Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’ Class 6 Question Answer Social Science Chapter 8
NCERT Class 6 Social Science SST Chapter 8 Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’ Questions and Answers Solutions
Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’ Class 6 Questions and Answers (In-Text)
The Big Questions (Page-125)
Question 1.
What is meant by ‘unity in diversity’ in the Indian scenario?
Answer:
In India, ‘unity in diversity’ refers to the coexistence of different cultural, linguistic, religious, and ethnic groups in harmony and unity despite their differences in origin. This idea demonstrates how India’s diverse and expansive cultural environment coexists together, recognising individuality and promoting a sense of belonging and respect among its citizens. It is the notion that, in spite of the diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions, the country is bound together by an innate oneness that forges a shared national identity.
Question 2.
What aspects of India’s diversity are the most striking?
Answer:
Linguistic Diversity: There are hundreds of languages and dialects spoken in India; 325 different languages have been identified, and 25 different scripts are used throughout.
Cultural and Religious Diversity: While different parts of the country celebrate shared holidays like Diwali, Holi, and Eid, different regions have unique customs, traditions, and religious practices.
Cuisine Variety: India has a broad variety of cuisines, with each state having its own specialties and preparation methods. However, several basic foods like rice, wheat and other pulses are consumed all over the country.
Clothing Diversity: Different fashion trends are common in different parts of the world. For example, the sari, which is worn in India, has several regional variants in terms of fabric, style, and drapery techniques.
Festivals and Celebrations: Known by distinct names in different parts of India, festivals like Makara Sankranti highlight the regional variations of common celebrations.
Question 3.
How do we make out the unity underlying the diversity?
Answer:
Through a shared cultural heritage, similar principles of tolerance and respect, intertwined history, and national symbols, we are able to discern the unity that lies behind India’s variety. Language, religion and cultural barriers do not prevent people from celebrating holidays like Diwali and customs like donning saris. National stories, like those in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, offer a shared cultural fabric that upholds regional distinctiveness while fostering a sense of national identity.
Page – 126
Let’s Explore
Question 4.
As a class activity, make lists of the birthplaces of at least 5 classmates and the birthplaces of their parents.
Answer:
Birthplaces
Raghav:
Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mother Tongue: Marathi
Other Languages: Hindi, English, Bengali
Mother’s Birthplace: Kolkata, West Bengal
Father’s Birthplace: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Sameer:
Birthplace: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Mother Tongue: Kannada
Other Languages: Telugu, Hindi, English
Mother’s Birthplace: Hyderabad, Telangana
Father’s Birthplace: Pune, Maharashtra
Taani:
Birthplace: Delhi
Mother Tongue: Hindi
Other Languages: English, Punjabi
Mother’s Birthplace: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Father’s Birthplace: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Karan:
Birthplace: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Mother Tongue: Gujarati
Other Languages: Malayalam, English, Hindi
Mother’s Birthplace: Kochi, Kerala
Father’s Birthplace: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Sujata:
Birthplace: Kolkata, West Bengal
Mother Tongue: Bengali
Other Languages: Assamese, Hindi, English
Mother’s Birthplace: Guwahati, Assam
Father’s Birthplace: Patna, Bihar
Question 5.
The students’ mother tongues and other languages known to them. Discuss the results in terms of diversity.
Answer:
Discussion on Diversity
Regional Diversity: The birthplaces of classmates and their parents span various regions of India, from North (Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow) to South (Chennai, Kochi), East (Kolkata, Guwahati) to West (Mumbai, Ahmedaba(d), showcasing geographical diversity.
Linguistic Diversity: The mother tongues and additional languages spoken reflect the multilingual nature of Indian society, with students knowing languages from different language families and regions.
Cultural Integration: The mix of birthplaces and languages highlights how diverse cultural backgrounds coexist and integrate within a single classroom, promoting a rich cultural exchange and understanding.
Unity in Diversity: Despite differences in regional and linguistic backgrounds, students share a common educational environment, participate in collective activities, and celebrate common festivals, demonstrating the unity that underlies the diversity. This activity illustrates how diverse elements contribute to a cohesive social fabric, reflecting the broader concept ‘of and ‘unity in diversity’ in India.
Page-128
Let’s Explore
Question 6.
As a class activity, make a list of ingredients (grains, spices, etc.) that are used in your home.
Answer:
We frequently employ a range of grains, pulses, and spices in our homes, which are a reflection of India’s extensive culinary traditions. Many meals are built around grains such as rice, wheat, barley, jowar (sorghum), ragi (finger millet), bajra (pearl millet), and so on. Essential protein is found in pulses including moong dal, chana dal, toor dal, urad dal, masoor dal, and rajma.
Turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds are among the many spices that we keep in our cabinets. These spices provide our food taste and health advantages. In addition, staples in our cooking include jaggery, tamarind, rice flour, wheat flour, besan (gram flour), ghee, mustard oil, and coconut oil.
Question 7.
Take any one vegetable and think of the number of different dishes you can prepare with it.
Answer:
The potato is a versatile vegetable used in many dishes across Indian households.
Aloo Paratha is a popular breakfast item made with spiced potato stuffing in flat bread. Aloo Gobi combines potatoes and cauliflower in a dry curry, while Aloo Matar pairs potatoes with peas in a tomato-based gravy. Aloo Tikki are spiced potato patties, often served with chutneys. Jeera Aloo features potatoes sautéed with cumin seeds and spices.
Mashed Potatoes and French Fries are universal favourites. Potato Salad combines boiled potatoes with mayo and seasonings. Dum Aloo features baby potatoes in a rich yogurt gravy, and Aloo Pakora are deep-fried potato slices in gram flour batter.
Page-129
Let’s Explore
Question 8.
Explain how the example of the sari reflects both unity and diversity (in 100-150 words). (Medium)
Answer:
Indian culture is both united and diverse, as embodied by the sari. As a traditional clothing, it breaks down barriers between Indian women based on geography and culture. The sari is worn in a variety of regionally specific forms, such as the Bengali style in West Bengal and the Nivi drape in Andhra Pradesh, despite its basic shape being a single, unstitched piece of cloth.
The range of textiles, including silk, cotton, and synthetics, as well as the regional weaving techniquesKanjivaram from Tamil Nadu and Banarasi from Uttar Pradesh, for example-highlight the diversity even further. While these regional variances highlight India’s rich cultural legacy, the sari itself continues to be a symbol of unification, signifying a beloved national cultural identity. The sari’s adaptability and personalisation while retaining its essential qualities serves as an example of India’s peaceful blending of variety and unity.
Page-130
Let’s Explore
Question 9.
In the above pictures, can you recognise what a sari has been used for?
Are you aware of, or can you imagine, more uses for the sari?
Following the example of the sari, make a list of different styles you have seen for the dhoti – both as regards the fabric and the uses the dhoti can be put to. What conclusion can you draw?
Answer:
In the pictures, a sari is used for various practical purposes beyond being worn as a garment. Some of the examples are:
Baby carrier, towel or wrap, tying objects, mats or blankets, curtains and drapes, table cloth, wall hangings, picnic baskets, etc.
Styles of wearing saree:
- Panche Style: Common in Karnataka
- Mundu Style: In Kerala
- Bengali Style: In West Bengal
- Tamil Style: In Tamil Nadu
Uses of the Dhoti:
- Formal Wear: Worn during traditional ceremonies and festivals.
- Casual Wear: Used as comfortable, everyday attire in rural areas.
- Religious Wear: Worn by priests and devotees during religious rituals.
- Dance and Performances: Used as a costume in classical dance forms and cultural performances.
Similar to the sari, the dhoti symbolises the diversity and togetherness of Indian culture. Although it is a popular traditional garment for males in many different locations, there are considerable differences in the ways that it is worn and used. The dhoti itself represents a common cultural history that connects the country, while the diversity in its usage and appearance highlights the numerous cultural distinctions within India.
Page-132
Let’s Explore
Question 10.
What is your favourite festival and how is it celebrated in your region? Do you know whether it is celebrated in any other part of India, maybe under a different name?
Answer:
Diwali is my favourite celebration, which is widely observed in my area. People perform Lakshmi puja, light fireworks and decorate their homes with rangoli. It’s a season for getting together with family, giving gifts and trading candies.
The festival of lights, or Diwali, is observed widely throughout India, however, local traditions may differ or it may go by different names. For instance, it’s known as Kali Puja in West Bengal, where the emphasis is on worshiping Goddess Kali.
Question 11.
During October-November, many major festivals take place in India. Make a list of the few main ones and their various names in different parts of the country.
Answer:
Diwali: In South India, it’s called Deepavali. Durga Puja in West Bengal and Odisha, Navratri/Dussehra is celebrated as Kali Puja in West Bengal, observed in Maharashtra and Karnataka as Vijayadashami. Muslims all around the nation celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with feasts and prayers. Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phonta in West Bengal celebrated in Maharashtra as Bhau Beej. These celebrations showcase India’s varied yet cohesive cultural tapestry.
Page – 134
Let’s Explore
Question 12.
In a class discussion, try to identify the episode depicted in the painting shown in Fig. 8.6 above and important details associated with it.
Answer:
The painting in the image depicts a major episode from the Ramayana-the abduction of Sita by Ravana. This event is one of the most significant moments in the epic.
1. Ravana’s Disguise: Ravana, the king of Lanka, disguises himself as a wandering ascetic (Sanyasi) to approach Sita while she is alone in the forest. Rama and Lakshmana are away from their forest dwelling, making it easier for Ravana to execute his plan.
2. Golden Deer: Before this abduction, Ravana sends his uncle, Maricha, to lure Sita with a golden deer (Maricha in disguise). Sita, fascinated by the beauty of the deer, insists that Rama capture it for her. While Rama pursues the deer, Sita is left unprotected.
3. Jatayu’s Attempt to Rescue: In the painting, you can also see a large bird in the sky, representing Jatayu, a noble vulture. Jatayu attempts to rescue Sita from Ravana but is fatally wounded in the process. Despite his bravery, he is unable to stop Ravana, but later informs Rama about Sita’s abduction before dying.
4. Chariot of Ravana: Ravana is seen in his divine chariot (Pushpaka Vimana), which he uses to take Sita away to Lanka. The multiple heads of Ravana highlight his identity as the ten-headed demon king. This event sets the stage for the later part of the Ramayaa, where Rama embarks on a quest to rescue Sita, leading to the eventual battle between Rama and Ravana.
Class 6 SST Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’ Question Answer (Exercise)
Question 1.
Conduct a class discussion on the two quotations at the start of the chapter.
Answer:
Quotation 1: “Oh, grant me my prayer, that I may never lose the bliss of the touch of the one in the play of the many.” Rabindranath Tagore
– This quotation highlights the idea of finding unity and divinity in the diverse experiences and interactions in life. Discuss how embracing diversity can lead to a deeper sense of connection and harmony.
Quotation 2: “The principle of unity in diversity which has always been normal to [India] and its fulfilment as the fundamental course of her being and its very nature, the Many in the One, would place her on the sure foundation of her Swabhava and Swadharma.” Sri Aurobindo
– This quotation emphasises that India’s strength lies in its ability to maintain unity amidst vast diversity, grounded in its inherent nature and duty. Discuss how this principle applies to contemporary India and its societal dynamics.
Question 2.
Read the National Anthem and its translation in the preliminary pages of this textbook. Where do you see the diversity? And where the unity? Write two or three paragraphs on this.
Answer:
Diversity in the National Anthem: The National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” emphasises the great geographical and cultural variety of India by mentioning numerous Indian regions, rivers, and cultural components. It showcases the various dialects, customs and topographies that comprise the nation.
Unity in the National Anthem: In spite of this diversity, the song weaves together each of these components into a cohesive story of pride in the country and identity. It invokes the nation’s spirit as a whole, signifying solidarity and patriotism. People from different origins are brought together by the anthem’s universal appeal, which promotes a sense of common history and belonging.
Sections: India’s diversity is aptly encapsulated in the National Anthem, which highlights the country’s numerous states, rivers and cultural sites. Every stanza of “Jana Gana Mana” highlights the distinct qualities of many locales, demonstrating the diversity of India’s cultural heritage. The variety of languages spoken, the celebration of various holidays, and the customs observed throughout the nation all attest to this diversity.
But, by combining these various components into a pleasing whole, the anthem also highlights unity. The song’s lyrics remind us that, in spite of our differences, we are all citizens of the same country, inspiring a sense of pride and identity in the group. The words and music of the anthem emphasise that our power is found in our unity despite difference, evoking feelings of patriotism and solidarity.
Question 3.
Select a few stories from the Panchatantra and discuss how their message is still valid today. Do you know of any similar stories from your region?
Answer:
Story 1: The Monkey and the Crocodile Message: Trust and betrayal. Even today, this story teaches the importance of being cautious about whom we trust and the consequences of deceit.
Story 2: The Tortoise and the Geese
Message: The value of silence and the dangers of unnecessary talk. This is relevant in the modern context where discretion is often a virtue.
Similar Stories: In my region, there is a story of a clever rabbit outwitting a lion, similar to the Panchatantra’s tales of wit and intelligence. These stories teach moral lessons that are applicable across time and cultures.
Question 4.
Collect a few folk tales from your region and discuss their message.
Ans.
Folk Tale 1: The Story of King Bhoja and the Vetalas Moral: Problem-solving skills like intelligence and cunning are crucial. The narrative emphasises the value of intelligence and fast thinking.
Folktale 2: The Story of the Benevolent Banyan Tree Morals: Selflessness and generosity. This story instills the importance of kindness and giving to others without anticipating anything in return. These folktales frequently include moral teachings that are ageless and still apply today, highlighting qualities like bravery, charity and knowledge.
Question 5.
Is there any ancient story that you have seen being depicted through a form of art? It could be a sculpture, a painting, a dance performance, a movie … Discuss with your classmates.
Answer:
Ancient Stories Told Through Art: Kathakali and Bharatanatyam, two classical dance acts, are used to illustrate the Mahabharata. These artistic mediums use expressive movement and music, infused with cultural history, to tell epic stories.
Talk Points: Talk about the role that these kinds of art have in preserving the relevance and life of old tales. In what ways do these performances support the teaching of culture?
Question 6.
Discuss in class the following quotation by India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, when he travelled to many parts of India before Independence:
“Everywhere I found a cultural background which had exerted a powerful influence on their lives. … The old epics of India, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and other books, in popular translations and paraphrases, were widely known among the masses, and every incident and story and moral in them was engraved on the popular mind and gave a richness and content to it. Illiterate villagers would know hundreds of verses by heart and their conversation would be full of references to them or to some story with a moral, enshrined in some old classic.”
Answer:
Nehru’s Observation: Nehru noted that the cultural heritage, particularly the epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, had a significant impact on people’s lives all throughout India. These tales, however written at different reading levels, were widely recognised and played a significant role in moral teaching and daily living.
The epics’ lasting influence on Indian civilisation and their role in forming cultural identity Oral traditions’ contribution to the preservation of cultural legacy. How the morals and culture of modern-day India are still shaped by these old tales. The role that shared cultural narratives have in promoting harmony in the face of variety.