NCERT Solutions class 6 Social-Science Chapter 7. India`s Cultural Roots NCERT Questions With Answers

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NCERT Solutions – 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 nature of life and death. I would ask whether the soul continues after death and what determines its journey. I would also ask about the meaning of true happiness and how one can live a life of purpose. I would want to understand how desires affect our actions and how one can free the mind from fear, anger and confusion. Finally, I would seek guidance on how humans can realise their inner self and understand the deeper truth behind the universe.

Q2. Explain a few central ideas of Buddhism. Briefly comment upon them.
Answer: Buddhism teaches the Four Noble Truths: life has suffering, suffering arises from desire, suffering can end, and the Eightfold Path leads to freedom. The Buddha emphasised self-discipline, meditation and compassion. He rejected rigid rituals and encouraged people to think for themselves. These ideas focus on inner change, moral behaviour and understanding the mind.

Q3. Discuss in class the quotation of the Buddha beginning with “Not by water is one made pure...”
Answer: The quotation means that true purity does not come from bathing in sacred rivers but from good actions, self-control and kindness. External rituals cannot purify the mind; only inner discipline and ethical living can. The Buddha teaches that transformation must come from within.

Q4. Explain a few central ideas of Jainism. Briefly comment upon them.
Answer: Jainism teaches ahimsa (non-violence), anekantavada (many-sided truth) and aparigraha (non-possession). It emphasises that all living beings have a soul and must not be harmed. Jainism encourages self-discipline, respect for different viewpoints and simple living. These ideas promote peace, tolerance and responsibility towards nature.

Q5. Consider and discuss in class André Béteille’s thought (page 122).
Answer: André Béteille’s statement suggests that India’s cultural unity comes from shared values of tolerance, diversity and peaceful coexistence. It means that despite differences in language, customs and beliefs, people remain connected through a deeper social and moral framework. His idea highlights that unity grows through respect and dialogue.

Q6. Make a list of popular gods and goddesses in your region and the festivals they are associated with.
Answer: Answers will vary from region to region. A sample response:
Durga – Navratri
Krishna – Janmashtami
Ganesha – Ganesh Chaturthi
Shiva – Mahashivratri
Lakshmi – Diwali

Q7. List two or three tribal groups from your region or State. Document some of their art and belief systems.
Answer: Answers will vary. A sample response:
Santhals – known for folk songs, dance and nature worship.
Gonds – famous for Gond art, worship of trees and local deities.
Oraons – practice traditional festivals and honour earth spirits.

True or False

Q1. The Vedic hymns were written on palm-leaf manuscripts.
Answer: False

Q2. The Vedas are India’s oldest texts.
Answer: True

Q3. The Vedic statement ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti reflects a belief in the unity of cosmic powers.
Answer: True

Q4. Buddhism is older than the Vedas.
Answer: False

Q5. Jainism emerged as a branch of Buddhism.
Answer: False

Q6. Both Buddhism and Jainism advocated for peaceful coexistence and the avoidance of harm to all living beings.
Answer: True

Q7. Tribal belief systems are limited to belief in spirits and minor deities.
Answer: False