Class 6 Social Science NCERT CBSE
Chapter 7 India's Cultural Roots Question Answer Discussion
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India’s Cultural Roots
Indian culture is very old and has many traditions. It is like a big tree with deep roots and many branches. The roots give strength, and the branches grow in different ways. Some branches are about religion, art, science, medicine, and philosophy (ideas about life and the world).
The Vedas – India’s Oldest Knowledge
The Vedas are the oldest books of knowledge in India. The word “Veda” means knowledge. There are four Vedas:
1. Ṛig Veda
2. Yajur Veda
3. Sāma Veda
4. Atharva Veda
The Vedas have prayers, songs, and hymns. They were not written in the beginning but passed from person to person by memory for thousands of years. The Vedic people believed in many gods like Indra, Agni, Sarasvatī, etc. They believed in Truth and Unity. One famous saying from the Vedas is:
“Truth is one, but wise people call it by many names.”
Vedic Society
Early Indian society had clans (big family groups) called janas. Some of these were Bharatas, Kurus, Yadus, and Purus. There were kings (rājā), assemblies (sabha and samiti), and many different jobs like farmers, weavers, carpenters, dancers, and priests.
The Vedas also had many rituals (yajñas) to worship gods. Over time, these became more complex. New books called the Upaniṣhads came later, which talked about the soul (ātman), rebirth, and karma. The Vedanta school of thought taught that everything is connected, and we all have the same divine energy (brahman).
Buddhism – The Path of Enlightenment
About 2,500 years ago, a prince named Siddhārtha Gautama was born. One day, he saw an old man, a sick man, and a dead body. He realized that life has suffering, so he left his palace to find the truth. After many years of meditation, he became the Buddha (the Enlightened One).
The Buddha taught that ignorance and attachment cause suffering. He believed in non-violence (ahimsa) and self-discipline. He created a group of monks and nuns called the Sangha, who spread his teachings across India and Asia.
Jainism – The Path of Non-Violence
At the same time as the Buddha, another prince, Vardhamāna, gave up his royal life to find wisdom. After 12 years, he became Mahāvīra (Great Hero) and started Jainism.
Jains believe in:
1. Ahimsa – Non-violence, even in thoughts.
2. Anekāntavāda – Truth has many sides.
3. Aparigraha – Non-attachment to things.
Jains believe all living things are connected, including tiny insects and plants. They try to live simply and avoid harming others.
Folk and Tribal Traditions
India also has many tribal communities with their own customs. They worship nature – mountains, rivers, trees, and animals. Over time, tribal and Hindu traditions mixed together. For example, some Hindu gods, like Jagannath in Odisha, may have started as tribal deities.
Many tribes believe in one supreme god, like Donyipolo (Sun-Moon god) in Arunachal Pradesh or Singbonga in eastern India. Hinduism also borrowed ideas from tribal traditions.
The Big Picture
- Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism are different, but they share ideas like karma, rebirth, and dharma.
- Vedic rituals led to deeper thinking in Upaniṣhads.
- Buddhism and Jainism focused more on non-violence and wisdom.
- Tribal traditions added richness to Indian culture.
In the end, Indian culture is like a banyan tree – many branches, but all connected to one strong root.
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