NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 Questions and Answers Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’

Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’ – NCERT Class 6th SST Chapter 8 Questions and Answers


Big Questions (Page 125)

Q1. What is meant by ‘unity in diversity’ in the Indian scenario?

Answer:
“Unity in diversity” means that India is made up of many different cultures, languages, religions, and people, but all these differences are respected and work together as a united nation. Even though India has a lot of diversity, people live together harmoniously. Here’s how:

  • Languages: India has 22 official languages and many dialects, but people often communicate in Hindi or English to understand each other.
  • Religions: India is home to several religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. People celebrate many festivals, showing respect for each other’s beliefs.
  • Democracy & Equality: The Indian government ensures all groups have a say through democracy, and laws protect everyone’s rights.
  • Economic Interdependence: Different regions specialize in different goods, and they depend on each other for trade.
  • National Symbols: Everyone respects the Indian flag and anthem, which represent unity despite differences.

In short, “unity in diversity” means that despite India’s many cultures and traditions, everyone feels connected as one country.


Q2. What aspects of India’s diversity are the most striking?

Answer:
India’s diversity can be seen in several ways:

  1. Languages: India has 22 official languages, and many states have their own language. People also speak different dialects.
  2. Religions: People follow many religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism. India also has several temples, mosques, and churches.
  3. Cultural Diversity: Different states have their own traditions, foods, and ways of life. For example, in the South, people may wear lungis, while in the North, they wear dhotis.
  4. Festivals: India celebrates many festivals like Diwali, Christmas, Eid, and Navratri, each with its own customs.
  5. Food: The food is different in every region, with the North preferring wheat-based food and the South going for rice-based dishes.
  6. Geography: India’s geography is diverse, from snowy mountains to beaches, deserts, and plains.
  7. Clothing: Traditional clothes also vary. In the South, people wear sarees and lungis, while in the North, men wear dhotis.

This shows that India has many differences, but it all adds to the country’s beauty and unity.


Q3. How do we see unity underlying this diversity?

Answer:
Unity in India comes from several key factors:

  1. Constitution: The Indian Constitution guarantees equal rights for everyone, regardless of their language, religion, or background.
  2. National Symbols: The Indian flag and anthem unite people from all regions and communities.
  3. Cultural Events: Festivals like Diwali and Holi bring people together, no matter their religion or region.
  4. Economic Links: People in different states depend on each other for goods and services, strengthening unity.
  5. Sports and Entertainment: Cricket, Bollywood movies, and TV shows are enjoyed by people across the country, helping people connect.
  6. Shared History: The shared memory of India’s freedom struggle helps people feel connected as one nation.
  7. Common Issues: Challenges like poverty and development bring people together to work for a better future.

In these ways, despite the differences, people in India stay united.


Let’s Explore

Q1. Think of a vegetable and list the different dishes you can make with it. (Page 128)

Answer:
This question encourages you to think about how a single vegetable can be used in many different ways to make various dishes. For example, a potato can be used to make fries, curry, aloo tikki, and mashed potatoes.


Q2. How does the sari reflect both unity and diversity? (Page 129)

Answer:
The sari is worn all over India, showing unity. However, the way it is worn differs in different states, such as the way it is draped in Maharashtra versus Bengal. The fabric, design, and colors also vary, showing diversity. The sari, in its many forms, reflects India’s rich culture and traditions.


Q3. What other uses can the sari have apart from being worn? (Page 130)

Answer:
Here are a few ways a sari can be used beyond wearing:

  1. It can be used as a swing for babies.
  2. It can be used for fishing.
  3. Women use it to carry water pots on their heads.
  4. It can act as a cloth bag to carry things like fruits or grains.
  5. It can be used to protect from the sun or dust.
  6. It can be used as a pillow cover or a bed sheet.

This shows the sari’s versatility.


Q4. Can you think of other uses for the sari? (Page 130)

Answer:
Yes, here are more ideas:

  • The sari can be used as a head cover from the sun.
  • It can be turned into a bag to carry groceries.
  • In cold weather, it can be used as a blanket or shawl.

Q5. What are different styles of wearing the dhoti? What conclusion can you draw? (Page 131)

Answer:
The dhoti is worn in different styles in various parts of India. In Maharashtra, it is called “Dhotar,” in Kerala, it’s known as “Mundu,” and in South India, it’s called “Veshti.” It can be made from cotton, silk, or other fabrics, and is worn on different occasions like festivals or daily use.

Conclusion:
Like the sari, the dhoti is versatile and varies in different regions, showing how traditional clothing adapts to local cultures, climates, and customs.


Q6. List some major festivals celebrated in October-November and their different names in India. (Page 133)

Answer:
Here are a few major festivals and their regional names:

  1. Diwali:
    • North India: Diwali
    • South India: Deepavali
    • West Bengal: Kali Puja
  2. Dussehra:
    • North India: Dussehra
    • Karnataka: Dasara
    • Bengal: Durga Puja
  3. Navratri:
    • North India: Navratri
    • Gujarat: Garba
    • South India: Bommai Golu
  4. Bhai Dooj:
    • North India: Bhai Dooj
    • West Bengal: Bhai Phonta
    • Maharashtra: Bhau Beej

These festivals show the same celebration of joy, but with different names and customs.


Activities and Projects (Page 136)

Q1. Discuss Jawaharlal Nehru’s quote about India’s cultural influence.

Answer:
Jawaharlal Nehru said that India’s culture had a powerful impact on its people, especially through the stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These ancient epics were widely known across the country, even by those who could not read or write. People learned moral lessons from these stories, and they helped shape the way people thought and acted in their daily lives. This shows that despite the diversity of India, its shared cultural knowledge united the people.


Q2. Read the National Anthem and explain where you see diversity and unity.

Answer:
The national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” celebrates India’s diversity by mentioning different regions like Punjab, Bengal, and Dravidian lands. It also mentions rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna and the mountains of the Himalayas. However, it also brings unity by referring to the country as “Bharat,” a single nation, and wishing for its prosperity. This shows that despite many languages, regions, and customs, everyone is united as one nation.


Q3. Discuss the Panchatantra stories and how their messages are still relevant.

Answer:
The Panchatantra stories are full of wisdom that still applies today. For example:

  • The Lion and the Jackal: This story teaches that brains can win over brawn. A clever jackal tricks a lion, showing that intelligence is important.
  • The Crow and the Pitcher: This teaches that persistence helps you succeed. A thirsty crow keeps dropping pebbles into a pitcher until the water rises and he can drink.

These lessons are still useful in today’s world, where thinking smartly and never giving up can lead to success.


Q4. Share folk tales from your region and discuss their message.

Answer:
Here are some folk tales from Maharashtra:

  1. The Greedy Weaver:
    Story: A weaver who becomes too greedy loses everything.
    Message: This teaches the danger of greed and the importance of being happy with what you have.
  2. Savitri and Satyavan:
    Story: Savitri’s devotion and love for her husband bring him back from death.
    Message: This shows the power of love, determination, and devotion.

Q5. Have you seen any ancient story depicted in art?

Answer:
Yes, the story of “The Lion and the Mouse” has been shown in sculptures and paintings. In one famous sculpture, the lion gently rests its paw on the mouse, teaching that even the mighty need help sometimes. This lesson in kindness and cooperation is still meaningful today.

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