Chapter 6
Some Glimpses of Ancient Indian Thought and Practices
A. Comprehension Questions
(i) Answer the following questions:
1. What caused desperation to the gods?
Answer: The gods were in desperation because the demons were gaining the upper hand and defeating them in battle.
2. Who did the gods go to in desperation?
Answer: The gods went to Lord Vishnu in desperation to seek his guidance on how to defeat the demons.
3. What did the Lord advise them?
Answer: The Lord advised the gods to get a mighty sword (thunderbolt or Vajra) prepared from the bones of a great sage, which would help them defeat the demons.
4. What was the sacrifice of saint Dadhichi ?
Answer: Saint Dadhichi sacrificed his life willingly so that his bones could be used to make an invincible weapon (Amoghastra or Vajra) for the gods to defeat the demons. This was a noble example of renunciation and selflessness.
5. What is the real spirit behind the yajnas performed in our homes?
Answer: The real spirit behind the yajnas performed in our homes is selflessness and detachment, expressed through the idea "Idam Na Mam", which means "This does not belong to me." It reflects the values of charity, renunciation, and giving without attachment.
6. What does the tradition of feeding birds and animals prove?
Answer: The tradition of feeding birds and animals proves that the people of this country believe in the unity of all life. It reflects the idea that all living beings are interconnected, and that humans have a sacred duty to care for them. This belief is encapsulated in the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" — The entire Universe is one family.
7. Why did some scholars laugh at Ashtavakara?
Answer: Some scholars laughed at Ashtavakara because of his deformed body. They felt that such a physically misshapen person could not be capable of discussing high philosophy.
8. How did Ashtavakara react?
Answer: Ashtavakara reacted strongly by saying to King Janaka that he felt ashamed to be in the assembly of scholars who judged a person's worth based on their physical appearance. He criticized them for measuring intelligence and status based on looks, comparing them to "skinners" who deal with animal hides.
9. What did Vivekananda say to the lady who laughed at his simple dress?
Answer: Swami Vivekananda said to the lady, "Madam, in your country, it is the tailor who makes a man; in my country, it is the intrinsic worth and character of a person that make him or her great."
10. What was the status of women in the ancient India?
Answer: In ancient India, women were regarded with great respect and reverence. They were considered goddesses (Devi), equal partners in life (ardhangini), and the mothers of mankind. Women played an important role in auspicious functions, and if they couldn't attend, a statue was made to represent their presence. Women were never treated as objects of lust but were honored and revered for their spiritual and moral strength.
11. Why did Shivaji bow his head before the woman who was brought to him as a gift ?
Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji bowed his head before the woman because he wanted to restore her dignity as a mother and show respect for her. The woman was brought to him by his soldiers as a war prize, but Shivaji honored her and treated her with the respect due to a mother, reflecting his strong belief in the dignity and honor of women.
12. Why, according to you, were the wars fought in the Mahabharata and Ramayana sacred?
Answer: The wars fought in the Mahabharata and Ramayana were sacred because they were fought to defend righteousness (Dharma), uphold justice, and protect the honor of women. In both epics, the core battles were about standing up against evil forces and ensuring the dignity and safety of women, such as the war in the Ramayana to rescue Sita and in the Mahabharata to avenge the dishonor of Draupadi. These wars were not mere conflicts but were seen as divine struggles to preserve moral values and social justice.
13. What does Lord Rama's meeting with a Bheel woman and eating the tasted berries show?
Answer: Lord Rama's meeting with the Bheel woman and eating the berries she had tasted shows that there was no discrimination based on caste, profession, or social status in ancient India. Despite the woman being a Shudra (considered a lower caste), Lord Rama accepted her offering with respect and equality, demonstrating the principle that all human beings are equal, regardless of their caste or background.
(ii) Answer the following in about 50 words each:
1. Why, according to the author, should those people be ashamed of themselves who believe in female foeticide?
Answer: According to the author, those who believe in female foeticide should be ashamed because it goes against the noble traditions of India that have always revered women. The author highlights that in ancient India, women were always honored as goddesses, treated with respect, and their dignity and honor were defended through sacred actions. The practice of female foeticide goes against these traditions and disrespects the matrishakti (motherhood), which was highly valued in Indian culture.
2. How does the author support the idea of the victory of the good over the evil?
Answer: The author supports the idea of the victory of good over evil by referencing mythological stories, particularly the story of Sage Dadhichi, who sacrificed his life so that his bones could be used to create a powerful weapon to defeat the demons. This selfless act of renunciation exemplifies the moral values of sacrifice and righteousness. The author also mentions the sacrifice of the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh, who chose to be bricked alive rather than compromise on their faith and values, further reinforcing the theme of good triumphing over evil through selflessness and courage.
3. What is the basic difference between the position of women in society in the ancient times and now ?
Answer: In ancient times, women were revered and respected in Indian society. They were considered goddesses, mothers of mankind, and equal partners in life, playing an essential role in rituals, social functions, and family life. Women's honor and dignity were upheld, and they were treated with great respect, as evidenced by traditions like worshipping young girls (Kanjak) and creating statues to represent their presence at important ceremonies.
In contrast, in modern times, gender discrimination persists in many places, and practices like female foeticide, denial of women's rights, and unequal treatment are unfortunately common. Despite progress, women’s status has been diminished in some areas, where they are still often treated as inferior or objects of oppression. The respect and reverence that women once enjoyed have not been consistently upheld in today's society.
4. What does the practice of 'langar stand for? Explain.
Answer: The practice of 'Langar' stands for selfless service, equality, and community sharing. It is a tradition in Gurudwaras (Sikh temples) where free meals are served to all, regardless of their background, caste, religion, or status. The purpose of Langar is to emphasize sharing, selflessness, and the unity of humanity.
It also embodies the principle of "Wand Chhako" (share and eat), which encourages people to share their resources and treat all individuals as equals. The tradition of Langar reflects the Sikh teachings of humility, equality, and generosity, showing that food and resources should be shared freely, without discrimination
5. Give an example to prove that in ancient India, there was no discrimination on the basis of caste.
Answer: An example to prove that in ancient India there was no discrimination on the basis of caste is the incident from the Ramayana where Lord Rama accepted tasted berries from a Bheel woman (who was from a lower caste, a Shudra). Despite her being from a lower caste, Lord Rama did not hesitate to accept the offering, showing that there was no discrimination based on caste. This reflects the principle that a person's worth was judged by their character and actions, not by their caste or social status.
