03. Reflection on Diversity

Question 1

What does “diverse” mean?

Answer 1

Differing from each other and made up of distinct characteristics, qualities, or elements.

Question 2

How does the text describe India’s geographical diversity?

Answer 2

It mentions dry deserts, plateaus, rivers, evergreen forests, snowy Himalayas, coasts, and fertile plains.

Question 3

Why is India called an “Ethnological Museum”?

Answer 3

Because of its lack of a uniform racial composition due to historical migrations from all over the globe.

Question 4

What is another term used to describe India’s racial diversity?

Answer 4

“Melting pot of races and tribes”.

Question 5

Name the six main racial categories recognized in India.

Answer 5

Negritos, Proto Australoids, Mongoloids, Mediterranean, Western Brachycephals, and Nordics.

Question 6

What is the area of India in sq km?

Answer 6

3.2 lakh sq km.

Question 7

From where to where can we observe geographical diversity in India?

Answer 7

Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Question 8

Why is purity in race considered rare in India?

Answer 8

Due to historical waves of migration from various parts of the world.

Question 9

What does the term “Ethnological Museum” suggest about India’s history?

Answer 9

It suggests a long history of intermixing and absorption of diverse ethnicities and races.

Question 10

How does diversity enrich a country like India?

Answer 10

Answer: (This is an open-ended question that encourages reflection and discussion.)

Question 11

What is India called in the context of its linguistic diversity?

Answer 11

A veritable tower of Babel and a Museum of tongues (according to A.R. Desai).

Question 12

Why is India considered a tower of Babel?

Answer 12

Because each state has its own language, dialects change regionally, and there are numerous languages spoken.

Question 13

How many languages did the Census 2011 identify in India?

Answer 13

122 languages.

Question 14

How many languages are included in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution?

Answer 14

22 languages.

Question 15

Which six languages are considered classical languages in India?

Answer 15

Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil, Odia, Malayalam, and Telugu.

Question 16

Is India religiously diverse?

Answer 16

Yes, India is a multi-religious country.

Question 17

What are the major religions practiced in India, and what percentage of the population follows each?

Answer 17

Hindus: 79.9%
Muslims: 14.2%
Christians: 2.32%
Sikhs: 1.7%
Buddhists: 0.6%
Jains: 0.41%
Other religions like Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and tribal religions are also present.

Question 18

How do religious theories and tenets impact people in India?

Answer 18

Heavily, shaping their worldview and practices.

Question 19

How does the Indian Constitution promote religious harmony?

Answer 19

Through Articles 25-28, which guarantee freedom of religion and practice.

Question 20

Give an example of how religious diversity manifests in India.

Answer 20

The presence of various religious festivals, architecture, and cuisines throughout the country.

Question 21

How does India’s linguistic and religious diversity contribute to its rich cultural heritage?

Answer 21

(This is an open-ended question that encourages reflection and discussion.)

Question 22

What is culture?

Answer 22

Social heritage, way of life, storehouse of information, learned, shared, and transmitted across generations.

Question 23

Why is India considered culturally diverse?

Answer 23

It has a plurality and diversity of cultures, making it perhaps the largest multicultural society in the world.

Question 24

What are some distinctive characteristics of Indian civilization and culture?

Answer 24

A unique blend of languages, customs, traditions, yet with underlying unity in literature, philosophy, and conventions (e.g., Republic Day).

Question 25

How does institutionalization of behavior lead to cultural formation?

Answer 25

Repeated practices become customs, shaping a way of life.

Question 26

What is stratification?

Answer 26

A social concept dividing people into different groups and categories (layers) based on various factors.

Question 27

Name some dimensions of stratification in India.

Answer 27

Class, wealth, caste, gender, age, status, ethnicity, race, etc.

Question 28

What is unique about the caste system in India?

Answer 28

It’s a specific form of stratification with distinct customs, rituals, and practices for different castes.

Question 29

How do tribal communities exhibit stratification?

Answer 29

They have diverse totemic practices, rights, customs, and rituals.

Question 30

What are some agrarian class divisions in India?

Answer 30

Big farmers, middle peasants, small & marginal farmers, landless laborers.

Question 31

Give examples of social stratification in the industrial system.

Answer 31

Industrial capitalists, white-collar workers, manual laborers.

Question 32

How does India’s stratificational diversity affect its cultural landscape?

Answer 32

(This is an open-ended question that encourages reflection and discussion.)