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CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas

Here we have provided CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6 for the ease of students so that they can prepare well.
authorImageAnanya Gupta17 Sept, 2024
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CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6: In Chapter 6 of CBSE Class 6 Social Science History, New Questions and Ideas, introduces the emergence of two major religious traditions in ancient India: Buddhism and Jainism.

Both religions developed as people began to question the existing rituals and social order. Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, taught that desire leads to suffering and that ending desire could lead to enlightenment, following the Eightfold Path. On the other hand, Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, emphasized non-violence (ahimsa) and asceticism. The chapter also discusses the rise of new philosophies and how these ideas challenged the existing Vedic religion and caste system, promoting personal spiritual growth and ethical conduct.

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6 Overview

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6, New Questions and Ideas provide an overview of the rise of new religious and philosophical thoughts in ancient India. These notes are prepared by subject experts of Physics Wallah. These simplified notes help students understand how these ideas challenged traditional rituals and the caste system, making it easier to grasp key concepts for exam preparation.

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6 PDF Download

The notes for Chapter 6 of CBSE Class 6 Social Science History, New Questions and Ideas, are available in PDF format for easy access. You can download the notes through the link provided below:

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas PDF .

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas

Below we have provided CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas-

The Story of Buddha

About 2500 years ago, Siddhartha, later known as Gautama Buddha, was born. He belonged to a small gana called the Sakya Gana and was a Kshatriya. In search of deeper knowledge, he left his comfortable life and meditated under a peepal tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. After days of meditation, he attained enlightenment and became known as the Buddha, or the Wise One. His first teachings were in Sarnath, near Varanasi, and he spent the rest of his life traveling and spreading his teachings until he passed away in Kusinara.

Buddha’s Teaching

Buddha taught that life is full of suffering, and even when we get what we desire, we often want more. He called this endless craving tanha (thirst). He advised people to follow moderation in everything to control their desires. Buddha also taught the importance of kindness and respect for all living beings, including animals. He believed that our actions, known as karma , have consequences that affect us in both this life and the next, emphasizing that good actions lead to positive results.

Upanishads

Before the time of Buddha, people were seeking answers to deep and complex questions, such as the mysteries of life after death and the reasons behind sacrificial rituals. Many thinkers of that time believed in the existence of an eternal soul, which they referred to as atman (the individual soul), and brahman (the universal soul). They believed that atman and brahman were interconnected and similar. These philosophical ideas were recorded in the Upanishads, which are part of the later Vedic texts. The word "Upanishad" means "sit near," symbolizing the teacher-student relationship, as these texts often include dialogues between them. Sometimes, these conversations involve deep and meaningful discussions on spiritual matters. Most thinkers of the Upanishads were men, typically Brahmins or Rajas. However, there were exceptions, like Gargi, a renowned female scholar who participated in intellectual debates in royal courts. Despite these discussions being mostly inaccessible to the poor, one notable thinker, Satyakama Jabala, a slave, was taught by a Brahmin teacher named Gautama. The philosopher Shankaracharya later expanded on the ideas in the Upanishads, making significant contributions to their understanding.

Jainism

Jainism, a significant religious tradition in India, was established around the same time as Buddhism. It was founded by Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, who was born into the Kshatriya class of the Lichchhavi dynasty. At the age of 30, Mahavira renounced his royal life and adopted an ascetic lifestyle, spending twelve years in deep meditation and hardship before attaining enlightenment. Mahavira’s teachings center on the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) and the belief that all living beings deserve respect and compassion. His doctrine emphasizes the importance of renouncing material desires and leading a life of truth and non-attachment. Mahavira preached in Prakrit, a language that made his teachings accessible to the common people. Jains follow a strict code of conduct, including non-violence, honesty, and celibacy. They often live ascetic lives, relying on alms and avoiding harm to any living creature. Jainism has had a profound impact on Indian culture and continues to be practiced widely, with its teachings being preserved in texts and transmitted through oral traditions. The Jain community values simplicity and moral discipline, and Mahavira's teachings remain a cornerstone of Jain philosophy.

The Sangha

The Sangha was a community of individuals who left their homes to follow the teachings of Buddhism. The rules and regulations for the Buddhist Sangha were codified in a text known as the Vinaya Pitaka. Members of the Sangha, both men and women, led austere lives focused on meditation and spiritual practice. They would travel to cities and villages during specific times to beg for food, a practice that reflected their renunciation of material possessions and worldly desires. This is why they were called bhikkhus (the Prakrit term for renouncers or beggars) and bhikkhunis . The Sangha included people from various social backgrounds, such as Brahmins, Kshatriyas, merchants, laborers, barbers, courtesans, and slaves. This inclusivity illustrated the Sangha's commitment to universal spiritual ideals and its appeal across different segments of society.

Monasteries

Jaina and Buddhist monks traveled extensively throughout the year, spreading their teachings and guiding followers. During the rainy season, when travel was particularly challenging, they would temporarily settle in one place. Supporters would construct temporary shelters for them in gardens or they would reside in natural caves in hilly regions. These temporary dwellings were later replaced by more permanent structures known as viharas. Initially, viharas were constructed from wood, but as time progressed, they were built from brick and sometimes even carved into caves, especially in western India. These monasteries, or viharas, became central to the practice and spread of Buddhism and Jainism. They served as places of meditation, learning, and communal living. Over the centuries, Buddhism expanded across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, a topic explored further in Chapter 9 of History.

Important Questions for class 6 Social Science Our Past Chapter 6 Questions and Ideas

Here are the important questions and answers of Chapter 6 for Class 6 students:

Q.1. How did Buddha spread his messages to the people?

Ans: Buddha spread his messages primarily through preaching in Prakrit , a language easily understood by common people. He encouraged individuals to think for themselves rather than simply following him. Buddha’s approach aimed to make his teachings accessible and relatable, helping people understand that their actions, or karma , influence both their current and future lives. By connecting with people in their own language and promoting independent thinking, Buddha was able to effectively communicate his ideas about kindness, respect, and the impact of one's actions.

Q.2. Was it easy for the slaves to join Sangha?

Ans: No, it was not easy for slaves to join the Sangha. Slaves were generally not treated with respect and lacked personal freedom. They had to obtain permission from their masters to join the Sangha, which was challenging because masters often did not want to lose control over their slaves. The hierarchical social structure made it difficult for slaves to make independent decisions or seek permission, so joining the Sangha was a significant challenge for them.

Q.3. List some important lessons and ideas from this chapter.

Ans:

  • Karma : Our actions affect us not only in this life but also in future lives. This principle teaches that good actions lead to positive outcomes and bad actions lead to negative consequences.
  • Misery and Desire : Life is full of suffering due to unfulfilled desires. Buddha taught that constant craving leads to unhappiness.
  • Respect for All Beings : Every living being should be treated with respect and compassion. Non-violence, or ahimsa , is crucial.
  • Upanishads : These texts explore questions about the afterlife and the reasons behind sacrifices. They propose that there is a permanent, eternal aspect of the universe, connecting the individual soul (Atman) with the universal soul (Brahman).

Q.4. Explain the lifestyle of today’s men and women.

Ans: Today, some people choose to live a simple and isolated lifestyle away from the busy world. They might reside in peaceful locations like mountains, focusing on a life of simplicity. These individuals often dress modestly to provide basic protection and consume a diet rich in fruits and water . They may choose this lifestyle to find happiness and avoid being controlled by material possessions. Modern advancements, including various medicines , help them maintain health and potentially prolong life, while they seek a deeper connection with nature and a more serene existence.

Q.5. What were the teachings of Mahavira?

Ans: Mahavira’s teachings focused on ahimsa (non-violence), which means not harming or killing any living being. He encouraged people to lead a life of truthfulness , honesty , and celibacy . Mahavira believed that to truly understand the truth, individuals should renounce their worldly possessions and live simply. His teachings promoted a life of humility and self-discipline, helping people achieve spiritual growth and understanding.

Benefits of CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6 New Questions and Ideas

  • Clear Understanding : The notes provide a concise summary of key concepts, helping students grasp the important ideas quickly. This clarity helps in understanding complex topics and improves retention.
  • Focused Revision : By highlighting important points and ideas, these notes make it easier for students to focus their revision efforts on the most critical aspects of the chapter, leading to more efficient study sessions.
  • Improved Exam Performance : With well-organized notes, students can better prepare for exams by reviewing key terms, concepts, and historical events covered in the chapter. This targeted preparation can lead to improved performance in exams.
  • Time Management : Having structured notes allows students to manage their study time more effectively. They can quickly review important topics without having to sift through textbooks, which helps in covering more material in less time.
  • Confidence Building : Thorough preparation with the help of these notes boosts students confidence. Knowing they have covered the key aspects of the chapter can reduce exam anxiety and improve their overall exam experience.

CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 6 FAQs

What are the primary themes covered in Chapter 6 "New Questions and Ideas"?

This chapter focuses on key historical developments, philosophical inquiries, and the evolution of new ideas and practices in ancient times.

How can students use these notes to improve their essay writing for exams?

Students can use the notes to structure their essays by focusing on key themes, providing clear explanations and including relevant historical examples discussed in the chapter.

How can students use these notes to prepare for class discussions?

Students can refer to the notes to familiarize themselves with key points and concepts, making it easier to participate in class discussions and provide informed contributions.

Who was Buddha?

Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was the founder of Buddhism. He was born around 2,500 years ago in Lumbini, which is now part of Nepal. Siddhartha was born into a royal family of the Sakya clan and lived a life of luxury and comfort.

What is the significance of the Upanishad?

The Upanishads, ancient texts that form a crucial part of the Vedic literature, offer a rich tapestry of philosophical, spiritual, and esoteric knowledge.
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