Chapter - 8 Unity in Diversity / Many in the One

Chapter - 8 Unity in Diversity / Many in the One

India is a land of great diversity. People in different parts of the country have different religions, languages, clothing styles, festivals, and food habits. Yet, despite these differences, there is a strong feeling of togetherness among the people. This idea is called "Unity in Diversity."

Meaning of Unity in Diversity:

• "Unity" means being one or together.
• "Diversity" means having many different types or forms.
• So, "Unity in Diversity" means that people who are different in many ways still live together in peace and harmony.

Food For All

• South Indian food is different from North Indian food.
• Some people eat rice, barely as a staple, others eat wheat or maize.

Textiles and Clothing

• People in different states wear different clothes and they developed its own styles of clothing and dress.
• For example, sarees are worn differently in Gujarat and Bengal. Men wear dhotis, lungis, or pants based on region.
• Relief:- A design that stands out from the surface of a panel (which may be of stone, wood, ceramic or another material).

Festival Galore

In India some common festival celebrated almost same time. ex:- Makara Sankaranti, which beginning of the harvest season but another region, same festival known as different names and it celebrated around 14 January.

An Epic Spread:-  Literature offers us another fine illustration of unity in diversity. Indian literatures are extremely diverse.

Epic:- A long poem generally narrating the adventures of heroes and other great figures of the past.

Example:-  

• The Panchatantra is one of the oldest collections of fables and moral stories in the world. 
• It uses animals as characters to teach life lessons about wisdom, friendship, leadership, strategy, and human behavior. 
• The name Panchatantra means "Five Treatises (or Principles)" in Sanskrit.
• It is 2,200 years old and It was originally written in Sanskrit.

The Two Great Epics of India: Ramayana & Mahabharata

These two Epic have been translated or adapted into regional literatures in India.

Many communities have their own versions of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

The Bhils, the Gonds, and the Mundas and many more communities preserved and connecting their own history with these epics. 

K. S. Singh’s Anthropological Perspective:- He observed different communities have adopted and adapted stories from the Mahabharata, infusing them with local meanings and contexts. 

NCERT QUESTIONS

Q.1 - Read the National Anthem and uts translation in the preliminary pages of this textbook. Where do see diversity? And where the unity?

Answer.1- Where Do We See Diversity?

• The anthem mentions different regions of India:
• Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Maratha, Dravida (South India), Utkala (Odisha), Banga (Bengal) — showing how people from various parts of the country are included.
• It reflects linguistic and cultural variety — each region mentioned has its own language, culture, festivals, clothing, and food.
• Geographical diversity is also seen: from the Himalayas in the north to the shores of the Bay of Bengal in the east.

Where Do We See Unity?

• All these diverse regions are described as being united under the same motherland, India.
• The people are united by their love, devotion, and pride for the nation.
• The anthem praises the common spirit of India — where people, though different, share a collective identity as Indians.
• The repeated phrase "Jaya he" (Victory to thee) is a unifying chant celebrating one nation.

Q.2- 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.2- The Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian fables, yet its messages are still relevant in today's world. These stories, though told with animals as characters, teach us about human nature, intelligence, and moral values that remain universal and timeless.

• The Monkey and the Crocodile.
• The Tortoise and the Geese
• The Blue Jackal. 

Q.3- Collect a few folk tales from your region and discuss their message.

Answer.3- Folk tales are traditional stories passed down through generations. They reflect the culture, wisdom, and values of local people. In my region (for example: West Bengal), several folk tales are still told today. 

The Snake and the Farmer

Story: A farmer rescues a snake who later tries to bite him. When questioned, the snake argues it’s its nature to bite. Eventually, wisdom wins as a judge tricks the snake back into captivity.

Message: One must be careful whom they trust — not everyone repays kindness with kindness.

Q.4- 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.

Answer.4- Yes, the story of Ramayana is often depicted through the classical dance form Kathakali in Kerala. The expressive movements, costumes, and music beautifully bring scenes like Sita’s abduction or Rama’s battle with Ravana to life. This shows how ancient stories continue to live through art.