Question Answers for Chapter 8 How the Land Becomes Sacred Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Class 7 Social Science How the Land Becomes Sacred Extra Questions
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1. What is a tirthayatra?
Answer
A tirthayatra is a pilgrimage to a sacred site in India.
Question 2. What is a Sangam in Indian sacred geography?
Answer
A Sangam is the confluence of rivers, considered holy.
Question 3. How do pilgrimage sites contribute to the sacredness of land?
Answer
Pilgrimage sites, through religious journeys, help connect people and regions, making the entire land sacred.
Question 4. What is the role of nature in sacred geography?
Answer
Nature, like rivers and mountains, is considered divine and is treated with reverence in sacred geography.
Question 5. Which sacred site is important in Buddhism?
Answer
The Great Stūpa at Sanchi is an important sacred site for Buddhists.
Question 6. Which tribe considers Niyam Dongar hill sacred?
Answer
The Dongria Khond tribe.
Question 7. What is the significance of the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodh Gaya?
Answer
The Mahabodhi Stupa is where Buddha attained enlightenment, making it a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Question 8. What role do trees play in sacred geography?
Answer
Trees like the peepul are sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, symbolizing spiritual importance.
Question 9. Name a sacred site associated with Jainism.
Answer
Mount Abu and Shatrunjaya hill in Gujarat are sacred in Jainism.
Question 10. What is the significance of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala?
Answer
The Sabarimala temple is dedicated to Ayyappa and attracts over 10 million pilgrims annually.
Question 11. What is the Char Dham Yatra?
Answer
The Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage to four sacred sites located in India’s north, south, east, and west.
Question 12. What are Jyotirlingas in Hinduism?
Answer
Jyotirlingas are 12 sacred shrines dedicated to Shiva, considered highly sacred in Hinduism.
Question 13. How are Shakti Pithas connected to Hindu beliefs?
Answer
Shakti Pithas are 51 sacred sites associated with the goddess Shakti, forming part of sacred geography in Hinduism.
Question 14. What is the role of the peepul tree in sacred geography?
Answer
The peepul tree is sacred in multiple religions and is linked to enlightenment, particularly in Buddhism.
Question 15. How does sacred geography influence the preservation of nature?
Answer
Sacred geography fosters respect for nature, motivating people to protect rivers, mountains, and forests due to their divine significance.
Question 16. What impact does pollution have on sacred sites in India?
Answer
Pollution at sacred sites like rivers and temples strains the connection between people and the land, damaging both the environment and spiritual values.
Question 17. What is the concept of Punyakshetra in sacred geography?
Answer
Punyakshetra refers to sacred spaces like rivers or mountains, considered holy due to their divine connection.
Question 18. How is the river Ganga seen in Indian spirituality?
Answer
The river Ganga is worshipped as a goddess, symbolizing purity and spiritual significance in India.
Question 19. What is the Nadistuti Sukta in the Rigveda?
Answer
The Nadistuti Sukta is a hymn in the Rigveda that praises rivers, acknowledging their sacredness in Indian culture.
Question 20. How does sacred geography encourage cultural exchange?
Answer
Sacred geography connects diverse regions through pilgrimage networks, promoting cultural exchange and shared values.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1. What role do rivers play in sacred geography?
Answer
Rivers are considered divine in sacred geography, with many being worshipped as goddesses. Rituals are performed at riverbanks, and places like the Ganga and Yamuna are seen as lifelines for both spiritual and physical sustenance.
Question 2. Why are rivers considered sacred in India?
Answer
Rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna are worshipped as goddesses and considered sacred in Hinduism due to their life-giving properties and spiritual significance.
Question 3. What is the significance of sacred groves in India?
Answer
Sacred groves are protected forests, often associated with deities, and serve as a way to conserve biodiversity. They play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance by preserving unique plant and animal species.
Question 4. Why is the peepul tree considered sacred in Indian traditions?
Answer
The peepul tree is considered sacred in Indian traditions because Buddha attained enlightenment under it. It is also valued for its medicinal uses and supports wildlife with its greenery. Many communities protect it as a holy symbol.
Question 5. Why is the Char Dham Yatra significant?
Answer
The Char Dham Yatra, consisting of four pilgrimage sites in different parts of India, is significant as it connects the northern, southern, eastern, and western regions, promoting unity and spiritual growth across diverse cultures.
Question 6. What is the story behind the Shakti Pithas?
Answer
The Shakti Pithas are sacred sites where the body parts of Sati, the divine mother, are believed to have fallen after Vishnu cut her body. These sites are revered as places of worship for the goddess Shakti.
Question 7. How does sacred geography influence trade in India?
Answer
Pilgrimage routes often overlap with trade routes, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, thereby enriching both spiritual and economic life.
Question 8. What is meant by sacredness in the context of holy places and pilgrimages?
Answer
Sacredness in the context of holy places and pilgrimages refers to the deep religious or spiritual meaning given to specific sites. These places, like shrines or temples, are visited with reverence during pilgrimages for spiritual growth. Sacredness also reflects the connection between beliefs, traditions, geography, and culture.
Question 9. How do sacred groves contribute to environmental conservation in India?
Answer
Sacred groves are important for protecting the environment. They are home to many plants and animals and help save water. People take care of them because they are holy places. They follow traditional rules like not cutting trees or hunting there. Even with problems like city growth, sacred groves still help in saving nature.
Question 10. How does the Kumbh Mela reflect the significance of sacred geography?
Answer
The Kumbh Mela, held at four sacred river sites, reflects sacred geography by bringing millions together to bathe in the holy rivers. It’s an event that connects various regions of India through shared religious practices and beliefs.
Question 11. How do trees, like the peepul, feature in sacred geography?
Answer
In sacred geography, trees like the peepul are considered sacred, with religious and spiritual significance. The peepul tree, especially at Bodh Gaya, is associated with Buddha’s enlightenment and is revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism.
Question 12. How did pilgrimage routes overlap with trade routes in ancient India?
Answer
Pilgrimage routes often overlapped with trade routes, facilitating not just religious journeys but also the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture, enriching both spiritual and economic life.
Question 13. Why is the Ganga river considered sacred in Hinduism?
Answer
The Ganga river is considered sacred in Hinduism because it is believed to be a goddess who purifies souls. Pilgrims bathe in the river to cleanse their sins and seek spiritual liberation.
Question 14. How do sacred mountains relate to religious beliefs?
Answer
Sacred mountains, like the Himalayas, are believed to be gateways to heaven. Many pilgrimage sites are located at mountain peaks, symbolizing the physical and spiritual journey to divine realms.
Question 15. What impact has pollution had on sacred sites in India?
Answer
Pollution has harmed sacred sites, like rivers and temples, leading to a strained relationship between people and nature. The pollution of holy rivers like the Yamuna and Ganga disrupts spiritual practices and threatens the sanctity of these sites.
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| Char Dham |
Long Answer Questions
Question 1. How do sacred sites like the Ganga River and the Himalayas connect nature with spirituality in India?
Answer
- Sacred sites like the Ganga River and the Himalayas are seen as divine entities in Hinduism, with the Ganga considered a goddess and the Himalayas a gateway to heaven.
- Pilgrims travel to these places not only for spiritual purification but also to connect with the natural world.
- The belief that nature itself is sacred fosters a deep connection between religious practices and the preservation of these natural landscapes.
Question 2. How do pilgrimage routes and sacred geography contribute to cultural unity in India?
Answer
- Pilgrimage routes and sacred geography contribute to cultural unity by connecting different regions through shared religious journeys.
- As people travel to sacred sites like the Char Dham or Kumbh Mela, they encounter diverse customs and traditions, but also uphold shared values of reverence for nature and spirituality.
- This exchange of culture strengthens India's unity by bridging regional differences and fostering a common religious identity.
Question 3. Match the Column A with the correct option in Column B.
|
Column A |
Column B |
|
Kumbh Mela |
Sacred to Hindus, especially for Lord Ayyapa |
|
Peepul Tree |
Goddess Ganga worshipped here |
|
Char Dham Yatra |
Birthplace of Guru Gobind Sing (Sikh holy site) |
|
Takht Sri Patna Sahib |
Sacred tree for multiple religions |
|
Sabarimala Temple |
A pilgrimage to four sacred sites |
Answer
|
Column A |
Column B |
|
Kumbh Mela |
Goddess Ganga worshipped here |
|
Peepul Tree |
Sacred tree for multiple religions |
|
Char Dham Yatra |
A pilgrimage to four sacred sites |
|
Takht Sri Patna Sahib |
Birthplace of Guru Gobind Sing (Sikh holy site) |
|
Sabarimala Temple |
Sacred to Hindus, especially for Lord Ayyapa |
Question 4. What is the concept of sacred ecology, and how does it relate to environmental conservation?
Answer
- Sacred ecology refers to the belief that natural elements like rivers, mountains, and forests are sacred and should be protected due to their spiritual significance.
- This belief encourages communities to preserve and protect the environment, as they view these natural elements as divinely sacred.
- Sacred ecology blends spirituality and environmental conservation, ensuring that these natural resources are treated with reverence and care for future generations.
Question 5. Describe the importance of the Kumbh Mela in shaping India’s religious and cultural landscape.
Answer
- The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, where millions of pilgrims gather at sacred river confluences to bathe and cleanse themselves spiritually.
- This pilgrimage is deeply rooted in India’s religious and cultural identity, as it reflects the importance of sacred geography, rituals, and unity.
- The Kumbh Mela not only highlights the sacredness of the rivers but also strengthens communal bonds across different regions of India through shared religious practices.
Question 6. How does the concept of sacred groves contribute to biodiversity conservation?
Answer
- Sacred groves are protected forests that are revered as homes of deities in various Indian cultures.
- These groves are a vital part of biodiversity conservation, as they preserve unique species of plants, animals, and ecosystems.
- Since these groves are protected by local communities, they offer a sanctuary for endangered species and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, while also fostering a sense of reverence for nature.
Question 7. Discuss the role of sacred geography in fostering trade and cultural exchange in ancient India.
Answer
Sacred geography played a vital role in promoting trade and cultural exchange in ancient India through various interconnected aspects:
- Pilgrimage routes often overlapped with trade routes, allowing merchants to engage in commerce while fulfilling religious obligations.
- People travelled long distances not only for religious purposes but also to exchange goods, share ideas, and learn from eminent teachers.
- Major trade routes, such as the Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha, facilitated the movement of precious items like spices, textiles, and gems, enhancing economic interactions.
- The presence of sacred sites, or tīrthas, attracted visitors, creating a vibrant atmosphere for cultural integration and the exchange of traditions.
- As pilgrims and traders interacted, they enriched each other’s experiences, leading to the emergence of new ideas and adaptations of existing ones.
This fusion of geography, culture, and spirituality significantly contributed to the cultural integration of the Indian Subcontinent.
Question 8. What is the significance of the Shakti Pithas and Jyotirlingas in Hinduism?
Answer
- The Shakti Pithas and Jyotirlingas are sacred sites dedicated to the goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva, respectively.
- The Shakti Pithas are believed to be locations where the body parts of Sati, the divine consort of Shiva, fell, while the Jyotirlingas represent sacred shrines of Shiva.
- Both these sites are central to Hindu spirituality, with pilgrims visiting them to seek blessings, spiritual purification, and divine protection.
Question 9. How do pilgrimage routes contribute to cultural integration across India?
Answer
Pilgrimage routes play a significant role in promoting cultural integration across India through various means:
- Shared Experiences: Pilgrims from diverse backgrounds travel to sacred sites, fostering interactions and exchanges of ideas.
- Trade Opportunities: Pilgrimage routes often overlap with trade routes, allowing merchants to sell goods while pilgrims seek spiritual fulfilment.
- Unity in Diversity: The act of pilgrimage creates a sense of belonging and unity among people from different regions and cultures.
- Preservation of Traditions: Pilgrimages help in the preservation and sharing of local customs, rituals, and languages.
Overall, these routes contribute to a rich tapestry of cultural exchange, enhancing the social fabric of the Indian subcontinent.
Question 10. How does the sacredness of rivers like the Yamuna and Kaveri influence local communities?
Answer
- Rivers like the Yamuna and Kaveri are considered sacred in India, and their sanctity influences local communities in many ways.
- People often perform rituals, prayers, and festivals along the banks of these rivers, believing that the water holds purifying power.
- Communities that depend on these rivers for their livelihoods, like fishing or farming, also maintain strong cultural practices that protect and preserve the river, reinforcing the sacred bond between the people and the land.
Question 11. Explain the impact of sacred geography on India's cultural diversity and unity.
Answer
- Sacred geography in India plays a significant role in promoting cultural diversity and unity by providing shared spaces for religious practices.
- Sites like the Char Dham, Kumbh Mela, and various pilgrimage routes bring together people from different regions, languages, and traditions.
- Although these pilgrims come from diverse backgrounds, they are united by their respect for sacred places and their common belief in the divine power of nature and geography, creating a sense of national unity through shared religious values.
Question 12. Explain how natural elements like mountains, rivers, and forests are considered sacred in India.
Answer
In India, natural elements like mountains, rivers, and forests are often regarded as sacred due to deep cultural and spiritual beliefs. Here are some key points explaining their significance:
- Spiritual Significance: Many mountains are seen as gateways to the divine, symbolising a connection between earth and heaven. This belief leads to the construction of temples on hilltops.
- Ritual Practices: Rivers are worshipped and considered sacred, with many rituals performed along their banks. They are viewed as life-giving forces.
- Tribal Beliefs: Indigenous communities, such as the Todas in Tamil Nadu, regard specific mountains and forests as sacred, associating them with their deities.
- Environmental Protection: The reverence for these natural elements fosters a sense of responsibility towards their preservation, as seen in government initiatives to protect sacred sites.
- Cultural Integration: Sacred geography connects various religious practices and pilgrimage routes, contributing to cultural unity across India.
Overall, the sacredness attributed to these natural elements plays a crucial role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of India.
Question 13. Describe the significance of rivers in Indian sacred geography.
Answer
Rivers hold immense significance in Indian sacred geography, deeply intertwined with the nation's spirituality and culture. Here are some key points highlighting their importance:
- Worship and Reverence: Rivers have been revered since Vedic times, with hymns like the nadistuti suktam praising major rivers such as Ganga and Yamuna.
- Rituals and Traditions: Many rituals invoke the presence of sacred rivers, emphasising their role in spiritual practices.
- Pilgrimage Sites: The banks of rivers are often pilgrimage destinations, attracting countless visitors seeking spiritual fulfilment.
- Life Sources: Rivers are considered lifelines for Indian civilisation, providing water, sustenance, and cultural identity.
- Local Respect: People refer to rivers with honour, using terms like 'Ganga ji' and 'Yamuna ji' to express their reverence.
This sacred geography fosters a connection between nature, culture, and spirituality, highlighting the rivers' enduring significance in Indian society.
Question 14. What is the importance of the Kumbh Mela in Indian tradition?
Answer
The Kumbh Mela is a significant event in Indian tradition, celebrated at the confluence of sacred rivers. Its importance can be summarised as follows:
- Spiritual Significance: The festival is rooted in the ancient legend of amrita manthana, where gods and demons churned the cosmic ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality.
- Cultural Heritage: Recognised by UNESCO as an intangible heritage, the Kumbh Mela attracts millions, fostering a sense of unity and shared faith among participants.
- Pilgrimage: Attendees believe that bathing in the sacred rivers during the festival purifies the soul and grants spiritual merit.
Overall, the Kumbh Mela serves as a vital link between spirituality, culture, and community in India.