Question 1
If you were Nachiketa, what would you ask Yama? Write 100–150 words.
Steps only
Ask about life, death, right action, happiness, learning, and care for others.
Answer
Answers vary; write 100–150 words of thoughtful questions for Yama.
CLASS 6 · SOCIAL STUDIES · CHAPTER 7
India’s Cultural Roots
Student-friendly answers to all seven chapter questions and the seven true-or-false statements. Local examples can be adapted to the student’s region.
14 worked answersComplete chapter answers
14 worked answers · short steps first, explanations when you need them
Questions, activities and projects
Textbook pages 122–123
Question 2
Explain a few central ideas of Buddhism and briefly comment on them.
Steps only
Buddhism teaches that ignorance and attachment cause suffering; understanding, inner discipline, truth, and ahimsa help people live better.
Answer
These ideas encourage self-control, compassion, and non-harm.
Question 3
Discuss the Buddha’s statement that a person is not made pure by bathing in a river, but by truth and dharma.
Steps only
The Buddha emphasises inner goodness—truth and right conduct—over relying only on an outward ritual.
Answer
True purity is shown through truthful and responsible actions.
Question 4
Explain a few central ideas of Jainism and briefly comment on them.
Steps only
Ahimsa: avoid harm. Anekantavada: truth has many aspects. Aparigraha: limit attachment to possessions.
Answer
These ideas support non-harm, open-mindedness, and a simple life.
Question 5
Consider and discuss André Béteille’s thought that tribal beliefs and Hindu traditions have influenced one another over time.
Steps only
The quotation describes cultural exchange in both directions through stories, art, deities, and practices.
Answer
Traditions can influence one another while communities retain their own distinct identities.
Question 6
List popular gods and goddesses in your region and the festivals associated with them.
Steps only
Ask people in your region, then list each locally popular deity with its associated festival.
Answer
Answers vary by region and community.
Question 7
List two or three tribal groups from your region or State and document some of their art and belief systems.
Steps only
Research two or three communities in your State and record a verified art form, belief, and source for each.
Answer
The groups and examples depend on the student’s region.
True or false
Textbook pages 123
Question 1
The Vedic hymns were written on palm-leaf manuscripts.
Steps only
False — the hymns were transmitted orally.
Answer
False.
Question 2
The Vedas are India’s oldest texts.
Steps only
True — the Vedas are described as India’s oldest texts.
Answer
True.
Question 3
The Vedic statement ‘ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti’ reflects a belief in the unity of cosmic powers.
Steps only
True — it expresses one reality described through many names.
Answer
True.
Question 4
Buddhism is older than the Vedas.
Steps only
False — the Vedas are older than Buddhism.
Answer
False.
Question 5
Jainism emerged as a branch of Buddhism.
Steps only
False — Jainism is a distinct tradition, not a branch of Buddhism.
Answer
False.
Question 6
Both Buddhism and Jainism advocated peaceful coexistence and avoiding harm to living beings.
Steps only
True — ahimsa is important in both traditions.
Answer
True.
Question 7
Tribal belief systems are limited to belief in spirits and minor deities.
Steps only
False — tribal belief systems are diverse and may include belief in a supreme divinity.
Answer
False.