Understanding Diversity
Class 6 | Social Science — Civics | Unit 1
Class 6 Unit 1 Civics
Civics Unit 1 Understanding diversity
Learning Objectives
Know the meaning of diversity
Understand the existence of diversity in India
Develop a healthy attitude towards others around you
Understand the differences in the belief systems of people
Know to accept and respect the unity in diversity
1. Understanding diversity
Take a look around your class. Do you see any of your classmates who looks similar? Look at the table.
| Student 1 | Student 2 | Student 3 |
|---|
| Mother tongue | Tamil | Malayalam | Hindi |
| Food | Rice | Puttu | Chappathi |
| Festival | Pongal | Onam | Holi |
From the below table, we understand that the three students are different from one another. This shows that people speak different languages, eat different kinds of food, celebrate their own festivals and practice a culture different from one another. Similarly, people who live in different parts of our country differ in their ways of life. These differences make us unique as Indians. We come from different backgrounds, belong to different cultures, worship in different ways, yet we live together. This is known as diversity.
2. Diversity in India
India is a home to a civilisation that is 5,000 years old. Different groups of people from different parts of the world were attracted towards India over the years because of its wealth. Some came for trade with the local people and others were keen on invading its territory. So diverse races of people migrated into India by land and sea routes over time. Thus, the Dravidians, Negroids, Aryans, Alpines and Mongoloids became part of the modern Indian race. Then, the people who migrated to India also moved to other parts of the country. This movement and migration of people is the reason for India's rich diversity. We will now study the diversity in India under the following broad headings: land forms and lifestyles diversity, social diversity, religious diversity, linguistic diversity and cultural diversity.
2.1 Land Forms and Lifestyle Diversity
A continent is a very large area of land with various physical features such as mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers and seas and various types of weather patterns. India has all of them. India is known as a sub-continent. These features have an underlying influence upon the people who live in different landforms of the country. Physical and climatic features determine the economic activities of a region. People living in the plains thrive on agriculture, while people in the coastal areas take to fishing for their livelihood. In mountainous regions, rearing of animals is undertaken. Hilly landscapes are supported by favorable climatic conditions for the cultivation of coffee and tea. Diversity in landforms also impacts the flora and fauna of a region. The plant and animal wealth of a place depends upon the natural habitat and the climate that prevails in that region. Food, clothing, occupation and livelihood of the people is closely connected with the region's natural surroundings and climate.
Landforms
The surface of Earth is covered with different types of landforms.
2.2 Social Diversity
2.2.1. Interdependence and Co-existence
A community is a place where people live together with a common interest or heritage. Our community is made up of peasants, laborers, artisans, parents, teachers, students and many others. For a comfortable livelihood, communities depend on each other.
Do You Know?
Mawsynram located in Megalaya, is the land of highest rainfall. Jaisalmer located in Rajasthan, is the land of lowest rainfall.
2.2.2. Family and Society
Families constitute the fundamental unit of a society. There are two types of families: joint families and nuclear families. Families live in a harmonious neighbourhood. Many of neighbourhoods collectively form a village and many of them group together in a city. The needs of people and the interdependence of communities for amenities such as water, food, electricity, education, housing and so on bring us together to live in harmony. Though we are diverse in our cultural practices, we are united and interdependent socially.
2.3 Religious Diversity
India is a secular country. It does not declare any religion as state religion. The freedom of religion is our fundamental right. India is the birth place of many religions and has become the home of many others. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism flourish in India. India is a land of festivals, where people from different religions engage in many colourful celebrations in different parts of the country and co-exist harmoniously. The wide variety of festivals celebrated in India is a true manifestation of its rich culture and traditions. Festivals like Pongal, Deepavali, Holi, Vijayadashami, AyudhaPuja, Navaratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Ganesh Chaturthi, Bihu, Kumbamela, Onam, Miladi Nabi, Ramzan, Christmas, Buddha Poornima, Mahavir Jayanthi, Guru Nanak Jayanthi and Raksha Bandhan are some of the festivals that denote the cultural diversity of India.
2.4 Linguistic Diversity
According to census of India 2001, India has 122 major languages and 1599 other languages. Four major Indian language families are Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austroasiatic and Sino Tibetian. Tamil is the oldest Dravidian language.
Top Five languages spoken in India (as per 2011 Census)
| Language | Percentage of total population |
|---|
| Hindi | 43.63% |
| Bengali | 8.30% |
| Telugu | 6.93% |
| Marati | 7.09% |
| Tamil | 5.89% |
Historically, the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British, the Danish and the French came to India for trade and their occupation of India or some parts of it has left behind a certain impact upon the culture and language of the people. Because the British ruled over the entire country for over three hundred years before independence in 1947, the English language gained prominence in India. In due course, English has emerged as an important language and a medium of instruction in schools and colleges. It is widely used in official communication and daily life.
2.5 Cultural Diversity
The term 'culture' refers to customs and practices of people, their language, their dress code, cuisine, religion, social habits, music, art and architecture. The culture of a group of people is reflected in their social behavior and interactions. The group identity fostered by social patterns is unique to a group. Art and architecture are an integral part of every community. It develops as a part of culture and tradition of a community. Each of the 28 states and 9 Union territories of India has rich traditions and unique ways of artistic expression.
Do You Know?
About 60 percent of the total epigraphical inscriptions found by the Archaeological Survey of India (A S I) are from Tamil Nadu, and most of these are in the Tamil script.
2.5.1 Popular Dances and Music of India
In ancient times, dance was considered as a way to celebrate, worship and also as a gesture of thanks giving and joy. Dances of India reflect its cultural richness. Music and dance go hand in hand. There are several styles of music practiced in India. The Hindustani music, Karnatic music, Classical Tamil Music, Folk Music, Lavani, Ghazl are some of them. There are songs from various languages composed by blending these different forms of music.
Folk dances of India
| State | Popular dance |
|---|
| Tamilnadu | Karagattam, Oyillattam, Kummi, Therukoothu, Bommalattam, Puliattam, Kolattam, Thappattam |
| Kerala | Theyyam and Mohiniattam |
| Punjab | Bhangra |
| Gujarat | Garba and Dandia |
| Rajastan | Kalbelia and Ghoomer |
| Uttar Predesh | Ras Lila |
| Uttarakhand | Chholiya |
| Assam | Bihu |
Activity Compare and contrast two states
You have read about the diversity that exists in our country. Compare and contrast two states.
| Tamilnadu | Uttar Pradesh |
|---|
| Dance | | |
| Crops | | |
| Food | | |
| Language | | |
| Architecture | | |
3. Unity in Diversity
Though diversity is visible in every aspect of life in India, we are united by the spirit of patriotism. Symbols such as the National Flag and National Anthem remind us of our great nation and the need to stay united. Celebration of landmark events such as Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanthi every year bring us together and keep the spirit of one nation alive within us.
Do You Know?
India is known for 'unity in diversity'. This phrase was coined by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, in his book Discovery of India. India has a multi-cultural society. India evolved as a single nation through common beliefs, customs and cultural practices. The freedom struggle and the drafting of our Constitution stands as ample evidence to the spirit of unity of India.
Do You Know?
V.A. Smith called India as an 'Ethnological Museum', as a great variety of racial types exist.
Summary
India is the land of unity in diversity. Diversity is a state of being different from each other. Landforms and climate haven impact on diversity. Physical features and climatic conditions determine the economic activities of a region. Diversity in landforms also impacts the flora and fauna of a region. Linguistic, religious, social and cultural diversity exists in India. India is a sub-continent with all the physical features of a continent. According to census of India 2001, India has 122 major languages and 1599 other languages. Culture refers to social behavior and practices of a particular society. Classical and folk dances of India exhibit the rich cultural diversity in India.
Glossary
Diversity a range of different people or things. Inter dependence the dependence of two or more people or things on Co-existence living in harmony and peace Linguistics Scientific study of language, analysis of language form, language meaning and language in context.
EXERCISES
Exercise 1. Choose the correct answer
1. India consists of _____ States and _____ Union territories.
a. 27, 9 b. 29, 7 c. 28, 7 d. 28, 8
2. India is known as a
a. Continent b. Sub-continent c. Island d. None of these
3. Mawsynram, the land of highest rainfall is located in
a. Manipur b. Sikkim c. Nagaland d. Meghalaya
4. Which one of the following religions is not practised in India
a. Sikhism b. Islam c. Zoroastrianism d. Confucianism
5. Recognised official languages of India, as per 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution
a. 25 b. 23 c. 22 d. 26
6. Onam festival celebrated in
a. Kerala b. Tamil Nadu c. Punjab d. Karnataka
7. Mohiniyattam is a classical dance of
a. Kerala b. Tamil Nadu c. Manipur d. Karnataka
8. 'Discovery of India'- a book was written by
a. Rajaji b. V O C c. Nethaji d. Jawaharlal Nehru
9. The phrase 'Unity in Diversity' was coined by
a. Jawaharlal Nehru b. Ambedkar c. Mahathma Gandhi d. Rajaji
10. V A. Smith called India as _____.
a. Great Democracy b. Unique land of diversities c. Ethnological Museum d. Secular nation Exercise 2. Fill in the blanks
1. Geographical features and climatic conditions determine the activities of a region.
2. Jaisalmer, the land of lowest rainfall is located in
3. Tamil was declared as classical language in the year
4. Bihu festival is celebratedin
Exercise 3. Match the following
| 1. Negroids | |
| 2. Coastal areas | |
| 3. Zoroastrianism | |
| 4. Unity in diversity | |
Exercise 4. Answer the following questions
1. Define diversity.
2. What are the types of diversity?
3. Why is India called a sub-continent?
4. Write the names of three major festivals celebrated in India.
5. List out some of the classical dances of India.
6. Why is India called the land of unity in diversity?
Exercise 5. Answer the following in detail
1. Explain: Linguistic diversity and cultural diversity.
2. "India is a land of diversity, yet we are all united". Explain.
Exercise 6. Projects and Activities
1. "The occupation of people depends on the landform of a place". Give some examples.
2. Read about a state of your choice and make an album to show the culture and tradition of people who live in that state.
3. Collect the pictures to show the art and architecture of Tamil Nadu.
Exercise 7. HOTS
1. List out the various festivals celebrated in different states.
Exercise 8. Life Skill
1. Suggest measures to bring unity in your school.
Internet Resources
1. Wikipedia.org/wiki/unity_in_diversity
2. http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com
3. www.readmeindia.com
4. http://www.indiaculture.nic.in
Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers
Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.
1. Choose the Correct Answer
1. India consists of _____ States and _____ Union territories.
a) 27, 9 b) 29, 7 c) 28, 7 d) 28, 8
Answer: d) 28, 8
Explanation: According to the chapter, each of the 28 states and 9 Union territories of India has rich traditions and unique ways of artistic expression.
2. India is known as a
a) Continent b) Sub-continent c) Island d) None of these
Answer: b) Sub-continent
Explanation: India is known as a sub-continent because it has all the physical features of a continent such as mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers and seas.
3. Mawsynram, the land of highest rainfall is located in
a) Manipur b) Sikkim c) Nagaland d) Meghalaya
Answer: d) Meghalaya
Explanation: According to the chapter, Mawsynram located in Megalaya is the land of highest rainfall.
4. Which one of the following religions is not practised in India
a) Sikhism b) Islam c) Zoroastrianism d) Confucianism
Answer: d) Confucianism
Explanation: The chapter mentions that Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism flourish in India, but Confucianism is not listed.
5. Recognised official languages of India, as per 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution
a) 25 b) 23 c) 22 d) 26
Answer: c) 22
Explanation: Refer to the chapter text for this answer.
6. Onam festival celebrated in
a) Kerala b) Tamil Nadu c) Punjab d) Karnataka
Answer: a) Kerala
Explanation: The chapter lists Onam among the festivals celebrated in India and it is associated with Kerala culture.
7. Mohiniyattam is a classical dance of
a) Kerala b) Tamil Nadu c) Manipur d) Karnataka
Answer: a) Kerala
Explanation: The chapter mentions Mohiniattam as a dance form of Kerala in the folk dances table.
8. 'Discovery of India'- a book was written by
a) Rajaji b) V O C c) Nethaji d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: The chapter states that the phrase 'unity in diversity' was coined by Jawaharlal Nehru in his book Discovery of India.
9. The phrase 'Unity in Diversity' was coined by
a) Jawaharlal Nehru b) Ambedkar c) Mahathma Gandhi d) Rajaji
Answer: a) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: The chapter clearly states that this phrase was coined by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, in his book Discovery of India.
10. V A. Smith called India as _____.
a) Great Democracy b) Unique land of diversities c) Ethnological Museum d) Secular nation
Answer: c) Ethnological Museum
Explanation: The chapter mentions that V.A. Smith called India as an 'Ethnological Museum', as a great variety of racial types exist.
2. Fill in the Blanks
1. Geographical features and climatic conditions determine the _____ activities of a region.
Answer: economic
2. Jaisalmer, the land of lowest rainfall is located in _____
Answer: Rajasthan
3. Tamil was declared as classical language in the year _____
Answer: Refer to the chapter text for this answer.
4. Bihu festival is celebrated in _____.
Answer: Assam
3. Match the Following
3. Match the Following
| 1. Negroids | Religion |
| 2. Coastal areas | India |
| 3. Zoroastrianism | Fishery |
| 4. Unity in diversity | Indian race |
Answers: 1-Indian race, 2-Fishery, 3-Religion, 4-India
4. Answer the Following Questions
1. Define diversity.
Answer: Diversity means the differences that make us unique as Indians. People speak different languages, eat different kinds of food, celebrate their own festivals and practice a culture different from one another.
2. What are the types of diversity?
Answer: The types of diversity in India are: land forms and lifestyles diversity, social diversity, religious diversity, linguistic diversity and cultural diversity.
3. Why is India called a sub-continent?
Answer: India is called a sub-continent because it has all the physical features of a continent such as mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers and seas and various types of weather patterns.
4. Write the names of three major festivals celebrated in India.
Answer: Three major festivals celebrated in India are Pongal, Deepavali and Holi. These festivals denote the cultural diversity of India.
5. List out some of the classical dances of India.
Answer: Some classical dances of India include Mohiniattam from Kerala, Karagattam from Tamil Nadu, Bhangra from Punjab, and Garba from Gujarat.
6. Why is India called the land of unity in diversity?
Answer: India is called the land of unity in diversity because though diversity is visible in every aspect of life, we are united by the spirit of patriotism. Symbols like National Flag and National Anthem keep us united as one nation.
5. Answer the Following in Detail
1. Explain: Linguistic diversity and cultural diversity.
Answer: Linguistic diversity: According to census of India 2001, India has 122 major languages and 1599 other languages. Four major Indian language families are Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austroasiatic and Sino Tibetian. Tamil is the oldest Dravidian language. English has emerged as an important language due to British rule. Cultural diversity: The term 'culture' refers to customs and practices of people, their language, dress code, cuisine, religion, social habits, music, art and architecture. Each of the 28 states and 9 Union territories has rich traditions and unique ways of artistic expression. Classical and folk dances of India exhibit this rich cultural diversity.
2. "India is a land of diversity, yet we are all united". Explain.
Answer: India is home to diverse races like Dravidians, Negroids, Aryans, Alpines and Mongoloids. We have linguistic, religious, social and cultural diversity with 122 major languages and multiple religions. Despite these differences, we are united by the spirit of patriotism. National symbols like the flag and anthem remind us of our unity. Celebration of Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanthi bring us together. The freedom struggle and Constitution drafting show our spirit of unity. India evolved as a single nation through common beliefs and cultural practices.
📝 Summary
- Diversity means people from different backgrounds, cultures, languages, foods, and festivals living together, making each person unique as Indians.
- India is home to a 5,000-year-old civilization where different groups of people migrated over time, including Dravidians, Negroids, Aryans, Alpines and Mongoloids, creating rich diversity.
- India's diverse landforms like mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers and seas influence people's lifestyles, occupations, and economic activities - plains support agriculture, coastal areas fishing, and mountains animal rearing.
- Social diversity exists through interdependent communities of peasants, laborers, artisans, parents, teachers, and students who depend on each other for comfortable living.
- Families form the fundamental unit of society, existing as joint families and nuclear families that live in harmonious neighborhoods, villages, and cities, united by shared needs for water, food, electricity, education, and housing.