Find Below Extra Questions for NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 Unity in Diversity or Many in One:
A. Multiple choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which of the following is NOT a type of millet commonly grown in India?
a. Bajra
b. Jowar
c. Ragi
d. Basmati
2. What are ‘staple grains?
a. Grains used for decoration
b. The basic food grains consumed by most people
c. Grains used only for export
d. Grains used for feeding cattle
3. Which of the following is a common pulse found in Indian cuisine?
a. Moong dal
b. Sesame seeds
c. Cloves
d. Mustard seeds
4. From which fabric are the Banarasi and Kanjivaram sarees traditionally made?
a. Wool
b. Silk
c. Nylon
d. Polyester
5. Which unique feature of the sari represents both unity and diversity?
a. It is only worn in one part of India
b. It is always made from synthetic material
c. It is a single unstitched cloth but has many regional variations
d. It is the only traditional Indian dress
6. Which of the traditional Indian textiles became so popular in Europe that its import was banned?
a. Brocade
b. Chintz
c. Ikat
d. Muslin
7. Which festival marks the beginning of the harvest season in many parts of India?
a. Diwali
b. Holi
c. Makara Sankranti
d. Raksha Bandhan
8. Which festival in Tamil Nadu is the same as Makara Sankranti?
a. Lohri
b. Pongal
c. Bihu
d. Maghi
9. Which of the following epics narrates the story of the Pandavas and Kauravas?
a. Ramayaṇa
b. Jataka Tales
c. Mahabharata
d. Panchatantra
10. Who helps the Pandavas in their battle against the Kauravas?
a. Hanuman
b. Krishna
c. Ravana
d. Bheeshma
11. Which Indian epic narrates the story of Rama’s battle against Ravana?
a. Ramayaṇa
b. Mahabharata
c. Panchatantra
d. Jataka Tales
12. The Panchatantra is a collection of stories that mainly feature which characters?
a. Gods and goddesses
b. Kings and queens
c. Animals
d. Freedom fighters
13. What is an ‘epic’?
a. A religious text
b. A long poem narrating heroic adventures
c. A collection of short stories
d. A history book
14. Which tribe in Tamil Nadu maintains a carved stone to commemorate the passing of the five Pandava brothers through their area?
a. Gonds
b. Bhils
c. Irula
d. Santhals
15. According to K.S. Singh’s study, which Indian epics have been adapted into various regional versions?
a. Panchatantra and Jataka Tales
b. Ramayaṇa and Mahabharata
c. Arthashastra and Manusmriti
d. None of the above
16. In which Indian state is the festival of Lohri celebrated?
a. Tamil Nadu
b. Punjab
c. West Bengal
d. Maharashtra
17. What is a common feature among Indian classical arts, textiles, and literature?
a. They show a mix of unity and diversity
b. They are identical across all regions
c. They have remained unchanged over time
d. They only belong to one region
18. Which of the following best describes the theme of the chapter?
a. India’s cultural diversity is a source of division
b. India’s cultural traditions are completely uniform
c. Despite diversity, there is an underlying unity in Indian culture
d. Indian culture has remained unchanged for centuries
Answers:
1. d. Basmati
2. b. The basic food grains consumed by most people
3. a. Moong dal
4. b. Silk
5. c. It is a single unstitched cloth but has many regional variations
6. b. Chintz
7. c. Makara Sankranti
8. b. Pongal
9. c. Mahabharata
10. b. Krishna
11. a. Ramayaṇa
12. c. Animals
13. b. A long poem narrating heroic adventures
14. c. Irula
15. b. Ramayaṇa and Mahabharata
16. b. Punjab
17. a. They show a mix of unity and diversity
18. c. Despite diversity, there is an underlying unity in Indian culture
B. Fill in the Blanks with appropriate words from the box below:
| cotton | finest | rice | silk | barley |
| Panchatantra | Makara Sankranti | fifty | exported | harvest |
1. Certain food grains such as _________, ________, and wheat are common to almost every part of India.
2. The sari is a traditional Indian dress that is mostly made from ________ or _______, though synthetic fabrics are also used nowadays.
3. The festival of _______ is known as __________ in Tamil Nadu and marks the beginning of the harvest season.
4. India produced the ________ cotton in the world and Indian textiles were _________as far away as Europe.
5. A collection of ancient Indian animal fables, the_______, has been adapted into more than ________languages worldwide.
Answers:
1. Certain food grains such as rice, barley, and wheat are common to almost every part of India.
2. The sari is a traditional Indian dress that is mostly made from cotton or silk, though synthetic fabrics are also used nowadays.
3. The festival of Makara Sankranti is known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu and marks the beginning of the harvest season.
4. India produced the finest cotton in the world and Indian textiles were exported as far away as Europe
5. A collection of ancient Indian animal fables, the Panchatantra, has been adapted into more than fifty languages worldwide.
C. Match the words in column A with those in Column B:
| A | B |
| Relief | A rich silk fabric woven with gold and silver brocade, originating from Varanasi |
| Muga Silk | Modified versions of a story, text, or tradition for different audiences |
| Banarasi | A design that is raised from the surface of stone or wood |
| Vaishali | A rare silk from Assam known for its golden colour |
| Adaptations | An ancient city in Bihar, significant in Indian culture |
Answer:
| A | B |
| Relief | A design that is raised from the surface of stone or wood |
| Muga Silk | A rare silk from Assam known for its golden colour |
| Banarasi | A rich silk fabric woven with gold and silver brocade, originating from Varanasi |
| Vaishali | An ancient city in Bihar, significant in Indian culture |
| Adaptations | Modified versions of a story, text, or tradition for different audiences |
D. State whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE:
1. Banarasi saris are made from cotton and are primarily produced in Tamil Nadu.
2. Makara Sankranti is celebrated in different parts of India under various names, such as Pongal and Uttarayan.
3. The Pañchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian moral stories featuring animal characters.
4. Muga silk, known for its golden sheen, is traditionally produced in Gujarat.
5. The Rāmāyaṇa and the Mahābhārata are two of India’s longest epics, widely adapted into regional versions.
Answers:
1. False – Banarasi saris are made from silk and are produced in Varanasi (Banaras), Uttar Pradesh.
2. True
3. True
4. False – Muga silk is produced in Assam, not Gujarat.
5. True
E. Short Answer Type Questions:
1. What is meant by “Unity in Diversity” in the context of Indian food?
Answer:
It refers to how the same basic ingredients, like grains and spices, are used in various ways to create different regional dishes.
2. What common ingredients are used across India in cooking?
Answer:
Rice, wheat, barley, pulses, turmeric, cumin, and ginger are common ingredients used in cooking across India.
3. What is the significance of the sari in traditional Indian clothing?
Answer:
It is a versatile, unstitched garment worn by women, symbolizing cultural identity across India.
4. What are the most common materials used to make saris?
Answer:
Cotton, silk, and synthetic fabrics are used to make saris.
5. Where is the city of Varanasi, which is famous for Banarasi saris, located?
Answer:
Varanasi is located on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh.
6. Which silk fabric produced in Tamil Nadu is famous for its border designs?
Answer:
Kanjivaram silk, produced in Tamil Nadu, is famous for its gorgeous border designs.
7. How many types of cotton saris are produced in India?
Answer:
A wide variety of cotton saris are produced in India as each region has its own distinctive designs, weaves and textures, and dyeing techniques.
8. How is the sari used creatively beyond being a dress?
Answer:
It can be used as a cradle for a baby, to carry goods, or even as a makeshift bag, as a head scarf or cloth for ritual use.
9. What does the term “brocade” refer to in textiles?
Answer:
Brocade is a decorative fabric woven with patterns, often made with gold or silver threads.
10. What is the harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu?
Answer:
Pongal is the harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu.
11. What is the name for the festival of Makara Sankranti in Gujarat?
Answer:
In Gujarat the festival of Makar Sankranti is known as ‘Uttarayan’.
12. What are the primary themes of the Panchatantra stories?
Answer:
The Panchatantra stories teach life skills and moral lessons using animals as characters.
13. Which two Indian epics have been frequently adapted into regional stories?
Answer:
The Ramayaṇa and the Mahabharata have been adapted into regional stories.
14. What is the primary focus of the Mahabharata?
Answer:
The Mahabharata narrates the story of the Paṇḍavas’ fight against their cousins, the Kauravas, for their kingdom.
15. Who is the main hero in the Ramayaṇa?
Answer:
Rama, who battles the demon Ravana to rescue his wife, Sita is the main hero in the Ramayana.
16. Which Indian state is famous for producing Muga silk?
Answer:
Assam is famous for producing Muga silk.
17. How has the sari evolved in modern India?
Answer:
New ways of draping the sari have been invented, incorporating contemporary styles.
18. How are different versions of the Ramayaṇa and Mahabharata passed down?
Answer:
Different versions of the Ramayaṇa and Mahabharata are passed down orally by various communities and tribes.
19. Which festival is known as ‘Khichdi Parv’?
Answer:
The festival of Makara Sankranti is known as ‘Khichdi Parv’ in Uttar Pradesh and parts of Bihar.
20. What is the primary use of the grains like bajra and jowar in India?
Answer:
These grains are primarily used as food staples, especially in rural areas.
21. What is the cultural importance of the Paithani sari?
Answer:
It is a traditional handwoven sari from Maharashtra, known for its fine silk and intricate designs. They are a symbol of Maharashtra’s culture, tradition, and artistry.
22. Which Indian community is known for maintaining the shrine with a stone relief of the Pandavas in the Nilgiris?
Answer:
The Irula tribe maintains the shrine with the stone relief of the Pandavas in the Nilgiris.
23. What is the name of the cotton fabric that became popular in Europe during the 17th century?
Answer:
Chintz is the fabric which became popular in Europe during the 17th century.
24. Which two Indian epics ask questions about what is right and what is wrong?
Answer:
The Ramayaṇa and the Mahabharata are two Indian epics which ask questions about what is right or wrong.
25. Why is the sari considered a symbol of unity in India?
Answer:
The sari is a single piece of unstitched cloth, yet there are over 100 documented ways to drape it across different regions and communities in India making it a symbol of unity in diversity.
26. How has Indian literature spread globally?
Answer:
Indianliterature has spread globallythrough adaptations and translations, such as the Panchatantra in multiple languages.
27. What is the significance of dhoti in Indian culture?
Answer:
It is a traditional men’s garment worn in various styles, often in ceremonial settings.
28. Which is the most translated work on Indian literature
Answer:
The Panchatantra, an ancient collection of fables, has been adapted into over 200 versions in more than 50 languages worldwide, making it one of the most widely translated works of Indian literature.
29. Is it true that the Pandavas from Mahabharata roamed all over India?
Answer:
According to folklore, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata visited almost every part of India, with many temples, shrines, and natural landmarks still believed to be associated with their travels.
30. In which language were the Ramayana and Mahabharata written?
Answer:
The Ramayana and Mahabharata were composed in Sanskrit.
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