Culture and Science Chapter Notes | Footprints Class 6: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Introduction

The chapter introduces us to the fascinating world of Indian art, literature, and science, starting with the Harappan people who built planned cities. It explores the rich history of literature, science, and architecture in ancient India.

Literature

• Epics: We learn about two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Ramayana, composed by sage Valmiki, narrates the life of Lord Rama. The Mahabharata, attributed to Ved Vyas, tells the story of the Kauravas and Pandavas and contains the Bhagavad Gita.

• Tamil Epics: The chapter mentions Tamil epics like Silapaddikaram and Manimekalai, adding colorful stories from ancient times.

• Puranas: Religious stories in Sanskrit, called Puranas, include Vishnu Purana, Vayu Purana, and Matsya Purana.

• Jatakas: Stories about the previous lives of Buddha, narrated by Buddhist monks, depicted in places like the Ajanta Caves.

• Panchatantra: Vishnu Sharma's tales with moral lessons, often featuring animals in human situations.

• Kavyas: Beautiful poetic compositions from Kalidasa, the greatest poet of classical Sanskrit, include works like Abhijnanashakuntalam.

Science

• Aryabhata: Ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer who wrote Aryabhatiyam. He explained the rotation of the Earth and provided scientific explanations for eclipses.

• Varahamihira: Another mathematician and astronomer who wrote Brihat-Samhita and Pancha-Siddhantika. He stated that the Moon rotates around the Earth and the Earth around the Sun.

Art and Architecture

• Stupas: Semi-spherical burial mounds for sacred relics, with ornate carvings, and a pathway for devotees (pradakshina patha).

• Sanchi Stupa: The most famous and well-preserved stupa in India, built by Ashoka, adorned with sculptures depicting scenes from Buddha's life and Jataka Tales.

• Cave Architecture: Artificial caves carved out for religious purposes, with examples like Ajanta and Ellora.

• Chaitya at Karle: An impressive Buddhist rock-cut hall in Pune district, Maharashtra.

• Elephanta Caves: A remarkable Brahmanical cave temple near Mumbai, featuring sculptures, especially the Trimurti or three-headed Shiva.