NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 Questions And Answers

NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 Questions and Answers

The Big Questions (Page 125)

Q1. What is meant by ‘unity in diversity’ in the Indian scenario?

ANS: In the Indian scenario, unity in diversity means that although India has great variety in languages, religions, food habits, clothing, customs and traditions, the people of India are still united as one nation. People may look different, speak different languages and follow different cultures, but they share common values, a shared history, and a sense of belonging to one country. This feeling of oneness keeps India united despite its diversity.

Q2. What aspects of India’s diversity are the most striking?

ANS: India’s diversity is clearly seen in many aspects of life.

Linguistic diversity: People in India speak many languages and use different scripts.
Religious diversity: Many religions are followed, and different places of worship are found across the country.
Cultural diversity: Customs, traditions and festivals vary from region to region.
Food diversity: Different regions have different food habits, ingredients and cooking styles.
Geographical diversity: India has mountains, plains, deserts, forests and coastal areas with different climates.
Clothing diversity: People wear different traditional dresses in different parts of the country.

All these aspects together make India a land of great diversity.

Q3. How do we make out the unity underlying the diversity?

ANS: We can understand the unity behind India’s diversity through many common factors.

Constitution: The Constitution of India gives equal rights to all citizens and treats everyone the same.
National symbols: The national flag, national anthem and other symbols are respected by all Indians and create a feeling of national pride.
Festivals and culture: People of different religions and regions celebrate festivals together and share cultural traditions.
Economic life: Different regions depend on each other for trade, food and goods, which connects the whole country.
Media and sports: Movies, television and sports like cricket unite people from all parts of India.
Shared history: The freedom struggle and respect for national leaders bring people together.
Laws and society: Laws protect everyone equally, and social groups help people across regions.
Common problems and goals: Problems like poverty and the wish for a better life unite people.

Thus, even though India is diverse, these common bonds help maintain unity among its people.

Let’s Explore (Page 129)

Q1. Explain how the example of the sari reflects both unity and diversity.

ANS: The sari beautifully represents both unity and diversity in Indian culture in following manner:-

The sari is a single piece of unstitched cloth worn by women all over India, which shows unity.
It is worn in almost every part of the country, even though cultures are different.
The sari shows diversity because it is made in many types such as Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Paithani, Patola and Muga.
Saris differ in fabric like cotton, silk and synthetic materials.
The designs, colours and patterns of saris change from region to region.
The style of draping the sari is also different in different states.

Thus, the sari is one dress but has many forms, showing unity in diversity in India.

LET’S EXPLORE (Page 130-131)

Q1. In the above pictures, can you recognise what a sari has been used for?

ANS: In the pictures, a sari has been used for many creative purposes beyond being worn as a dress. These uses show how versatile a sari is in daily life.

Picture 1: A sari is used as a swing for a child while the mother works in the fields.
Picture 2: A sari is used for fishing, to catch fish in water.
Picture 3: A sari is folded to make a cloth ring or bundle to support a water pot on the head.
Picture 4: A sari is used as a cloth bag to carry grains, fruits or vegetables.
Picture 5: A sari is used as a cover or shade to protect from sunlight, dust or heat.
Picture 6: A sari is used as a bedsheet or pillow cover while resting or sleeping outdoors.

Q2. Are you aware of, or can you imagine, more uses for the sari?

ANS: Yes, a sari can be used in many other ways apart from being worn as clothing:

As a head covering to protect from sun, dust or wind
As a blanket or shawl in cold weather
As a baby sling to carry infants
As a curtain for doors or windows
As a mat for sitting or resting outdoors
As a temporary rope or stretcher in emergencies

These examples show that the sari is a highly useful and versatile piece of cloth in everyday life.

Q3. 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: The dhoti is a traditional men’s garment in India, worn in various styles and made from different fabrics: Different styles and fabrics of the dhoti are:

Cotton dhoti: Commonly worn for daily use because it is light and comfortable.
Silk dhoti: Worn during festivals, weddings and religious ceremonies.
Short dhoti: Worn while working or in hot weather.
Long dhoti: Worn on special occasions and traditional functions.
Regional styles:
- Bengali style dhoti
- South Indian (Veshti) dhoti
- Maharashtrian style dhoti

Uses of the dhoti:

As daily clothing
As festival or ceremonial dress
As a towel or cloth while working
As a mat or cover while sitting or resting

Conclusion:
Like the sari, the dhoti shows unity and diversity. It is one garment worn across India, but its fabric, style and uses change from region to region.

LET’S EXPLORE (Page 133)

Q1. 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 under a different name?

ANS: My favourite festival is Diwali, which is celebrated with great joy in my region. People clean and decorate their houses with lights and colourful rangoli. Lakshmi Puja is performed, and families come together to share sweets and gifts. Firecrackers are also burst to celebrate the festival.

Diwali is celebrated all over India, but in different ways and under different names. In South India, it is called Deepavali, while in West Bengal, it is celebrated as Kali Puja, where Goddess Kali is worshipped. Thus, although the customs differ, the spirit of happiness and togetherness remains the same everywhere.

Q2. 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: During October–November, many important festivals are celebrated across India under different names in different regions.

Festival	Names in Different Regions
Diwali / Deepavali	Diwali (North India), Deepavali (South India), Divali (West India), Kali Puja / Shyama Puja (West Bengal)
Dussehra / Vijayadashami	Dussehra (North India), Dasara (Karnataka, Maharashtra), Vijayadashami (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana), Durga Puja (West Bengal)
Navratri	Navratri (North India), Garba / Dandiya (Gujarat), Durga Puja (West Bengal), Bommai Golu / Gombe Habba (South India)
Bhai Dooj	Bhai Dooj (North India), Bhai Phonta (West Bengal), Bhau Beej (Maharashtra), Bhai Beej (Gujarat)
Chhath Puja	Chhath Puja (Bihar, Jharkhand), Surya Shashti (Uttar Pradesh)
Govardhan Puja	Govardhan Puja (North India), Annakut (Maharashtra, Gujarat)

Conclusion:
These festivals show that although celebrations have different names and customs, the spirit of joy, devotion and togetherness is the same, clearly reflecting India’s unity in diversity.

LET’S EXPLORE (Page 134)

Q1. Identify the episode shown in Fig. 8.6 and mention its important details.

ANS: The painting shows an important episode from the Ramayana, where Sita is kidnapped by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.

Ravana comes in the disguise of a beggar to trick Sita.
He takes Sita away in his flying chariot, the Pushpaka Vimana.
Jatayu, the brave bird, tries to stop Ravana and save Sita.
Sita resists and cries for help, showing her courage and strength.

This event leads to Lord Rama’s mission to rescue Sita, which forms the central story of the Ramayana.

Questions, Activities and Projects (Page 136)

Q1. Conduct a class discussion on the two quotations at the start of the chapter.

ANS: Quotation 1 (Rabindranath Tagore):

“Oh, grant me my prayer, that I may never lose the bliss of the touch of the one in the play of the many.”

This quotation means that although India has many different cultures and traditions, there is one common spirit that unites them. Tagore reminds us to always feel happiness in this unity.

Quotation 2 (Sri Aurobindo):

“The principle of unity in diversity which has always been normal to [India] and its fulfilment 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 explains that diversity is natural to India, but it is supported by a deep inner unity. India’s strength lies in accepting differences while staying united.

Conclusion:
Both quotations highlight that India’s diversity does not divide it but strengthens it.

Q2. 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:

The Lion and the Clever Rabbit: Teaches that intelligence is stronger than physical power.
The Monkey and the Crocodile: Teaches the value of friendship, loyalty and presence of mind.

These messages are still relevant today as they help people make wise decisions in daily life.
Similar stories from many regions, like Akbar–Birbal stories, also teach wisdom and justice.

Q3. Collect a few folk tales from your region and discuss their message.

ANS: Some popular folk tales include:

Akbar–Birbal stories: Teach intelligence and fairness.
Tenali Raman stories: Teach clever thinking and problem-solving.

These stories pass on moral values and help children learn the difference between right and wrong.

Q4. Is there any ancient story that you have seen being depicted through a form of art?

ANS: Many ancient stories in India are shown through different art forms.

The Ramayana is depicted in Kathakali dance of Kerala using expressive movements and colourful costumes.
Madhubani paintings of Bihar show scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Temple carvings at places like Khajuraho and Hampi show episodes from the Mahabharata.
Classical dances like Bharatanatyam and Kathakali also narrate stories from ancient epics.

These art forms help preserve ancient stories, teach moral values, and keep cultural heritage alive.

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 pop-ular 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: This quotation shows how deeply Indian culture and heritage influenced people’s lives before Independence. Jawaharlal Nehru explains that stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata were known to people everywhere, even in villages where many were illiterate. These epics were not just stories but guides that taught moral values and good behaviour.

People remembered verses by heart and often used these stories in their daily conversations. This shows the importance of oral tradition in passing knowledge from one generation to another.

Overall, the quotation highlights how India’s cultural heritage united people and gave meaning, values and identity to their lives.