Class 6 Social Science Chapter 5, “India, That Is Bharat,” introduces students to the idea of India as a country with a long history, rich culture, and great diversity. The name “India” comes from the Indus River, while “Bharat” is mentioned in ancient texts and is part of our Constitution.
Table of Contents
Questions, Activities, and Projects(Class 6 SST Chapter 5 Question With Answer)
Q1. Discuss what could be the meaning of the quotation given at the start of the chapter.
Answer- The quotation by Sri Aurobindo says that India had spiritual and cultural unity from very early times.
It means that even though India had many regions, languages and people, they were united by common ideas, traditions and culture. The Himalayas in the north and the oceans on the other sides formed natural boundaries.
So, the quotation tells us that India has always been one cultural and spiritual civilisation.
Q2. True or False
- → The Rig Veda describes the entire geography of India.
False – It mainly mentions the northwest region called ‘Sapta Sindhava’. - → The Vishnu Purāṇa describes the entire Subcontinent.
True – It describes Bhārata as the land between the ocean and the Himalayas. - → In Ashoka’s time, “Jambudvīpa” included what today is India, parts of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
True - → The Mahābhārata lists many regions, including Kashmir, Kutch and Kerala.
True - → The term “Hindustan” first appeared in a Greek inscription more than 2,000 years ago.
False – It first appeared in a Persian inscription. - → In ancient Persian, the word “Hindu” refers to the Hindu religion.
False – It was a geographical term, not related to religion. - → “Bhārata” is a name given to India by foreign travellers.
False – It was given by the Indians themselves.
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.
Answer- If I were born 2,000 years ago, I would name our country “Sapta Sindhu Bhumi” (Land of Seven Rivers) because rivers were very important for farming and life.
Or I would call it “Bharatavarsha”, meaning the land of the Bharatas, to show unity among people.
I would choose a name that shows both natural beauty and cultural unity.
Q4. Why did people travel to India from various parts of the world in ancient times? What could have been their motivations for undertaking such long journeys?
Answer- People travelled to India for many reasons:
- Trade – India was famous for spices, silk, cotton and precious stones.
- Education – Scholars came to study at famous universities like Nalanda.
- Religion – Many came to learn about Buddhism and other teachings.
- Exploration – Travellers wanted to discover new lands.
- Political reasons – Some rulers came to conquer or expand their kingdoms.
Thus, India attracted people from many parts of the world.