Class 6 ncert Chapter 8 Social Science Solution - Unity in Diversity

Chapter 08: Unity in Diversity or "Many in One"

Question: What does “unity in diversity” mean in the Indian context?

Answer: India has different languages, food, clothing, festivals, and traditions, but all of them share a common cultural connection. That is, despite different forms, we all share a common identity.

Question: What are the major aspects of India’s diversity?

Answer: India’s diversity is visible in many areas–

• Languages and scripts
• Religions and traditions
• Food
• Clothing
• Festivals
• Folktales, literature, and arts

Question: How do we understand unity within diversity?

Answer: We find that even among different languages, traditions, and customs, there is a shared emotion, values, and cultural connection. This is why India’s diversity does not divide; instead, it enriches.

Question: How does food show diversity and unity?

Answer: India has thousands of dishes, yet their base ingredients—rice, wheat, millets, pulses, and spices—are the same. From the same ingredients, diverse flavors are created.

Question: How does the example of the sari show unity in diversity?

Answer: The sari is worn throughout India—that is unity. But the ways of making it, wearing it, and its designs and colors differ in thousands of ways—that is diversity. Thus, one garment shows many forms.

Question: Give an example of the diversity of festivals in India.

Answer: The same festival is celebrated with different names in different places. For example, Makar Sankranti celebrated around 14 January is known by different names in different states.

• Tamil Nadu – Pongal
• Gujarat – Uttarayan
• Punjab – Lohri
• Assam – Bihu

This shared festive spirit shows unity.

Question: How is Indian literature an example of unity in diversity?

Answer: India has many languages and writing styles, but Indian literature contains similar life values, themes, and teachings. For example, the stories of Panchatantra are found in every language and teach the same lessons.

Question: Why are Panchatantra stories important?

Answer: Because through entertaining stories, they teach life skills, moral values, and practical wisdom. They have been translated not only in India but into many world languages.

Question: What are the two major epics of India?

Answer: The two major Indian epics are—

1. Ramayana
2. Mahabharata

Both teach about religion, morality, struggle, and justice.

Question: Why do folktales and epics have many versions?

Answer: Because different communities adapted and retold these stories according to their language, culture, and history. This created many versions of the same story.

Question: Why is diversity essential for India?

Answer: Because diversity

• Makes India rich, vibrant, and culturally strong.
• It does not divide but unites.

Question: What is the simple meaning of “many in one”?

Answer: When one thing, tradition, or object appears in many forms, it is called “many in one.” Examples —

• One sari – many ways of wearing it
• One festival – many names
• One story – many versions

Question: How is the linguistic diversity of India?

Answer: India has dozens of languages and hundreds of dialects, which, although different, share a common cultural background.

Question: Why does Indian culture value unity?

Answer: Because Indian culture believes that diversity is richness, not conflict. Hence, despite differences, maintaining unity is a part of Indian tradition.

Question: What is the main message of this chapter?

Answer: India has great diversity, but within it lies deep unity and shared cultural feeling. This unity-in-diversity is the identity of India.

NCERT Exercise Questions:

Question 1. Discuss in class the two quotations given at the beginning of the lesson.

Answer: These quotations tell us that India has great diversity, but the people share a common cultural unity. The first quotation expresses the desire that we never lose the joy of this “unity in diversity.” The second quotation says that diversity is essential to India’s nature and existence and makes the country strong.

Question 2. Choose some Panchatantra stories and discuss how their messages are still relevant. Do you know any other stories from your region?

Answer: Panchatantra stories teach us wisdom, friendship, honesty, and solving problems intelligently. These messages are still important because we face challenges in daily life and need to make the right decisions. If we look at regional folktales, they also teach courage, morality, and practical knowledge.

Question 3. Collect some folktales from your region and discuss their messages.

Answer: Every region of India has folktales such as—

• Stories of kings and queens
• Stories of brave warriors
• Animal-based stories

Their main messages are—

• Victory of good over evil
• Importance of hard work and honesty
• Treating others kindly

These stories inspire people to live a moral life.

Question 4. Have you seen any ancient story depicted through art?

Answer: Yes, many ancient stories in India are shown through art, such as—

• Scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharata in temple sculptures
• Paintings of gods and goddesses
• Dance-dramas like Kathakali and Bharatanatyam
• TV/films of Ramayana and Mahabharata

Their purpose is to keep stories and culture alive across generations.

Question 5. Discuss the following lines said by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Answer: Nehru ji explains that stories, epics, and folk traditions were a significant part of the lives of Indian people.

• Even illiterate villagers remembered many verses and stories.
• People used examples from these stories in daily conversation.
• These stories strengthened moral values in society.

This shows that Indian culture was deeply connected to people's lives, and education was not only limited to books.