Question 1: Do you know the term for a society where people select their leaders? How do you think people can benefit from such a situation? What could happen if they live under leaders that they did not choose? Write your thoughts in a paragraph of 100–150 words.
Answer:
Yes, a society where people select their leaders is called a democracy. In a democracy, people have the right to vote and choose who will govern them. This is good because leaders are chosen by the people and for the people. When leaders are elected, they are responsible to work for the benefit of everyone. People can benefit because they have a say in how their country is run. If they are unhappy with their leaders, they can choose new ones in the next election.
If people live under leaders they did not choose, it might be a dictatorship or monarchy. In such cases, leaders might not listen to the people’s needs. They could make unfair laws, and people might not have freedom. Without choice, people might feel unhappy and powerless. Therefore, choosing our leaders helps create a fair and just society.
Question 2: Have you heard or read any other story that conveyed an important message? What values did it teach you?
Answer:
Yes, I have read the story of “The Lion and the Mouse.” In this story, a small mouse helps a big lion escape from a hunter’s net. Earlier, the lion had spared the mouse’s life. The story teaches us that kindness is important, and even small friends can be helpful. It shows that helping others is good, and no act of kindness is ever wasted.
Question 3: Discuss the way the Buddha is depicted in the above panel.
Answer:
In the panel, the Buddha is shown teaching his followers. He looks calm and peaceful. His hands might be in a special position called a mudra, which means teaching. This shows the Buddha as a wise and kind teacher who shares knowledge to help others.
Question 4: Can you name some states of India or some other countries where Buddhism is a major religion even today? Try to plot these on a world map.
Answer:
Yes, in India, Buddhism is practiced in states like Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh. Other countries where Buddhism is important are Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia. These countries are mostly in Asia.
Question 5: Observe the above panel (from a Jain temple in New Delhi). What is striking about it? What messages does it carry?
Answer:
The panel is beautifully carved with detailed artwork. It might show figures like Mahavira in peaceful meditation. What is striking is the intricate designs and the calm expressions. The panel carries messages of peace, non-violence, and spiritual wisdom. It reminds us to be kind and to live a disciplined life.
Question 6: If you were Nachiketa, what questions would you like to ask Yama? Write them down in 100–150 words.
Answer:
If I were Nachiketa, I would ask Yama, the god of death:
“Yama, what happens to us after we die? Is there a soul that lives on? How can we live a good life to have peace after death? What is the true purpose of our life on Earth? How can we overcome our fears and find true happiness? Please teach me how to understand the secrets of life and death. How can we be free from suffering and ignorance? Is there a way to achieve eternal peace?”
Question 7: Explain a few central ideas of Buddhism. Briefly comment upon them.
Answer:
Some main ideas of Buddhism are:
- Life has suffering.
- Suffering is caused by desire and attachment.
- There is a way to end suffering.
- The way is the Noble Eightfold Path.
The Noble Eightfold Path teaches us to have right thoughts, actions, and to be mindful. Buddhism teaches us to live kindly, avoid harmful desires, and to seek inner peace.
Question 8: Discuss in class the quotation of the Buddha which begins with “Not by water is one made pure, though many people may bathe here [in sacred rivers]” to make sure that its meaning has been understood by all.
Answer:
This quote means that just by bathing in sacred rivers, we don’t become pure or good. True purity comes from within, by having good thoughts and doing good deeds. It’s more important to be kind and honest than just performing rituals.
Question 9: Explain a few central ideas of Jainism. Briefly comment upon them.
Answer:
Some main ideas of Jainism are:
- Ahimsa: Non-violence. Do not harm any living being.
- Anekantavada: Truth has many sides. Be open to different viewpoints.
- Aparigraha: Non-attachment. Live simply and don’t desire too many things.
Jainism teaches us to be kind, humble, and to respect all forms of life. It encourages us to control our desires and live peacefully.
Question 10: Consider and discuss in class André Béteille’s thought (see page 122).
Answer:
André Béteille said that the many castes and tribes in India have shared and influenced each other’s beliefs and practices. Tribal religions have influenced Hinduism, and Hinduism has also shaped tribal beliefs. This shows that Indian culture is like a big tree with many roots and branches, all connected and enriching each other. It highlights how diversity makes our culture rich and unique.
Question 11: Make a list of popular gods and goddesses in your region and the festivals they are associated with.
Answer:
In West Bengal:
- Goddess Durga: Associated with Durga Puja festival.
- Goddess Kali: Celebrated during Kali Puja.
- Lord Jagannath: Celebrated during the Rath Yatra festival.
- Goddess Saraswati: Worshipped during Saraswati Puja.
- Lord Shiva: Associated with Maha Shivaratri.
Question 12: As a class activity, list two or three tribal groups from your region or State. Document some of their art and belief systems.
Answer:
In Odisha:
- Santal Tribe:
- Art: Known for their traditional music and dance.
- Beliefs: Worship nature and have festivals like Karam.
- Gond Tribe:
- Art: Famous for Gond paintings depicting nature and mythology.
- Beliefs: Worship a supreme god called Baradeo.
True or False
Statement 1: The Vedic hymns were written on palm-leaf manuscripts.
Answer: False. The Vedic hymns were originally passed down orally, not written on manuscripts.
Statement 2: The Vedas are India’s oldest texts.
Answer: True. The Vedas are among the oldest texts in India.
Statement 3: The Vedic statement ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti reflects a belief in the unity of cosmic powers.
Answer: True. It means “The Existent is one, but sages call it by many names,” showing unity.
Statement 4: Buddhism is older than the Vedas.
Answer: False. The Vedas are older than Buddhism.
Statement 5: Jainism emerged as a branch of Buddhism.
Answer: False. Jainism is a separate tradition with ancient roots, not a branch of Buddhism.
Statement 6: Both Buddhism and Jainism advocated for peaceful coexistence and the avoidance of harm to all living beings.
Answer: True. Both emphasized non-violence and peace.
Statement 7: Tribal belief systems are limited to belief in spirits and minor deities.
Answer: False. Tribal beliefs often include a supreme being and have rich traditions.
Class Activity
Question: Stage a small play with Yama, god of death, surrounded by several Nachiketas asking him questions about life.
Answer:
[Students can create a short play where Nachiketa asks Yama questions like:
- “What is the secret of life and death?”
- “How can we achieve true happiness?”
- “What happens to the soul after death?”
- “How can we overcome our fears?”
Yama can answer these questions, teaching wisdom and the importance of understanding ourselves.]
Additional “Think About It”:
Question: In both Buddhism and Jainism, ahimsa means much more than refraining from physical violence against a person or an animal. It also means refraining from violence in thought, such as having ill feelings towards anyone. If we observe ourselves carefully, we may notice such negative thoughts and learn to turn them into positive ones. Sometimes such negative thoughts are even directed at ourselves!
Answer:
This means that non-violence is not just about actions but also about our thoughts and feelings. We should try to think kindly about others and ourselves. If we notice angry or unkind thoughts, we can try to change them into positive ones. This helps us become happier and more peaceful people.
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