Vedic Culture – Exercise Answers
History · Std 6 · Exercise (page 32)
Q.1 A) Answer in one word
1. ‘Vid’ means ______
To know (knowledge)
2. Getting knowledge by sitting close to a Guru means ______
Upanishad
3. A council of senior persons was called ______
Sabha
Q.1 B) Match the pairs
| Group ‘A’ | Group ‘B’ |
|---|---|
| 1) Rigveda | c) Prayer songs for deities |
| 2) Yajurveda | d) Description of sacrificial rites and rituals |
| 3) Samaveda | a) Chanting of mantras during sacrifices |
| 4) Atharvaveda | b) Health and medical treatments |
Q.2 A) Concept map – The Four Ashrams
1. Brahmacharyashram
Student stage; education under a Guru
Student stage; education under a Guru
2. Grihasthashram
Householder; marriage, family and social duties
Householder; marriage, family and social duties
↑ The Four Ashrams ↓
3. Vanaprasthashram
Withdraw from family; meditation and philosophical thinking
Withdraw from family; meditation and philosophical thinking
4. Sanyasashram
Renounce all relations; understand the true meaning of life
Renounce all relations; understand the true meaning of life
Q.2 B) Short notes
1. Education System in the Vedic Period
- Education was very important. Students stayed in the Guru’s Ashram (Gurukul) and studied there.
- Subjects: the Vedas, Mathematics, Astronomy, Ayurveda, Ethics and weaponry.
- Students lived a disciplined life and learnt ethical conduct, knowledge and responsibility.
- Aim: not only knowledge, but also values like humility, discipline, righteousness and self-control.
2. Economic Life in the Vedic Period
- Based mainly on agriculture and animal husbandry: wheat, barley, rice and other grains were grown.
- Cows, oxen, horses, sheep and goats were valuable. The cow was used as a means of exchange; horses were used in warfare and rituals, oxen for ploughing and transport.
- Other occupations: metalworking, pottery, weaving, goldsmithy, chariot-building.
- Trade was by barter; small marketplaces emerged. Merchants and artisans formed groups called Shreni, headed by the Shreshthi.
3. Status of Women in the Vedic Society
- In the Early Vedic period women were honoured and had the right to education, including studying the Vedas.
- Famous women scholars: Lopamudra, Ghosha, Gargi, Maitreyi, Apala.
- They took part in religious rituals, sacrifices, music, and in the Sabha and Vidatha.
- In the post-Vedic period society became more patriarchal; restrictions on education increased and women’s freedom reduced.
Q.3 A) Explain with reasons
1. In the Vedic culture agriculture was very important.
Because the economy and daily life depended on it. People grew wheat, barley, rice and other grains, and their diet (grains, milk, ghee, vegetables) came from farming and animal husbandry. In the Post-Vedic period agriculture developed significantly and led to the rise of trade, handicrafts and urban centres. Oxen were used for ploughing, so farming and animals together formed the base of wealth.
2. In the Vedic society women held a position of honour.
Because in the Early Vedic period women had the right to education and could study the Vedas. Women scholars such as Gargi, Maitreyi and Lopamudra are well known. They participated in religious rituals, sacrifices, singing and dancing, and played an active role in the Sabha and Vidatha. (This changed later, in the post-Vedic period.)
Q.3 B) Entertainment: Vedic period vs. present times
Similarities
- Music, dance, singing and storytelling were enjoyed then and now.
- Sports and games were played (archery, wrestling, chariot racing then; sports like archery, wrestling, racing now).
- Board games existed: Saripata (like chess) then, chess and other board games now.
- Festivals and community gatherings were occasions for fun and togetherness, as they are today.
Differences
| Vedic period | Present times |
|---|---|
| Simple, natural, community-based | Mostly technology-based (TV, mobile, internet, video games, movies) |
| Music linked to religion; instruments like Veena, Mridanga, Shankha, Bansuri | Music of many kinds; electronic and digital instruments and devices |
| Yajnas and religious gatherings were major entertainment | Cinema, concerts, online streaming, malls |
| Philosophical discussions were entertainment | Discussions are rarely regarded as entertainment; social media is common |
| Entertainment was mostly in groups, face to face | Often individual, on screens |
Q.4 Political system of the Vedic period
| Position/Institution | Function |
|---|---|
| Sabha | A council of elders and distinguished senior persons that assisted and advised the King in making key decisions. |
| Samiti | A group of common people of the village or community that advised and counselled the King. |
| Bhagadugh | The official appointed to collect the King’s ‘share’ (bhaga) – i.e. the tax or revenue. |
Q.5 Changes in our lifestyle after practising Yoga
Yoga was part of the healthy, disciplined Vedic way of life. If we practise it regularly:
- Physical health: better flexibility, strength, posture and immunity.
- Mental well-being: less stress and anxiety, better concentration and calmness, which helps in studies.
- Discipline: a regular routine of waking up early, exercise, healthy eating and rest.
- Values: more self-control, patience and positive thinking.
- Long-term: fewer illnesses and a healthier, longer life.