NCERT Class 7 SST Chapter 8 Notes (English & Hindi)
Our Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Traditions
Chapter 8 – How the Land Becomes Sacred
भौगोलिक क्षेत्र कैसे पावन होते हैं?
English Notes – How the Land Becomes Sacred
Human beings have always shared a deep and emotional relationship with nature. Since ancient times, people have believed that land, rivers, mountains, forests, and trees are not just physical features but living and spiritual entities. This belief system forms the foundation of sacred geography.
The chapter “How the Land Becomes Sacred” explains how different natural landscapes become holy through religious beliefs, cultural practices, historical events, and collective memory. Sacred places are not created suddenly; they evolve over time through stories, rituals, and traditions.
Meaning of Sacred Land
Sacred land refers to places that people consider holy, pure, and spiritually powerful. Such places are respected, protected, and worshipped. These lands are often connected with gods, saints, ancestors, or important historical events.
Sacredness is not only linked to religion but also to cultural identity and social values. For many communities, sacred landscapes give meaning to life and help preserve traditions.
Natural Elements as Sacred
Many natural elements are worshipped across India and the world:
- Rivers: Rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Narmada are considered divine mothers.
- Mountains: Himalayas are believed to be the home of gods.
- Trees: Peepal, Banyan, and Neem trees are worshipped.
- Forests: Sacred groves are protected as holy spaces.
These beliefs encourage people to respect nature and live in harmony with the environment.
Sacred Geography in India
India has a rich tradition of sacred geography. Pilgrimage routes like Char Dham, Jyotirlingas, Shakti Peethas, and river ghats connect physical geography with spiritual beliefs.
Places become sacred due to:
- Association with gods and goddesses
- Stories from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata
- Presence of temples, mosques, churches, or monasteries
- Historical events and saints
Role of Myths, Legends, and Stories
Myths and legends play a crucial role in making land sacred. Stories passed orally from generation to generation give meaning to places. Even if historical proof is not available, belief keeps the sacredness alive.
For example, Varanasi is believed to be the city of Lord Shiva, making it one of the holiest cities in the world.
Sacred Landscapes and Community Life
Sacred places bring people together during festivals, pilgrimages, and rituals. They strengthen community bonds and shared identity. Sacred lands are also spaces of learning, meditation, and moral guidance.
In many tribal societies, sacred groves are protected by strict rules. Cutting trees or hunting animals there is forbidden.
Environmental Importance of Sacred Lands
Sacred landscapes play an important role in environmental conservation. Because people consider them holy, they protect forests, water bodies, and wildlife.
Thus, religious beliefs indirectly support biodiversity and ecological balance.
हिंदी नोट्स – भौगोलिक क्षेत्र कैसे पावन होते हैं?
मानव सभ्यता के प्रारंभ से ही मनुष्य और प्रकृति के बीच गहरा संबंध रहा है। प्राचीन काल में लोग भूमि, नदी, पर्वत, वृक्ष और वन को केवल भौतिक वस्तु नहीं बल्कि जीवित और पवित्र मानते थे।
यह अध्याय समझाता है कि कैसे विभिन्न भौगोलिक क्षेत्र धार्मिक आस्था, सांस्कृतिक परंपराओं और ऐतिहासिक घटनाओं के कारण पावन बन जाते हैं।
पावन भूमि का अर्थ
पावन भूमि वह स्थान है जिसे लोग पवित्र, शुद्ध और आध्यात्मिक शक्ति से युक्त मानते हैं। ऐसे स्थानों का सम्मान किया जाता है और पूजा की जाती है।
पवित्रता केवल धर्म से नहीं बल्कि संस्कृति, परंपरा और सामूहिक स्मृति से भी जुड़ी होती है।
प्राकृतिक तत्वों की पवित्रता
- नदियाँ: गंगा, यमुना और नर्मदा को देवी माना जाता है।
- पर्वत: हिमालय को देवताओं का निवास स्थान माना जाता है।
- वृक्ष: पीपल, बरगद और नीम पूजनीय हैं।
- वन: पवित्र उपवनों की रक्षा की जाती है।
इन मान्यताओं से प्रकृति के संरक्षण को बढ़ावा मिलता है।
भारत की पावन भौगोलिक परंपरा
भारत में तीर्थ स्थल जैसे चार धाम, ज्योतिर्लिंग, शक्तिपीठ और पवित्र नदियाँ धार्मिक महत्व रखती हैं।
स्थल पावन बनते हैं:
- देवताओं से जुड़ाव
- धार्मिक ग्रंथों की कथाएँ
- ऐतिहासिक घटनाएँ
- संतों और महापुरुषों की स्मृति
कथाएँ और मान्यताएँ
कथाएँ और लोककथाएँ किसी स्थान को पवित्र बनाने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाती हैं। भले ही ऐतिहासिक प्रमाण न हों, विश्वास उस स्थान को पवित्र बनाए रखता है।
समुदाय और पवित्र स्थल
पवित्र स्थल समुदाय को जोड़ते हैं। त्योहार, तीर्थयात्रा और अनुष्ठान लोगों में एकता और पहचान की भावना विकसित करते हैं।
पर्यावरण संरक्षण में भूमिका
पवित्र भूमि पर्यावरण संरक्षण में सहायक होती है क्योंकि लोग उन्हें नुकसान नहीं पहुँचाते। इससे जैव विविधता सुरक्षित रहती है।
Questions & Practice
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Sacred land is related to – (a) Trade (b) Religion (c) Politics (d) Industry
Answer: (b) - Which river is considered most sacred in India? – Ganga
- Sacred groves help in – Environment protection
- Himalayas are considered sacred because – Home of gods
- Sacred geography connects – Land and belief
- Which book explains sacred landscapes? – Religious texts
- Who protects sacred groves? – Local communities
- Which element is worshipped? – Trees
- Char Dham is related to – Pilgrimage
- Sacred places promote – Unity
B. True / False
- Sacred lands have no environmental role – False
- Rivers are worshipped in India – True
- Myths have no role in sacredness – False
- Sacred groves allow tree cutting – False
- Beliefs help protect nature – True
- Only temples are sacred – False
- Forests can be sacred – True
- Sacred lands unite people – True
- Sacred geography ignores culture – False
- Traditions maintain sacredness – True
C. Short Answer Questions
- What is sacred land?
- Why are rivers considered sacred?
- What are sacred groves?
- How do stories make land sacred?
- Why is Himalaya holy?
- What is sacred geography?
- How do beliefs protect nature?
- Name two sacred trees.
- How do sacred places help society?
- Why are traditions important?
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