Chapter 7 Class 6 Social Science Solutions NCERT,
India’s Cultural Roots Chapter 7 Class 6 Social Science,
Class 6 Social Science Chapterwise Complete Solutions,
Summary: Chapter 7-India’s Cultural Roots
Indian culture is thousands of years old. It is like a big tree with many roots (old traditions) and many branches (art, literature, religion, science, etc.). All branches are different, but they share the same cultural foundation.
1. The Vedas and Vedic Culture
The Vedas are India’s oldest and most important texts.
- There are four Vedas: Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva.
- “Veda” means knowledge.
- They were not written but passed orally for thousands of years.
- UNESCO recognised Vedic chanting as world heritage in 2008.
- Vedic hymns talk about many gods, but say Truth is one.
- Values like truth, unity, and harmony are central.
Vedic Society:
- Society was divided into janas (clans) like Bharatas, Purus, Yadus, and Kurus.
- It had gatherings like sabha and samiti.
- People had many jobs — farmer, potter, carpenter, weaver, healer, etc.
Vedic Schools of Thought:
The Upanishads introduced ideas like
- Atman (Self)
- Brahman (universal essence)
- Karma
- Rebirth
These ideas later became the base of Hinduism.
Yoga also developed as a way to realise truth.
2. Buddhism:
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha).
Taught that ignorance and attachment cause suffering.
Emphasised ahimsa (non-violence) and inner discipline.
Spread teachings through the Sangha (community of monks and nuns).
Had a huge influence across Asia.
3. Jainism:
It was founded by Mahavira (6th century BCE).
Key teachings:
- Ahimsa (non-injury)
- Aparigraha (non-possession)
- Anekantavada (truth has many sides)
- Emphasised care for all living beings and self-control.
4. Other Schools of Thought:
- Charvaka believed only the physical world is real; no life after death.
- It shows India had diverse ideas and freedom of thought.
5. Folk and Tribal Roots:
- India also has rich oral, folk, and tribal traditions.
- Tribes have their own languages, customs, and gods.
- Many Indian gods (like Jagannath) originally came from tribal traditions.
- Tribes worship nature — mountains, rivers, trees, animals.
- Many tribes believe in a supreme god (e.g., Singbonga of Santhals, Donyipolo of Arunachal).
- Folk, tribal, and Hindu traditions influenced each other for thousands of years.
Indian culture grew from many roots — Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, folk, and tribal traditions. Together, they form India’s unique cultural identity.
The Big questions?
1. What are the Vedas? What is their message?
Answer.
The Vedas are the oldest sacred texts of India and among the oldest in the world. There are four Vedas:
- Rig Veda
- Yajur Veda
- Sama Veda
- Atharva Veda
They were not written down in the beginning but were memorised and recited orally for thousands of years by rishis and rishikas. The word Veda means knowledge.
Main message of the Vedas:
- There is one Supreme Reality behind all gods — “Ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti”.
- They praise many deities like Indra, Agni, Varuna, Sarasvati, etc.
- They emphasise important values like Truth, harmony, unity, order, and good conduct.
- They teach people to live together peacefully, share common goals, and follow ṛitam, or cosmic order.
2. What new schools of thought emerged in India in the 1st millennium BCE? What are their core principles?
Answer.
During the 1st millennium BCE ( 1000 BCE to 1 BCE), many new ideas and philosophies grew in India. Some of them are:
(A) Vedic Schools (like Vedanta and Yoga)
The following are some core principles:
- Brahman: one divine essence present everywhere.
- Atman: the divine Self in every being.
- Karma and rebirth: our actions decide future births.
- Life aims to realise oneness with the universe.
(B) Buddhism
It was founded by Gautama Buddha.
The following are some core principles of Buddhism:
- Life has suffering; its cause is ignorance and attachment.
- Follow the Eightfold Path to end suffering.
- Practice ahimsa (non-violence) and compassion.
- Inner discipline and right thinking are essential.
(C) Jainism
It was taught by Mahavira.
The following are core principles:
- Ahimsa: complete non-violence in thought, word, and action.
- Aparigraha: non-possession; limit desires.
- Anekantavada: truth has many sides; respect different views.
- All living beings are interconnected.
(D) Other Schools (like Charvaka)
- It believed only in the material world.
- It did not accept the ideas of rebirth or the afterlife.
These schools show India’s wide intellectual diversity.
3. What is the contribution of folk and tribal traditions to Indian culture?
Answer.
Folk and tribal traditions form an important root of India’s culture. They contributed in many ways:
They preserved oral traditions like songs, stories, dances, and rituals.
They worship nature — mountains, rivers, trees, animals — which influenced later Hindu practices.
Many famous deities, like Jagannath of Puri and various forms of the Mother Goddess, originally came from tribal beliefs.
Tribes developed unique art, music, crafts, and festivals that enriched Indian culture.
Tribal ideas of living close to nature, community life, and respecting the environment helped shape Indian values.
Cultural exchange went both ways — tribes adopted Hindu ideas, and Hindu traditions absorbed tribal customs.
We can say, folk and tribal traditions helped make Indian culture diverse, colourful, and rich
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 ask Yama about the following questions:
1. About life, death, and the purpose of human existence.
2. I would ask him what happens after death and whether the soul continues its journey.
3. I would also want to know how a person can live a good and meaningful life.
4. I would also ask how we can overcome fear, anger, and sadness.
5. How can I understand the difference between what is temporary and what is eternal?
2. Explain a few central ideas of Buddhism. Briefly comment upon them.
Answer.
The following are the Central ideas of Buddhism:
- Four Noble Truths: Life has suffering; its cause is attachment; suffering can end; follow the Eightfold Path.
- Eightfold Path: Right thoughts, right actions, right speech, right effort, right mindfulness, etc.
- Ahimsa: Non-violence in thought, word, and action.
- Middle Path: Avoid extremes of too much luxury and too much hardship.
These ideas teach us to live a balanced, peaceful, and compassionate life. Buddhism focuses on inner discipline, kindness, and understanding the mind.
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.
This quote means that simply bathing in sacred rivers does not make a person pure or good. Real purity comes from clean thoughts, good actions, honesty, kindness, and self-discipline. The Buddha teaches that inner character is more important than outer ritual.
4. Explain a few central ideas of Jainism. Briefly comment upon them.
Answer.
The following are some central ideas of Jainism:
- Ahimsa: Complete non-violence towards every living being.
- Aparigraha: Non-possession; controlling desires.
- Anekāntavāda: Truth has many sides; respect different viewpoints.
- Self-discipline and simple living are important.
These teachings encourage peace, compassion, tolerance, and care for the environment. They help create a society where people live in harmony with each other and with nature.
5. Consider and discuss in class André Béteille’s thought (see page 122).
Answer.
The Indian sociologist André Béteille says that tribes and Hindu communities have influenced each other for thousands of years. Tribal beliefs influenced Hinduism, and Hindu ideas also reached tribal groups. This long exchange made Indian culture rich and diverse. It shows that Indian culture is a mixture of many traditions, not just one, and it has evolved.
6. Make a list of popular gods and goddesses in your region and the festivals they are associated with.
Answer.
The following are some popular festivals which are associated with popular gods and goddesses:
1. Maa Durga – Durga Puja / Navratri
2. Lord Krishna – Janmashtami
3. Lord Ganesha – Ganesh Chaturthi
4. Maa Lakshmi – Diwali
5. Lord Rama – Dussehra and Ram Navami
6. Lord Shiva – Mahashivaratri
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.
Do it yourself; however, here are some examples and suggestions regarding the question.
1. Gond tribe ( Central India) – Famous for Gond paintings, worship nature, animals, and spirits.
2. Santhal tribe ( Jharkhand/Central India)– Celebrate Sohrai and Baha festivals; have rich music and dance.
3. Toda tribe (Tamil Nadu) – Known for embroidery, worship of mountain deities.
True or false
1. The Vedic hymns were written on palm-leaf manuscripts.
2. The Vedas are India’s oldest texts.
3. The Vedic statement ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti reflects a belief in the unity of cosmic powers.
4. Buddhism is older than the Vedas.
5. Jainism emerged as a branch of Buddhism.
6. Both Buddhism and Jainism advocated for peaceful coexistence and the avoidance of harm to all living beings.
7. Tribal belief systems are limited to belief in spirits and minor deities.
Answer.
1. False: They were memorised and recited orally.
2. True: Vedas are not only India's but the world's oldest texts.
3. True: The statement ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti reflects a belief in the unity of cosmic powers.
4. False: Buddhism came later
5. False: Jainism emerged separately.
6. True: Both Buddhism and Jainism advocated peaceful coexistence and avoiding harm.
7. False – They also believe in supreme divine beings and a complex system
Class activity
1. Stage a small play with Yama, god of death, surrounded by several Nachiketas asking him questions about life.
Answer.
Do it yourself
Chapter-Wise Solutions of Class 6 Social Science
- Chapter 1 | Locating Places on Earth
- Chapter 2 | Oceans and Continents
- Chapter 3 | Landforms and Life
- Chapter 4 | Timeline and Sources of History
- Chapter 5 | India, That Is Bharat
- Chapter 6 | The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation
- Chapter 7 | India’s Cultural Roots
- Chapter 8 | Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’
- Chapter 9 | Family and Community
- Chapter 10 | Grassroots Democracy – Part 1 Governance
- Chapter 11 | Grassroots Democracy – Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas
- Chapter 12 | Grassroots Democracy – Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas
- Chapter 13 | The Value of Work
- Chapter 14 | Economic Activities Around Us
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