Here is the of notes for Class 6 NCERT Social and Political Life – Chapter 1: Understanding Diversity.

 

Diversity

  • Diversity means differences in language, culture, religion, food, clothing, traditions, and way of life.
  • India is a diverse country with people from different backgrounds, but all are united as Indians.
 Why Does Diversity Exist?
  • Diversity is influenced by:
    • Geography – Different climates and landscapes affect people’s lifestyles.
    • History – Invasions, trade, and migration brought new cultures and ideas.
    • Occupations – People do different jobs based on location and resources.

Example: Ladakh and Kerala

  • Ladakh (cold desert):
    • It is a desert in the mountains in the eastern part of Jammu and Kashmir
    • Very little agriculture is possible.
    • There are very few trees that can grow in the region.
    • For drinking purpose, they depend on melting of snow.
    • People rear sheep (for wool)
    • Known for pashmina wool and Buddhist monasteries.
    • The people eat meat and milk products like cheese and butter.
    • Goats, cows and dzos (yak-cows) is found here.
    • practice Buddhism and Islam.
    • Ladakh is also called Little Tibet.
    • Local version of the Tibetan national epic the Kesar Saga are performed and sung by both Muslims and Buddhists.
  • Kerala (coastal state)
    • It is the state of south west corner of India.
    • It is surrounded by the sea on one side and hills on the other.
    • Spices like pepper, cloves and cardamoms are grown on the hills.
    • It is the spices that made this region an attractive place for traders.
    • Jewish and Arab traders were the first to come here.
    • The Apostle of Christ, St. Thomas is believed to have come here nearly 2000 years ago, and he credited to bringing Christianity to India.
    • Ibn Battuta (Arab) wrote a travelogue in which he describes the lives of this region.
    • The Portuguese discovered the sea route to India from Europe when Vasco da Gama landed with ship here.
    • People of Kerala practise different religions such as Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism.
    • Fishing and farming are common.
    • The fishing nets used here look exactly like the Chinese fishing nets and are called cheena-vala.
    • The utensil used for frying is called the cheenachatti.
    • The fertile land and climate are suited to growing for rice, vegetable.
    • Majority of people here eat rice, fish and vegetables.

 Unity in Diversity

  • Despite differences, Indians share a sense of unity and common identity.
  • Diversity enriches our culture and promotes tolerance.
  • Coined by Jawaharlal Nehru.
  • In his book The Discovery of India Jawaharlal Nehru says that the Indian unity is not something imposed from the outside bit rather,   ” It was something deeper and within its fold, the widest tolerance of belief and custom was practised and every variety acknowledged and even encouraged.”

Importance of Understanding Diversity

  • Helps us:
    • Respect different ways of life.
    • Learn from each other.
    • Live peacefully in a society with various beliefs and practices.
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