Class 6 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Understanding Diversity

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What does diversity mean?
Ans: Diversity means being different or varied from one another. It can be in terms of race, gender, beliefs, and more.

Q2: Name three geographical regions of India mentioned in the chapter.
Ans: The three geographical regions mentioned in the chapter are the Northern Mountains, the Northern Plains, and the Great Indian Desert.

Q3: How does geographical diversity affect people's lives?
Ans: Geographical diversity affects how people dress, what they eat, the jobs they do, and the customs they follow based on the region they live in.

Q4: What is the main occupation in the fertile Northern Plains?
Ans: The main occupation in the fertile Northern Plains is agriculture.

Q5: List two religions other than Hinduism mentioned in the chapter.
Ans: The two religions mentioned in the chapter other than Hinduism are Islam and Christianity.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain how geographical diversity in India influences the way people live and their daily activities.
Ans: India's geographical diversity, with its different regions like mountains, plains, deserts, coasts, plateaus, and islands, has a big impact on people's lives. For example, in places like Kashmir, where it gets very cold, people rely on meat and dairy products for nutrition. In coastal areas, like Kerala, people eat a lot of rice, fish, and coconuts because they are readily available. The way people dress, their jobs, and even the festivals they celebrate are influenced by where they live. This shows that the environment has a strong influence on our way of life.

Q2: Discuss the economic diversity of India and how it is linked to geographical conditions. Provide examples of different economic activities in various regions.
Ans: Economic diversity in India is closely tied to its geography. Different crops are grown in different regions, depending on the climate and soil type. In the fertile Northern Plains, agriculture is the main occupation. States like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh mainly grow wheat, while others like Kerala and Tamil Nadu focus on rice cultivation. Coastal areas like West Bengal and Maharashtra rely heavily on fishing. However, in regions like Ladakh, agriculture is limited due to the harsh cold and snow. Instead, people rear sheep and yaks. This diversity in economic activities arises from the unique geographical conditions in each area.

Q3: Explain why cultural diversity is an important aspect of India's identity. Provide examples of how cultural diversity is reflected in language, food habits, and festivals.
Ans: Cultural diversity is a vital part of India's identity because it showcases the variety of traditions, languages, and customs that exist within the country. India has 22 different languages listed in its Constitution. For instance, people in Tamil Nadu speak Tamil, while in West Bengal, they speak Bengali. Food habits also vary widely. In coastal regions, fish is a staple, while in Northern Plains, wheat-based dishes are more common. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Eid are celebrated with different customs and traditions in different regions. This diversity makes India culturally rich and unique.

Q4: Explain the significance of unity in diversity in India's history. Provide examples of how people from different backgrounds came together for common goals.
Ans: Unity in diversity has played a crucial role in India's history, especially during significant events like the struggle for independence from British rule. People from diverse cultural backgrounds joined hands to fight for a common cause. Thousands of Indians, from various parts of the country, fought against British exploitation. This unity forced the British to leave India. During times of war, such as the Indo-China War in 1962 and the Kargil War in 1999, and in the face of natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, the entire country comes together to face the challenges. These instances show that despite our differences, we can unite and stand together as one nation.

Q5: Explain two positive effects of embracing diversity in our lives and society.
Ans: Embracing diversity brings about several positive effects in our lives and society. Firstly, it broadens our understanding of the world and helps us appreciate the uniqueness of each individual. We learn to see things from different perspectives, which makes us more open-minded and tolerant. Secondly, embracing diversity promotes inclusivity and harmony. When we respect people with different beliefs, customs, and backgrounds, it leads to a more peaceful and cooperative society. This, in turn, helps us to coexist and thrive together, creating a better world for everyone.