Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Past Chapter 7

Class 6 Social Science Chapter 7 India's Cultural Roots from the new NCERT textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond explores the ideas and traditions that shaped Indian culture. Students learn about the Vedas and their oral tradition, the Upanishads and ideas like ātman, karma and rebirth, the teachings of the Buddha and Mahāvīra, the clans of early Vedic society, and the contribution of tribal communities.

These CBSE important questions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 7 cover tribal traditions and nature worship, how Buddhism and Jainism differed from Vedic teachings, ahimsa, the Upanishads, sabhā and samiti, the importance of the Vedas, and key ideas of Jainism and Buddhism. Assertion-reason questions are also included, each with a clear answer in simple English.

CBSE Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Chapter 7 – India's Cultural Roots

Q1. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.
Tribal communities have contributed to Indian culture through their oral traditions, art and belief systems. Many tribal practices, like revering nature, align with broader Indian cultural values.
1. How have tribal traditions enriched Indian culture?
2. Why is the worship of nature significant in both tribal and broader Indian beliefs?
3. Give an example of a tribal practice that has influenced mainstream Indian culture.

Answer: 1. Tribal traditions have enriched Indian culture through their art, music and storytelling. Their beliefs and ways of life add to India's diversity, and many tribal festivals and dances are celebrated in different parts of India, bringing people together.
2. Nature worship shows respect for the environment and the importance of trees, rivers and animals in our lives. Both tribal communities and Indian culture as a whole believe that nature is sacred and must be cared for to keep balance and harmony.
3. Warli painting from Maharashtra is a tribal practice of painting on walls using simple geometric shapes. Warli designs are now popular in modern art and are used to decorate homes, clothes and other items.

Q2. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.
Buddhism and Jainism emerged as schools of thought that challenged Vedic authority. They emphasised non-violence, self-discipline and inner knowledge. Leaders like the Buddha and Mahāvīra shared teachings that inspired millions.
1. How were Buddhism and Jainism different from Vedic teachings?
2. Why is non-violence (ahimsa) a central value in both Buddhism and Jainism?
3. What can we learn from the lives of the Buddha and Mahāvīra?

Answer: 1. Buddhism and Jainism focused on simple living, non-violence and personal discipline instead of rituals and sacrifices. They did not accept the authority of the Vedas and encouraged people to find the truth through their own efforts.
2. Ahimsa teaches respect for all living beings. Both religions believe that avoiding harm to others creates peace and harmony, which is essential for personal and social well-being.
3. Their lives teach us kindness, self-control and staying focused on our goals. Both showed how to live a simple and meaningful life by helping others and finding inner peace.

Comparison of Vedic teachings with Buddhism and Jainism: rituals and Vedic authority versus simple living, own effort and ahimsa

Q3. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.
The Upanishads expanded on Vedic teachings and introduced concepts like karma, rebirth and ātman. They explained the interconnectedness of all beings and emphasised inner knowledge and self-realisation.
1. How do the Upanishads explain the concept of the Self (ātman)?
2. Why are karma and rebirth important ideas in Indian philosophy?
3. Describe one lesson from the Upanishads and how it can help people today.

Answer: 1. The Upanishads explain that the Self, or ātman, is eternal and divine. It is the true essence of every person, beyond the body and the mind, and understanding it brings peace and happiness because it connects us to the universe.
2. Karma explains how a person's actions affect their future: good actions bring positive results and bad actions bring difficulties. Rebirth shows life as a cycle in which the choices of this life can influence the next.
3. Self-realisation means understanding our true Self and its connection with the world. It helps people today by encouraging them to seek inner peace and kindness instead of material possessions.

Q4. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.
Early Vedic society was organised into clans, called janas, such as the Bharatas and Kurus. These clans were associated with specific regions. Leaders, assemblies and rituals played a key role in governance and cultural practices.
1. How did the clan system shape the organisation of early Vedic society?
2. Why were collective gatherings like sabhā and samiti important in Vedic governance?
3. What do you think was the role of rituals in uniting Vedic clans?

Answer: 1. The clan system grouped people into smaller, manageable units called janas. Each clan had its own leader, territory and shared customs, which made it easier to govern people and make sure rules and traditions were followed.
2. In the sabhā and samiti, clan members discussed issues, made decisions and solved problems together. People could share their opinions, which made governance fairer and more organised.
3. Rituals brought people together to worship and celebrate. They created a sense of community and helped everyone feel connected through shared beliefs and traditions.

Q5. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow.
The Vedas are India's oldest texts and among the world's most ancient literature. They consist of hymns composed in early Sanskrit, passed down orally for generations. These texts explore spiritual truths, human values, and the universe's harmony.
1. Why are the Vedas considered an important part of India's cultural roots?
2. How does the oral transmission of the Vedas show their cultural importance?
3. Explain one lesson or value taught in the Vedas and its relevance today.

Answer: 1. The Vedas are the oldest texts in Indian culture and among the most ancient in the world. They teach spiritual truths, human values and ideas about the universe, and form the foundation of India's traditions and beliefs.
2. The Vedas were preserved accurately by memory and recitation for thousands of years, long before writing was common. This careful passing down shows how much Indian society valued these texts and its commitment to keeping its traditions alive.
3. The Vedas teach harmony: living peacefully with others and with nature. Today this reminds us to protect the environment and to work together to solve problems in our communities.

Q6. Why is the banyan tree used as a symbol for Indian civilisation?
Assertion (A): The banyan tree represents unity in diversity.
Reason (R): Its branches and roots symbolise India's interconnected cultural traditions.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
(c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong, but R is correct.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
Like the banyan tree's many branches and roots, India's diverse traditions are united by shared cultural roots.

Q7. How do the Upanishads describe the Self?
Assertion (A): The Upanishads state that the Self, or ātman, is eternal and divine.
Reason (R): They emphasise that the Self is separate from the material world.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
(c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong, but R is correct.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
The Upanishads describe the Self as eternal and divine because it lies beyond the body, the mind and the material world.

Q8. Why is Vedic chanting recognised as an oral heritage?
Assertion (A): Vedic hymns have been passed down orally for thousands of years.
Reason (R): This oral tradition ensures cultural continuity and accuracy.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
(c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong, but R is correct.

Answer: (b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
Vedic chanting does preserve the hymns accurately, but its main purpose was to pass on religious and cultural knowledge, so R does not fully explain A.

Q9. How did the Upanishads expand on Vedic concepts?
Assertion (A): The Upanishads introduced the concept of karma and rebirth.
Reason (R): These ideas were part of the original Vedic hymns.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
(c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong, but R is correct.

Answer: (c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
Karma and rebirth were developed in the Upanishads; they were not fully part of the original Vedic hymns.

Q10. Why are the Vedas considered a foundation of Indian culture?
Assertion (A): The Vedas are among the oldest texts in the world.
Reason (R): They contain hymns that explore spiritual truths and human values.
(a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
(b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
(c) A is correct, but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong, but R is correct.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
The Vedas are ancient texts that explore human values and spiritual truths, which is why they form a core part of Indian culture.

Q11. How can we apply the key teachings of Jainism in our daily lives?

Answer: Some key ideas of Jainism are:
• Ahimsa (non-violence): avoiding harm to any living being through thoughts, words or actions.
• Anekantavada: understanding that truth and reality have many sides and can be seen from different angles.
• Aparigraha: not getting attached to material things and living with only what we need.
We can follow these teachings by being kind to all living things, listening to different viewpoints and avoiding unnecessary desires. These habits help us live a peaceful and contented life.

Q12. Discuss some key ideas of Buddhism.

Answer: • Ahimsa (non-violence): the Buddha taught that we should not harm any living being in thought, word or action.
• Causes of suffering: the Buddha found that suffering is caused by ignorance (not knowing the truth) and attachment (holding on to things). To be free from suffering, we must overcome them.
• Nirvana: a state of ultimate peace and happiness in which a person is free from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The Buddha taught that it can be reached by following the right path, including a moral life and meditation.

Related Study Material on Extramarks

Q.1 Identify the province based on the following information:
1. Gateway to the northwest.
2. A provincial capital.

Brahmagiri

Maski

Girnar

Taxila

Marks:1

Ans

Taxila was the gateway to the northwest and also a provincial capital.

Q.2 Identify the correct statements from below and choose the correct option:
I) Ashoka was inspired by Mahavirs teachings and hence started following Jainism.
II) Ashoka considered himself a father of his subjects.
III) Ashoka’s dhamma also involved worship of God.

I, III

II

II, III

I, II

Marks:1

Ans

Ashoka was inspired by Buddhas teachings and started following Buddhism. According to Ashoka, just like a father instructing his children, he was also responsible for teaching his subjects. Ashoka’s dhamma did not involve the worship of any god or performing any type of sacrifice.

Q.3 Mauryas tried to control roads and rivers.
1)What resources was the Mauryan empire blessed with (3 marks)
2) How did the Mauryan empire earn through those resources (2 marks)

Marks:5

Ans

1) The Mauryan empire was a very vast empire. Hence it was a network of several connective ways like roads and rivers. These ways were usually used by several locals but also mainly by merchants and traders to import and export their goods. The empire was also blessed with heavily forested regions which brought a lot of goods to the empire.
2)The Mauryas tried their best to control roads, rivers, and forested regions to collect taxes and tribute from merchants who use these ways to trade.  Forests provide honey, elephants and timber to the empire.

Q.4 As the empire was so large, different parts were ruled differently.
1) Discuss the Mauryan empire’s political system. (3 marks)
2) Who was appointed to look after the administration of the regional sections of the empire (2 marks)

Marks:5

Ans

1) Since the Mauryan empire was so vast, different regions of it were governed differently. The emperor had direct influence over the land around Pataliputra. Officials were appointed to collect taxes from farmers, herders, craftspeople, and dealers in the area’s villages and cities.   Officials in the Mauryan government also punished people who defied the ruler’s orders. Some Mauryan officials received remuneration. Messages were sent and received, and spies kept an eye on the officials. With the support of members of the royal family and senior ministers, the Mauryan emperor oversaw all officials, species, diplomats, and so on.
2) The emperor usually appointed royal princes as governors to the provinces to look after their administrative affairs.

Q.5 Ashoka’s inscriptions are very famous.
I) Who was the first ruler to inscribe his messages for his people (2 marks)
II) What was written in these inscriptions and why (3 marks)

Marks:5

Ans

I) Ashoka was the first ruler to get his messages inscribed so as to convey these to his subjects.

II) Most of Ashokas messages were in his inscriptions. These messages were written in the inscriptions so that it was easier for his subjects to see, read, and obey them. Hence, these inscriptions generally had instructions or messages of dhamma for the people of his kingdom.

Q.6 Read the following passage and answer the following questions.
Eight years after becoming king I conquered Kalinga. About a lakh and a half people were captured. And more than a lakh of people were killed. This filled me with sorrow. Why Whenever an independent land is conquered, lakhs of people die, and many are taken prisoner. Brahmins and monks also die. People who are kind to their relatives and friends, to their slaves and servants die, or lose their loved ones. That is why I am sad, and have decided to observe dhamma, and to teach others about it as well.
I) After which war did Ashoka realize the need for dhamma and why (2 marks)
II) What are some of the consequences of war mentioned in the paragraph (3 marks)

Marks:5

Ans

I) It was after the war of Kalinga that Ashoka realized the need for dhamma. Ashoka was devastated by the effects of the war. Even after his victory over Kalinga, he was deeply sorrowful after realizing the casualties of war.
II) If a war takes place, it involves not only two kings but lakhs and lakhs of soldiers involved in the war. No matter whichever side wins, there are lakhs of people who get killed. Many people are not killed, instead their lives become more miserable as prisoners. It is not just the soldiers who die but even monks and Brahmins get killed in wars.

Q.7 Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, wrote: His edicts (instructions) still speak to us in a language we can understand and we can still learn much from them.
I) Who was Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru (1 mark)
II) Name the person referred to as his in the paragraph. (1 mark)
III) In which script and language were most of the Ashokan inscriptions written (1 mark)

Marks:3

Ans

I). Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru was India’s first Prime Minister.
II) The word his refers to Ashoka in this paragraph.
III) In most of the Ashokan inscriptions, Prakrit language and Brahmi scripts were used.

Q.8 What was the idea behind Ashokas dhamma

Marks:1

Ans

There were numerous problems in his kingdom that troubled him. Ashoka saw himself as the protector or father of his people. Thus, he felt a sense of responsibility for resolving these challenges and problems. He was very inspired by Buddhas teachings and also inculcated those teachings in his dhamma. Just like a father teaches his son, he also wanted to instruct his subjects through dhamma and therefore he appointed officers for this purpose. The dhamma mahamatta were officials who travelled from place-to-place teaching people about the concept of dhamma. Hence, the idea behind Ashokas dhamma was to solve the problems that existed in his kingdom as well as to teach and instruct his subjects.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

To give the students important background knowledge about our past and its origins, the subject of history is included in the syllabus for Class 6. Students must be aware of all the traditional customs, beliefs, and civilisations that formerly prevailed. The society, their customs and rituals, food and kinds of clothes they wore, the settlements etc. were all very different. History is not just about the past, it’s about the present. Students will learn how we have evolved over the long centuries of development. How the transformation of villages to cities and thriving towns gradually took place and much more. . Class 6  social science Chapter-by-chapter descriptions of several significant historical events from the past are provided in the Social Science textbook Our Past of Class 6.

Following the Kalinga War, Ashoka decided to follow the path of  Dhamma. . Dhamma, a Prakrit term, translates to “Dharma” in Sanskrit. He thought that the Dhamma was more about how one lived their life than it was about worshipping God or making sacrifices. He spread in his people the idea that they should treat all living things with compassion, drawing inspiration from the Buddha’s teachings. Additionally, one should never criticise another religion. To know more about the topics, students can refer to Extramarks Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 7.

The turning moment in Ashoka’s life was the Kalinga War. Ashoka was depressed when he returned from the Kalinga War and found the entire battlefield covered in debris and dead people everywhere.. He couldn’t overlook the fact that lakhs of people died, and many more were imprisoned, others taken as prisoners, and people lost their loved ones, all this made him sad.  . Realising this, he decided to forgo wars that cause widespread harm in favour of the “Dhamma,” and he was determined to do so. To gain a deeper perspective of the topic, students may refer to Extramarks Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 7.

Everyone is familiar with Ashoka, the greatest ruler in history. The most famous Mauryan emperor was Ashoka. He is regarded as the most unusual king that has ever existed. He was the first ruler to speak directly to the people through his  Dhamma-related inscriptions which carry royal orders.  Ashoka’s inscriptions were composed in Prakrit and most of his inscriptions were written in Brahmi script. He is renowned for giving up war after he conquered  Kalinga. Students can refer to Extramarks Important Questions Class 6 Social Science Our Pasts Chapter 7 to know more about the topic.