NCERT Question-Answer Solution for Class 6 Social Science History Chapter 8 – Unity in Diversity, or “Many in the One”
Class 6 Social Science – Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Theme C — Our Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Traditions
History Chapter 8: Unity in Diversity, or “Many in the One”
Complete NCERT Question–Answer Set for Class 6 Social Science (Exploring Society: India and Beyond Textbook)
Class 6 Science NCERT Solution – History Chapter 8: Unity in Diversity, or “Many in the One”
History – Unity in Diversity, or “Many in the One” – Full NCERT Question–Answer Solution (CBSE Class 6 Social Science – Exploring Society: India and Beyond Book)
Chapter 8: Unity in Diversity, or “Many in the One” Full NCERT Question–Answer Set
THE BIG QUESTIONS
1. What is meant by ‘unity in diversity’ in the Indian scenario?
Unity in diversity means that although India has a vast variety of languages, foods, clothes, customs, festivals and traditions, the country remains culturally united. People may differ in their lifestyles and practices, but they share common values, ideas, stories, and cultural connections. Diversity does not divide India; instead, it enriches the nation. This unity is visible in shared traditions such as epics, festivals, and basic food habits. Thus, India is one nation with many expressions.
2. What aspects of India’s diversity are the most striking?
The most striking aspects of India’s diversity include differences in languages, scripts, food habits, dresses, festivals, customs, and regional traditions. Landscapes also change from mountains to plains, deserts to coasts. People follow different religious practices and cultural traditions. Each region has its own music, dance, art, and literature. Yet all these exist within one country.
3. How do we make out the unity underlying the diversity?
Unity can be seen in shared cultural elements such as common food grains, similar styles of clothing like the sari and dhoti, festivals celebrated across regions under different names, and the widespread popularity of epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Literary works like the Panchatantra are known across India in many versions. Shared moral values, respect for traditions, and cultural exchanges between communities also show unity. These connections bind people together despite their differences.
LET’S EXPLORE – CLASS ACTIVITIES
Birthplaces and Languages Activity
When students list birthplaces of classmates and their parents, they often find people from different towns, states, or regions. Many students may speak more than one language, such as their mother tongue, Hindi, and English. This shows migration and cultural mixing. It highlights India’s diversity in languages and origins while showing how people live together in the same classroom.
FOOD FOR ALL – LET’S EXPLORE
Ingredients used at home
Common grains include rice and wheat. Pulses such as lentils and chickpeas are widely used. Spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chilli are common. Oils such as mustard oil, groundnut oil, or coconut oil are also used. These ingredients are found in many Indian homes, showing unity.
One vegetable, many dishes
Take potato as an example. It can be used to make curry, chips, paratha stuffing, samosa filling, dosa masala, or mixed vegetable dishes. Each region prepares it differently with different spices and cooking methods. This shows how one ingredient leads to many dishes, reflecting unity in diversity.
TEXTILES AND CLOTHING – LET’S EXPLORE
How does the sari reflect unity and diversity? (100–150 words)
The sari reflects unity because it is a single unstitched garment worn by women across most parts of India. Despite regional differences, the basic form of the sari remains the same. It is usually a long piece of cloth draped around the body. At the same time, the sari shows diversity in many ways. It is made from different materials such as cotton, silk, and synthetic fabrics. Each region has its own famous types like Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Paithani, and Patola. There are also many weaving techniques, colours, patterns, and designs. Even the style of draping the sari changes from region to region. Thus, one garment takes many beautiful forms across India.
SARI USES – LET’S EXPLORE
1. Uses of the sari besides clothing
A sari may be used as a baby carrier, head cover, bag for carrying items, shawl for warmth, or cloth to cover goods. It may protect from sun and dust. Sometimes it is used to tie bundles or as a curtain. This shows its practical and creative uses.
2. More uses for the sari
It can be used as bedding, a sling for carrying loads, or a temporary rope. Women may also use it to hold harvested crops while working in fields.
3. Dhoti styles and uses — conclusion
The dhoti differs in tying style, fabric, and colour across regions. It may be worn formally or casually. It can also be used as a towel, head cover, or cloth for carrying items. The conclusion is that simple garments in India show unity in form but diversity in style and use.
FESTIVALS GALORE – LET’S EXPLORE
Favourite festival and other names
Students may mention Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Pongal, or Baisakhi. Many festivals are celebrated in different regions under different names. For example, Makar Sankranti is called Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. This shows unity in meaning but diversity in celebration.
October–November festivals
Major festivals include Diwali, Dussehra, Durga Puja, Navratri, and Kali Puja. Though names and rituals differ across regions, they often celebrate victory of good over evil and seasonal changes.
AN EPIC SPREAD – LET’S EXPLORE
Episode from Ramayana painting
The painting may depict a major scene such as Rama fighting Ravana, Hanuman in Lanka, or Sita in Ashoka Vatika. These scenes show key events from the Ramayana and reflect values such as courage, devotion, and righteousness.
END-OF-CHAPTER QUESTIONS, ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS
1. Discussion on the two quotations
Both quotations explain that India’s strength lies in its ability to maintain unity while accepting diversity. Tagore speaks of feeling joy in the “one” present in the “many.” Sri Aurobindo explains that unity in diversity is India’s natural way of life. Both highlight harmony among differences.
2. Panchatantra stories and their relevance
Panchatantra stories teach lessons about wisdom, friendship, cleverness, and avoiding greed. These messages are still relevant today in daily life and decision-making. Many regions have similar animal stories that teach moral lessons.
3. Folk tales from your region
Students may mention local stories that teach honesty, bravery, or kindness. Folk tales often pass on values and traditions from one generation to another.
4. Ancient stories shown through art
Examples include Ramayana scenes in temple carvings, Mahabharata stories in dance dramas, or mythological themes in paintings and movies. Art keeps ancient stories alive in modern times.
5. Discussion on Jawaharlal Nehru’s quotation
Nehru observed that even ordinary villagers knew stories from the epics. This shows how deeply Indian culture is rooted in shared literature and traditions. The Ramayana and Mahabharata connected people across regions, languages, and social groups. These stories created a common cultural understanding, showing unity in diversity.
SUMMARY ANSWER IN ONE PARAGRAPH
India’s unity in diversity is visible in its food, clothing, festivals, and literature. Common grains and spices are used in many regional dishes. The sari is worn across India in many styles. Festivals like Makar Sankranti are celebrated under different names. Stories such as the Panchatantra and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata exist in hundreds of versions across regions and communities. These shared traditions connect people while allowing cultural variety. Thus, India remains united while celebrating diversity.