CBSE Class 6 History: New Questions And Ideas

A Time of Change: The Rise of New Ideas

Imagine a world around 2500 years ago (about 6th century BCE). This was a period of great upheaval and intellectual ferment in India. Mahajanapadas were growing stronger, cities were developing, and trade was increasing. Many people felt that the traditional Vedic rituals and sacrifices, which were often expensive and complex, no longer provided satisfying answers to their deeper questions about life. They started seeking understanding about the meaning of existence, the cycle of birth and rebirth, and what happens after death.

Amidst this quest for knowledge, some thinkers began to record their ideas in the Upanishads. The Upanishads are a part of the later Vedic texts and mean 'approaching and sitting near' – implying the knowledge imparted by a guru to his students. The main focus of the Upanishads was philosophical inquiry into the nature of the Atman (individual soul) and Brahman (universal soul), and the relationship between them. Many Upanishadic thinkers believed that Atman and Brahman were ultimately one, and understanding this unity would lead to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. These discussions were often held in rural settings, in forests, or in homes, and involved men, and sometimes even women like Gargi. While most thinkers were Brahmanas or rajas, some were poor, like Satyakama Jabala, whose desire for knowledge was accepted despite his humble origins. These philosophical explorations laid a strong foundation for future spiritual movements.

Important Terms to Know

Upanishads

Later Vedic texts focusing on philosophical discussions about the 'Atman' (individual soul) and 'Brahman' (universal soul), emphasizing seeking knowledge over rituals.

Atman

The individual soul or self, which according to Upanishadic thinkers, is essentially the same as the 'Brahman' or universal soul.

Brahman

The universal soul or ultimate reality, which is believed to encompass everything in the universe.

Siddhartha Gautama

The original name of Buddha, who founded Buddhism. He belonged to a small gana called the Sakya gana.

Vardhamana Mahavira

The original name of Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, who systematized and spread its teachings.

Sangha

An association of monks and nuns who renounced worldly life and lived together to study and practice the teachings of Buddha or Mahavira.

Vihara

Monasteries built for Buddhist (and later Jaina) monks and nuns to live and meditate, especially during the rainy season.

Ahimsa

The principle of non-violence towards all living beings, a central tenet of Jainism and also important in Buddhism.

The Path to Enlightenment: Teachings of Buddha

1. Siddhartha Gautama's Quest — Siddhartha Gautama, born around 2500 years ago in Lumbini, was a kshatriya prince. Deeply disturbed by the suffering he saw around him (old age, sickness, death), he left his palace, family, and wealth in search of true knowledge and understanding. For several years, he wandered, meditated, and performed severe austerities.
2. Enlightenment and the Dhamma — After prolonged meditation under a peepal tree at Bodh Gaya, he attained enlightenment (Bodhi) and came to be known as the Buddha (the 'Awakened One' or 'Enlightened One'). He then spent his life teaching the 'Dhamma' (his doctrine or teachings) to people, primarily in Sarnath near Varanasi, where he gave his first sermon.
3. The Four Noble Truths — Buddha's core teachings revolve around the 'Four Noble Truths': 1. Life is full of suffering (Dukkha): Birth, old age, sickness, death, sorrow, separation from loved ones, and not getting what one desires are all forms of suffering. 2. The cause of suffering is craving/desire (Trishna): Our endless desires and attachments to worldly things lead to suffering. 3. Suffering can be stopped (Nirodha): If desires are eliminated, suffering can cease. 4. The path to stop suffering (Magga): This can be achieved by following the Eightfold Path.
4. The Eightfold Path — The Eightfold Path is the practical guide to end suffering and achieve Nirvana (extinction of desire and suffering): 1. Right Understanding: Understanding the Four Noble Truths. 2. Right Thought: Thoughts of non-violence, love, and detachment. 3. Right Speech: Avoiding lies, harsh words, and gossip. 4. Right Action: Avoiding killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct. 5. Right Livelihood: Earning a living in an ethical way. 6. Right Effort: Striving to overcome evil and develop good qualities. 7. Right Mindfulness: Being aware of one's body, feelings, and mind. 8. Right Concentration: Practicing meditation to achieve deep understanding.
5. The Sangha — Buddha established the Sangha, an order of monks and nuns, to spread his teachings. Initially, only men could join, but later, women were also allowed, often due to the efforts of his disciple Ananda and his stepmother Mahapajapati Gotami, who became the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni (Buddhist nun).

The Principles of Jainism: Mahavira's Message

• Vardhamana Mahavira's Renunciation: Vardhamana Mahavira was also a kshatriya prince from the Licchavi gana (a group within the Vajji sangha) who lived at the same time as Buddha, around 2500 years ago. At the age of 30, he left his home and led an ascetic life for twelve years, during which he endured severe hardships. Finally, he attained enlightenment, after which he was known as Mahavira (the 'Great Hero') or Jina (the 'Conqueror'), and his followers were called Jainas.
• Core Teachings of Jainism: Mahavira taught a very simple and strict doctrine. His most important teaching was ahimsa or non-violence. He taught that all living beings, whether humans, animals, birds, or even plants and insects, have life and feelings, and therefore, one should not hurt or kill any living being. This principle was to be followed very strictly by monks and nuns.
• Five Main Vows: To lead a pure life, Mahavira asked his followers, especially the monks and nuns, to take five main vows: 1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): Not to injure or kill any living being. 2. Satya (Truthfulness): Always speak the truth. 3. Asteya (Non-stealing): Not to take anything that is not given. 4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy): Complete abstinence (for monks and nuns). 5. Aparigraha (Non-possession): Not to possess any property (for monks and nuns).
• Simplicity and Austerity: Mahavira also emphasized living a very simple and austere life. Monks and nuns often went naked or wore very simple clothes, begging for their food. They preached in Prakrit, the language of ordinary people, making their teachings accessible to everyone. Jainism spread widely in north India and parts of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Exam Tip: Comparing Buddhism and Jainism

When studying New Questions And Ideas, it's crucial to understand the distinct features of Buddhism and Jainism, but also their similarities. In exams, you might be asked to compare these philosophies or identify their core tenets.

Focus on these points:

• Founders: Remember Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) and Vardhamana Mahavira. Don't confuse them!
• Key Concepts: For Buddhism, think Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Nirvana. For Jainism, think Ahimsa, Pancha Mahavratas (Five Great Vows), Moksha.
• Emphasis: Both emphasized giving up worldly desires and leading an ethical life. Jainism placed extreme importance on ahimsa (non-violence) even more rigorously than Buddhism. Buddhism focused on the 'Middle Path' (avoiding both extreme indulgence and extreme austerity), while Jainism advocated for severe asceticism.
• Sangha: Both established sanghas (orders of monks and nuns) to propagate their ideas. Understand who could join these sanghas.
• Language: Both used Prakrit to reach common people, unlike Sanskrit, which was primarily for learned Brahmanas.

Practicing these comparisons will help you answer questions comprehensively and score well!

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: What were the main philosophical inquiries addressed by the Upanishadic thinkers? A: Step 1: Recall the meaning and purpose of the Upanishads. Step 2: Remember that Upanishads were about seeking deeper knowledge rather than rituals. Step 3: Identify the core concepts discussed by these thinkers. Final answer: The main philosophical inquiries addressed by Upanishadic thinkers revolved around the nature of the Atman (individual soul) and Brahman (universal soul), and their interconnectedness. They sought to understand what happens after death, the meaning of life, and the relationship between the individual self and the ultimate reality.
• Q: Explain the 'Four Noble Truths' as taught by Buddha. A: Step 1: Remember that Buddha's teachings began after his enlightenment. Step 2: Recall the central problem Buddha identified and its solutions. Step 3: List each of the Four Noble Truths clearly. Final answer: The 'Four Noble Truths' taught by Buddha are: 1. Life is full of suffering (Dukkha). 2. The cause of suffering is craving or desire (Trishna). 3. Suffering can be stopped if craving is eliminated (Nirodha). 4. Suffering can be stopped by following the Eightfold Path (Magga).
• Q: What is the principle of 'Ahimsa' and how important is it in Jainism? A: Step 1: Define 'Ahimsa'. Step 2: Explain its significance within the context of Jainism. Step 3: Provide examples of how it is practiced. Final answer: Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence towards all living beings. In Jainism, it is of supreme importance and is considered the most fundamental vow. Jains believe that every living thing, no matter how small, has a soul and deserves respect and protection. Monks and nuns adhere to this principle very strictly, avoiding harm to even insects, walking barefoot, and sometimes even wearing masks over their mouths to avoid inhaling tiny organisms.
• Q: Describe the Sangha. Who could join it, and what was its purpose? A: Step 1: Define Sangha in the context of both Buddhism and Jainism. Step 2: Identify the criteria for joining. Step 3: State the main purpose of the Sangha. Final answer: The Sangha was an order or association of monks and nuns who renounced worldly life. Initially, only men could join the Buddhist Sangha, but later women were also allowed. In Jainism, both men and women could join the Jaina Sangha from the beginning. The purpose of the Sangha was to provide a community for those who wished to dedicate their lives to studying, practicing, and spreading the teachings of Buddha or Mahavira, leading a simple, ascetic, and meditative life.

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