NCERT 6th Class (CBSE) Social Science: Reaching out to Distant Lands

Question: What was the Bhakti system of belief?

Answer: According to the Bhakti system of belief, if a devotee worships the chosen deity with a pure heart, the deity will appear in the form in which he / she may desire. Therefore, the deity could be thought of as a human being, lion, tree or any other form. Once this idea gained acceptance, artists made beautiful images of these deities.

Question: What do you mean by Silk Route? What was its significance?

Answer: The route through which the traders carried silk with them is known as silk Route. Silk was first invented in China and the methods of its making were kept a high secret for several years. But the traders ultimately spread the knowledge of silk far and wide. Everyone got attracted to it because of its fine texture. Wearing silk became a fashion amongst rulers and rich people in Rome. In India too, the rulers tried is control the Silk Route. This was because they could benefit from taxes, tributes and gifts that were brought by traders travelling along the route. The Kushanas were the best known rulers who controlled the Silk Route. During their rule, a branch of the Silk Route extended from Central Asia down to the seaports at the mouth of the river Indus, from where silk was shipped westwards to the Roman Empire.

Question: How did Buddhism grow during Kushana dynasty?

Answer: Kanishka was the most reputed Kushana ruler. During his region Buddhism spread to a great extent. He organised a Buddhist council where scholars used to gather to discuss major issues. Ashvaghosha was a renowned poet in his court. He wrote the biography of the Buddha. Mahayana Buddhism emerged as a new form. This had two special features. Earlier, Buddha’s presence was shown in sculpture by using certain signs. Now statues of Buddha were made. Mathura and Taxila became prominent places where several statues of Buddha were made. The second distinct feature was a belief in Bodhisattvas, who were sacred people and had attained enlightenment. The worship of Bodhisattvas gained popularity in Central, Asia, China and later to Korea and Japan. Buddhism also spread to western and southern India. It also spread south eastwards to Sri Lanka, Myanmar. Thailand and other parts of South east Asia including Indonesia.

Question: What was Bhakti movement? Why did it become more popular?

Answer: Bhakti movement was a new way of worship. Bhakti means devotion to a particular deity. During the post vedic era some deities like Shiva, Vishnu and Durga became popular among the devotees. This inclination towards deities came to be known as Bhakti movement.It became popular because in this, there was no discrimination among the worshipers or devotees. There was no difference whether one was rich or poor, high or low, man or woman. Everyone was allowed to worship the deities of his / her own choice. Bhakti movement discarded the performance of elaborated sacrifices.