A. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
- ________ is the state of being different from one another.
Answer: Diversity is the state of being different from one another. - In India, ________ play a key role in making food flavourful and unique.
Answer: In India, spices play a key role in making food flavourful and unique. - The ________, though a single piece of cloth, is styled in countless ways depending on the region and the type of weave.
Answer: The sari, though a single piece of cloth, is styled in countless ways depending on the region and the type of weave. - Prejudice causes ________.
Answer: Prejudice causes discrimination. - ________ is based on false opinions and beliefs that exist in people’s minds.
Answer: Prejudice is based on false opinions and beliefs that exist in people’s minds.
B. Match the rows.
- Diversity – (e) Variety
- Social differences – (c) Caste system
- Dialects – (d) More than 1,600
- Discrimination – (a) Treating people unfairly
- Dr B. R. Ambedkar – (b) Drafting Committee
C. Write true or false. Correct the false sentences.
- The Constitution of India declares India to be a secular nation.
Answer: True. - The Panchatantra is an ancient Indian collection of fables attributed to Valmiki.
Answer: False. The Panchatantra is attributed to Vishnu Sharma. - People are discriminated on the basis of wealth.
Answer: True. - Caste discrimination no longer exists in India.
Answer: False. Caste discrimination still exists in some parts of India. - India still experiences discrimination.
Answer: True.
D. Choose the correct answer.
- The word secular means
Answer: (b) giving equal respect to every religion. - In India, diversity exists in the form of
Answer: (d) all of these. - Dances like Bhangra and Gidda are performed in celebration of
Answer: (b) Baisakhi. - ________ was an inhuman practice.
Answer: (a) Untouchability. - When some people do not have money for basics such as food, they face
Answer: (b) discrimination.
E. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.
- Why is India a land of diversity?
Answer: India is called a land of diversity because people of different religions, languages, cultures, traditions and lifestyles live together in one country. - What are the five main physical divisions of India?
Answer: The five main physical divisions of India are the Northern Mountains, the Northern Plains, the Desert, the Coastal Plains and the Deccan Plateau. - Define stereotype.
Answer: A stereotype is a fixed and oversimplified belief or idea about a particular group of people. - What are scheduled castes?
Answer: Scheduled Castes are communities that were socially and economically backward and are given special protection and rights by the Constitution. - What is the Preamble?
Answer: The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution that explains its aims, values and objectives.
F. Give reasons for the following.
- Why is diversity important?
Answer: Diversity is important because it brings different ideas, cultures and traditions together, which enriches society and promotes unity. - Why is inequality related to wealth?
Answer: Inequality is related to wealth because people with more money have better access to education, health care, and opportunities, while poor people may lack these facilities. - How do we have a unique identity as Indians?
Answer: We have a unique identity as Indians because, despite our many differences, we share common national values, symbols, and respect for the Constitution. - Why does prejudice lead to stereotyping?
Answer: Prejudice leads to stereotyping because when people form negative opinions without knowing the truth, they create fixed and unfair ideas about others. - Why is the caste system a negative influence on society?
Answer: The caste system is a negative influence because it creates inequality and discrimination among people.
G. Answer the following questions in four or five sentences
1. Write a note on diversity in India in the historical context.
Answer: India has always been diverse due to its long history of different kingdoms, cultures, and religions. Many rulers, traders, and travellers came to India and settled here. They brought new languages, customs, and traditions. Over time, these influences mixed with local traditions. This has made India culturally rich and diverse.
2. How does literature add to the diversity of India? Explain briefly with examples.
Answer: Literature reflects the thoughts and culture of people from different regions. India has literature in many languages, such as Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and Marathi. Ancient texts like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are important to Indian culture. Folk tales and poems from different states also show regional traditions. All this adds to India’s diversity.
3. Write a note on the diversity of textiles and clothing in India.
Answer: India has a wide variety of textiles and clothing styles. The sari is worn in many different ways in different states. Punjab is known for Phulkari embroidery, while Gujarat is famous for Bandhani. South India is known for silk sarees. These differences in clothing show the rich textile diversity of India.
4. Why does prejudice lead to discrimination?
Answer: Prejudice is a negative opinion about someone without knowing them. When people believe such false ideas, they treat others unfairly. This unfair treatment is called discrimination. It can happen based on caste, religion, gender or wealth. Therefore, prejudice often leads to discrimination.
5. How did Dr. Ambedkar fight against discrimination?
Answer: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar fought against discrimination by raising his voice for equality and social justice. He worked for the rights of the Dalits and opposed untouchability. He played an important role in drafting the Indian Constitution. The Constitution guarantees equality to all citizens. Through his efforts, he helped reduce social discrimination.
6. How does the Preamble of the Constitution provide for equality for all Indians
Answer: The Preamble promises justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity to all citizens. It clearly states that all people are equal before the law. It does not allow discrimination based on religion, caste, gender, or wealth. It promotes equal rights and opportunities for everyone. This ensures equality for all Indians.