed permission from their lord. However, he was unable to do so because he was constantly at the mercy of his master. They were not treated as human beings at all.


7. Discuss the reasons why the Chinese pilgrims came to India

Ans: 

  • India is the birthplace of Buddhism, and Chinese pilgrims, such as Faxian, Xuanzang, and Yijing, travelled to India to learn more about the original teachings of Buddha. 

  • The pilgrims aimed to collect Buddhist scriptures and texts that were not available in China. By bringing these texts back, they helped spread and preserve Buddhist teachings in their homeland.

  • Chinese pilgrims came to visit sacred places associated with Buddha’s life, such as Lumbini (his birthplace), Bodh Gaya (where he attained enlightenment), Sarnath (where he gave his first sermon), and Kushinagar (where he passed away).


8. Make a list of at least five ideas and questions mentioned in this lesson. Choose three from

the list and discuss why you think they are important even today. 

Ans: 

The list of ideas and questions mentioned in this lesson:

  • The concept of Ahimsa (non-violence) in Jainism

  • The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism

  • The principle of Karma and Rebirth

  • The significance of community and sangha in Buddhism

  • The role of meditation in spiritual development

  • The rejection of the caste system by Buddha and Mahavira

  • The importance of ethical conduct in daily life


The Concept of Ahimsa (Non-Violence) in Jainism: The principle of Ahimsa, or non-violence, is crucial in promoting peace and harmony in society. In a world where violence and conflict are prevalent, the practice of non-violence encourages individuals and communities to resolve disputes through peaceful means. Ahimsa also extends to the treatment of animals and the environment.


The Rejection of the Caste System by Buddha and Mahavira: The rejection of the caste system by Buddha and Mahavira highlights the importance of social equality and justice. Despite progress, caste-based discrimination still exists in many parts of the world. Their teachings remind us of the need to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their social background. Equality helps in building more inclusive and fair societies, where opportunities and rights are accessible to all.


The Importance of Ethical Conduct in Daily Life: Living ethically by being honest, kind, and fair helps us build trust and cooperation with others. In today's world, where we often face moral challenges, following ethical principles ensures that we create a just and harmonious society.


9. Find out more about men and women who renounce the world today. Where do they live,

what kinds of clothes do they wear, what do they eat? Why do they renounce the world? 

Ans: 

  • Men and women who renounce the world today, such as monks, nuns, sadhus, and ascetics, come from various religious traditions including Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Christianity. 

  • They often live in monasteries, ashrams, remote locations, or even urban areas dedicated to teaching and service.

  • Their clothing is simple and modest, like the saffron or white robes of Hindu sadhus, the habits of Christian monks and nuns, or the plain robes of Buddhist monastics. 

  • Their diets are typically vegetarian and very simple, reflecting their commitment to non-violence and minimalism.

  • They renounce the world to pursue spiritual growth and enlightenment, seeking to detach from materialism and find inner peace, while often dedicating themselves to serving humanity and teaching others.


Topics Covered in Chapter 6 History Class 6 - New Questions and Ideas

History Class 6 Chapter 6 Topics

  • The Story of the Buddha

  • Upanishads

  • Jainism

  • The sangha

  • Viharas


Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 6 - New Questions and Ideas

  • The solutions provide detailed explanations of the emergence of new philosophical and religious ideas in ancient India, making it easier for students to learn the core concepts.

  • The History NCERT solutions provide hands-on practice using several examples making sure that all the topics are completely covered.

  • It can be of significant use to instil the values of conceptual understanding and critical thinking in students.

  • Class 6 History Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas Question Answer Get well acquainted with the topics in an interactive manner.


Important Study Material Links for Class 6 History Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas

S. No

Important Study Material Links for Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas

1.

Class 6 New Questions and Ideas Important Questions

2.

Class 6 New Questions and Ideas Revision Notes


Conclusion

The NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 - New Questions And Ideas, offered by Vedantu, are an invaluable resource for young learners. This chapter encourages students to explore new perspectives and ideas in the world of social science. By providing these solutions, Vedantu ensures that students grasp essential concepts, such as how civilizations evolve, and the significance of asking questions. These solutions are presented in a clear and accessible manner, aiding in better comprehension and exam preparation. They play a vital role in fostering a strong foundation in social studies, sparking curiosity, and preparing students for future academic endeavours in this subject.


NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History- Other Chapter-wise Links - FREE PDF


Related Important Links for Class 6 History

Along with this, students can also download additional study materials provided by Vedantu for CBSE Class 6 History –


WhatsApp Banner

FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas

1. Where can I find reliable and step-by-step NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 6, New Questions and Ideas?

You can find expert-verified, step-by-step NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 6 on Vedantu. These solutions are prepared according to the latest CBSE 2025-26 syllabus and focus on providing the correct methodology to help students write answers that score well in exams.

2. How should I structure the answer for the NCERT question on the main teachings of the Buddha?

For a well-structured answer, you should follow the step-by-step method provided in the NCERT solutions. Your answer should include these key points:

  • Start by explaining that life is full of suffering, which is caused by our cravings and desires (tanha).
  • Mention that the Buddha taught that this constant craving can be removed by following moderation in everything.
  • Describe his teachings on kindness and respect for all lives, including animals.
  • Conclude by explaining the concept of karma—that our actions in this life affect both our present and future lives.

3. What key points are essential for a complete answer on the life of Siddhartha Gautama, as per the NCERT textbook?

To provide a complete answer about the Buddha's life based on the NCERT textbook, you should include the following points in sequence:

  • His birth as Siddhartha, a prince belonging to the Sakya gana.
  • His decision to leave the comforts of his home in search of true knowledge.
  • The moment he attained enlightenment after meditating under a peepal tree at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
  • His first sermon at Sarnath, near Varanasi, where he began to teach.
  • His lifelong journey of teaching people until his passing at Kusinara.

4. How do the NCERT Solutions explain the difficult concepts of 'atman' and 'brahman' from the Upanishads?

The NCERT Solutions simplify these complex Upanishadic ideas for easy understanding. They explain that the atman refers to the 'individual soul,' while the brahman is the 'universal soul' or the ultimate reality. The solutions clarify that the central idea of the Upanishads is that, ultimately, the atman and the Brahman are one and the same.

5. When answering about the Sangha, is it enough to define it, or do the solutions show how to explain its role in spreading Buddhism?

A high-scoring answer requires more than just a definition. The NCERT Solutions guide you to first define the Sangha as an association for monks who left their homes. Crucially, you must then explain its important role: it was a disciplined organisation that systematically spread the Buddha's teachings and preserved them accurately for future generations, which was essential for Buddhism's growth.

6. How do the NCERT Solutions for Chapter 6 help differentiate between the core principles of Jainism and Buddhism?

The solutions help you create a comparative answer by highlighting key differences. For a question on this, you should compare them on points like:

  • Strictness of Ahimsa: While both preach non-violence (ahimsa), the solutions clarify that Jainism's rules were extremely strict, forbidding the harming of even insects.
  • Path to Liberation: Buddhism advocates for the 'Middle Path' (moderation), whereas Jainism calls for strict asceticism and leaving home.
  • Founder: The solutions clearly attribute the teachings to their respective thinkers, Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and Vardhamana Mahavira.

7. Why do the solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 often present answers in a point-wise format?

Presenting answers in a point-wise format is a strategic method aligned with the CBSE pattern. This approach helps students in two ways: firstly, it breaks down complex information into easy-to-remember points. Secondly, it helps present the answer clearly to the examiner, ensuring all parts of the question are addressed, which often leads to better marks.

8. For the question on why farmers struggled to follow Jainism, what specific evidence from the textbook must be included?

For a full-mark answer, you must cite the main reason explained in the NCERT textbook. The solutions emphasise that the core reason was the strict rule of ahimsa (non-violence). Farmers needed to kill insects and pests to protect their crops. This essential farming activity directly conflicted with the Jain principle of not harming any living creature, making it very difficult for them to follow the faith.

9. How do the NCERT solutions explain the purpose and function of viharas (monasteries)?

The solutions explain that viharas were initially just temporary shelters built for monks and nuns to rest and meditate during the rainy season when travelling was difficult. Over time, as support from merchants and kings grew, these temporary shelters became permanent structures. Their main function evolved to become centres for learning, meditation, and spreading religious teachings.