NCERT Class 6 History: Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas

Summary: NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 6

NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 6 explores new thoughts and beliefs that emerged in ancient India. The chapter begins with the story of the Buddha, who was born 2500 years ago. He taught about finding peace and wisdom through meditation and understanding the nature of suffering. Next, the chapter focuses on Upanishads, ancient scriptures that highlight deep questions about life, the universe, and our place in it. These texts encouraged contemplation and reflection.

We then learn about Jainism, a religion founded by Lord Mahavira, which emphasized non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion towards all living beings. Jainism inspired many to lead a life of virtue. We also learn about The Sangha, a community of monks and nuns that played a crucial role in spreading Buddhist teachings. They dedicated their lives to meditation and teaching others about the path to enlightenment.

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Important Dates in NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 6

This will answer the important dates in class 6 History Chapter 6.

Event	Date
Upanishadic thinkers, the Jaina teacher Mahavira and the Buddha	About 2500 years ago
Writing down of the Jaina texts	About 1500 years ago

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Important Definitions in NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 6

• Tanha: In Buddhism, “tanha” means craving or strong desire. It’s the feeling of really wanting something.
• Prakrit: Prakrit is an ancient Indian language that was spoken by regular people in ancient times. It was different from the more formal Sanskrit.
• Upanishad: Upanishads are ancient texts that talk about deep spiritual knowledge. They help people understand the meaning of life and the universe.
• Atman: In Hinduism, “atman” means the inner self or soul. It’s the part of you that’s special and unique.
• Brahman: According to Hindu beliefs, “brahman” is the ultimate power or force that’s everywhere in the universe. It’s like the energy that makes everything exist.
• Ahimsa: Ahimsa is a very important idea in Indian philosophy. It means not hurting or causing harm to any living being. It’s about being kind and peaceful.
• Jaina: Jainism is a religion that teaches kindness, truthfulness, and non-violence. Someone who follows Jainism is called a Jaina.
• Sangha: Sangha means a community or group of people who follow the same spiritual path, like monks or nuns who live together.
• Bhikkhu: In Buddhism, a “bhikkhu” is a monk. Monks are people who devote their lives to following the teachings of Buddha.
• Vihara: A vihara is a special place where monks live and practice their spiritual teachings. It’s like their home.
• Ashrama: In ancient Indian society, an ashrama was a place where people lived and learned. It was like a school for spiritual and moral education.

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Important Questions and Answers in NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 6

1. Describe the ways in which the Buddha tried to spread his message to the people.

Ans. The Buddha used simple and clear teachings to spread his message in the following ways:

• He traveled to different places, like towns and villages, to talk to people. He shared stories and examples to explain his ideas. 
• The Buddha also taught monks and nuns, who then shared his teachings with others. This helped his message reach more people. 
• He encouraged everyone to think and understand for themselves, instead of just believing what others said. The Buddha’s kind and wise words helped many people find peace and happiness.

2. Write whether true or false:

(a) The Buddha encouraged animal sacrifices. False

(b) Sarnath is important because it was the place where the Buddha taught for the first time. True

(c) The Buddha taught that karma has no effect on our lives. False

(d) The Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. True

(e) Upanishadic thinkers believed that the atman and Brahman were ultimately one. True

3. What were the questions that Upanishadic thinkers wanted to answer?

Ans. Upanishadic thinkers wanted to ask the following questions:

• What is the nature of the ultimate reality or Brahman? They were curious about the fundamental force that underlies the universe.
• What is the self or Atman? They considered the true nature of the individual self and its connection to the greater reality.
• How can one attain Moksha or liberation? They sought to understand the path to freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
• What is the relationship between the individual and the universe? They wondered how we are connected to the world around us.

4. What were the main teachings of the Mahavira?

Ans. The main teachings of the Mahavira are as mentioned:

• Ahimsa: Mahavira believed in not hurting or causing harm to any living being. He taught that we should be kind and gentle to all creatures.
• Satya: He emphasized the importance of always speaking the truth. Being honest and truthful was very important to him.
• Asteya: Mahavira taught that we should not take anything that doesn’t belong to us. It’s important to respect other people’s things.
• Brahmacharya: He believed in being pure and having control over our desires. This meant being faithful and disciplined in our behavior.
• Aparigraha: Mahavira advised against being too attached to material things. He thought it was important to be content with what we have.
• Equality: He believed that all living beings, regardless of their size or shape, deserve respect and should be treated equally

5. Why do you think Anagha’s mother wanted her to know the story of the Buddha?

Ans. Anagha’s mother wanted her to know the story of the Buddha because it teaches important lessons about compassion, peace, and finding happiness within ourselves. Learning about the Buddha can help Anagha understand how one person’s actions and beliefs can inspire positive change in the world. It also encourages her to be kind and thoughtful towards others, which are valuable qualities in life.

6. Do you think it would have been easy for slaves to join the sangha? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans. Joining the sangha, which refers to an association of those who left their homes, might not have been easy for slaves because of the following reasons:

• Society back then had strict rules and hierarchies. Slaves were considered to be at the bottom of the social order, which made it challenging for them to break free from their assigned roles.
• In the Buddhist sangha, there were certain criteria and expectations for those who wanted to become monks. This included living a life of discipline and meditation and following a set of rules like men could join the sangha but children had to take the permission of their parents and slaves that of their masters. Those who worked for the king had to take his permission and debtors that of creditors. Women had to take their husbands’ permission.
• Society might not have accepted a slave becoming a monk. People’s attitudes towards slaves were often based on their social status, which made it less likely for them to be considered for such a significant change in their lives.

Download Social Science Class 6 History Chapter 6 Important Questions and Answers PDF

Also Read:

Chapter 1: NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 1- “What, Where, How and When?”

Chapter 2: NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 2- “From Hunting-Gathering to Growing Food”

Chapter 3: NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 3- “In the Earliest Cities

Chapter 4: NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 4- “What Books and Burials Tell Us?”

Chapter 5: NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 5- “Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic”

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