Chapter 08 Unity in Diversity, or `Many in the One Solutions

Chapter 08 Unity in Diversity, or `Many in the One` Text Book Solutions

The Big Questions (Page 125)

Q1: What is meant by ‘unity in diversity’ in the Indian scenario?
Ans: Unity in diversity in the Indian scenario refers to the concept where diverse cultural, linguistic, regional, and religious groups coexist harmoniously, contributing to a unified national identity. Despite the vast differences, there is a common underlying unity that binds the people together.

Q2: What aspects of India’s diversity are the most striking?
Ans: The most striking aspects of India’s diversity include its numerous languages, varied culinary traditions, distinct styles of clothing, multitude of festivals, and a rich tapestry of literature and arts. Each region showcases unique customs and traditions, yet they all form part of the larger Indian culture.

Q3: How do we make out the unity underlying the diversity?
Ans: The unity underlying the diversity in India is evident in shared cultural practices, common historical experiences, and a collective identity. For instance, the widespread influence of epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, common religious and philosophical ideas, and national symbols like the flag and anthem represent this unity. Additionally, the principle of mutual respect and coexistence further reinforces this unity.

Back Exercises (Pages 136)

Q1: Conduct a class discussion on the two quotations at the start of the chapter.
[These questions need to be attempted by students themselves. Here we have provided a sample answer.] 

Ans: The quotations by Rabindranath Tagore and Sri Aurobindo emphasize the profound concept of unity in diversity, which is a cornerstone of Indian culture. Tagore’s quote speaks to the bliss of experiencing the one in the many, suggesting that unity is found in the appreciation of diversity. Sri Aurobindo’s quote highlights that India’s natural course is to fulfil this principle of unity in diversity, which has been inherent in its being. Both quotes underline the idea that India’s strength lies in its ability to maintain unity while celebrating its diverse cultural expressions.

Q2. 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.
Ans: The National Anthem of India, “Jana Gana Mana,” written by Rabindranath Tagore, captures the essence of the country’s unity in diversity. It mentions various geographical regions, rivers, and cultural aspects, representing the diverse landscapes and people of India, such as the Vindhya and Himalaya mountains, the Yamuna and Ganga rivers, and states from Punjab to Bengal and Gujarat to Dravida.

Despite this diversity, the anthem unites these elements under a common identity. The refrain “Jaya he” (Victory to thee) emphasizes collective pride and unity. The anthem speaks to the shared heritage and collective consciousness of the Indian people, transcending regional, linguistic, and cultural differences, celebrating the unity that binds the diverse population into one nation.

The anthem evokes a sense of patriotism and belonging among all Indians, reinforcing shared values and historical experiences. It symbolizes the unity that embraces and celebrates diversity, highlighting the strength of India’s rich cultural mosaic as the foundation of the nation’s identity.

Q3: Select a few stories from the Pañchatantra and discuss how their message is still valid today. Do you know of any similar stories from your region?
[These questions need to be attempted by students themselves. Here we have provided a sample answer.] 

Ans: The stories from the Panchatantra, such as “The Lion and the Mouse” and “The Tortoise and the Geese,” teach timeless morals about kindness, cooperation, and wisdom. “The Lion and the Mouse” shows that even the smallest creature can help the mightiest, emphasizing the value of kindness and gratitude. “The Tortoise and the Geese” warns against talking too much and the consequences of not heeding advice, highlighting the importance of wisdom and listening. Similar stories from my region, like the folktale of “The Clever Jackal,” convey similar messages of wit and intelligence being more valuable than brute strength.

Q4: Collect a few folk tales from your region and discuss their message.
[These questions need to be attempted by students themselves. Here we have provided a sample answer.]

Ans: 

The Legend of Dhruva:

• Story: Dhruva was a young boy who sought the blessings of Lord Vishnu to gain a place in the heavens. Despite facing many obstacles, his unwavering devotion led him to be granted a permanent place as the Pole Star.
  
• Message: This tale teaches the importance of determination, devotion, and faith. It emphasizes that sincere efforts and unwavering faith can lead to achieving the highest goals.
  

The Tale of Tenali Rama:

• Story: Tenali Rama was a witty and wise poet in the court of King Krishnadevaraya. His cleverness and intelligence helped solve many tricky problems, often using humor to expose the truth.
  
• Message: This story highlights the value of wit, intelligence, and honesty. It shows that wisdom and cleverness can resolve conflicts and reveal truths that might otherwise remain hidden.
  

Q5: 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 movie … Discuss with your classmates.
[These questions need to be attempted by students themselves. Here we have provided a sample answer.] 

Ans: One example of an ancient story depicted through art is the Ramayana. It is portrayed in various forms such as traditional dance performances like Kathakali and Bharatanatyam, in paintings like those found in Pahari and Madhubani styles, and in movies and television series. These artistic representations keep the epic alive and accessible to contemporary audiences, conveying its moral and cultural values.

Q6. 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 popular 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.”
[These questions need to be attempted by students themselves. Here we have provided a sample answer.] 

Ans: Jawaharlal Nehru’s observation highlights the deep cultural impact of India’s epics and classical literature on its people. Even in pre-Independence India, the stories and morals from the Ramayana and Mahabharata were deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness of the masses. This cultural heritage provided a rich tapestry of values and lessons that shaped everyday life and conversations, illustrating the profound influence of these epics on Indian society.