Chapter-1 Understanding Diversity
Chapter-1 Understanding Diversity
Key Notes:
Diversity: The presence of a wide range of features in any sphere is called diversity.
Or Diversity: The differences in race, religion, caste, etc. is known as diversity.
From nature, mankind inherits a variety of things. These include plants, trees, flowers, birds,
animals, religion, race, culture and color.
Social Groups: Each one of us is unique in our behavior, feelings and needs; we are brought up to
live together in groups. Such groups are called social groups.
(i) Human beings cannot fulfill all their needs on their own.
(ii) They depend on other social groups to fulfill these needs.
(iii) The various groups are family, community, nation and universe.
(iv) The immediate group in which we live is our family. A family comprises our parents, siblings and
close relatives.
(v) A group of different families living in a similar area or having common links is called a
community.
(vi) Many communities living together within the geographical region of a country is called a nation.
(vii) Different nations together form the world.
Can Friends be Different:
(i) Nothing stops people from different backgrounds from becoming friends.
(ii) Right to Education (RTE) has made provision for poor family children to study in
public schools.
(iii) This reduces diversity.
How Do we Explain Diversity:
(i) Main initially led a nomadic life.
(ii) In later stages, men began to cooperate and intermingled with each other.
(iii) It led to emergence of diversity.
Diversity and Interdependence:
1. Social Group Dynamics: Within social groups, individuals contribute their skills and
interests to share the workload, ensuring smooth functioning without disrupting the group's
harmony.
2. Family Roles: Families allocate different tasks to members based on their abilities, enabling
the family unit to operate efficiently as a cohesive entity.
3. Community Interdependence: In village communities, diverse members fulfill various roles,
such as farming, weaving, and construction, contributing to the community's self-sufficiency.
Additionally, communities rely on each other for goods and services, fostering
interdependence.
4. National Unity: Nations depend on their constituent states to collaborate while preserving
their distinct identities. India's diverse states contribute to its economic growth while
maintaining cultural diversity.
5. Global Interconnectedness: In the modern world, nations collaborate as part of a global
community, working towards common goals despite diverse interests. Interdependence among
nations fosters economic prosperity and cooperation on an international scale.
Ladakh : Ladakh is a cold desert in Jammu and Kashmir where sheep is domesticated and
Buddhism is the main region.
1. Geographical Features: Ladakh is located in the eastern part of Jammu and Kashmir and is
characterized by desert terrain. Despite being a desert, it receives minimal rainfall but
experiences long periods of snow cover due to its high altitude.
2. Water Source: The region relies on the melting snow for its water supply, highlighting the
importance of snowmelt in sustaining life in this arid environment.
3. Pashmina Wool: Ladakh is renowned for producing Pashmina wool, sourced from a special
type of sheep found in the region. Pashmina wool is highly valued worldwide for its softness
and quality.
Kerala: Kerala is South India is a multi-religious state and is famous for its spices and fish.
1. Geographical Location: Kerala is situated in the south-west part of India, bordered by the
Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, resulting in a hot and humid climate.
2. Tourism Attractions: Kerala is renowned for its backwaters, picturesque beaches, ayurvedic
tourism, and lush tropical greenery, attracting visitors from around the world.
3. Symbolism of Elephant: Elephants hold cultural significance in Kerala and are prominently
featured in the emblem of the Government of Kerala.
4. Slogan and Reputation: Known as "God's Own Country," Kerala is recognized as the
cleanest city and a top tourist destination in India, reflecting its natural beauty and hospitality.
5. Agricultural Products: Kerala's economy relies on the cultivation of cashews, coconut,
pepper, rice, coffee, tea, and rubber, contributing to its agricultural diversity.
6. Main Occupation and Food: Fishing is the primary occupation, and rice and fish form the
staple diet of the people. Vegetables and curd complement the meal.
7. Traditional Clothing: Traditional attire includes the mundum neriyathum (Saree) for women
and mundu with a shirt for men, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.
8. Cultural Celebrations: Boat racing is a popular sport during Onam celebrations, showcasing
the vibrant cultural traditions and community spirit of Kerala.
2. Means of Transportation: Earlier, limited transportation options like walking or animal transport
influenced settlement patterns. People settled in areas where conditions were favorable for their
livelihood, leading to diverse cultural landscapes as they adapted and integrated with local traditions.
3. Cultural Adaptation: Upon settling in new regions, people often assimilated aspects of the local
culture while also retaining elements of their own heritage. This exchange resulted in a fusion of
languages, cuisines, religions, and music, enriching the diversity of the area.
4. Geographical Influences: Geographic features like landforms and climate shape the way people
live and interact with their environment. Different regions have distinct requirements for survival,
leading to diverse lifestyles, clothing, and culinary practices. For instance, people in cold regions wear
woolen clothing for insulation, while those in humid areas prefer lighter cotton fabrics.
5. Climatic Conditions: Variations in climate, such as humidity and temperature, influence food
preferences and agricultural practices. For example, regions with humid climates tend to favor
6. Local Resources: The availability of resources like water, arable land, and natural vegetation also
shapes cultural practices and economic activities. Communities adapt their lifestyles and dietary
habits based on the resources abundant in their surroundings, further contributing to diversity.
Benefits of Diversity:
1. Variety and Options: Diversity enriches our lives by providing a wide array of choices in food,
clothing, entertainment, and more. Without diversity, life would lack the excitement of experiencing
new things and exploring different cultures.
2. Cultural Exchange and Learning: Diversity exposes us to various cultures, traditions, and
lifestyles from around the world. Through interaction with diverse communities, we gain valuable
insights, broaden our perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of humanity's rich tapestry.
4. Learning Opportunities: Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds provides learning
opportunities and inspires innovation. We can adopt new practices, techniques, and ideas from
different cultures, enriching our own lives and communities.
5. Mutual Exchange of Knowledge: Diversity facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experiences
among individuals and nations. For example, while some countries may share their culinary traditions
with the world, others may contribute unique practices like yoga, leading to mutual enrichment and
collaboration.
7. Global Connectivity and Solidarity: Embracing diversity promotes global connectivity and
fosters a sense of solidarity among people worldwide. It encourages cooperation, empathy, and
mutual respect, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and interconnected world.
Diversity in India:
1. Diversity in Language: India boasts a multitude of languages spoken across its vast
landscape, showcasing the richness and diversity of its linguistic heritage.
2. Culinary Variety: Indian cuisine is characterized by its diverse range of flavors, ingredients,
and cooking techniques, reflecting the regional diversity and cultural influences present in the
country.
3. Festival Celebrations: India celebrates a plethora of festivals throughout the year, each with
its unique customs, traditions, and significance, contributing to the colorful tapestry of
cultural diversity.
4. Religious Pluralism: India is home to various religions, including Hinduism, Islam,
Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, among others, fostering religious tolerance and
coexistence.
5. Cultural Practices: While there are diverse cultural practices across India, there are also
similarities in social customs, rituals, and traditions that bind the nation together despite its
diversity.
6. Unity in Diversity: Despite the myriad differences, there is a sense of unity in diversity that
prevails in India, where people from different backgrounds coexist harmoniously and
celebrate the richness of their diversity.
Unity in diversity:
1. Historical Unity: India's diverse population united during the freedom movement against
British colonial rule, showcasing the strength of unity in diversity. People from different
cultural, religious, and regional backgrounds collaborated in joint actions, endured
imprisonment, and opposed British rule collectively.
2. Strength in Diversity: The British attempted to exploit India's diversity to divide and rule,
but Indians demonstrated resilience and solidarity in their fight for independence, debunking
the notion that diversity weakened their unity.
3. Symbolism of Jallianwalla Bagh: The Jallianwalla Bagh massacre, where people of various
backgrounds were indiscriminately killed by British forces, serves as a poignant reminder of
the sacrifices made by Indians in their struggle for freedom.
4. Cultural Expression: The Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) used art and music,
such as the song mentioned, to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in tragic events
like the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre, highlighting the unity of Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, and
people from all walks of life in the face of adversity.
5. Collective Grief and Solidarity: The song reflects the shared sorrow and collective
mourning of Indians for the lives lost during the freedom struggle, transcending religious and
cultural divides to unite in grief and remembrance.
6. India is a land where unity and diversity go hand in hand.
7. Indians joined hands against ‘Phirangi Sahebs’ to liberate the country.
8. Pt. Nehru in his book, ‘Discovery of India’, wrote that Indian unity is not something imposed
from outside by rather it is something deeper and within its folds.
Questions Answer:
B. True/False
a) History and geography are often tied in the cultural life of a region. True
b) In Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Haryana, a British general opened fire on a large group of
unarmed people. False
c) The Discovery of India is written by Jawaharlal Nehru. True
d) Gandhiji coined the phrase, "unity in diversity" to describe the country. False
3. What is cheenachatti?
Ans. Utensil used for frying is called the cheenachatti.
7. How was Indian flag used against the British by the people?
Ans. It was used as a symbol of protest against the British by people everywhere.
9. How does historical and geographical factors influence the diversity of a region?
Ans. : The geography and history affect the occupation, crops, food habits and the clothes.
11. Name the British General who was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Ans. : General Dyer.
16. Name the language in which the rich and old traditional songs and poems of Ladakh were
translated.
Ans. : Tibetan language.
21. Which are the two major languages spoken by the Indians?
Ans. : Hindi and English.
23. How many official languages are recognized by the Constitution of India?
Ans. : There are 22 official languages that are recognized by the Indian Constitution.
28. Why people travelled from one part of the world to another?
Ans. People travelled from one part of the world to another in search of new lands, or new places to
settle in, or for people to trade with.
33. Samir Do, the paper boy, think Samir Ek did not know Hindi. Why?
Ans. Samir Do, the paper boy, thought Samir Ek did not know Hindi because he looked like a
foreigner and so he could not know Hindi.
3. While Kerala and Ladakh are quite different in terms of their geographical features, the history of
both regions has seen similar cultural influences. Why?
Ans. The history of both regions has seen similar cultural influences because both regions were
influenced by Chinese and Arab traders.
4. Make a list of the festivals that might have been celebrated by the two boys. Samir Ek: Samir Do:
Ans. The festivals celebrated by Samir Ek- Holi, Diwali, Durgapuja, Ram Navami, etc.
The festivals celebrated by Samir Do-=Id-ul-Fttr, Id-ul Zoha, Muharram, etc.
8. Define Diversity.
Ans.: Diversity means “variety” and “being different”. It is a product of different geography, culture
and history. Diversity is more than just tolerating the differences. It is respecting and understanding
the varying differences among individuals in society.
12. What is the significance of the colour and chakra of Indian National Flag?
14. Why Kerala is called as the 'land of coconuts'? What products are made out of coir in Kerala?
Ans.: The State Kerala derives its name from the Malayalam word 'Kera' meaning the coconut palm
and ‘Alam’ meaning the place. Coconut forms a part of their daily diet. Coir is an important eco-
friendly material and is obtained from the coconut husk. Kerala is considered to be the largest
producer of coir. Products such as flooring, mats, carpets, wall hangings and bags are made from coir
fiber.
15. Describe how does the Diversity in India still keep us together?
Ans.: India is a country of Diversity. We speak different languages, have various types of food,
celebrate different festivals, practise different religions. But actually, if you think about it, we do
many things that are similar except that we do them in different ways.
17. What do you think living in India with its rich heritage of diversity adds to your life?
Ans. India is a country of diversities. We speak different languages, have various types of food,
celebrate different festivals, practise different religions. However, despite all this, we unite together as
Indians. We share the same national symbols, national virtues and feelings.
2. India's diversity has always been recognised as a source of its strength. How?
Ans. When the British ruled India, women and men from different cultural, religious and regional
backgrounds came together to oppose them. India's freedom movement had thousands of people of
different backgrounds in it. They worked together to decide joint actions, they went to jail together,
and they found different ways to oppose the British. Interestingly the British thought they could
divide Indians because they were so different, and then continue to rule them. But the people showed
how they could be different and yet be united in their battle against the British.
4. Do you think the term "unity in diversity" is an appropriate term to describe India? What do you think
Nehru is trying to say about Indian unity in the sentence quoted above from his book The Discovery
of India?
Ans. India is a country of diversities. We speak different languages, have various types of food,
celebrate different festivals, practise different religions. But actually, if we think about it, we do many
things that are similar except that we do them in different ways. Hence, term "unity in diversity" is an
appropriate term to describe India.
Nehru has written in his book ''The Discovery of India", "It was something deeper and within its fold,
the widest tolerance of belief and custom was practised and every variety acknowledged and even
encouraged."
He means that when one look into it deeply, one finds that India is not only united, but its people also
know how to accept and respect other customs and beliefs.
5. Underline the line in the poem sung after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which according to you,
reflects India's essential unity.
Ans.
6. List three different ways in which people in India do the following. One of the possible Ans. s has
been provided for you already.
Ans.
8. India's national anthem is another expression of the unity of India. In what way does the national
anthem describe this unity?
Ans.:
Indian National anthem is surely an expression of national unity in the following ways:
It inculcates a sense of nationalism and love for one's country.
Civics- Class-VI Page 12 |
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Chapter-1 Understanding Diversity
Composed by Rabindranath Tagore, our national anthem reflects the diversity of the country
in terms of religions, languages, regions and how such a diversity forms our Motherland India.
Though we have diversity but the geography and history binds us together.
It is our national anthem where people from varied backgrounds, irrespective of caste, creed,
religion or sex stand up and sing in unison, paying respect and gratitude to the country.
It captures the very essence of our country.