Chapter 7: India's Cultural Roots
Indian culture is like an ancient tree with many roots. In this chapter we explore the Vedas and Upanishads, the teachings of the Buddha and Mahavira, and the folk and tribal traditions that together nourish our culture.
In this chapter you will
- name the four Vedas and explain what the Upanishads ask
- describe the main teachings of the Buddha and Mahavira
- explain the role of folk and tribal traditions
Topics
- The Vedas and Vedic Culture NCERT 7.1
The four Vedas (Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva) are among the oldest roots of Indian culture.
- New Schools of Thought: Buddhism and Jainism NCERT 7.2
The Buddha gained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and taught the Middle Path, first at Sarnath.
- Folk and Tribal Roots NCERT 7.3
Folk and tribal traditions are deep roots of Indian culture, close to nature.
Key words
- Veda
- one of four ancient collections of hymns in Sanskrit
- Rishi
- a sage or seer
- Upanishad
- texts that explore the self and reality
- Enlightenment
- deep understanding of the truth
- Ahimsa
- not harming any living being
- Sacred grove
- a forest patch protected as holy
Summary
- The Vedas are among the oldest roots of Indian culture; the Upanishads ask about the self and reality.
- The Buddha taught the Middle Path; Mahavira taught ahimsa, aparigraha and anekantavada.
- Folk and tribal traditions, close to nature, shaped all of Indian culture.