Class 6 Social Science Chapter 8 Unity in Diversity, or Many in the One Practice Paper 3

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. Which millet is known as 'bajra' in Hindi?
(a) Finger millet
(b) Pearl millet
(c) Sorghum
(d) Foxtail millet

Q2. The quotation "Oh, grant me my prayer, that I may never lose the bliss of the touch of the one in the play of the many" was said by:
(a) Sri Aurobindo
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Rabindranath Tagore
(d) Mahatma Gandhi

Q3. What is 'jowar' also known as?
(a) Pearl millet
(b) Finger millet
(c) Sorghum
(d) Barley

Q4. Which British historian said "India offers unity in diversity"?
(a) James Mill
(b) Vincent Smith
(c) Thomas Macaulay
(d) Warren Hastings

Q5. What is the name of Makara Sankranti in West Bengal?
(a) Pongal
(b) Poush Songkranti
(c) Magh Bihu
(d) Makar Sankraat

Q6. In which state is the 'Pañcha Pāṇḍavar' stone located?
(a) Kerala
(b) Karnataka
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) Andhra Pradesh

Q7. What does 'Many in the One' refer to in the context of this chapter?
(a) Many countries in one world
(b) Many religions in one temple
(c) Many diverse cultures within one unified nation
(d) Many languages in one book

Q8. Who kidnapped Sita in the Ramayana?
(a) Duryodhana
(b) Ravana
(c) Kumbhakarna
(d) Shakuni

Q9. What is the name of the harvest festival celebrated in Punjab?
(a) Pongal
(b) Bihu
(c) Lohri/Maghi
(d) Uttarayan

Q10. Which of the following is NOT a cereal mentioned in the chapter?
(a) Rice
(b) Wheat
(c) Barley
(d) Rajma

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. Explain the significance of Rabindranath Tagore's quotation given at the beginning of the chapter.

Q12. What are millets? Name three types of millets mentioned in the chapter with their local names.

Q13. What did visitors and travellers to India marvel about the sari? Mention two observations.

Q14. What is the main story of the Mahabharata? Identify the heroes and their adversaries.

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. How do Indian regional literatures demonstrate both unity and diversity? Discuss with reference to the Pañchatantra and the two epics.

Q16. Describe the diversity in Indian textiles as mentioned in the chapter. Include information about types of saris, fabrics, and production methods.

Q17. "There is hardly a place in the country which the epic heroes such as the Pandavas, did not visit according to folklores." - K.S. Singh. Explain the significance of this statement.

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. The chapter discusses the theme 'Many in the One'. With reference to the chapter, explain how this concept is reflected in:
(a) India's population and communities (1 mark)
(b) Linguistic diversity (1 mark)
(c) Culinary traditions (1 mark)
(d) Textile heritage (1 mark) (e) Literary traditions (1 mark)

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

Q19. Read the following passage and answer the questions: "If you travel through India by train, you will notice not only changing landscapes but also many different types of dresses and food; you will hear different languages, familiar and unfamiliar, and see different scripts on the way. Even within your own region, you will often come across people from other parts of India with different customs and traditions. This is India's rich diversity, and it is usually the first thing that strikes visitors to our country."
(a) What aspects of diversity does a train journey through India reveal? (1 mark)
(b) Why does the chapter call this diversity 'rich'? (1 mark)
(c) How does internal migration contribute to India's cultural landscape? Explain with examples. (2 marks)

Q20. Read the following passage and answer the questions: "In fact, many communities have their own versions of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. They have also preserved legends connecting their own history with these epics. This is especially true of tribal communities in many parts of India, such as the Bhils, the Gonds, the Mundas and many more. Most tribes of India's northeast and Himalayan regions, including Kashmir, have had their own version of one or the other of the two epics, or both."
(a) Name any four tribal communities mentioned that have their own epic versions. (1 mark)
(b) How are these tribal versions different from the original Sanskrit epics? (1 mark)
(c) What does the existence of these tribal versions tell us about Indian culture and its inclusive nature? (2 marks) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 03

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Ans 1.
(b) Pearl millet Pearl millet is known as 'bajra' in Hindi and is one of the common millets mentioned in the chapter. Ans 2.
(c) Rabindranath Tagore This quotation expressing the desire to experience the unity underlying diversity was said by the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Ans 3.
(c) Sorghum Jowar is also known as Sorghum and is a common millet used across India. Ans 4.
(b) Vincent Smith The British historian Vincent Smith, over a century ago, said that India offers 'unity in diversity'.

Ans 5.
(b) Poush Songkranti In West Bengal, the festival of Makara Sankranti is known as Poush Songkranti. Ans 6.
(c) Tamil Nadu The 'Pañcha Pāṇḍavar' stone is located in a forest of the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. Ans 7.
(c) Many diverse cultures within one unified nation 'Many in the One' refers to how multiple diverse identities, cultures, languages, and traditions coexist harmoniously within one unified nation - India. Ans 8.
(b) Ravana In the Ramayana, the demon Ravana kidnapped Sita, Rama's wife, leading to the epic conflict.

Ans 9.
(c) Lohri/Maghi In Punjab, the harvest festival around January 14 is celebrated as Lohri or Maghi. Ans 10.
(d) Rajma Rajma is a pulse (kidney bean), not a cereal. Rice, wheat, and barley are all cereals mentioned in the chapter.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 11. Rabindranath Tagore's Quotation: "Oh, grant me my prayer, that I may never lose the bliss of the touch of the one in the play of the many." (1 mark) Significance: Tagore is expressing a spiritual prayer to always remain connected to the underlying unity even while experiencing the diverse manifestations of life "The play of the many" represents the rich diversity we see in the world - different cultures, languages, traditions, people "The touch of the one" represents the fundamental unity that connects all this diversity The "bliss" comes from being able to perceive and feel this unity amidst diversity It reflects India's philosophical tradition of seeing unity in all creation while celebrating its diverse expressions (1 mark) Ans 12.

Millets: Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that are grown as staple food crops. They are drought-resistant and nutritious, forming an important part of the Indian diet. (1 mark) Three types of millets with local names:

1. Pearl millet - known as 'Bajra'

2. Sorghum - known as 'Jowar'

3. Finger millet - known as 'Ragi' (1 mark) Ans 13. Travellers and visitors to India, especially in past centuries, marvelled at the sari for the following qualities:

1. Simplicity: The sari is a single, unstitched piece of cloth, yet it creates an elegant and complete outfit. Its simplicity in design yet sophistication in appearance impressed visitors. (1 mark)

2. Economy: A single piece of fabric serves multiple purposes - as a dress, but also for carrying items, as a covering, as a cradle for babies, etc. This efficient use of material was remarkable. (1 mark) Also acceptable: The diverse ways of wearing/draping the sari; the creativity with which women put it to uses beyond clothing. Ans 14. Main Story of Mahabharata: The Mahabharata is the story of a great war fought to recover a kingdom and re-establish dharma (righteousness). (0.5 marks) Heroes: The Pandavas - the five brothers (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva) are the heroes. They fight with the help of Lord Krishna. (0.75 marks) Adversaries: The Kauravas - who were the cousins of the Pandavas and had unjustly taken their kingdom. (0.75 marks) The Pandavas, with Krishna's help, fight their own cousins to recover their kingdom. The story contains many shorter narratives focusing on values and constantly asking questions about what is right and wrong.

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 15. Indian Regional Literatures - Unity and Diversity: Indian literatures are extremely diverse (among the most abundant in the world) yet share important themes and concerns, demonstrating both unity and diversity. (0.5 marks) The Pañchatantra Example: Unity: A single collection of animal fables teaching life skills, at least 2,200 years old Diversity: Adapted in almost every Indian language; about 200 adaptations exist in more than 50 languages worldwide Shows how 'one' collection became 'many' while keeping its essential teachings (1 mark) The Two Epics Example:

Unity: Both Ramayana and Mahabharata share the common theme of fighting to establish dharma; they are pan-Indian narratives known everywhere Diversity: Translated/adapted into regional literatures for over 2,000 years About 100 versions of Mahabharata exist in Tamil Nadu folklore alone Tribal communities (Bhils, Gonds, Mundas, etc.) have their own oral versions Communities preserve local legends connecting their history with these epics (1.5 marks) Ans 16. Diversity in Indian Textiles: Types of Saris:

Silk saris: Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Paithani, Patan Patola, Muga, Mysore Many more kinds of cotton saris exist Modern synthetic fabric saris are also available Altogether, hundreds of varieties of this single garment exist (1 mark) Fabrics Used: Cotton - India produced the finest cotton in the world for a very long time Silk - various regional silk varieties Synthetic fabrics - in modern times (1 mark) Production Methods: Different methods of weaving are used across regions Designing techniques vary - some designs are woven into the cloth, others printed after weaving Various dyeing methods using different pigments create endless color variations Special techniques like 'chintz' printing made Indian textiles famous worldwide (1 mark) Ans 17.

K.S. Singh's Statement and Its Significance: Context: K.S. Singh was the anthropologist who directed the 'People of India' project. His observation refers to how the Mahabharata (and similarly the Ramayana) has spread to every corner of India through local folklores. (1 mark) Significance: Pan-Indian Spread: The statement shows that the epics have reached every part of India, from the Himalayas to Tamil Nadu, from Kashmir to the Northeast. No region is untouched by these narratives. Cultural Unity: Despite having different versions, the fact that every place claims a connection to the Pandavas creates a unifying cultural thread across the nation.

Inclusive Tradition: Communities, especially tribal groups, have not just passively received these stories but actively connected their own history and geography with them. Living Tradition: The epics are not just ancient texts but living traditions that continue to shape local identities and cultural practices. Dense Cultural Web: These epics have created a dense web of cultural interactions across India, more than perhaps any other texts. (2 marks)

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Ans 18. 'Many in the One' - Comprehensive Analysis:
(a) India's Population and Communities: India has over 1.4 billion inhabitants (about 18% of world's population). The 'People of India' project surveyed 4,635 distinct communities across all states. Despite this vast diversity in communities with different customs, traditions, and practices, they all identify as one nation - India. Many Indians have migrated within the country, not living near their birthplace, yet they maintain a sense of belonging to one nation while preserving their community identities. (1 mark)
(b) Linguistic Diversity:

India has 325 languages written in 25 different scripts. This makes India one of the most linguistically diverse nations on earth. Yet, despite speaking different languages, Indians share common cultural values, literature, and oral traditions. The epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata exist in almost every Indian language, creating a shared narrative heritage. The Pañchatantra has been adapted in nearly every Indian language while retaining its core teachings - truly 'Many in the One'. (1 mark)
(c) Culinary Traditions:

While India has thousands (perhaps lakhs) of different dishes, certain staple grains unify Indian cuisine: Cereals: Rice, wheat, barley Millets: Bajra, jowar, ragi Pulses: Various dals and grams Spices: Turmeric, cumin, cardamom, ginger These common ingredients (the 'One') are combined in countless regional combinations (the 'Many') to create India's diverse cuisine. (1 mark)
(d) Textile Heritage: The sari exemplifies 'Many in the One' perfectly. It is one type of garment (unstitched cloth draped around the body) found across India - this is the 'One'. However, it comes in hundreds of varieties:

Different fabrics: Cotton, silk, synthetic Different types: Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Paithani, Patan Patola, Muga, Mysore Different weaving and designing techniques Different draping styles by region and community Different uses beyond clothing This is the 'Many'. Similarly, the dhoti follows the same pattern. (1 mark) (e) Literary Traditions: Indian literature beautifully demonstrates 'Many in the One': The Pañchatantra (One): A single collection of stories, at least 2,200 years old, exists in about 200 adaptations in 50+ languages (Many) The Ramayana and Mahabharata (One): Two Sanskrit epics of about 7,000 pages have been translated into countless regional versions (Many) Tribal communities like Bhils, Gonds, Mundas have their own oral versions About 100 versions of Mahabharata exist in Tamil Nadu folklore alone These literary traditions have created a dense web of cultural unity across India while allowing for rich regional diversity. (1 mark)

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Ans 19.
(a) Aspects of diversity revealed by a train journey: A train journey through India reveals: Changing landscapes Different types of dresses Different types of food Different languages (familiar and unfamiliar) Different scripts (1 mark)
(b) Why the chapter calls this diversity 'rich': The diversity is called 'rich' because: It adds value and beauty to Indian culture rather than diminishing it It provides a variety of experiences, cuisines, arts, languages, and traditions that enrich the lives of all Indians It is not seen as a problem but as a treasure - an enrichment that makes India culturally abundant This diversity, when unified, creates a unique cultural heritage unmatched in the world (1 mark)
(c) Internal migration and India's cultural landscape:

Internal migration contributes significantly to India's cultural landscape: Cultural Exchange: When people move from one region to another, they carry their customs, traditions, food habits, and languages with them. This leads to cultural exchange and mutual enrichment. Cosmopolitan Cities: Major cities become melting pots where people from all over India live together, creating vibrant multicultural communities. Examples: You can find South Indian restaurants in North India and vice versa People from different states living in one neighborhood brings diverse festivals and celebrations Languages and scripts mix as people learn from each other Living Unity: Migration demonstrates that despite coming from different backgrounds, Indians can live together harmoniously, proving unity in diversity in everyday life.

(2 marks) Ans 20.
(a) Four tribal communities with their own epic versions: Any four from: Bhils, Gonds, Mundas, Irula tribals, tribes of India's northeast, tribes of Himalayan regions (including Kashmir). (1 mark)
(b) How tribal versions differ from original Sanskrit epics: Language: They are in tribal languages or local dialects, not Sanskrit Transmission: They are transmitted orally from generation to generation, not written down Local Elements: They include local legends connecting the tribal regions with epic heroes Adaptation: They are adapted to local contexts, geography, and cultural practices Heroes: Sometimes different characters are emphasized - some tribes connect with the Pandavas, their wife Draupadi, or even Duryodhana (1 mark)
(c) What tribal versions reveal about Indian culture:

The existence of tribal versions of the epics reveals important aspects of Indian culture: Inclusive Nature: Indian culture has always been inclusive, welcoming different communities to participate in and contribute to its traditions The epics were not exclusive to any one community but became shared heritage for all Indians Tribal communities were not marginalized from mainstream culture but actively participated in it Cultural Democracy: Communities had the freedom to adapt stories to their own contexts There was no single "correct" version - diversity of interpretation was accepted Oral traditions were valued alongside written ones Living Tradition:

The epics are not frozen ancient texts but living traditions that continue to evolve Each community has made the epics their own, preserving them while adapting them This has created a dense web of cultural unity across India (2 marks)