NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 5: India, That is Bharat

THE BIG QUESTIONS?

1. How do we define India?
Ans: India is a country in South Asia known for its geographical diversity, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance. It is often called a land of unity in diversity due to its varied landscapes, languages, traditions, and beliefs that coexist harmoniously across the country.

2. What were the ancient names for India?
Ans: In ancient times, India was referred to by different names, including Bharat and Jambudvipa. The name Bharat is derived from the ancient king Bharata, and Jambudvipa was used in ancient texts to describe the Indian subcontinent.

THINK ABOUT IT 

1. Consider the physical map of the Indian Subcontinent at the start of the chapter. What are its natural boundaries that you can make out?

Ans: From the physical map of the Indian Subcontinent, the following natural boundaries can be identified:

• North: The towering Himalayan mountain range forms a natural barrier, protecting the northern boundary.

• South: The Indian Ocean surrounds the southern tip of the subcontinent.

• West: The Thar Desert and the Arabian Sea serve as natural boundaries to the west.

• East: The Bay of Bengal and dense forests of the northeastern region form the eastern boundary.

LET’S EXPLORE 

1. 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. 

Ans: Looking at the map, here are some recognizable regions from the names provided:

• Kalinga – Known for the famous Kalinga War fought by Emperor Ashoka.

• Magadha – A well-known ancient region, home to powerful dynasties and the Mauryan Empire.

• Kosala – A historical kingdom, linked with the epic Ramayana.

• Vanga – A region that corresponds to modern Bengal.

• Dakshina Kosala – Another region linked to southern India’s cultural history.

• Saurashtra – Known today as part of Gujarat.

• Anga – One of the ancient kingdoms mentioned in the Mahabharata.

• Saurashtra – Another familiar region, correlating to parts of present-day Gujarat.

THINK ABOUT IT

1. Have you identified the 'snowy mountains'? Do you think this brief description of Bhārata is correct?

Ans: Yes, the ‘snowy mountains’ mentioned refer to the Himalayas, which are located in the northern part of India. These mountains are known for their snow-covered peaks and serve as a natural boundary for the subcontinent.

The brief description of Bhārata seems correct as it highlights the geographical diversity of India, including the snowy Himalayas, vast plains, deserts, and surrounding seas. This reflects the rich and varied landscapes that shape the country’s identity.

2. 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’? 

Ans: Yes, the phrase 'India, that is Bharat' appears in the first article of the original Constitution of India. It is mentioned in Article 1, which states:

"India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States."

This phrase highlights the dual name of the country, recognizing both 'India' and 'Bharat' as official names in the Constitution.

LET’S EXPLORE 

Can you complete this table of the many names of India?

Ans:

Questions, activities, and projects 

1. Discuss what could be the meaning of the quotation at the start of the chapter.

Ans: The quotation suggests that the principles forming the core of India’s spiritual and cultural unity were established in ancient times. These principles have been passed down through generations and have continued to shape the way of life for people across the country throughout history.

2. True or false?

• The Ṛig Veda describes the entire geography of India.
  False – The Ṛig Veda does not describe the entire geography of India.

• The Viṣhṇu Purāṇa describes the entire Subcontinent.
  True – The Viṣhṇu Purāṇa does describe the entire Subcontinent.

• In Aśhoka’s time, ‘Jambudvīpa’ included what is today India, parts of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
  True – During 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.
  True – The Mahābhārata lists regions including Kashmir, Kutch, and Kerala.

• The term ‘Hindustān’ first appeared in a Greek inscription more than 2,000 years ago.
  False – The term ‘Hindustān’ did not first appear in a Greek inscription more than 2,000 years ago.

• In ancient Persian, the word ‘Hindu’ refers to the Hindu religion.
  False – In ancient Persian, the word ‘Hindu’ referred to the region beyond the Indus River, not specifically the Hindu religion.

• ‘Bhārata’ is a name given to India by foreign travellers.
  False – 'Bhārata' is derived from ancient Indian texts and traditions, not given by foreign travellers.

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!

Ans: If I were born some 2,000 years ago and had the chance to name our country, I might have chosen the name "Sanghamitra". The name reflects the idea of a country united in diversity, as "Sangha" means community or gathering, and "Mitra" means friend. This would symbolise unity and harmony among the various cultures, regions, and people of the land, fostering the idea of friendship and collaboration.

Another name could be "Suryadesh," which highlights India’s connection to the Sun, a significant symbol in ancient Indian culture and spirituality. The name would represent a land that is enlightened, prosperous, and full of vitality, much like the sun’s life-giving force.

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)

Ans: People travelled to India from various parts of the world in ancient times for several reasons:

• Trade: India was famous for its rich resources, including spices, silk, precious stones, and textiles. Merchants and traders travelled to acquire these goods and establish trade relations.

• Education and Knowledge: India was home to renowned learning centres like Nalanda and Takshashila, which attracted scholars from around the world seeking knowledge in subjects like philosophy, astronomy, medicine, and mathematics.

• Pilgrimage and Spirituality: Many travellers came to India to visit sacred sites and explore its rich spiritual traditions, as India was the birthplace of religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

• Cultural Exchange: Artists, musicians, and writers travelled to India to experience its diverse and vibrant cultural heritage, including art, architecture, and literature.

• Conquests and Empires: Some travelled as part of military expeditions or to expand their empires, driven by the desire for power, land, and wealth.

Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 5 India, That is Bharat

• NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 5 India, That Is Bharat provides clear explanations of key concepts, helping students grasp the historical, geographical, and cultural significance of India.

• Detailed answers to all textbook questions ensure that students are well-prepared for exams by covering important topics thoroughly.

• Simplified language makes it easy for students to follow along and understand complex ideas, ensuring better retention of concepts.

• Ready-made solutions save students time by providing direct answers to textbook questions and helping with quick revisions.

• NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 5 India, That Is Bharat are fully aligned with the latest CBSE syllabus, ensuring that all relevant topics are covered as per exam requirements.

Important Study Material Links for Social Science Chapter 5 Class 6 

Conclusion

NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 5: "India, That Is Bharat" provides students with a clear understanding of India’s rich geographical and cultural diversity. These solutions simplify the key concepts of the chapter, making it easier for students to prepare for exams. With detailed answers to all the questions, students can strengthen their knowledge and gain confidence in tackling exam questions. The solutions are aligned with the latest CBSE syllabus, ensuring that students focus on the most relevant topics. Using these solutions helps students revise quickly and efficiently, improving both their learning and exam performance.

Chapter-wise NCERT Solutions Class 6 Social Science 

Related Important Links for Class 6 Social Science 

Along with this, students can also download additional study materials provided by Vedantu for Social Science Class 6-