Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 Unity in Diversity, or Many in the One Practice Paper 2

Class: VI Subject: Social Science Session: 2025-26 Chapter: 08 - Unity in Diversity, or 'Many in the One' Time: 1½ Hours Max. Marks: 40

General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.

2. This question paper contains 20 questions divided into five sections A, B, C, D and E.

3. Section A contains 10 MCQs of 1 mark each.

4. Section B contains 4 questions of 2 marks each.

5. Section C contains 3 questions of 3 marks each.

6. Section D contains 1 question of 5 marks.

7. Section E contains 2 Case Study Based questions of 4 marks each.

SECTION A - Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Q1. How many languages were counted in the 'People of India project'?
(a) 225
(b) 275
(c) 325
(d) 375

Q2. How many scripts are used in India according to the chapter?
(a) 15
(b) 20
(c) 25
(d) 30

Q3. Which millet is also known as 'ragi'?
(a) Pearl millet
(b) Sorghum
(c) Finger millet
(d) Foxtail millet

Q4. On which date is Makara Sankranti celebrated?
(a) January 12
(b) January 14
(c) January 15
(d) January 26

Q5. What is the name of Makara Sankranti in Tamil Nadu?
(a) Uttarayan
(b) Pongal
(c) Bihu
(d) Lohri

Q6. The original Sanskrit text of Pañchatantra is at least how many years old?
(a) 1,500 years
(b) 2,000 years
(c) 2,200 years
(d) 2,500 years

Q7. What is the meaning of the term 'epic' as defined in the chapter?
(a) A short story about common people
(b) A long poem narrating adventures of heroes
(c) A religious scripture
(d) A collection of folk tales

Q8. The Ramayana and Mahabharata together might fill approximately how many pages?
(a) 5,000 pages
(b) 6,000 pages
(c) 7,000 pages
(d) 8,000 pages

Q9. Who directed the 'People of India' project?
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) K.S. Singh
(c) Vincent Smith
(d) Sri Aurobindo

Q10. What is the name of Makara Sankranti in Gujarat?
(a) Pongal
(b) Lohri
(c) Uttarayan
(d) Bihu

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. What are the common spices used throughout India as mentioned in the chapter? Why are they significant?

Q12. Explain the significance of the quotation by Sri Aurobindo given at the beginning of the chapter.

Q13. What is the Pañchatantra? How does it illustrate the concept of 'Many in the One'?

Q14. Describe two different uses of the sari beyond its function as a dress, as mentioned in the chapter.

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. How does the celebration of Makara Sankranti across different regions of India demonstrate 'unity in diversity'? Give examples of its different names in various states.

Q16. Describe the observations made by anthropologist K.S. Singh about the spread of Indian epics among different communities in India.

Q17. What was the impact of Indian textiles on European markets in the 17th century? What does this tell us about India's contribution to global culture?

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. "Indian culture celebrates diversity as an enrichment, but never loses sight of the underlying unity which nourishes that diversity." Discuss this statement with examples from:
(a) Food traditions
(b) Clothing and textiles
(c) Festivals and celebrations
(d) Literature and folk traditions (e) Role of tribal communities in preserving cultural traditions

SECTION E - Case Study Based Questions (4 marks each)

Q19. Read the following passage and answer the questions: "Every region and community in India has developed its own styles of clothing and dresses. Yet, we notice a commonality in some traditional Indian dresses, irrespective of the material used. An obvious example is the plain length of cloth called the sari, a type of clothing worn in most parts of India and made from different fabrics — mostly cotton or silk, but nowadays synthetic fabrics too."
(a) Name any three famous types of silk saris mentioned in the chapter. (1 mark)
(b) How old is the tradition of wearing sari in India? Give evidence. (1 mark)
(c) How does the sari demonstrate both unity and diversity in Indian culture? (2 marks)

Q20. Read the following passage and answer the questions: "These two long Sanskrit poems, which together might fill some 7,000 pages in their original versions, narrate the stories of heroes who fight to re-establish dharma. In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas, with Krishna's help, fight their own cousins, the Kauravas, to recover their kingdom. In the Ramayana, Rama, with the help of his brother Lakshmana and of Hanuman, defeats the demon Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife Sita."
(a) What is the central theme common to both epics? (1 mark)
(b) How have these epics been preserved and transmitted over millenniums? (1 mark)
(c) How do tribal communities connect themselves with these epics? Give examples. (2 marks) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 02

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Ans 1.
(c) 325 The People of India project counted 325 languages being spoken in India. Ans 2.
(c) 25 According to the survey, 25 different scripts are used in India to write these languages. Ans 3.
(c) Finger millet Finger millet is also known as 'ragi' and is one of the common millets used in India. Ans 4.
(b) January 14 Makara Sankranti is celebrated on or around January 14 in many parts of India. Ans 5.
(b) Pongal In Tamil Nadu, the festival of Makara Sankranti is known as Pongal. Ans 6.
(c) 2,200 years The original Sanskrit text of Pañchatantra is at least 2,200 years old.

Ans 7.
(b) A long poem narrating adventures of heroes An epic is defined as a long poem generally narrating the adventures of heroes and other great figures of the past. Ans 8.
(c) 7,000 pages The Ramayana and Mahabharata together might fill some 7,000 pages in their original versions. Ans 9.
(b) K.S. Singh The anthropologist K.S. Singh directed the 'People of India' project. Ans 10.
(c) Uttarayan In Gujarat, Makara Sankranti is celebrated as Uttarayan, famous for kite flying.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 11. Common spices used throughout India: Turmeric Cumin Cardamom Ginger (1 mark) Significance: These spices represent the underlying unity in Indian cuisine. Despite the vast diversity in regional dishes and preparations, these common ingredients are used across the country, creating a shared culinary foundation. They connect different regional cuisines and demonstrate that the same basic elements can produce countless diverse preparations. (1 mark) Ans 12. Sri Aurobindo's Quotation: Sri Aurobindo stated that "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." (1 mark) Significance:

Sri Aurobindo emphasizes that unity in diversity has always been India's natural characteristic The phrase 'Many in the One' captures how multiple identities (linguistic, cultural, religious) coexist within one national identity 'Swabhava' (one's own nature) and 'Swadharma' (one's own duty/path) suggest that embracing this diversity is essential to India's true identity He views this principle as the foundation of India's strength and character (1 mark) Ans 13. Pañchatantra: The Pañchatantra is a collection of delightful stories with animals as the main characters that teaches important life skills. The original Sanskrit text is at least 2,200 years old. (1 mark) 'Many in the One' illustration:

The stories have been adapted in almost every Indian language They have travelled beyond India to Southeast Asia, the Arab world, and Europe About 200 adaptations exist in more than 50 languages This shows how 'one' collection of stories has become 'many' while retaining its core wisdom and teachings This perfectly illustrates how a single literary work can diversify while maintaining its essential unity. (1 mark) Ans 14. Uses of sari beyond a dress (any two):

1. As a cradle/swing for babies: Women use a sari as a hanging cradle by tying it between branches to rock babies to sleep or keep them safe while working. (1 mark)

2. As a carrying bag/sling: Women use folded portions of the sari to carry goods, vegetables, or other items, especially in rural areas. (1 mark) (Other acceptable answers based on the pictures in Fig. 8.4: fishing net, head covering for sun protection, water-carrying aid, etc.)

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 15. Makara Sankranti and Unity in Diversity: Unity: Makara Sankranti marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated across India on or around January 14. The underlying occasion (agricultural celebration, thanksgiving for crops) is the same throughout the country. (1 mark) Diversity - Different Names in Various States: Tamil Nadu: Pongal Assam: Magh Bihu Punjab: Maghi/Lohri Gujarat: Uttarayan Bihar/UP: Khichdi Parv Maharashtra: Makar Sankranti Karnataka: Makara Sankramana Kerala: Makara Vilakku Andhra Pradesh/Telangana: Pedda Panduga West Bengal: Poush Songkranti Kashmir: Shishur Saenkraat (1 mark for any 4-5 names) Conclusion: While the festival is celebrated with different names, rituals, and local traditions, the essence of celebrating the harvest and expressing gratitude remains the same. This demonstrates how India's festivals embody unity in diversity. (1 mark) Ans 16.

K.S. Singh's Observations: The anthropologist K.S. Singh, who directed the 'People of India' project, made significant observations about how Indian epics have spread across different communities: (1 mark) Key Observations: Universal Reach: He observed that "There is hardly a place in the country which the epic heroes such as the Pandavas, did not visit according to folklores." This shows the pan-Indian spread of these stories. Tribal Versions: Many tribal communities like Bhils, Gonds, Mundas, and tribes of the northeast and Himalayan regions have their own versions of the epics.

Oral Transmission: These tribal adaptations are transmitted orally from generation to generation. Local Legends: Communities have preserved legends connecting their own history with the epic heroes, claiming that Pandavas or other heroes visited their regions. (1 mark) Significance: Singh's observations show how the epics created a dense web of cultural interactions across India, becoming a unifying force while allowing for diverse local interpretations. (1 mark) Ans 17. Impact of Indian Textiles on European Markets (17th Century):

Quality Superiority: For a very long time, India produced the finest cotton in the world Indian textiles were exported as far away as Europe (1 mark) Market Disruption: A beautiful type of printed cotton called 'chintz' became extremely popular in 17th-century Europe It was so popular that the sale of some European-made dresses dropped sharply To protect their own textile industries, England and France decided to ban the import of chintz from India (1 mark) India's Contribution to Global Culture:

India was a major player in global trade with products that influenced fashion worldwide Indian craftsmanship was superior to that of developed European nations The diversity of Indian textiles (with hundreds of varieties of fabrics, designs, and techniques) contributed to global cultural diversity This shows India's historical role as a cultural and economic powerhouse (1 mark)

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Ans 18. "Indian culture celebrates diversity as an enrichment while maintaining underlying unity"
(a) Food Traditions: While India has thousands of different dishes, the underlying unity is seen in common staple grains (rice, wheat, barley), common millets (bajra, jowar, ragi), common pulses (various dals and grams), and common spices (turmeric, cumin, cardamom, ginger) used throughout the country. The diversity lies in the endless combinations and regional preparations. This enriches Indian cuisine rather than dividing it. (1 mark)
(b) Clothing and Textiles:

The sari represents this beautifully - a single type of dress (unity) comes in hundreds of varieties like Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Paithani, Patan Patola silk, and many cotton varieties (diversity). Different methods of weaving, designing, colouring, and draping enrich the basic concept. India's textile tradition was so diverse and excellent that even European nations banned Indian chintz to protect their own industries. (1 mark)
(c) Festivals and Celebrations: Festivals like Makara Sankranti are celebrated across India with the same underlying purpose (harvest celebration) but with different names and customs: Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Lohri in Punjab, Uttarayan in Gujarat. This diversity in celebration enriches the national cultural experience while maintaining the common thread of gratitude and joy. (1 mark)
(d) Literature and Folk Traditions:

The Ramayana and Mahabharata provide the clearest example. These Sanskrit epics (unity) have been adapted into countless regional versions, translations, and folk versions over 2,000+ years (diversity). The Pañchatantra has about 200 adaptations in 50+ languages. Rather than creating division, these diverse versions enrich the literary heritage and keep the stories alive in local contexts. (1 mark) (e) Role of Tribal Communities: Tribal communities like Bhils, Gonds, Mundas, and Irula tribals have their own versions of the epics, transmitted orally. They preserve legends connecting their regions with epic heroes. The 'Pañcha Pāṇḍavar' stone in Nilgiris, maintained by Irula tribals, shows how tribes have embraced and localized these national narratives. This demonstrates how diversity in preservation actually strengthens the underlying cultural unity, as K.S. Singh observed: "There is hardly a place in the country which the epic heroes did not visit according to folklores." (1 mark)

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Ans 19.
(a) Three famous types of silk saris: Any three from: Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Paithani, Patan Patola, Muga, Mysore silk. (1 mark)
(b) Age of sari tradition with evidence: The tradition of wearing sari in India dates back several centuries BCE (Before Common Era). The evidence for this is a stone relief from Vaishali (today in Bihar) showing a woman wearing a sari, which goes back a few centuries BCE. This archaeological evidence proves the ancient origin of this garment. (1 mark)
(c) Sari demonstrating unity and diversity:

Unity: The sari is a single, unstitched piece of cloth worn across most parts of India It represents a common traditional dress that connects women from different regions The basic concept of draping a length of cloth around the body is shared throughout India Diversity: Made from different fabrics: cotton, silk, and synthetic materials Comes in hundreds of varieties with different weaving techniques Endless variations in colors, patterns, and designs Many different ways of draping that vary by region and community Women put it to creative uses beyond clothing (carrying babies, fishing, head covering, etc.) The sari thus perfectly embodies how one item can manifest in countless diverse forms while maintaining its essential identity. (2 marks) Ans 20.

(a) Central theme common to both epics: The central theme common to both the Ramayana and Mahabharata is the fight to re-establish dharma (righteousness/moral order). Both epics narrate the stories of heroes who struggle against evil to restore what is right and just. (1 mark)
(b) Preservation and transmission over millenniums: The epics have been translated and adapted into regional literatures across India and beyond for more than two millenniums There are countless folk versions - about 100 versions of Mahabharata in Tamil Nadu folklore alone Many communities maintain their own oral versions passed down through generations The stories have been depicted through various art forms - sculptures, paintings, dance performances, and movies (1 mark)
(c) How tribal communities connect with epics:

Their Own Versions: Tribal communities like Bhils, Gonds, Mundas have developed their own versions of the epics Tribes of India's northeast and Himalayan regions, including Kashmir, have their own versions These versions are transmitted orally from generation to generation Connecting Legends: Tribes preserve legends that connect their own history with the epics They claim that epic heroes visited their regions - as K.S. Singh noted, according to folklore, there is hardly a place in India the Pandavas did not visit Example: Irula tribals in Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu) maintain the 'Pañcha Pāṇḍavar' shrine - a carved stone depicting the five Pandava brothers - commemorating the Pandavas' passing through their area Some tribes connect with characters like Draupadī or even Duryodhana (the adversary) This demonstrates how tribal communities have actively participated in preserving and enriching India's epic traditions. (2 marks)