Chapter - 5 India, a Home to Many

 Chapter - 5 India, a Home to Man

The Story of Indian Jews 

1. Arrival of Jews in India

• Jews came to India in different waves.
• They were escaping persecution (ill-treatment) in other countries.
• India became a safe place where they could practise their religion freely.

2. Bene Israel Community

• Lived on the Konkan coast (near Mumbai).
• Came around 175 BCE from the Kingdom of Israel.
• Their ship was wrecked in a storm near India.
• Survivors settled in India and started a new life.
• Lost their holy books but remembered belief in one God.
• Became the largest Jewish community in India (about 25,000 after independence).

3. Other Jewish Groups

• Arrived later between the 12th and 19th centuries.
• Also came to escape persecution.
• Some settled in Cochin (Kochi).

4. Jews in Kochi

• The Raja of Kochi gave them land for free.
• They were allowed to live peacefully “as long as the world, sun, and moon endure”.
• Built a synagogue (place of worship).
• Became part of Indian society while keeping their religion.

Jews:- Jews are members of the people and the cultural community originating from the ancient

Hebrews of Israel and traditionally linked to the religion of Judaism. A Jew may be identified

either by descent from Jewish ancestry or through conversion. Jewish identity may therefore

be defined on the basis of religion, culture, history, or ethnicity

Synagogue:- A place of worship for Jews where religious services and special ceremonies like

weddings are held.

Heretic: A person considered to be holding beliefs (especially religious ones) contrary to those of the

dominant view.

Persecution: Hostility, generally arising from religious, ethnic, social or political motives, often accompanied by harassment or violence.

Zoroastrianism:- Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions, was founded by the prophet Zarathushtra in Central Asia.It is based on the worship of one God, Ahurā Mazdā. Choosing good over evil is an important aspect of this faith

The Syriac Christian Community – 

Origin and Migration

• Syriac Christians used the ancient Syriac language.
• Faced persecution in West Asia from the 4th century CE.
• In the Roman Empire, they were called heretics (different beliefs about Christ).
• In the Persian Empire, they were suspected of helping enemies and were persecuted.

Arrival in India

• Travelled along trade routes to India.
• Settled on the Malabar Coast (Kerala).
• Found freedom to live and worship.

Identity in India

• Known as Syrian Christians.
• Divided into different sects (groups).
• Became part of Indian society.
• The Parsis and Zoroastrianism – Notes

Origin of Parsis

• Parsis follow Zoroastrianism.
• Came from Persia (modern Iran).
• Migration started after the Islamic conquest (7th century CE).

Reasons for Migration

• Faced religious persecution, such as:
• Forced conversions
• Special tax (jizya)
• Destruction of fire temples
• Social discrimination

Arrival in India

• Reached Gujarat coast between the 8th–10th centuries.
• Carried their sacred fire and traditions.

Legend of Milk and Sugar

• King Jadi Rana of Sanjan showed a full jug of milk (kingdom full).
• A Parsi wise man added sugar to milk without spilling it.
• Meaning: Parsis would blend peacefully without disturbing society.
• King allowed them to settle safely.

Life in India

• Settled peacefully and adopted local culture.
• Sacred fire still burns in Udvada.
• India has the largest Parsi population today.

Similarities with Indian Traditions

• Both believe in cosmic order.
• Importance of fire worship.
• Language similarities between:
• Vedic Sanskrit and Avestan
• Examples:- soma = haoma, hotar = haotar, yajña = yasna

Differences

• In Vedas: devas = good gods
• In Avesta: daevas = evil
• Ahura = chief god in Zoroastrianism
• Asuras = evil in later Indian belief

The Arab Merchant Community – 

• Arrival of Arab Merchants- Arab merchants came to India from the 7th century onward., Settled along the west coast of India.
• Areas of Settlement:- Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka
• Occupation and Activities:- Engaged in trade, especially:- Spices, Other goods,Married local women and formed new communities.
• Mappila Muslim Community:- In Kerala, they became part of the Mappila Muslim community. Contributed to local culture and society.
• Religious Contribution:- Helped build India’s oldest mosque – Cheraman Juma Masjid.
• Nature of Arrival:- Came as peaceful traders, not conquerors. Spread:- New ideas, Culture, Religion

The African Connection (Siddis) –

Origin of Siddis

• Siddis are people of African origin.
• They were brought to India as slaves.

Arrival in India:- Brought by:

• Arab traders
• Portuguese traders
• British traders
• Time period: 7th to 19th centuries

Role in India

• In the 18th century, some Siddis became important in armies of Muslim rulers.
• They even controlled parts of Bengal for a short time.

Culture and Traditions

• Their culture is a mix of African and Indian traditions.
• Known for:- Unique dance forms, African-style drumming

Religion and Language:- Follow different religions:

• Hinduism
• Islam
• Christianity
• Language influenced by local Indian languages.
• Combined African religious practices with Indian traditions.

Present Condition

• Siddis are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India.
• Many still face economic difficulties.
• Efforts are being made to improve:- Education, Employment opportunities

The Armenians in India – 

Origin

• Armenians came from Armenia.
• Armenia is located between:
• Turkey
• Azerbaijan
• North of Iran

Early Arrival

• Armenian merchants traded in:
• Spices
• Fine muslin cloth
• First settlements possibly on the Malabar Coast in the 8th century.

Under the Mughals

• Many Armenians came during the 16th century.
• Received support from Akbar.
• First major settlement in Agra.
• Allowed to:- Build churches, Practise their Christian religion freely

Important Roles:- Armenians worked in:

• Royal court
• Army
• Administration
• Examples:
• Abdul Hai – Chief Justice
• Lady Juliana – Royal doctor

Settlements in India:- Major centres:

• Surat
• Kolkata
• Chennai

Cultural Contributions:- Built:

• Schools
• Churches
• Cemeteries

Important sites:

• Armenian College
• Mother Mary Church

Armenians in Chennai

• Settled in 17th century for trade.
• Traded in:
• Silk
• Spices
• Precious stones

Key landmarks:- Armenian Street, St. Mary's Armenian Church

Present Condition

• Armenian population has declined.
• Some families still preserve their culture and heritage.

The Baha’i Community in India – 

Origin of Baha’i Religion

• Began in the mid-1800s in Persia.
• Founded by Baha'u'llah.
• Teachings focus on:
• Unity of all people
• Harmony among religions

Persecution

• Faced opposition from religious leaders in Iran.
• Declared as heretics (people with different beliefs).
• Treated badly and forced to leave.

Arrival in India

• Baha’is started coming to India in the late 19th century.
• Came in search of safety and freedom.

Growth in India

• Many Indians joined the Baha’i faith over time.
• Today, most Baha’is in India are Indian followers.

Beliefs and Practices:- Believe in:

• Unity
• Peace
• Love
• Welcome people of all religions and backgrounds.

The ‘Good Maharaja’ and the Polish Children – 

Background

• During World War II, Poland was invaded.
• Many families were separated and children became orphans.

The Good Maharaja

• Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja was the ruler of Nawanagar (Jamnagar).
• He felt sympathy for Polish children affected by war.

Help Provided:- With help from the Red Cross, he:

• Rescued Polish children
• Brought them to Jamnagar (India)
• Provided:- Shelter, Food, Care and safety

Number of People Helped

• Saved around 1,000 Polish orphan children (1942–1946).
• Also helped thousands of other Polish refugees.

After the War:- After the war ended, the children returned safely to Poland.

Recognition

• Honoured by the President of Poland.
• A monument was built at Good Maharaja Square in Warsaw.

Importance:- Shows India’s tradition of:

• Kindness
• Humanity
• Helping refugees

Tibetan Refugees in India 

About Tibet

• Tibet is located beyond the Himalayan range.
• Known as the “Land of Snows”.
• Became a centre of Buddhism in the 7th century.

Spread of Buddhism

• Tibetan kings accepted the teachings of Gautama Buddha.
• Buddhism gradually expanded in Tibet.

Link with India

• During invasions in India, many monks moved to Tibet.
• They carried important Sanskrit Buddhist texts with them.
• Helped preserve Indian knowledge traditions.

Role of Dalai Lamas

• From the 15th century, Dalai Lama became spiritual leaders.
• From the 17th century, they also became rulers of Tibet.

Chinese Takeover

• From 1950, China took control of Tibet.
• In 1959, a major uprising happened in Lhasa.

Arrival of Tibetan Refugees

• The 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959.
• India gave him asylum (shelter).
• He settled in Dharamshala.

Tibetan Government-in-Exile

• The Central Tibetan Administration works from Dharamshala.
• Acts as a government-in-exile.

Teachings of the Dalai Lama:- Promotes:

• Compassion
• Forgiveness
• Tolerance
• Religious harmony
• Supports Indian values like:
• Ahimsa (non-violence)
• Karuna (compassion)

Support by India:- Indian government helped by:

• Providing shelter and settlements
• Giving education
• Supporting livelihoods
• Many monasteries built, especially in Karnataka.

Present Situation:- Tibetan refugees have:

• Preserved their culture and language
• Become part of Indian society

“The Whole World is Family” – 

• The phrase “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” means:
• “The whole world is one family.”
• It reflects India’s tradition of:
• Acceptance
• Inclusion
• Compassion

India as a Welcoming Land:- Many communities came to India:

• Seeking refuge (safety)
• Looking for better opportunities
• India provided them a safe and peaceful home.

Core Indian Values:- Ancient Indian teachings promote:

• Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah – May all be happy
• Atithi Devo Bhava – Guest is like God
• Compassion and kindness

Philosophical Background

• India developed many schools of thought.
• These teachings encouraged:
• Respect for all people
• Peaceful coexistence
• Care for all living beings

Teaching of the Buddha:- Karaniya Metta Sutta teaches:

• Love and kindness for all beings.
• Message:- Care for others like a mother cares for her child.

Indian Values Beyond India – 

Indian Communities Abroad

• Indians living abroad are called expatriates.
• Known for being:- Peaceful, Law-abiding, Progressive, Economically successful
• They integrate well into other societies.

India’s Tradition of Acceptance:- While many regions faced religious persecution, India promoted:

• Peaceful coexistence
• Respect for different religions
• India became a safe haven for people from different backgrounds.

Influence of Indian Culture:- Many who came to conquer India were influenced by:

• Indian culture
• Philosophy
• Knowledge traditions
• Examples:- Indo-Greeks, Kushanas

Core Indian Value

• Belief in the unity of humankind.
• Similar to the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (world is one family).

Importance in Today’s World:- These values can help solve global problems like:

• Wars
• Climate change
• Inequality
• Discrimination

NCERT QUESTIONS/ANSWER

Question:-1. On the outline of a world map, try to trace the routes that the communities mentioned in this chapter may have used to reach India. What types of physical geographies did they have to negotiate?

Answer:- On a world map, the routes to India would show:

• Jews, Syriac Christians, Parsis, Armenians, and Baha’is came mainly from West Asia (Persia, Israel, Armenia) → travelled by land routes and sea routes (Arabian Sea) to India’s west coast.
• Arab merchants came directly by sea routes across the Arabian Sea to Kerala and Gujarat.
• Siddis (Africans) were brought from Africa across the Arabian Sea.
• Tibetan refugees crossed the Himalayan mountains into India.
• Polish children came from Europe to India during World War II by long land and sea routes.

Physical Geographies Faced

• Seas/Oceans – Arabian Sea
• Mountains – Himalayas
• Deserts – West Asian deserts
• Plateaus and plains

Question:-2. What are the key values intrinsic to Indian culture that enable it to welcome people of different backgrounds?

Answer:- The key values of Indian culture that help welcome people from different backgrounds are:

• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – belief that the whole world is one family
• Atithi Devo Bhava – treating guests with great respect
• Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah – wishing happiness for all
• Religious tolerance – respect for all faiths
• Compassion and kindness – caring for others
• Peaceful coexistence – living together in harmony

Question:-3. Homi Bhabha, Sam Maneckshaw, Ratan Tata, Fali Nariman, Nani Palkivala, and Cornelia Sorabji are a few names of Parsis who excelled in their respective fields. Find out more about people from other communities that made India their home and their contributions.

Answer:- a few important people from different communities who made India their home and contributed greatly:

1. From the Jewish Community

• David Abraham Cheulkar
• Famous Bollywood actor
• Contributed to Indian cinema

2. From the Syrian Christian Community

• Verghese Kurien
• Led India’s White Revolution (milk production)
• Made India one of the largest milk producers

3. From the Tibetan Community

• 14th Dalai Lama
• Promoted peace, compassion, and non-violence
• Strengthened India’s global image

4. From the Baha’i Community

• Lotus Temple (community contribution)
• Promotes unity and harmony among religions
• Open to people of all faiths

5. From the Armenian Community

• Arathoon Stephen
• Founded important schools in India
• Contributed to education system

6. From the African (Siddi) Community

• Yasmeen Manjra (example-type figure)
• Represents contribution in sports and culture
• (Note: Siddis mainly contributed culturally through music and dance)