Class 6 Social Science History Chapter 8 – Unity in Diversity, or “Many in the One” Extra Questions and Answers
Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 Extra Questions and Answers for History “Unity in Diversity, or “Many in the One”” (based on NCERT textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond).
EXTRA IMPORTANT QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS – Social Studies 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”
This includes All types of Questions normally asked in school exams, tests, and NCERT exercises.
EXTRA IMPORTANT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Chapter 8: Unity in Diversity, or “Many in the One”
1. What does the phrase “Many in the One” mean?
The phrase “Many in the One” means that although India has many differences in language, food, dress, customs and traditions, all these are part of one larger cultural identity. Diversity exists in everyday life, but people are connected through shared values, beliefs, stories and practices. India remains one nation despite its variety. This idea explains how differences can exist together in harmony.
2. Why is India described as a land of rich diversity?
India is described as a land of rich diversity because it has many types of landscapes, languages, foods, clothes, and cultural practices. People from different communities live together across the country. There are hundreds of languages and scripts spoken and written in India. Traditions, festivals and art forms also vary from region to region. This wide variety makes India culturally rich.
3. What was the ‘People of India’ project?
The ‘People of India’ project was a large survey conducted by the Anthropological Survey of India. It studied thousands of communities across the country. The project recorded 4,635 communities and found that India has hundreds of languages and scripts. It also showed that many Indians have migrated from their original birthplaces. This project highlighted both diversity and unity among Indian people.
4. How does food show unity in diversity in India?
Food shows unity because many basic ingredients like rice, wheat, millets and pulses are common across India. Spices such as turmeric, cumin and ginger are also widely used. At the same time, diversity is seen in the way these ingredients are cooked differently in each region. The same grain can be used to make dosa in the south, roti in the north, and poha in the west. Thus, common ingredients lead to many different dishes.
5. Why are staple grains important in understanding Indian unity?
Staple grains like rice, wheat and millets are eaten by people across India. These basic food items form the foundation of daily meals in almost every region. Though recipes differ, these grains are common to most Indians. This shows that people share similar food habits at a basic level. It reflects unity beneath regional diversity.
6. How does the sari represent unity and diversity?
The sari represents unity because it is a common traditional garment worn by women across India. Its basic form is the same everywhere — a long piece of cloth draped around the body. However, it also shows diversity through different fabrics, weaving styles, colours and designs. The way it is worn varies from one region to another. Thus, one garment appears in many forms.
7. Mention some famous types of saris from different regions.
Some famous saris include Banarasi from Uttar Pradesh, Kanjivaram from Tamil Nadu, Paithani from Maharashtra, Patan Patola from Gujarat, Muga silk from Assam, and Mysore silk from Karnataka. Each has unique weaving styles, colours and patterns. These regional varieties show India’s textile diversity while maintaining the same basic garment form.
8. Apart from being worn, how else is a sari used?
A sari can be used as a baby carrier, a bag for carrying goods, a shawl for warmth, or a cloth to cover the head. It may also be used to tie bundles or protect from dust and sun. Sometimes it is used as bedding or a temporary rope. These creative uses show the sari’s versatility in daily life.
9. What conclusion can we draw from the different uses of the sari and dhoti?
The conclusion is that simple garments in India are not only worn in many styles but also used in many practical ways. Though the sari and dhoti are basic pieces of cloth, they serve different purposes in daily life. This shows unity in the form of clothing and diversity in its usage and regional styles.
10. How do festivals reflect unity in diversity?
Festivals reflect unity because many of them celebrate similar themes such as harvest, seasonal changes, or the victory of good over evil. However, they are known by different names and celebrated with different customs in different regions. For example, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu and Uttarayan in different states. This shows shared cultural ideas expressed in diverse ways.
11. Why are the Panchatantra stories important for understanding unity in diversity?
The Panchatantra stories were originally written in Sanskrit but later translated into many Indian languages. They spread across different regions and cultures. Although told in different styles, the core messages remain the same. This shows how one collection of stories became many versions while keeping shared values.
12. How do the Ramayana and Mahabharata show unity in diversity?
The Ramayana and Mahabharata are known across India in many languages and forms. Each region has its own versions and storytelling traditions. Tribal communities also have their own adaptations of these epics. Despite differences in narration, the main characters and values remain common. This creates a cultural connection across regions.
13. Why do many tribal communities have their own versions of the epics?
Tribal communities adapted the epics into their own storytelling traditions. They connected the epic heroes with their own regions and history. These stories were passed down orally through generations. This shows how communities made shared cultural stories their own while keeping core themes alive.
14. What role do epics play in creating cultural unity?
The epics spread shared values such as dharma, bravery, loyalty and righteousness. They are known in almost every part of India and often performed through art, dance, drama and storytelling. These stories connect people emotionally and culturally. Over centuries, they helped build a sense of common heritage.
15. How does literature help in preserving cultural unity?
Literature spreads ideas, stories and values across regions and generations. Translations and adaptations make stories available to people speaking different languages. Shared literary traditions create bonds among communities. This helps maintain unity despite diversity in language and customs.
16. How do landscapes contribute to India’s diversity?
India has mountains, deserts, plains, forests and coastal regions. These different landscapes influence the food, clothing, housing and occupations of people. As a result, cultural practices vary by region. This geographical variety adds to India’s diversity.
17. Why does the chapter compare Indian culture to a web of connections?
Indian culture developed through constant sharing of ideas, stories and traditions across regions. The epics, festivals, food habits and clothing styles are interconnected. Different communities influenced each other over time. This created a web of cultural links showing unity within diversity.
18. What message does the chapter give about diversity?
The chapter teaches that diversity should be seen as a strength, not a weakness. Differences enrich culture and bring creativity and variety. India’s unity does not remove diversity but supports it. The country’s cultural strength lies in accepting and celebrating differences.