Social Science Notes Class 6 English Medium 2026-27

Social Science Chapter 7. Indias Cultural Roots

CBSE Notes New Syllabus: Class 6

Assignments - What Have You Learned?

Chapter 7. India’s Cultural Roots

Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. The word 'Veda' is derived from the Sanskrit root:

   1. Jñā
   2. Vid
   3. Gam
   4. Dhā

2. Which is the most ancient of the four Vedas?

   1. Yajur Veda
   2. Sama Veda
   3. Rig Veda
   4. Atharva Veda

3. The Vedic hymns were primarily transmitted through:

   1. Stone inscriptions
   2. Oral tradition
   3. Palm-leaf manuscripts
   4. Copper plates

4. Who were the female seers associated with the composition of Vedic hymns?

   1. Bhikshunis
   2. Rishikas
   3. Gopikas
   4. Shilpis

5. What does the Vedic statement “Ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti” express?

   1. There is no truth
   2. Truth is one but expressed through many names
   3. Only one deity should be worshipped
   4. Different cultures cannot coexist

6. Who became known as the Buddha after attaining enlightenment?

   1. Mahāvīra
   2. Siddhārtha Gautama
   3. Yajnavalkya
   4. Nachiketa

7. Where did Siddhārtha Gautama attain enlightenment?

   1. Sarnath
   2. Pāṭaliputra
   3. Bodh Gaya
   4. Vaiśhālī

8. According to Buddhism, which of the following is an important cause of suffering?

   1. Knowledge
   2. Ignorance and attachment
   3. Compassion
   4. Self-discipline

9. What does the word Jina mean?

   1. Teacher
   2. King
   3. Conqueror
   4. Warrior

10. Which of the following is an important principle of Jainism?

    1. Aparigraha
    2. Imperialism
    3. Violence
    4. Materialism

11. Anekāntavāda teaches that:

    1. There is only one possible viewpoint
    2. Reality has many aspects
    3. Material possessions are essential
    4. Violence is necessary

12. Which school of thought regarded the material world as the only reality?

    1. Vedanta
    2. Yoga
    3. Charvaka
    4. Jainism

13. Which of the following is an example of an oral tradition?

    1. Transmission of knowledge through speech and memory
    2. Only printed books
    3. Only stone inscriptions
    4. Only written manuscripts

14. Which community regards many peaks of the Nilgiri mountain range as sacred?

    1. Munda
    2. Santhal
    3. Toda
    4. Gond

15. Singbonga is worshipped as a supreme deity by communities including the:

    1. Munda and Santhal
    2. Toda and Bhil
    3. Naga and Khasi
    4. Garo and Toda

Section B – Fill in the Blanks

1. The word Veda comes from the Sanskrit root __________, meaning knowledge.
2. There are __________ Vedas.
3. The most ancient of the four Vedas is the __________ Veda.
4. Siddhārtha Gautama became known as the __________ after attaining enlightenment.
5. The Buddha attained enlightenment at __________.
6. The community of Buddhist monks and nuns is called the __________.
7. Mahāvīra is one of the most important teachers of __________.
8. The Jain principle of non-possession is called __________.
9. The Jain principle that reality has many aspects is called __________.
10. Another name for the Charvaka school is __________.

Section C – True or False

1. The Vedic hymns were originally preserved mainly through oral transmission.
2. The Rig Veda is the most ancient of the four Vedas.
3. Rishikas were female seers associated with Vedic hymns.
4. The statement “Ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti” reflects the idea of unity behind different names and forms.
5. Buddhism is older than the Vedas.
6. Jainism emerged as a branch of Buddhism.
7. Both Buddhism and Jainism emphasised peaceful coexistence and avoidance of harm.
8. Charvaka regarded the material world as the only reality.
9. Folk and tribal traditions have made no contribution to Indian culture.
10. Many tribal belief systems regard land and natural features as sacred.

Section D – Very Short Answer Questions

1. What is meant by culture?
2. What is a school of thought?
3. What does the word Veda mean?
4. Name the four Vedas.
5. Who were the rishikas?
6. What is meant by Ṛitam?
7. Who was Siddhārtha Gautama?
8. What does the word Buddha mean?
9. What is avidyā?
10. What is ahimsa?
11. Who was Mahāvīra?
12. What does Jina mean?
13. What is anekāntavāda?
14. What is aparigraha?
15. What is an oral tradition?

Section E – Short Answer Questions

1. What are the main messages of the Vedas?
2. Why was oral transmission important in preserving the Vedic hymns?
3. Explain the meaning of “Ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti.”
4. What questions about life and death are explored in the Upanishads?
5. Explain the central ideas of Buddhism.
6. Why did the Buddha give importance to inner purity rather than merely external rituals?
7. Explain the three important principles of Jainism.
8. What is the difference between ahimsa in thought and ahimsa in action?
9. What did the Charvaka school believe?
10. What are folk and tribal traditions?
11. Why are tribal traditions considered important roots of Indian culture?
12. How have tribal and Hindu traditions influenced one another?

Section F – Long Answer Questions

1. Explain the importance of the Vedas in the development of Indian culture and knowledge traditions.

2. Describe the journey of Siddhārtha Gautama from a protected life in the palace to becoming the Buddha. What did he realise about the causes of suffering?

3. Explain the main teachings of Jainism. Discuss ahimsa, anekāntavāda and aparigraha.

4. Compare Buddhism and Jainism. Mention their similarities as well as their important differences.

5. Explain the contribution of folk and tribal traditions to Indian culture with suitable examples.

6. How has the interaction between tribal traditions and Hindu traditions resulted in mutual cultural enrichment?

Section G – Differentiate Between

1. Differentiate between Vedas and Upanishads.
2. Differentiate between Rishi and Rishika.
3. Differentiate between Buddhism and Jainism.
4. Differentiate between Folk Tradition and Tribal Tradition.
5. Differentiate between Brahman and Ātman.

Section H – Think and Answer

1. If you were Nachiketa, what questions would you like to ask Yama about life and death? Write your questions in about 100–150 words.

2. The Buddha taught that external rituals alone cannot make a person pure. What do you understand from this idea?

3. Why is it important to respect different viewpoints? Explain your answer with reference to the Jain principle of anekāntavāda.

4. Why should folk and tribal traditions be considered an important part of India's cultural heritage?

5. How can respect for sacred natural places help in protecting the environment?

Section I – Activity Based Questions

1. Make a list of popular gods and goddesses worshipped in your region and mention the festivals associated with them.

2. Identify two or three tribal groups from your State. Collect information about their art, customs and belief systems.

3. Prepare a small chart showing the four Vedas and one important feature of each.

4. Prepare a comparison chart showing the central ideas of Buddhism and Jainism.

5. Stage a small classroom play based on the conversation between Nachiketa and Yama.

Section J – Source/Concept Based Questions

1. Read the statement: “The thousands of castes and tribes on the Indian subcontinent have influenced each other in their religious beliefs and practices.”

   What does this statement tell us about the development of Indian culture?

2. Why can Indian culture be described as a culture of interaction and mutual enrichment?

3. Why is it incorrect to describe tribal belief systems as limited only to spirits and minor deities?

4. What does the worship of Singbonga, Donyipolo and sacred mountains tell us about tribal belief systems?

Section K – Answer Key (MCQs)

Section L – Quick Revision Challenge

• 1. Name the four Vedas.
• 2. Name two important schools that developed from the Vedic tradition.
• 3. Who founded Buddhism?
• 4. What are the three important Jain principles discussed in the chapter?
• 5. What is Charvaka also known as?
• 6. What is the meaning of anekāntavāda?
• 7. What is meant by oral tradition?
• 8. Name one tribal community associated with the Nilgiri region.
• 9. Who worship Singbonga?
• 10. How have tribal traditions contributed to Indian culture?