Class 6 Scoial Science Chapter 6 Case Based Questions - New Questions and Ideas

Case 1: The Life of Buddha

In the peaceful land of India, there lived a remarkable person named Gautama Buddha. He was born as Siddhartha Gautama and belonged to the Sakya Gana. At a young age, he embarked on a journey to seek answers about life's sufferings. After years of wandering and discussions with other thinkers, he found enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Describe Siddhartha Gautama's early life, his journey of self-discovery, and the key events leading up to his enlightenment.

Q1: Who was Siddhartha Gautama, and what inspired him to leave his palace and seek enlightenment?
Ans: Siddhartha Gautama was a prince who left his palace to seek enlightenment due to witnessing the suffering in the world.

Q2: Where did Siddhartha Gautama achieve enlightenment, and what significance does this place hold in Buddhism?
Ans: He achieved enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, a significant site in Buddhism.

Q3: Explain the term "thirst or tanha" as described by Buddha. How did he teach people to overcome it?
Ans: "Thirst or tanha" refers to desires and cravings, which Buddha taught to reduce through moderation.

Q4: What were some of the central teachings of Buddha, and how did he encourage people to think for themselves?
Ans: Buddha's central teachings included the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, and he encouraged independent thinking.

Q5: Where did Buddha's teachings spread, and what impact did they have on society?
Ans: Buddha's teachings spread across India, and later forms of Buddhism, like Mahayana, emerged and spread to other regions.

Case 2: Upanishads and Thinkers

Before the time of Buddha, there were thinkers who pondered questions about life after death and the existence of the soul. They believed in concepts like atman and brahman, which are discussed in the Upanishads. The Upanishads contain dialogues between teachers and students, offering insights into these philosophical ideas. Describe the Upanishads and the role of thinkers in shaping these philosophical concepts.

Q6: What are the Upanishads, and why are they significant in the context of ancient Indian philosophy?
Ans: The Upanishads are ancient Indian texts discussing philosophical concepts like atman and brahman.

Q7: Explain the concepts of atman and brahman as discussed in the Upanishads.
Ans: Atman is the individual soul, and brahman is the universal soul, believed to be similar.

Q8: Who were some of the notable thinkers mentioned in the Upanishads, and what contributions did they make to philosophical thought?
Ans: The Upanishads include dialogues between teachers and students, with mentions of notable women thinkers.

Q9: Describe the role of women thinkers like Gargi, Apala, and Maitreyi in the Upanishadic discussions.
Ans: Women like Gargi and Apala participated in debates, although access was often limited.

Q10: How did the Upanishads influence the spiritual and philosophical landscape of ancient India?
Ans: The Upanishads influenced the philosophical landscape of ancient India.

Case 3: Jainism and Mahavira

Around the same time as Buddha, Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, spread his message. Mahavira emphasized principles like ahimsa (non-violence) and the importance of leaving one's home to seek the truth. Discuss the life and teachings of Mahavira, and how Jainism differed from other spiritual paths of the time.

Q11: Who was Vardhamana Mahavira, and what was his role in the spread of Jainism?
Ans: Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, emphasizing ahimsa and leaving home to seek the truth.

Q12: Explain the principle of ahimsa as taught by Mahavira. How did it influence the lives of Jain followers?
Ans: Ahimsa means non-violence and was strictly followed by Jain followers.

Q13: Describe the lifestyle advocated by Mahavira for those seeking the truth about life.
Ans: Mahavira advocated a simple life and celibacy, even giving up clothing.

Q14: Why did Jainism appeal more to certain social groups like traders, and what challenges did it pose for others like farmers?
Ans: Jainism appealed to traders but posed challenges for farmers due to their need to protect crops.

Q15: How did Jainism spread to different parts of India, and what role did oral transmission play in its dissemination?
Ans: Jainism spread through oral transmission to various parts of India.

Case 4: The Sangha and Monastic Life

Both Buddha and Mahavira believed that those who left their homes could gain knowledge. They established communities known as Sanghas, where monks and nuns lived and practiced their teachings. Explore the rules and practices of the Sangha, including their roles in society and their impact on the spread of Buddhism and Jainism.

Q16: What is the Sangha, and how did it function in the context of Buddhism and Jainism?
Ans: The Sangha was a community for monks and nuns in Buddhism and Jainism.

Q17: Explain the rules and guidelines for joining the Sangha. What permissions were required from various individuals or authorities?
Ans: Joining the Sangha required permissions from various authorities, including parents, masters, and husbands.

Q18: Describe the daily life of monks and nuns (bhikkhus and bhikkhunis) in the Sangha.
Ans: Monks and nuns meditated, begged for food, and taught in cities and villages.

Q19: How did the Sangha contribute to the spread of Buddhism and Jainism in ancient India?
Ans: The Sangha played a key role in spreading Buddhism and Jainism.

Q20: What were the different sects that participated in the Sanghas, and how did they interact within these communities?
Ans: Various sects participated in the Sanghas, fostering diversity within these communities.

Case 5: Viharas and the Spread of Buddhism

Monks and nuns from both Buddhism and Jainism traveled extensively to teach people. During the rainy season, they stayed in temporary shelters. However, the need for more permanent shelters led to the construction of viharas. Explore the development of viharas, their significance, and the support they received from society.

Q21: What were the temporary shelters used by monks and nuns during the rainy season, and why were they needed?
Ans: Monks and nuns used temporary shelters during the rainy season.

Q22: Describe the evolution of viharas from temporary structures to more permanent monasteries.
Ans: Viharas evolved from temporary shelters to permanent monasteries.

Q23: Who provided support and donations for the construction and maintenance of viharas, and what motivated them to do so?
Ans: Rich individuals, merchants, and local communities supported viharas with donations.

Q24: Explain the spread of Buddhism to different parts of India and beyond, including the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism.
Ans: Buddhism spread to different parts of India and beyond, leading to Mahayana Buddhism and the worship of Bodhisattvas.

Q25: How did the ashrama system play a role in the spiritual development of individuals in ancient India?
Ans: The ashrama system allowed individuals to dedicate specific life stages to meditation and spiritual growth.