BoardExams.in
Class 6social scienceCBSE 2026-27

NCERT Solutions for Class 6 social science Chapter 8: Unity in Diversity or Many in the One Class 6

19 Solved Questions & Exercises10 min estimated readingUpdated 2026-09-16
Top Sponsor / Ad Space

CBSE 2026-27 Board Exam Preparation & Practice Papers

Free Chapter Notes & Question Bank by BoardExams.in

NCERT Solutions • Class 6 Social Science (Exploring Society)
Chapter 8: Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’ Class 6
Latest Rationalised Syllabus (NEP 2026-27)

Chapter-wiseExploring Society India and Beyond Class 6 Solutionsand Class 6 Social Science SST Chapter 8 Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’ Question Answer NCERT Solutions are useful for focused study.

Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’ NCERT Class 6th SST Chapter 8 Question Answer

Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’ Class 6 Questions and Answers

The Big Questions (Page 125)

Question 1


What is meant by ‘unity in diversity’ in the Indian scenario?
Answer:
“Unity in diversity” is a phrase that captures the essence of India’s societal fabric. In the Indian context, it signifies the coexistence of a vast array of cultures, languages, religions, and traditions, harmoniously living together within a single nation. This concept is fundamental to understanding India’s identity and social dynamics.

Question 2


What aspects of India’s diversity are the most striking?
Answer:
India’s diversity is striking in many aspects, reflecting its rich cultural, religious, linguistic, and geographical tapestry.

Here are some of the most notable aspects:
1. Linguistic Diversity

Question 1 (2)

Religious Diversity

3. Ethnic and Cultural Diversity

4. Culinary Diversity

5. Geographical Diversity

6. Art and Architecture

7. Traditional Clothing
Varied Attire: Traditional clothing varies widely across regions. Examples include sarees and dhotis in the south, salwar kameez in the north, and lehengas in the west.

8. Customs and Traditions

These aspects of diversity make India a unique and vibrant nation, where different ways of life coexist, contributing to the country’s rich cultural mosaic.

Question 3


How do we make out the unity underlying the diversity?

Solution:
The unity underlying India’s diversity can be understood through several key factors and characteristics that bind the nation together despite its multifaceted nature:
Question 2 (1)

Constitutional Framework:

2. National Symbols

3. Cultural Interactions

4. Economic Interdependence

5. Media and Entertainment

6. Shared Historical Heritage

7. Legal and Social Frameworks

8. Common Challenges and Aspirations

In summary, despite its immense diversity, India’s unity is maintained through a combination of constitutional principles, national symbols, cultural exchanges, economic interdependence, political structures, and shared values and aspirations. These elements create a strong sense of national identity and cohesion.

Let’s Explore

Question 1


Take any one vegetable and think of the number of different dishes you can prepare with it. (Page 128)

Solution:
Do it yourself.
Question 2


Explain how the example of the sari reflects both unity and diversity (in 100-150 words). (Page 129)
Answer:
The sari exemplifies unity through its presence as a single dress worn across India, despite the diverse ways of draping it in different regions and communities. It showcases diversity through the various styles of weaving, designing, and colours used in its creation. The sari’s long history and adaptability reflect both unity in its essence as a single garment and diversity in the multitude of ways it can be worn and styled, making it a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Question 3


In the pictures, can you recognise what a sari has been used for? (Page 130)

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4

Picture 5

Picture 6
Answer:
In the pictures, a sari has been used for various creative purposes beyond just being worn as a dress. The six pictures illustrate some of these innovative uses of the sari, showcasing its versatility and adaptability in different contexts.

Unity in Diversity or Many in the One Class 6 Diagram 1

Unity in Diversity or Many in the One Class 6 Diagram 2

Unity in Diversity or Many in the One Class 6 Diagram 3

Unity in Diversity or Many in the One Class 6 Diagram 4

Unity in Diversity or Many in the One Class 6 Diagram 5

Unity in Diversity or Many in the One Class 6 Diagram 6

Question 4


Are you aware of, or can you imagine, more uses for the sari? (Page 130)
Answer:
Possible Uses for the Sari:

Question 5


Following the example of the sari, make a list of different styles you have seen for the dhoti — both as regards the fabric and the uses the dhoti can be put to. What conclusion can you draw? (Page 131)
Answer:
Dhoti is a long cloth mostly made of cotton, silk or synthetic yarn and traditionally worn all over Bharat.
The dhoti, a traditional garment worn by men in India, varies significantly in style, fabric, and usage across different regions. Dhoti is worn in most of the states in Bharat with different styles for casual daily use wear. It is also worn on festivals and during traditional dances, specially in southern states of Bharat.

Few different names are Lungi, Dhoti or Dhuti, in Northern part of Bharat. Other names/styles are Dhotar in Maharashtra, Mekhela in Assam, Mundu in Kerala and Veshti in South India.

In conclusion, the dhoti, like the sari, is a versatile and culturally significant garment in India. It is adaptable to various occasions, from daily wear to formal events and religious ceremonies. The choice of fabric (cotton, silk) and the style of wearing the dhoti differ across regions, reflecting local customs, climate, and cultural preferences. This diversity highlights the rich cultural tapestry of India, where traditional attire continues to play a vital role in everyday life and special occasions.

Question 6


During October-November, many major festivals take place in India. Make a list of the few main ones and their various names in different parts of the country. (Page 133)
Answer:
October-November is a vibrant period in India, marked by several major festivals celebrated across the country. Here are a few main ones and tfreir various names in different regions:
1. Diwali (Deepavali)

Question 3 (2)

Dussehra (Vijayadashami)

3. Navratri

4. Bhai Dooj (Bhaiya Dooj)

5. Chhath Puja

Celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh with growing popularity in other regions.

6. Govardhan Puja

In conclusion, the festival season in India during October- November showcases the country’s rich cultural diversity. Each festival has its unique customs, rituals, and regional variations. Despite these differences, the essence of joy, devotion, and community bonding remains a unifying thread across the celebrations. Again showing our unity in diversity.

Questions, Activities and Projects (Page 136)

Question 1


Conduct a class discussion on the two quotations at the start of the chapter.

Solution:
Students do it yourself with the help of teacher.
Question 2


Read the National Anthem and its translation in the preliminary pages of this textbook. Where do you see the diversity? And where the unity? Write two or three paragraphs on this.
Answer:
The national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” beautifully embodies the spirit of “unity in diversity” that defines India. While the lyrics themselves are written in Bengali, their translation captures the essence of a nation brimming with cultural richness, yet bound by a common thread of patriotism.

Celebrating Diversity: The anthem doesn’t shy away from showcasing India’s vibrant tapestry. Phrases like “Punjab Sindh Gujarat Maratha” and “Dravida Utkal Banga” paint a picture of a land where diverse regions and languages coexist. It mentions the majestic Himalayas, the life-giving rivers like the Ganga and the Yamuna, and the bountiful Indian Ocean, highlighting the geographical vastness and varied landscapes. This celebration of diversity fosters a sense of shared identity amongst all Indians, regardless of their background.

Unifying Threads: Despite the multitude of cultures and languages, the anthem emphasizes a sense of national unity. Words like “sindhu-sagar” (sea of Sindhu) and “Himachal-dravida” (Himalayas and Dravidian lands) create a sense of geographical and cultural integration.

The anthem addresses India as “bharat bhumi” (land of Bharat), a unifying term for the nation. Phrases like “jaya he” (victory to thee) and “jan-gana-mangal” (welfare of the whole people) evoke a collective spirit of patriotism and a shared aspiration for the nation’s progress.

In conclusion, the national anthem serves as a powerful symbol of India’s “unity in diversity.” It celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures and regions while simultaneously invoking a strong sense of belonging to one nation. The anthem serves as a reminder that India’s diversity is not a weakness, but a beautiful melody that creates a symphony of unity and national pride.

Question 3


Select a few stories from the Panchatantra and discuss how their message is still valid today. Do you know of any similar stories from your region?
Answer:
Story 1: The Monkey and the Crocodile Message: Trust and betrayal. Even today, this story teaches the importance of being cautious about whom we trust and the consequences of deceit.

Story 2: The Tortoise and the Geese
Message: The value of silence and the dangers of unnecessary talk. This is relevant in the modern context where discretion is often a virtue.

Similar Stories: In my region, there is a story of a clever rabbit outwitting a lion, similar to the Panchatantra’s tales of wit and intelligence. These stories teach moral lessons that are applicable across time and cultures.

Question 4


Collect a few folk tales from your region and discuss their message.
Answer:
About folktales relevant to your location, here we have taken a few folk tales from Maharashtra with their messages:
1. The Greedy Weaver (Vidarbha Region):

Question 4 (2)

Savitri and Satyavan (Satara District):

Note: Similarly students can find folk tales from their region, read them and understand the moral of the story.

Question 5


Is there any ancient story that you have seen being depicted through a form of art? It could be a sculpture, a painting, a dance performance, a motfie… Discuss with your classmates.

Solution:
The Panchatantra stories have been a rich source of inspiration for artists for centuries. Here’s an example:
Question 6


Discuss in class the following quotation by India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, when he travelled to many parts of India before Independence:
Everywhere I found a cultural background which had exerted a powerful influence on their lives. … The old epics of India, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and other books, in pop-ular translations and paraphrases, were widely known among the masses, and every incident and story and moral in them was engraved on the popular mind and gave a richness and content to it. Illiterate villagers would know hundreds of verses by heart and their conversation would be full of references to them or to some story with a moral, enshrined in some old classic.”
Answer:
This quote comes from his travels across India before independence and highlights a crucial facet of Indian society- the deep impact of its cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Jawaharlal Nehru’s insightful observation offers a glimpse into the enduring power of India’s cultural heritage. Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with oral traditions, have profoundly shaped the values and identities of generations. By discussing this quote, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Indian culture and how it continues to influence the lives of people today.

Class 6 Social Science Question Answer

In-Article Ad Slot

CBSE 2026-27 Board Exam Preparation & Practice Papers

Free Chapter Notes & Question Bank by BoardExams.in
Previous ChapterCh 7: India s Cultural Roots Class 6
Next ChapterCh 9: Family and Community Class 6