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

This chapter expands on the idea of sacred geography, describing how some places, journeys, or natural features are so deeply religiously and culturally significant in India. Sacredness of land results from: religious beliefs and myths, sites of temples and shrines, pilgrimage (Tirtha-yatra) paths, and associations with natural elements like rivers and mountains. The chapter also highlights how these sacred locales become locations of cultural exchange and trade.

The NCERT Solutions are creative and organized responses to all textbook questions. Understanding this spiritual geographic context allows for an appreciation of shared cultural identities, and illustrates the historical unity of a diverse Indian subcontinent.

1.0Download NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science Chapter 8 How the Land Becomes Sacred: Free PDF

Obtain our free PDF of the NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter: How the Land Becomes Sacred, cooked such that academic experts can help guide you through the curious intersection of geography, history and culture.

2.0Important Concepts of Class 7 Social Science Chapter 8: How the Land Becomes Sacred - Brief Explanation

The chapter demonstrates that sacredness is a powerful force that shapes people's lives, communities, and the physical environment itself.

What is Sacredness? 

Sacredness refers to all that is holy or venerated in religious or spiritual belief. A place is sacred when it is distinguished from the ordinary world and inspires feelings of reverence, awe, or connection to the divine.

Factors Making Land Sacred

There are various ways in which land becomes a sacred site:

• Religious Legends and Myths: These are sites where divinities or saints (for example, the 51 Shakti Pithas or burial of saints of the Sufi order such as Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti in Ajmer) are said to have lived, performed miracles, or achieved divine transcendence.
• Temple Towns and Shrines: Towns typically developed around prominent temples (for instance, Thanjavur, Tirupati) and were granted royal patronage through the donation of pilgrims. Temples served as sites of rituals, economic activity, and settlement of priests, artisans, and traders.
• Nature as Divine: Indian traditions and practices typically categorize certain different natural features as "divine":
• Rivers: Worshipped as goddesses (Ganga, Yamuna)
• Mountains: Believed to be the abode of deities (Mount Kailash, Vaishno Devi)
• Forests: Preserved as Sacred Groves.

Pilgrimage Networks (Tirtha-Yatra) 

• Traveling to sacred sites (tirthas) as a pilgrimage journey, forms networks (e.g., Char Dham Yatra or the twelve Jyotilingas) that enable people to traverse large areas across north-south-east-west, helping to integrate various aspects of being and a sense of belonging to the many communities, cultures, and aspects of life across the diverse subcontinent.

Sacred Sites and Economy 

• Sacred sites are economic engines and hospitality provides the services needed by pilgrims: in addition to the pilgrimage experience, the demand for lodging, transportation, food, and religious goods also supports local economies and livelihoods for both locals and craftsmen.

3.0NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 8: How the Land Becomes Sacred - Detailed Solutions

• Read the following statement by a wellknown 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 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 urges us to change our perspective and see the natural world not just as resources for exploitation, but as sacred and living entities. When we see nature with reverence-as a deity, family, or a mother-we naturally treat it with love, care, and respect. The implications it has on our actions with respect to the air, water, land, trees and mountains around us are: (i) We will avoid polluting rivers and instead protect them like sacred lifelines. (ii) Forests would be preserved as sacred groves instead of being cleared for timber. (iii) Mountains would be admired for their spiritual grandeur, not mined for minerals. (iv) We would consider animals and other life forms as kin and not just as resources. (v) The air, water, and soil would be treated as life-giving elements, not as commodities. This shift in thinking can help us become better caretakers of the environment.
• 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. (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, for example- Uttarakhand: (i) Kedarnath-Considered sacred as it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. (ii) Badrinath-Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the Char Dham sites. (iii) Yamunotri and Gangotri- Sacred origins of rivers Yamuna and Ganga. These are considered sacred because these places are associated with ancient myths, divine presence, and stories of gods and sages. Pilgrims visit them seeking blessings, purification, and spiritual upliftment. A short essay with the title 'Preserving Our Sacred Places': Sacred places are important for our religion, culture, and environment. They include rivers, temples, forests, mountains, and lakes. In my locality, there is a holy pond near a temple that was once clean and peaceful. But now, it is often filled with garbage and plastic. I spoke to my grandparents, and they told me how people used to respect the pond and even used its water for prayers. Today, many people do not take care of such places. It is everyone's duty to keep sacred places clean and safe. Communities should come together to organize cleaning drives. Religious leaders can spread awareness about keeping these places pollution-free. The government should also take action against those who harm them.
• 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. Natural elements are considered sacred because they are believed to be abodes of gods or goddesses and sources of spiritual power. They contribute to our lives in the following ways: (i) Rivers provide water for drinking, agriculture, and rituals. (ii) Mountains affect climate, store water as glaciers, and are pilgrimage sites. (iii) Forests purify the air, provide medicine, and are seen as sacred groves. They are essential for both ecological balance and cultural traditions.
• Why do people visit a tirtha or other sacred sites? Ans. People visit tirthas or sacred places: (i) To seek spiritual purification and peace. (ii) To fulfill religious vows or express gratitude. (iii) To connect with divine energy and perform rituals. (iv) To be part of centuries-old traditions and experience a sense of unity with others.
• 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 and trade: (i) Pilgrims travelled with goods, spreading local products to other regions. (ii) Traders set up shops along routes to cater to pilgrims. (iii) These routes connected different regions culturally and economically. The sacred sites help in developing the economy of the region in the following ways: (i) Promoting tourism and hospitality industries. (ii) Supporting local artisans, guides, and transport workers. (iii) Generating income through fairs, rituals, and donation centers.
• How do sacred places influence the culture and traditions of the people living near them? Ans. (i) Sacred places are connected to religious stories, festivals, and local beliefs. (ii) People living nearby often take part in rituals, prayers, and celebrations. (iii) Festivals at sacred sites include music, dance, special food, and traditional clothes. (iv) These places teach values like kindness, honesty, and respect. (v) Local art, crafts, and songs often show stories from the sacred place. (vi) Sacred places bring people together and build a sense of community and belonging. (vii)Traditions are passed from one generation to the next, keeping the culture alive. (viii)These places also attract visitors, helping locals share their culture with others.
• What is the two-fold significance of a tirthayatra or a pilgrimage? Ans. The two-fold significance of a tirthayatra or a pilgrimage are: (i) Spiritual significance: Helps cleanse the soul, seek blessings, and reflect on life's deeper meaning. (ii) Cultural and social significance: It strengthens community bonds. Encourages knowledge-sharing across regions and preserves heritage and traditions.

4.0Key Features and Benefits of NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 8 How the Land Becomes Sacred

The answers to the questions provided a multidisciplinary approach to understanding sacred land by connecting historical, geographical, and cultural studies together. 

• Indicating multifaith examples: The answers referenced an example of sacred land across multiple Indian religions, such as Buddhism, Sufism, and Hinduism, to highlight that different traditions respect similar sacred spaces or environments. 
• Categorization was clear: The answers to the questions for different contributing factors to sacredness (myth, nature, human construct) were categorized to indicate each of the categorization of sacredness for understanding. 
• Analysis of cultural integration: The answers explained how different pilgrimage networks were essential for cultural continuity and integration in differing regions across India. 
• Economic linkages: The answers described how religious activities led to urbanization, and economic development of towns around temples and shrines. 
• Alignment of NCERT Textbook: All answers are accurate, concise, and organized according to the textbook questions.
• Cultural Empathy: students will acquire a more significant understanding and respect for the various religious perspectives and cultural practices across India.
• Environmental Awareness: studying the idea of Sacred Groves, as well as the worship of rivers and mountains, involves the recognition of a particular historical relationship between environmental conservation and spirituality.
• Understanding Urbanization: students will obtain an understanding of the powerful force that the religious significance and pilgrimage created with relation to possible urban development in the medieval period (i.e., the development of temple towns).
• Histological Connectivity: students will visualise India as a single cultural unit through the comprehension of the medieval pilgrims' travel routes and the elements of interconnected holy sites.
• Vocabulary Mastery: introduces for students notions such as Tirtha-yatra, Sacred Grove, and Sacred Geography