Social Science [3 Mark Questions]

The rich heritage of diversity in India enriches our lives in many ways:

1. We celebrate festivals of different communities and cultures.
2. We have different languages.
3. We have a variety in music and dance.
4. We enjoy eating food of different regions.

This kind of diversity develops a sense of friendship and unity, which brings harmony and prosperity.

• Lhori - Hindus, Sikhs
• Holi - Hindus, Sikhs, Jains
• Id-ul-Fitr - Muslims
• Raksha Bandhan -Hindus, Jains, Sikhs
• Dusshera - Hindus
• Christmas - Christians
• Diwali - Hindus
• Id-ul-Milind - Muslims
• Good Friday - Christians

Kerala and Ladakh are different in terms of geographical features.

1. Geography of Kerala made possible the cultivation of spices and rice.
2. Its coastal location made fishing possible.
3. Geography of Ladakh made possible the wool collection as a major occupation of the Ladakhi people.

History of both the regions has seen similar cultural influences.

1. Chinese and Arab Traders came to these regions and set up trading occupations there.

The concept of diversity includes acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.

India is a land of diversities because of the following:

1. People speak different languages.
2. They eat different types of foods.
3. They celebrate differents festivals.
4. They practise different religions.

Yes, people who are different from each other can be friends. The Right to Education (RTE) has made a provision that children of poor family in India would study in public schools. In these schools, children from well-off or rich families are also studying. It is very likely that these children with different backgrounds would sit together and may even become friends. So, while children may come from different backgrounds nothing stops them from becoming friends. They may be rich or poor and may belong to different caste, religion, creed, culture, race or colour. Diversity may even be reflected in their language, food habits, quality of dress or shoes and so on.

The British Army officer Dyer had commanded his troops to enter into the Jallianwalla Bagh on Baisakhi Day (April 13) and opened fire without a warning to the unarmed protestors, who were demanding an end to British rule in India. Dyer's troops fired and killed hundreds and stopped only when they ran out of ammunition. The Bagh, enclosed from all four sides with buildings, had only one main entrance that was blocked by Dyer's troops. Other smaller gates were locked and people fleeing from the firing were shot. Many of them jumped to their death in a well inside the garden.

On the hills, a number of spices like black pepper, cloves and cardamoms are cultivated. This small place came on the world trade map because of these spices. It attracted people from far and wide–the Romans, the Jews and the Arabs were the first to come here. Romans carried out trade in early ancient times. It is said that St. Thomas, came here nearly 2,000 years ago bringing along Christianity with him to India.

The State Kerala derives its name from the Malayalam word 'Kera' meaning the coconut palm and ‘Alam’ meaning the place. Coconut forms a part of their daily diet. Coir is an important eco friendly material and is obtained from the coconut husk. Kerala is considered to be the largest producer of coir. Products such as flooring, mats, carpets, wall hangings and bags are made from coir fiber.

1. In terms of religion, India is a multi-religious country with diverse groups– Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhist and Zoroastrians.
2. Each of this religion has its own customs, festivals and rituals.
3. Festivals like Holi, Diwali, Id and Christmas are celebrated together.
4. Hindus go to a temple, Muslims to a mosque, Sikhs to Gurudwara. But they all go there for one purpose–to pray.

1. India is a land where unity and diversity go hand in hand.
2. Diversity is a source of strength to people.
3. Under colonial rule, people of diverse backgrounds united under one banner to oppose the British.
4. The dictum of ‘unity in diversity’ was able to drive away the ‘Phirangi Sahebs’ from our country.

1. Arab traders came to India and settled down at Kerala.
2. The Portuguese also discovered the sea route to India from Europe when Vasco da Gama landed on his ship here.
3. Ibn Battuta, who visited India a little less than 700 years ago, in his travelogue, describes the lives of Muslims.
4. He states that they were a highly respected community out there.

1. First on red and white colour story.
2. Second, potatoes and the men.
3. Cat and deer story.
4. Snakes and the laddar (ludo).

1. The first group in which a human being lives is his family which consists of his parents, siblings and relatives.
2. A group of family living in same area or having any linkage with others is called the second group–community.
3. The community living in a huge geographical area with a common territory and government is called state or a nation.

1. Towards the eastern part of Jammu and Kashmir lies Ladakh, a cold desert in the mountains.
2. Since it is surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks throughout the year and no rainfall is received, very little agriculture is possible in this region and very few trees are found in this region.
3. Even for the drinking water, people have to depend on the melting snow during the summer months.