NCERT Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I: Chapter 8 — How the Land Becomes Sacred
This chapter, 'How the Land Becomes Sacred,' from NCERT's Class 7 Social Science textbook 'Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I,' delves into the concept of sacredness and its connection to land and geography. It explores how specific locations, shrines, and even journeys like pilgrimages acquire deep religious or spiritual significance, evoking reverence and respect. The chapter posits that sacredness is not solely tied to religion but also to traditions and geography, particularly in the Indian context. It highlights that various schools of thought and religions in India designate their own sacred places. Understanding sacredness helps students grasp the cultural integration and diverse traditions within the Indian subcontinent, contributing to their broader understanding of social studies and CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — How the Land Becomes Sacred |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 317 |
Learning outcomes
- Define 'sacredness' in the context of religious and spiritual significance.
- Understand how land and specific locations become sacred.
- Recognize the connection between sacred sites, pilgrimage, and people's lives.
- Analyze the role of sacred geography in cultural integration.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sacredness | Finding something of deep religious or spiritual significance, worthy of respect and reverence, holy or divine. |
| Pilgrimage | A journey of a special kind, often to a sacred place. |
| Reverence | Deep respect and admiration. |
| Shrine | A sacred place, typically a building or part of a building, where religious offerings are made. |
| Spiritual | Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. |
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Practice questions
- What are some elements mentioned in the chapter that can be considered sacred? Answer: Ether, air, fire, water, earth, planets, creatures, directions, trees, plants, rivers, and seas are mentioned as organs of the supreme Lord's body, implying sacredness.
- According to the chapter, what is 'sacredness' in a limited context? Answer: Sacredness is finding something of deep religious or spiritual significance, worthy of respect and reverence, holy or divine.
- Besides a special location or shrine, what else can evoke feelings of sacredness? Answer: A journey of a special kind (pilgrimage), the route the journey takes, or even the very land covered can evoke sacredness.
- Does sacredness only connect with religion and spirituality? Answer: No, the chapter states that sacredness is also connected with geography, traditions, and other elements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 8?
The chapter 'How the Land Becomes Sacred' explores the concept of sacredness, how land and places acquire spiritual significance, and the role of pilgrimage and sacred geography in cultural integration.
What does 'sacredness' mean in the context of this chapter?
Sacredness refers to finding something of deep religious or spiritual significance, worthy of respect, reverence, holiness, or divinity, which can be a location, a journey, or even the land itself.
How does geography relate to sacredness?
The chapter suggests that sacredness is connected with geography, as specific locations and the routes of journeys (pilgrimages) can become sacred.
What is a pilgrimage according to the chapter?
A pilgrimage is described as a journey of a special kind, often undertaken to a sacred place.
Does every religion have sacred places?
Yes, the chapter notes that almost every school of thought and religion in India has its own sacred places.
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NCERT Class 7 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I — Chapter 8 — How the Land Becomes Sacred. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.