India, That Is BharatClass 6 Social Science NCERT Solutions
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Q1Questions, activities and projects
Discuss what could be the meaning of the quotation at the start of the chapter.
Solution
The quotation by Sri Aurobindo, "In India at a very early time the spiritual and cultural unity was made complete and became the very stuff of the life of all this great surge of humanity between the Himalayas and the two seas," signifies the deep-rooted and ancient identity of India. It suggests that long before modern political boundaries were established, the vast region encompassing the Himalayas in the north and the oceans on its other sides was unified by a profound spiritual and cultural essence. This unity was not merely superficial but formed the fundamental fabric of life for the diverse population. The statement emphasizes that India's identity is intrinsically linked to its historical spiritual and cultural heritage, which developed very early and became an inseparable part of its people's existence. It highlights a shared consciousness and a common thread that bound together the inhabitants of the Indian Subcontinent, establishing a unique and enduring identity.
Q2Questions, activities and projects
True or false? → The Rig Veda describes the entire geography of India. → The Viṣhṇu Purāṇa describes the entire Subcontinent. → In Aśhoka’s time, ‘Jambudvīpa’ included what is today India, parts of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. → The Mahābhārata lists many regions, including Kashmir, Kutch, and Kerala. → The term 'Hindustān' first appeared in a Greek inscription more than 2,000 years ago. → In ancient Persian, the word 'Hindu' refers to the Hindu religion. → 'Bhārata' is a name given to India by foreign travellers.
Solution
Here are the true or false statements:
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The Rig Veda describes the entire geography of India. - False.
- The Rig Veda gives the northwest region of the Subcontinent the name 'Sapta Sindhava', referring to the land of the seven rivers, not the entire geography of India.
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The Viṣhṇu Purāṇa describes the entire Subcontinent. - True.
- The Viṣhṇu Purāṇa describes Bhārata as "the country that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains," which encompasses the entire Indian Subcontinent.
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In Aśhoka’s time, ‘Jambudvīpa’ included what is today India, parts of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. - True.
- Emperor Aśhoka used the name 'Jambudvīpa' to describe the whole of India, which at that time included what is today Bangladesh, Pakistan, as well as parts of Afghanistan.
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The Mahābhārata lists many regions, including Kashmir, Kutch, and Kerala. - True.
- The Mahābhārata lists many regions such as Kāshmīra (Kashmir), Kaccha (Kutch), and Kerala, among others.
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The term 'Hindustān' first appeared in a Greek inscription more than 2,000 years ago. - False.
- The term 'Hindustān' was first used in a Persian inscription some 1,800 years ago, not a Greek one more than 2,000 years ago.
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In ancient Persian, the word 'Hindu' refers to the Hindu religion. - False.
- In ancient Persian, 'Hindu' was a purely geographical term, referring to the region of the Indus River, and it did not refer to the Hindu religion.
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'Bhārata' is a name given to India by foreign travellers. - False.
- 'Bhārata' (or 'Bhāratavarṣha') is a name that appears in ancient Indian texts like the Rig Veda and Mahābhārata, used by the inhabitants themselves, not by foreign travellers.
Q3Questions, activities and projects
If you were born some 2,000 years ago and had the chance to name our country, what name or names might you have chosen, and why? Use your imagination!
Solution
If I were born some 2,000 years ago and had the chance to name our country, I might have chosen names that reflect its significant geographical features, its spiritual essence, or its abundant natural resources, drawing inspiration from the ancient texts.
One name I might choose is Sindhu-Dvipa, combining the prominent Indus (Sindhu) River with 'Dvipa' (island or subcontinent). This would acknowledge the river that defined the region for early inhabitants and visitors, while 'Dvipa' would signify its distinct geographical entity, surrounded by mountains and seas, much like 'Jambudvīpa' was used.
Another name could be Punya Bhumi, meaning 'Sacred Land' or 'Land of Merit'. This name would reflect the deep spiritual and cultural unity that was made complete very early on, as mentioned by Sri Aurobindo. It would highlight the reverence and sanctity associated with the land, which was a hub for various knowledge traditions and philosophical thoughts.
A third option could be Ratnagarbha, meaning 'Womb of Jewels'. This name would emphasize the rich natural resources and fertility of the land, which attracted many travelers and contributed to its prosperity. It would symbolize the subcontinent's inherent wealth and bounty, from its fertile plains to its precious minerals and diverse flora and fauna.
Q4Questions, activities and projects
Why did people travel to India from various parts of the world in ancient times? What could be their motivations in undertaking such long journeys? (Hint: There could be at least four or five motivations)
Solution
People traveled to India from various parts of the world in ancient times for multiple significant motivations, undertaking long and often perilous journeys:
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Military Conquest and Expansion: One primary motivation was military conquest. As mentioned in the chapter, a Persian emperor launched a military campaign in the 6th century BCE to gain control of the Indus River region. Later, other invaders also sought to control and rule parts of the Indian Subcontinent, leading to the adoption of names like 'Hindustān' by these conquering forces.
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Religious Pilgrimage and Pursuit of Knowledge: Many travelers, particularly from East Asia like Xuanzang from China in the 7th century CE, were pilgrims. Their motivation was deeply religious, driven by the desire to visit sacred Buddhist sites, collect Buddhist texts (manuscripts), meet scholars, and deepen their understanding of religious philosophies that originated or flourished in India.
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Trade and Economic Opportunities: While not explicitly detailed as a primary focus for travel to India in this specific chapter, the existence of "visitors from outside" and the rich resources of the subcontinent imply significant trade and economic exchange. India was known for its spices, textiles, precious stones, and other valuable commodities, which attracted traders and merchants seeking wealth and new markets.
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Exploration and Documentation: Some individuals were motivated by a desire for exploration and to document the world around them. The accounts of travelers and pilgrims, and inscriptions, suggest that people sought to learn about distant lands, their geography, cultures, and societies. This intellectual curiosity contributed to a broader understanding of the ancient world.
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Seeking New Lands or Settlements: Over millennia, with shifting boundaries and migrations, some groups might have traveled to India in search of new lands for settlement. This could have been driven by population pressures, environmental changes, or conflicts in their original homelands, viewing the fertile and resource-rich subcontinent as a promising new place to establish communities.