India, That Is Bharat NCERT Solutions | Social Studies for Class 6 PDF Download

Think About it (Page 80)

Let's Explore (Page 81)

Q: 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, recognising both 'India' and 'Bharat' as official names in the Constitution.

Let's Explore (Page 83)

Q: Can you complete this table of the many names of India?
Ans:

Questions, Activities and Projects (Page 84)

Q1: Discuss what could be the meaning of the quotation at the start of the chapter.
Ans: The quotation by  Sri Aurobindo 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.

For example
The Vedas which are India’s oldest religious texts have given rise to several schools of thought. The Upanishads and the different schools of Indian philosophy discussed many issues regarding the nature of the ultimate reality. Buddhism and Jainism departed from the authority of the Vedas laying emphasis on different values and practices. But common to all belief systems which helped to Unite India spiritually was belief in the need to detach from material things and understand the nature of the ultimate reality.
Similarly, our culture has evolved due to the fusion of our various religious belief systems, which have contributed to our rich heritage of art, sculpture, music, painting, etc.

Q2: True or false?

• The Rig Veda describes the entire geography of India.
  Ans: False. The Rig Veda mainly describes the northwest region of the subcontinent as 'Sapta Sindhava'.
• The Vishnu Purana describes the entire Subcontinent.
  Ans: 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.
  Ans: True. Ashoka used 'Jambudvipa' to describe the entire region.
• The Mahabharata lists many regions, including Kashmir, Kutch, and Kerala.
  Ans: 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.
  Ans: 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.
  Ans: 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.
  Ans: False. 'Bharata' is a name given by the ancient inhabitants of India.

Q3: 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 2,000 years ago and had the chance to name our country, I might have chosen:

• Aryavarta: Meaning "Land of the Noble Ones," reflecting the ancient Vedic texts that referred to the region where noble or righteous people lived.
• Saptasindhu: Meaning "Land of the Seven Rivers," highlighting the significance of the major rivers in sustaining life and culture.
• Himalaya-Varsha: Meaning "Land of the Himalayas," emphasising the majestic mountain range that defines the northern boundary.
• Dharmakshetra: Meaning "Field of Dharma" or "Land of Righteousness," showcasing the region’s rich spiritual and moral heritage.
• Vishvaguru: Meaning "Teacher of the World," underlining the ancient knowledge, wisdom, and cultural influence India had over other civilisations.

These names encapsulate the cultural, geographical, and spiritual essence of ancient India, emphasising its heritage, natural beauty, and role as a centre of learning.

Q4: 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.