NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 7 Questions and Answers

The Big Questions (Page 105)

Q1. What are the Vedas? What is their message?

Answer: The Vedas are the earliest and most ancient texts of India. There are four Vedas:

  • Ṛig Veda
  • Yajur Veda
  • Sāma Veda
  • Atharva Veda

The word Veda comes from the Sanskrit word ‘vid’, meaning knowledge. The Vedas consist mainly of hymns, prayers and chants composed by rishis and rishikas. These hymns were orally transmitted from one generation to another for centuries.

The central message of the Vedas includes:

  • Truth (ṛitam) as the foundation of life
  • Unity of the divine, expressed in the idea “ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti”
  • Harmony between humans, nature and the cosmos

The Vedas promote unity, moral values, spiritual knowledge and social harmony.

Q2. What new schools of thought emerged in India in the 1st millennium BCE? What are their core principles?

Answer: During the 1st millennium BCE, several important schools of thought emerged in India. These schools aimed to understand life, suffering, truth and liberation. The major schools include:

  1. Vedantic School
  • Based on the Upanishads.
  • Believes that Brahman is the ultimate reality.
  • Teaches that ātman (self) and brahman are one.
  • Emphasises knowledge and self-realisation.
  1. Yoga
  • Focuses on discipline of body and mind.
  • Aims at controlling desires and attaining spiritual realisation.
  1. Buddhism
  • Founded by Siddhārtha Gautama (the Buddha).
  • Identifies ignorance and attachment as the causes of suffering.
  • Advocates ahimsa, compassion and inner discipline.
  1. Jainism
  • Founded by Mahāvīra.
  • Emphasises ahimsa, anekāntavāda and aparigraha.
  • Focuses on self-control and liberation from ignorance.

Q3. What is the contribution of folk and tribal traditions to Indian culture?

Answer: Folk and tribal traditions have made a significant contribution to Indian culture. These traditions are largely oral and are passed down through songs, stories, rituals, art and daily practices. Tribal and folk communities have preserved deep respect for nature, worshipping rivers, mountains, trees and animals as sacred.

Many folk deities, festivals, dances and art forms later became part of mainstream Indian culture. Tribal beliefs also emphasise community life, cooperation and harmony with the natural environment. Over centuries, there has been continuous interaction between tribal traditions and other belief systems such as Hinduism, leading to mutual enrichment. Thus, folk and tribal traditions form an important cultural root of Indian civilisation.

LET’S EXPLORE ( Page No 109)

Q1: 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 democratic society.

  • In such a system:

    • People participate in decision-making through elections.

    • Leaders are accountable to the people.

    • Citizens enjoy freedom, equality and justice.

  • Democracy ensures that:

    • People’s voices are heard.

    • Laws are made for public welfare.

    • Peaceful change of leadership is possible.

  • If people live under leaders they did not choose:

    • Their rights may be ignored.

    • Decisions may be taken without public consent.

    • Dissatisfaction, unrest and injustice may increase.

Therefore, democracy empowers citizens and promotes stable and fair governance.

LET’S EXPLORE ( Page No 115)

Q1. Discuss the way the Buddha is depicted in the above panel.

Answer: The Buddha is depicted in a calm and composed posture. His facial expression reflects peace, wisdom and compassion. He appears to be teaching his disciples, symbolising knowledge. The depiction highlights:-

  • Inner discipline
  • Spiritual enlightenment
  • Moral guidance

The panel conveys the message of non-violence and self-control.

Q2. Can you name some states of India or other countries where Buddhism is a major religion today?

Answer:

  • In India, Buddhism is prominent in:

    • Ladakh

    • Sikkim

    • Arunachal Pradesh

  • Outside India, Buddhism is widely followed in:

    • Sri Lanka

    • Myanmar

    • Thailand

    • China

    • Japan

  • These regions continue to preserve Buddhist teachings and traditions.

LET’S EXPLORE ( Page No 118)

Q1: Observe the above panel (from a Jain temple in New Delhi). What is striking about it? What messages does it carry?

Answer: The panel from the Jain temple is striking because of its detailed symbolism and calm representation. It reflects the Jain emphasis on non-violence, discipline and purity. The figures shown appear peaceful and detached, highlighting self-control and spiritual focus. The panel conveys the message that all living beings are equal and deserve respect. It also teaches that liberation can be achieved through moral conduct, restraint and freedom from attachment.

India’s Cultural Roots NCERT Class 6th SST Chapter 7 Question Answer

Questions, activities and projects

Q1. 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 ask Yama about the true purpose of human life and what happens to the soul after death. I would like to know whether happiness comes from material possessions or from inner knowledge. I would also ask how one can overcome fear, ignorance and attachment. Another important question would be how a person can live a righteous life while facing difficulties and temptations. Lastly, I would ask how knowledge helps in attaining peace and liberation.

Q2: Explain a few central ideas of Buddhism. Briefly comment upon them.

Answer: Some of the central ideas of Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths explain that suffering is a part of human life, that suffering is caused by desire and attachment, that it is possible to end suffering, and that there is a path leading to the end of suffering. This path is known as the Eightfold Path, which teaches right understanding, right conduct and right mindfulness.

Buddhism also emphasises the idea of karma, according to which a person’s actions influence their future. These teachings encourage kindness, self-discipline and compassion, helping individuals live a peaceful and balanced life without harming others.

Q3: 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: Through this quotation, the Buddha explains that merely bathing in sacred rivers does not make a person pure. True purity comes from one’s thoughts, actions and behaviour. The Buddha stressed that moral values such as honesty, kindness and self-control are more important than external rituals.

The quotation teaches that spiritual growth depends on inner discipline rather than outward religious practices. It reminds people that goodness of character and right conduct are the real path to purity and enlightenment.

Q4: Explain a few central ideas of Jainism. Briefly comment upon them.

Answer: Jainism is based on three important principles: ahimsa, anekāntavāda and aparigraha. Ahimsa means complete non-violence towards all living beings, even the smallest forms of life. Jains believe that every living being has a soul and deserves respect.

Anekāntavāda teaches that truth has many sides and should be understood from different perspectives. Aparigraha means non-attachment to material possessions and encourages a simple life. Together, these principles promote self-control, tolerance and peaceful living.

Q5: Consider and discuss in class André Béteille’s thought (see page 122).

Answer: André Béteille, a noted Indian sociologist, explained that Hinduism developed through long interaction with tribal and local traditions. According to him, Hindu beliefs were shaped by the customs, rituals and ideas of many castes and tribes over time.

At the same time, tribal communities were also influenced by Hindu practices. His thought highlights that Indian culture did not develop from a single source but grew gradually through mutual exchange, making it diverse yet unified.

Q6: Make a list of popular gods and goddesses in your region and the festivals they are associated with.

Answer: Some popular gods and goddesses and their associated festivals are:

  • Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman – Celebrated during Diwali, marking Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya

  • Lord Ganesha – Worshipped during Ganesh Chaturthi

  • Lord Shiva – Worshipped during Mahashivratri

  • Lord Krishna – Celebrated during Janmashtami

  • Goddess Durga – Worshipped during Durga Puja / Navratri

  • Goddess Lakshmi – Worshipped on Diwali for prosperity

Q7: As a class activity, list two or three tribal groups and document some of their art and belief systems.

Answer: Some well-known tribal groups in India include the Bhils, Gonds and the Great Andamanese. The Bhils are famous for their colourful wall paintings that depict animals, trees and village life. Gond art is known for its detailed patterns and strong connection with nature and folk stories.

The Great Andamanese tribe believes that nature has spiritual power that influences human life. Their beliefs and art reflect a close relationship with the natural environment and their traditional way of life.

Q8: True or False 

  1. The Vedic hymns were written on palm-leaf manuscripts.
    Answer: False
    Explanation: The Vedic hymns were preserved through oral tradition and written down much later.

  2. The Vedas are India’s oldest texts.
    Answer: True
    Explanation: The Vedas are the earliest known sacred texts of India.

  3. The statement ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti reflects belief in the unity of cosmic powers.
    Answer: True
    Explanation: It means that truth is one but known by many names.

  4. Buddhism is older than the Vedas.
    Answer: False
    Explanation: The Vedas were composed much earlier than Buddhism.

  5. Jainism emerged as a branch of Buddhism.
    Answer: False
    Explanation: Jainism developed independently of Buddhism.

  6. Both Buddhism and Jainism advocated peaceful coexistence and non-violence.
    Answer: True
    Explanation: Both emphasise ahimsa and compassion.

  7. Tribal belief systems are limited to spirits and minor deities.
    Answer: False
    Explanation: Tribal beliefs include nature worship, ethical values and rich cultural traditions.

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