NCERT Class 6 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond (Sanskrit): Chapter 7 — विविधतायाम् एकता, "एकस्मिन् बहुभावः" वा
This chapter, "The Cultural Roots of India" (भारतस्य सां स्कृति�कानि मूलानि), from NCERT's Class 6 Social Science textbook "Exploring Society India and Beyond," delves into the ancient and diverse cultural foundations of India. It highlights that Indian culture, like an ancient tree, has deep roots and numerous branches, all stemming from a common source. The chapter introduces the concept of "spiritualism" (आध्यात्मिकः) as the quest for truth about the self and the supreme self, a pursuit undertaken by seekers, saints, and yogis. It traces some of these cultural roots back to the Indus-Sarasvati civilization and discusses the emergence of various philosophical schools and traditions in ancient India, emphasizing how these contributed to India's unique identity. The chapter also begins to explore the Vedas as the oldest scriptures, defining "Veda" as knowledge and listing the four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. These ancient texts, composed in the Sapta Sindhu region, are presented as foundational to India's cultural heritage and knowledge traditions, aiding students in understanding the depth and continuity of Indian civilization.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — विविधतायाम् एकता, "एकस्मिन् बहुभावः" वा |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 205 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of India's deep and diverse cultural roots.
- Define spiritualism and its role in Indian thought.
- Identify the Vedas as ancient sources of knowledge.
- Recognize the contribution of various philosophical schools to Indian culture.
- Appreciate the continuity of Indian cultural heritage.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| सांस्कृतिकानि | Cultural |
| मूलानि | Roots/Foundations |
| आध्यात्मिकः | Spiritual |
| परमात्मविषये | About the Supreme Self |
| विचारधारा: | Ideologies/Schools of thought |
| सिन्धु-सरस्वती-सभ्यता | Indus-Sarasvati Civilization |
| वेदः | Veda (Knowledge) |
| ऋग्वेदः | Rigveda |
| यजुर्वेदः | Yajurveda |
| सामवेदः | Samaveda |
| अथर्ववेदः | Atharvaveda |
| श्रुतिः | Shruti (Heard/Revealed knowledge) |
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Practice questions
- What does the word "Veda" mean? Answer: The word "Veda" comes from the Sanskrit root "vid," meaning 'knowledge'.
- How many Vedas are there, and what are their names? Answer: There are four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
- What is considered the oldest Veda? Answer: The Rigveda is considered the oldest among the Vedas.
- What is "spiritualism" (आध्यात्मिकः) as described in the chapter? Answer: Spiritualism is the thought process or quest related to the self and the Supreme Self.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of Chapter 7 of NCERT Class 6 Social Science (Exploring Society India and Beyond)?
Chapter 7 focuses on the ancient and diverse cultural roots of India, including spiritualism and the Vedas.
What are the four Vedas mentioned in the chapter?
The four Vedas are Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
Where does the word 'Veda' originate from?
The word 'Veda' originates from the Sanskrit root 'vid,' which means 'knowledge'.
What is the significance of the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in relation to Indian culture?
The chapter suggests that some of India's cultural roots can be traced back to the Indus-Sarasvati civilization.
What does 'spiritualism' (आध्यात्मिकः) refer to in the context of the chapter?
Spiritualism refers to the thought process concerning the self and the Supreme Self, pursued by seekers and sages.
Why are the Vedas called 'Shruti'?
The Vedas are called 'Shruti' because these mantras were traditionally transmitted orally and heard, not written down.
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NCERT Class 6 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond (Sanskrit) — Chapter 7 — विविधतायाम् एकता, "एकस्मिन् बहुभावः" वा. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.