a. Jawaharlal Nehru
b. Ambedkar
c. Mahathma Gandhi
d. Rajaji
V.A. Smith called India as _________
a. Great Democracy
b. Unique land of diversities
c. Ethnological museum
d. Secular nation
Fill in the blanks
Geographical features and climatic conditions determine the __________activities of a region.[economic]
Jaisalmer, the land of lowest rainfall is located in _________.[Rajasthan]
Tamil was declared as classical language in the year _______.[2004]
Bihu festival is celebrated in__________.[Assam]
III. Match the following
- Negroids – Religion
- Coastal areas – India
- Zoroastrianism – Fishery
- Unity in diversity – Indian race
Answer
- Negroids – Indian race
- Coastal areas – Fishery
- Zoroastrianism – Religion
- Unity in diversity – India
Answer the following questions
Define diversity.
Diversity refers to the state of being different or varied. It encompasses the presence of differences within a given setting, including differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, abilities, and socio-economic status, among others.
What are the types of diversity?
The types of diversity include:
- Geographical Diversity: Variations in landforms and climates across regions.
- Cultural Diversity: Differences in customs, traditions, and social behaviors.
- Religious Diversity: Presence of multiple religions and spiritual beliefs.
- Linguistic Diversity: Variety of languages spoken by people.
- Racial and Ethnic Diversity: Different racial and ethnic groups coexisting.
- Biodiversity: Variety of plant and animal species in different habitats.
Why is India called a sub continent?
India is called a subcontinent because it is a large, distinct landmass that is geographically and culturally distinct from the rest of Asia. It has diverse physical features such as mountains, plains, plateaus, and coastal areas, and it includes countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
Write the names of three major festivals celebrated in India.
Three major festivals celebrated in India are:
- Diwali (Deepavali)
- Holi
- Eid al-Fitr
List out some of the classical dances of India.
Some of the classical dances of India include:
- Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)
- Kathak (North India)
- Kathakali (Kerala)
- Odissi (Odisha)
- Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
- Mohiniyattam (Kerala)
- Manipuri (Manipur)
Why is India called the land of unity in diversity?
India is called the land of unity in diversity because it showcases a vast range of cultural, linguistic, religious, and ethnic diversity, yet remains united as a single nation. Despite these differences, people across India coexist harmoniously, share common national symbols, and celebrate shared values and traditions. This phrase highlights the ability of the Indian people to maintain unity and national identity while respecting and celebrating their diverse backgrounds.
Answer the following in detail
Explain : Linguistic diversity and cultural diversity.
Linguistic Diversity:
Linguistic diversity refers to the presence of multiple languages within a specific region or country. In India, this diversity is remarkably vast and complex. According to the 2001 Census of India, there are 122 major languages and 1,599 other languages spoken across the country. The primary language families in India are:
Indo-Aryan Languages: Spoken by about 74% of Indians, these include Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Urdu.
Dravidian Languages: Spoken by around 24% of the population, these include Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Austroasiatic Languages: Such as Santali, spoken primarily in central and eastern India.
Sino-Tibetan Languages: Including languages like Manipuri and Bodo, spoken mainly in the northeastern states.
The diversity in languages affects daily communication, education, administration, and media. For instance, the Constitution of India recognizes 22 official languages in the Eighth Schedule. English and Hindi are used widely for official and administrative purposes, while regional languages are prominent in their respective states.
Cultural Diversity:
Cultural diversity encompasses the variety of cultural expressions, customs, traditions, and social behaviors of people within a specific area. In India, cultural diversity is evident in numerous aspects:
Religions: India is home to major world religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, as well as smaller communities practicing Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and the Bahá’à Faith.
Festivals: The cultural diversity is reflected in the numerous festivals celebrated across the country. Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Pongal, Bihu, and Onam are some examples, each with its unique rituals and traditions.
Art and Architecture: Each region in India has its distinct styles of art, music, dance, and architecture. Classical dances like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, and architectural marvels like the temples of Tamil Nadu, Mughal architecture, and the Buddhist stupas, highlight this diversity.
Cuisine: Indian cuisine varies significantly from one region to another. For example, the use of rice and coconut in the south contrasts with the use of wheat and dairy in the north.
Dress: Traditional clothing varies by region, with sarees, salwar kameez, dhotis, and turbans reflecting cultural heritage and climate adaptations.
