NCERT Solutions Social Science History

Chapter 6: New Questions and Ideas

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

Answer: The different number of ways in which the Buddha tried to spread his message to the people are as follows:

• The Buddha taught in the common language named as Prakrit, so that everyone can understand his message.
• The Buddha also encouraged people to think about themselves and not to believe blindly on what he said.

2. Write whether true or false.

a) The Buddha encouraged animal sacrifices.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Buddha was against animal sacrifices and encouraged people to understand the lives of animals. He told people to be kind to every living creature.

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

Answer: True

Explanation: Sarnath is situated near Varanasi where the Buddha taught for the first time.

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

Answer: False

Explanation: The Buddha taught that karma whether good or bad affect us in this life and the next.

d) The Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. He meditated for days under the peepal tree.

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

Answer: True

Explanation: The atman was considered as the individual soul, while the Brahman was considered as the universal soul. Upanishadic thinkers believed that both were ultimately one.

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

Answer: The questions that the Upanishadic thinkers wanted to answer are as follows:

• What is the life after death?
• Why sacrifices should be performed?
• What is something permanent in the universe that last even after death?

4. What were the main teachings of the Mahavira?

Answer: The main teachings of Mahavira are as follows:

• Everyone should follow the rules of ahimsa, i.e., not hurting or killing any living being. It is because the life is dear to all living beings on the earth.
• The followers should live a simple life.
• Those who want to know the real truth should leave their homes.
• They should be honest.
• They should not steal anything.

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

Answer: Buddha spent his entire life in teaching people and going from one place to the other. He attained enlightenment after meditating for days under the peepal tree at Both Gaya in Bihar. Anagha's mother wanted her to know the story of the Buddha because of his great thinking, kindness, learning, and teachings.

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

Answer: No, it was not easy for slaves, children, debtors, and women to join the sangha. They have to take permission before joining. Only men were allowed to join the sangha without any permission. The slaves had to take the permission from their masters, children had to take permission from their parents, debtors had to take permission from the creditors, and women have to take their husband's permission.