Chapter 5 India, That is Bharat Class 6 Social Science Exploring Society: India and Beyond NCERT Solutions
Chapter 5 India, That is Bharat NCERT Solutions Class 6 Social Science
Page No. 75The Big Questions
1. How do we define India?
Answer
India is defined as a modern nation with specific borders, states, and a known population. Historically, it has been a region with shifting boundaries and different names such as 'Bharat', 'Hindustan', and 'Jambudvipa'.
2. What were the ancient names for India?
Answer
Ancient names for India include 'Sapta Sindhava', 'Bharatavarsha', 'Jambudvipa', 'Hind', 'Hindu', 'Indoi', 'Indike', 'Yintu', and 'Tianzhu'. These names were derived from texts like the Rig Veda, Mahabharata, and inscriptions by ancient rulers like Ashoka.
Page No. 77
Think About it
Consider the physical map of the Indian Subcontinent at the start of the chapter. What are its natural boundaries that you can make out?
Answer
The physical map of the Indian Subcontinent at the start of the chapter highlights the following natural boundaries:
- The Himalayas: These mountains form the northern boundary, acting as a natural barrier between the Indian Subcontinent and the rest of Asia.
- The Indian Ocean: This body of water forms the southern boundary of the subcontinent.
- The Arabian Sea: This sea lies to the west of the Indian Subcontinent.
- The Bay of Bengal: This body of water is to the east of the Indian Subcontinent.
These natural features have historically defined the geographical limits of the Indian Subcontinent.
Page No. 78
Let's Explore
Do you recognise the names of any regions given in the map (Fig. 5.4) on page 79? List the ones that you have heard of.
Answer
From the map in Fig. 5.4 on page 79 of Chapter 5, the recognizable regions listed are:
- Käshmira (Kashmir)
- Kurukshetra (parts of Haryana)
- Vanga (parts of Bengal)
- Prägjyotiha (roughly today's Assam)
- Kaccha (Kutch)
- Kerala (more or less today's Kerala)
These names have historical significance and continue to be recognized in various forms in modern India.
Page No. 80
Think About it
Have you identified the ‘snowy mountains’? Do you think this brief description of Bhārata is correct?
Answer
The "snowy mountains" mentioned in the description of Bhärata refer to the Himalayas. This description accurately captures the geographical extent of ancient India:
- North of the ocean: Refers to the Indian Ocean, which forms the southern boundary of the Indian Subcontinent.
- South of the snowy mountains: Refers to the Himalayas, which create the northern boundary.
This description aligns with the traditional understanding of the Indian Subcontinent's natural boundaries, covering the region between the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean.
Page No. 81
Let's Explore
In this reproduction of the first page of the original Constitution of India in Fig. 5.5 (page 82), can you make out the phrase ‘India, that is Bharat’?
Answer
Yes, the phrase "India, that is Bharat" appears on the first page of the original Constitution of India in Figure 5.5 (page 82) of Chapter 5. This phrase is featured at the beginning of the Constitution, affirming the ancient name "Bharat" alongside the modern name "India" as the official designation of the country. This inclusion highlights the historical continuity and rich cultural heritage of the nation.
Page No. 83
Can you complete this table of the many names of India?
Answer
|
Persian |
Hind, Hindu or Hindustan |
|
Greek |
Indoi, Indike |
|
Latin |
India |
|
Chinese |
Yintu, Yindu, Tianzhu |
|
Arabic & Persian |
Al-Hind |
|
English |
India |
|
French |
Inde |
Page No. 84
Questions, activities and projects
1. Discuss what could be the meaning of the quotation at the start of the chapter.
Answer
The quotation by Sri Aurobindo suggests that India's spiritual and cultural unity was established early on and became an integral part of life for the people living between the Himalayas and the seas. It emphasizes the deep-rooted cultural connections and shared heritage that define the Indian subcontinent.
2. True or false?
- The Rig Veda describes the entire geography of India.
False. The Rig Veda mainly describes the northwest region of the subcontinent as 'Sapta Sindhava'. - The Vishnu Purana describes the entire Subcontinent.
True. The Vishnu Purana refers to the entire subcontinent as 'Bharata'. - In Ashoka’s time, ‘Jambudvipa’ included what is today India, parts of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
True. Ashoka used 'Jambudvipa' to describe the entire region. - The Mahabharata lists many regions, including Kashmir, Kutch, and Kerala.
True. The Mahabharata mentions many regions, such as Kashmira, Kaccha, and Kerala. - The term ‘Hindustan’ first appeared in a Greek inscription more than 2,000 years ago.
False. The term 'Hindustan' first appeared in a Persian inscription about 1,800 years ago. - In ancient Persian, the word ‘Hindu’ refers to the Hindu religion.
False. In ancient Persian, 'Hindu' was a geographical term referring to the region around the Indus River. - ‘Bharata’ is a name given to India by foreign travellers.
False. 'Bharata' is a name given by the ancient inhabitants of India.
3. 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!
Answer
If I were born 2,000 years ago, I might have named the country 'Sarasvatidesh' in honor of the Sarasvati River, which is often mentioned in ancient texts as a sacred and significant river. This name would reflect the importance of rivers in sustaining life and culture.
4. 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)
Answer
People travelled to India in ancient times for various reasons:
- Trade: India was known for its rich resources, including spices, textiles, and precious stones, which attracted traders.
- Pilgrimage: India was a center for religious activities and the birthplace of major religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, drawing pilgrims.
- Education: Renowned educational institutions like Nalanda University attracted scholars and students.
- Conquest and Exploration: Invaders and explorers sought to conquer new territories and learn about different cultures.
- Cultural Exchange: Artists, musicians, and intellectuals visited India to exchange cultural knowledge and practices.