NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter 8: How the Land Becomes Sacred

Exercise Solutions

1. Read the following statement by a well-known environmental thinker, David Suzuki:

“The way we see the world shapes the way we treat it. If a mountain is a deity, not a pile of ore; if a river is one of the veins of the land, not potential irrigation water; if a forest Chapter 8.indd 183 08-04-2025 12:53:37 184 Exploring Society: India and Beyond | Grade 7 Part 1 is a sacred grove, not timber; if other species are biological kin, not resources; or if the planet is our mother, not an opportunity—then we will treat each other with greater respect. Thus is the challenge, to look at the world from a different perspective.”

Discuss in small groups. What do you think this statement means? What implication does it have for our actions with respect to the air, water, land, trees and mountains around us?

Ans: David Suzuki’s quote encourages us to change how we view nature — not as something to exploit, but as something sacred and alive. When we see the natural world as divine, like a mother or a family member, we develop feelings of love, care, and respect toward it. This mindset influences how we interact with the environment in many ways:

• We would protect rivers as sacred lifelines rather than polluting them.
  
  

• Forests would be conserved as sacred spaces instead of being cut down for timber.
  
  

• Mountains would be valued for their beauty and spiritual power, not mined for minerals.
  
  

• Animals and other living beings would be seen as our kin, not merely resources.
  
  

• Air, water, and soil would be respected as essential elements of life, not as commodities.

Such a change in perspective can inspire us to become more responsible and compassionate guardians of the environment.

2. List the sacred sites in your region. Enquire into why they are considered sacred. Are there stories connected with these sacred places? Write a short essay of 150 words.words. (Hint: You could speak to elders in your family and community, discuss with your teacher, read books and articles, etc., to gather relevant information.)

Ans: Sacred Sites in My Region (Example – Uttarakhand)

Uttarakhand is home to many sacred sites that hold deep spiritual and cultural significance.

• Kedarnath – Considered sacred as it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
  
  

• Badrinath – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
  
  

• Yamunotri and Gangotri – These are the sacred origins of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga.
  
  

These places are considered holy because they are linked with ancient legends, divine presence, and stories of gods and sages. Pilgrims visit them to seek blessings, purification, and spiritual peace.

Preserving Our Sacred Places

Sacred places are valuable not only for our religion and culture but also for the environment. They include rivers, temples, forests, mountains, and lakes that inspire faith and unity among people.

In my locality, there is a holy pond near a temple that was once clean and peaceful. My grandparents told me that people used to treat it with great respect and used its water for prayers. Sadly, today the pond is often filled with garbage and plastic waste.

It is everyone’s responsibility to keep our sacred places clean and protected. Communities should organize regular cleaning drives and awareness programs. Religious leaders can encourage devotees to maintain cleanliness and respect these places. The government should also take strict action against those who pollute or damage them.

By working together, we can preserve our sacred sites for future generations and keep their spiritual and natural beauty alive.

3. Why do you think natural elements like rivers, mountains and forests are considered sacred for the people? How do they contribute to our lives?

Ans: Rivers, mountains, and forests are considered sacred because they support life, provide fresh water, shelter, food, and are linked to religious beliefs and stories. They contribute by giving us natural resources, preserving biodiversity, maintaining balance in nature, and offering spaces for spiritual practices and festivals.

4. Why do people visit a tīrtha or other sacred sites?

Ans: People visit a tīrtha or sacred site to seek blessings, pray, and perform rituals. Such visits are believed to purify the mind and soul, fulfill vows, express gratitude, and connect spiritually with the divine. Pilgrimages also help people find inner peace and unite them with wider communities.

5. How did the ancient pilgrimage routes help in fostering trade during those times? Do you think the sacred sites help in developing the economy of the region?

Ans: Ancient pilgrimage routes often followed major trade paths. Pilgrims and traders mingled, exchanging goods and ideas. Sacred sites attract visitors, boosting local economies—through tourism, hospitality, transport, and local artisans. Thus, pilgrimage sites continue to contribute to regional economic growth and development.

6. How do sacred places influence the culture and traditions of the people living near them?

Ans: Sacred places influence local culture through festivals, rituals, art, and music. They create traditions that bring communities together, shape values like respect for nature and hospitality, and inspire stories, dances, and local crafts unique to those regions. They also foster a sense of shared identity among people.

7. From the various sacred sites of India, select two of your choice and create a project explaining their significance.
Ans: Varanasi—regarded as the spiritual capital of India, connected with the Ganga River and Lord Shiva. Amarnath Cave—famous pilgrimage for Shiva devotees, known for the naturally formed ice-linga. Both sites attract millions yearly, enriching local culture and economy.

8. What is the two-fold significance of a tīrthayātrā or a pilgrimage?

Ans: A tīrthayātrā or pilgrimage has a two-fold significance: First, it is a physical journey to a sacred site for religious merit; second, it is a spiritual journey that leads to inner transformation, self-discipline, and deeper devotion, helping one cross from the ordinary to a more meaningful life.