NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8: Unity in Diversity, or 'Many in the One'

THE BIG QUESTIONS?

1. What is meant by ‘unity in diversity’ in the Indian scenario?
Ans: 'Unity in diversity' in the Indian scenario refers to the idea that despite the country’s vast differences in languages, cultures, religions, and traditions, there is a strong sense of unity among its people. Indians from various backgrounds live together harmoniously, respecting and embracing their differences while sharing common values like respect, tolerance, and coexistence.

2. What aspects of India’s diversity are the most striking?
Ans: India’s diversity is most striking in its languages, religions, festivals, and cultural practices. There are hundreds of spoken languages, multiple religions including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and Buddhism, and a variety of traditional customs, food, and clothing styles, all coexisting in different parts of the country.

3. How do we make out the unity underlying the diversity?
Ans: The unity underlying diversity is evident in the shared national identity, the respect for democratic values, and common traditions like celebrating national festivals, following similar laws, and living peacefully with people from different backgrounds. Despite regional differences, people in India are united by a shared sense of pride in their country's history, values, and belief in harmony and coexistence.

LET’S EXPLORE 

1. Explain how the example of the sari reflects both unity and diversity (in 100-150 words).

Ans: The sari is a perfect example of both unity and diversity in India. While the sari is a traditional garment worn by women across the country, it is styled and draped differently in various regions, reflecting the diversity of Indian culture. For instance, women in Maharashtra wear the sari in a distinct "nauvari" style, while in West Bengal, it is draped in the "atpoure" style. Similarly, the material and patterns of saris vary, from the silk sarees of Kanchipuram to the cotton weaves of Assam. Despite these differences in style, material, and regional preferences, the sari remains a symbol of cultural unity, worn and celebrated by women throughout India. This highlights how a single piece of clothing can reflect both the country's diversity and its underlying unity.

LET’S EXPLORE 

1. In the above pictures, can you recognise what a sari has been used for?

Ans: In the above pictures, the sari is used for multiple purposes beyond its traditional role as a garment:

• As a swing or cradle: The sari is tied between two trees, creating a hammock or cradle, possibly for children.

• As a fishing tool: A person is using the sari to catch fish or other items from the water.

• As a basket or carrier: The sari is used to hold and carry items, such as grains or other produce.

2. Are you aware of, or can you imagine, more uses for the sari?

Ans: More uses for a sari could include:

• A makeshift rope: It can be twisted and used as a strong rope.

• A blanket or shawl: It can be draped for warmth.

• A curtain or partition: The sari can be used to create privacy or shield from the sun.

• A bandage or sling: It can be used in emergencies for first aid purposes.

3. 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?

Ans: Styles of Wearing the Dhoti:

• North Indian Style (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar): The dhoti is tied around the waist and goes between the legs, with a loose end in the front or back.

• Bengali Style: The dhoti is wrapped with pleats at the front and doesn’t go between the legs, giving it a loose and flowy look.

• Maharashtrian Style: Here, the dhoti is worn like trousers, with one end tucked between the legs for easy movement.

• South Indian Style (Tamil Nadu, Kerala): The dhoti is wrapped around the waist and tucked at the front, and can be folded up for easier movement.

• Dhoti with Kurta: Worn together for special occasions, like festivals or religious events.

Uses of the Dhoti:

• For Ceremonies and Festivals: Men wear dhotis for traditional events and religious occasions.

• Everyday Wear: In rural areas, the dhoti is comfortable for daily use, especially in hot weather.

• Workwear: Farmers or workers tie up the dhoti to move easily while working.

• As a Towel or Blanket: It can be used as a quick towel or blanket when needed.

• As a Sling: In emergencies, the dhoti can be used to carry children or help someone who is injured.

Conclusion:

The dhoti, like the sari, is a very flexible piece of clothing. It can be worn in many different ways and used for various purposes. This shows how practical and adaptable traditional Indian clothing can be, fitting into everyday life as well as special occasions.

1. 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?

Ans: My favourite festival is Diwali, celebrated with great enthusiasm in my region. People clean and decorate their homes, light oil lamps (diyas), and burst firecrackers. Families come together to perform religious rituals, worship Goddess Lakshmi, and share sweets with friends and neighbours. In other parts of India, it is also celebrated as Deepavali, especially in South India. In some regions, it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, while in others, it celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.

2. 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.

Ans: 

1. Diwali/Deepavali: Celebrated across India, known as Deepavali in the South.

2. Durga Puja/Navratri/Dussehra: In West Bengal, it’s known as Durga Puja; in Gujarat, Navratri is celebrated with Garba; in North India, it’s called Dussehra, marking Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.

3. Karva Chauth: Celebrated by women in North India who fast for the long life of their husbands.

4. Bhai Dooj/Yama Dwitiya/Bhau Beej: Celebrated by brothers and sisters across India, with regional variations in rituals.

5. Govardhan Puja/Annakut: Observed in parts of North India and Gujarat after Diwali, celebrating Lord Krishna's lifting of the Govardhan Hill.

These festivals highlight India’s cultural diversity, as the same festival is often celebrated in different ways across regions, sometimes under different names.

LET’S EXPLORE 

In a class discussion, try to identify the episode depicted in the painting shown in Fig. 8.6 above and the important details associated with it.

Ans:  The painting in Fig. 8.6 depicts an important episode from the Ramayana, where Ravana abducts Sita while she is in exile with Rama and Lakshmana. In this scene, Ravana is shown in his chariot, carrying Sita away after disguising himself as a beggar to deceive her. Jatayu, the noble bird, is also present in the image, attempting to rescue Sita from Ravana's clutches.

Some important details associated with this episode:

• Ravana’s Trickery: Ravana takes advantage of Sita's compassion and kidnaps her while Rama and Lakshmana are away.

• Jatayu’s Brave Attempt: Jatayu, a loyal bird, tries to stop Ravana, but despite his bravery, he is fatally wounded by Ravana.

• Sita’s Abduction: This event sets the stage for the epic battle between Rama and Ravana later in the Ramayana, leading to the eventual rescue of Sita.

Questions, activities and projects 

1. Conduct a class discussion on the two quotations at the start of the chapter.

Ans: Do it yourself

2. Read the National Anthem and its translation in the preliminary pages of this textbook. Where do you see the diversity? And where is the unity? Write two or three paragraphs on this.

Ans: The National Anthem of India, "Jana Gana Mana," shows the idea of unity in diversity. It mentions different regions of India, like the North, East, and South, and talks about the mountains, rivers, and plains of the country. This shows how India has many different places, cultures, and languages, reflecting its diversity.

Even though India is so diverse, the anthem brings all these different regions together. It talks about how the people of India, from different parts, are united in their love and respect for the country. The phrase "Jana Gana Mana" means "the minds of all people," showing that even though we come from different places, we are all one when it comes to our spirit and loyalty to the country.

In simple words, the National Anthem reminds us that India is full of differences, but we are all connected as one nation. It celebrates the diversity of India while also showing the unity and togetherness of its people.

3. Select a few stories from the Pañchatantra and discuss how their message is still valid today. Do you know of any similar stories from your region?  

Ans: Here are a few stories from the Pañchatantra and how their messages are still relevant today:

1. The Monkey and the Crocodile
   In this story, a clever monkey befriends a crocodile, who later tries to trick the monkey and eat his heart. The monkey outwits the crocodile by using his intelligence and quick thinking.

Message: The story teaches the importance of being smart and staying calm in tricky situations. Even today, we see that using intelligence can help us overcome challenges or avoid danger.

2. The Tortoise and the Geese
   The story is about a tortoise who wanted to fly and asked two geese for help. While flying, the tortoise couldn’t resist talking, which caused him to fall.

Message: The lesson here is the value of keeping patience and knowing when to remain silent. This is still relevant in modern life, where self-control and the ability to listen carefully are important.

3. The Lion and the Hare
   In this story, a clever hare tricks a lion into believing that another lion lives in a well. The lion jumps into the well and drowns, saving the other animals in the forest.

Message: The message is that wit and intelligence are more powerful than physical strength. In today’s world, success often comes from strategic thinking and smart decisions rather than brute force.

4. Similar Stories from My Region:
   In my region, one popular story is "Tenali Raman and the Thieves," where Tenali uses his cleverness to outsmart two thieves trying to steal from his house. He fills bags with pebbles and convinces the thieves that they are filled with gold, making them carry the heavy bags all night and eventually giving up.

Message: Like the stories from the Pañchatantra, this story shows that intelligence and quick thinking can solve problems, a lesson that remains important today.

4. Collect a few folk tales from your region and discuss their message.

Ans: Do it yourself

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, or a movie … Discuss with your classmates.

Ans: One ancient story that is frequently depicted in various forms of art is the epic of Ramayana. This story of Lord Rama’s journey is shown through many art forms like paintings, sculptures, dance performances, and movies.

1. Sculptures: In many temples across India, you can see sculptures of scenes from the Ramayana, such as the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana, Sita’s abduction, and Hanuman’s heroic acts. These sculptures bring the story to life in stone and are still admired today for their artistic and cultural value.

2. Dance Performances: The story of Ramayana is also told through traditional dance forms like Kathakali in Kerala and Ramleela performances during Dussehra. These performances dramatise the major events of the story, including the war with Ravana, and are popular during festivals.

3. Movies: There are many films and TV series based on the Ramayana. One of the most famous is the 1987 television series Ramayan, which depicted the entire story and became a huge hit in India. Even today, people enjoy modern adaptations of the story in animation and cinema.

These forms of art continue to bring the ancient story of Ramayana to life and help pass it on to new generations. The story’s timeless messages of truth, righteousness, and devotion remain relevant, which is why it continues to inspire artists across different mediums.

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.” 

Ans: In this quote, Jawaharlal Nehru reflects on the deep cultural impact that ancient Indian texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata had on people across India, even before Independence. He highlights that these epics were not just stories but were deeply rooted in the daily lives of people, shaping their values, morals, and conversations.

Key Points for Class Discussion:

1. Cultural Influence: Nehru observes that the cultural background of India, largely shaped by these epics, had a significant influence on people’s lives. Even illiterate villagers, who might not have had formal education, were familiar with the stories, verses, and lessons from these texts. This shows the strong oral tradition in India, where knowledge and culture were passed down through generations by word of mouth.

2. Moral Lessons: The stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata were not just entertainment but carried important moral lessons that people applied in their everyday lives. For instance, the ideas of duty, righteousness (dharma), sacrifice, and truth were core messages that resonated with the masses.

3. Popular Knowledge: Nehru’s mention of "illiterate villagers" knowing hundreds of verses by heart is a testament to how deeply these texts were woven into the fabric of society. These epics were not restricted to scholars but were accessible to everyone, forming the basis for shared cultural and moral understanding.

Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 Unity in Diversity, or 'Many in the One'

• NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 provides simple explanations for complex concepts, helping students easily understand how India’s diversity is unified by common values and traditions.

• All answers are aligned with the NCERT guidelines and the CBSE syllabus, ensuring reliable and accurate content for students' studies.

• By covering all important topics and questions, these solutions help students prepare thoroughly for exams and develop a strong grasp of the chapter's key themes.

• With detailed yet easy-to-understand answers, students can better remember key ideas about India's cultural diversity and unity.

• Regular practice with NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 Unity in Diversity, or 'Many in the One' helps build students' confidence in answering questions and understanding the concept of unity in diversity.

Important Study Material Links for Social Science Chapter 8 Class 6 

Conclusion

The NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8: Unity in Diversity, or 'Many in the One' helps students understand how different cultures, languages, and traditions in India come together to create unity. The solutions easily explain everything, helping students learn the important concepts and do well in exams. They provide clear answers to all questions, making learning simple and boosting students' confidence. These solutions are a useful tool to help students understand the diversity and unity of India better and prepare well for their studies.

Chapter-wise NCERT Solutions Class 6 Social Science

Related Important Links for Class 6 Social Science 

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