India’s Cultural Roots Class 6 Soial science Chapter 7 CBSE Notes 2025-26

India has a rich cultural heritage that goes back thousands of years. The roots of Indian culture are deep and wide, resembling an ancient tree with many roots, a strong trunk, and numerous branches. These branches include art, literature, science, medicine, governance, and spiritual schools of thought.

Indian civilisation developed many schools of thought over time. Many of these have influenced the values, beliefs, and social practices found in the country today. Scholars suggest that the cultural roots of India trace back to the Indus or Harappan civilisation.

The Vedas are India’s earliest and most important texts, meaning “knowledge” in Sanskrit. There are four Vedas: Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda. These texts were composed as hymns and passed down orally for many generations, becoming part of India’s intangible heritage.

Vedic hymns were created by rishis (male sages) and rishikas (female sages), mainly in the Sapta Sindhava region. They compose prayers to various deities such as Indra, Agni, Varuna, Saraswati, and more. A unique feature of the Vedas is how they emphasise unity—one of the famous lines is “Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti,” meaning “Truth is one, but the wise call it by many names.”

The oral tradition of the Vedas was maintained with great care for thousands of years. UNESCO has recognised Vedic chanting as a part of the “oral and intangible heritage of humanity.”

Early Vedic society was organised into various “janas” or clans, such as the Bharatas, Purus, Kurus, Yadus, and others. These clans lived in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent. Society included many professions: agriculturist, potter, weaver, builder, healer, dancer, barber, carpenter, and priest.

Vedic texts mention rulers (raja) and assemblies (sabha, samiti), though details about their governance systems are limited. Choosing leaders collectively was an idea present in some Vedic societies.

Besides rituals like yajnas (sacrifices), Vedic thought evolved into deeper philosophical schools. The Upanishads are important texts that introduced new concepts, including rebirth and karma. One of the main philosophies, Vedanta, teaches that everything in the universe is one divine essence, called ‘Brahman.’ Important mantras include “Aham brahmasmi” (I am Brahman) and “Tat tvam asi” (You are That).

The principle of Atman, or Self, states that the same divine presence exists in every being. This idea creates a sense of interconnectedness and the wish for happiness and well-being for all creatures.

In the 1st millennium BCE, new schools of thought developed, including Buddhism and Jainism. Buddhism began with Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. He identified ignorance (avidya) and attachment as the root causes of human suffering.

The Buddha’s core teachings include the practice of ahimsa (non-violence) and the importance of truth and dharma (righteousness). He founded the Sangha, a community of monks and nuns, who spread his message across Asia. The Buddha’s teachings encouraged discipline, inner peace, and kindness towards all beings.

Jainism also emerged around the same time as Buddhism, with similar principles. Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, promoted three core ideas: ahimsa (non-violence), anekantavada (many-sidedness or multiple perspectives), and aparigraha (non-possession). Jain teachings emphasise a balanced approach to life, detachment, and respect for all living creatures.

• Ahimsa: Not harming any living being in thought, word, or deed.
• Anekantavada: Acceptance that truth has many sides.
• Aparigraha: Limiting possessions and practicing non-attachment.

Jainism highlights the interdependence of all living things, an idea modern science also supports.

Many stories enrich Indian philosophical traditions. In the Upanishads, stories like “Shvetaketu and the seed of reality” explain the presence of Brahman everywhere. Nachiketa’s quest to Yama, the god of death, questions life after death and the immortal self. The debate between Gargi and Yajnavalkya showcases deep inquiry and respect for knowledge, including the role of women in philosophical pursuits.

Buddhist Jataka tales, like the story of the Monkey King, teach the value of self-sacrifice and good leadership. Jain stories, such as the tale of Rohineya, highlight transformation, repentance, and the power of right action and forgiveness.

In addition to mainstream texts, India’s cultural roots also lie in folk and tribal traditions. These are passed on orally and reflect the everyday lives and beliefs of various communities. Tribes are close-knit groups with their own customs, traditions, and worship practices, often respecting nature as sacred.

There are over 700 tribes in India, with a population greater than many countries combined. Interaction between tribal, folk, and major belief systems has enriched all traditions. Many regional deities and festivals have origins in tribal or folk beliefs, and concepts about nature’s spirituality are shared widely across Indian society.

• Jagannath in Odisha is believed to be of tribal origin.
• The Toda tribals worship Nilgiri peaks as sacred.
• Tribal versions of Mahabharata and Ramayana exist in several regions.

There is a steady and natural exchange of ideas and rituals between folk, tribal, and major Indian faiths, contributing to diversity and unity at the same time.

Regardless of differences, the Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and tribal traditions share several important concepts:

• The principle of dharma (righteousness or right conduct)
• Belief in karma (effects of actions)
• Idea of rebirth or continuity of existence
• Search for liberation from suffering and ignorance
• Emphasis on non-violence, compassion, and mutual respect

All these aspects contribute to India’s unique cultural identity, like the branches of a banyan tree sharing the same trunk but growing in different directions. The continuous exchange among various groups has led to mutual enrichment and a strong philosophical and ethical tradition.

• The Vedas are the foundation of Indian thought and were passed down orally.
• Vedanta and Yoga are well-known schools originating from Vedic traditions.
• Buddhism and Jainism, although differing from Vedic beliefs, focus on non-violence and truth.
• Tribal beliefs celebrate nature and view land, rivers, and animals as sacred.
• Interaction between tribal, folk, and mainstream traditions has shaped India’s cultural richness.
• Common values: Dharma, karma, ahimsa, compassion, unity.

Stories, rituals, debates, and various belief systems together form the backbone of India’s cultural and philosophical heritage, making it a land known for unity in diversity.

CBSE Class 6 Social Science Chapter 7 Notes – India’s Cultural Roots (NCERT Revision Guide)

These concise CBSE Class 6 Social Science notes for Chapter 7 help students easily revise India’s Cultural Roots. Explore key points about the Vedas, Vedic society, and the unique blend of folk and tribal traditions. Use these summary notes to strengthen your understanding for exams.

Our revision guide covers all major schools of thought like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, as well as their core values and practices. Remember, textbook-based notes like these help you answer questions quickly and score better in your Social Science assessments.