Chapter 1: Understanding diversity
These NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 1 notes explain the concept of diversity and how people in India differ in language, food habits, clothing, customs, religion, and region.
NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 1 – Understanding Diversity helps students understand how geographical conditions influence culture and lifestyle, using examples like Ladakh.
This chapter introduces the idea of unity in diversity, which is a key feature of Indian society and democracy, and forms the foundation for later chapters on equality, discrimination, and governance.
1. Meaning of diversity
- Diversity means differences among people living in a society
- These differences exist in language, food habits, dress, customs, religion, and region
- Every society has people who follow different ways of life
- Diversity makes society rich and colourful, not weak
- India is often compared to a thali, where many dishes exist together
- Different identities still form one society
2. Diversity in India
- India is one of the most diverse countries in the world
- People belong to different regions, religions, and cultures
- Diversity is seen in daily life, not only in festivals
- Customs and traditions change from state to state
- Yet people share a common national identity
- This diversity has developed over thousands of years
3. Languages in India
- India has many languages spoken across regions
- Major languages include Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, and Marathi
- Language often changes after every few hundred kilometres
- Different languages reflect regional history and culture
- People learn to live together despite language differences
- Language diversity strengthens cultural richness
4. Food habits and clothing
- Food habits vary according to climate and crops
- Rice is common in South and East India
- Wheat is mainly eaten in North India
- Fish is popular in coastal areas
- Clothing differs such as sari, dhoti, kurta-pajama, and salwar-kameez
- Dress reflects weather, culture, and tradition
5. Diversity and geography
- Geography plays a major role in shaping diversity
- Physical features include mountains, rivers, and plains
- Climate affects food, clothing, and occupation
- People in hilly areas wear woollen clothes
- People in coastal regions eat more fish
- Geography influences lifestyle and culture
6. Case study: Ladakh
- Ladakh is located in Northern India
- It is a cold desert with very low rainfall
- Farming is limited due to a short growing season
- People depend on animal rearing and trade
- Buddhism is the major religion followed
- Ladakhi language and festivals like Losar show unique culture
7. Unity in diversity
- Unity in diversity means different people living together peacefully
- India remains united despite many differences
- Common symbols create national unity
- National flag, national anthem, and Constitution bind people together
- Democracy allows space for all identities
- Unity does not mean sameness, it means togetherness
8. Diversity is not a problem
- Diversity enriches society
- Interaction between cultures leads to learning and growth
- Respect for diversity is essential in a democracy
- Differences should be seen as strengths
- Understanding diversity promotes peace and harmony
- Tolerance is a key democratic value
9. Important keywords
- Diversity
- Unity in diversity
- Culture
- Region
- Tradition
10. Why this chapter is important
- Helps students understand Indian society
- Develops tolerance and mutual respect
- Builds basic ideas of democracy and equality
- Explains how diversity exists without conflict
- Forms the foundation for civics learning
- Useful for NCERT, BPSC, and UPSC basics
Understanding NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 1 is essential for learning how diversity shapes Indian society while still maintaining national unity. The ideas discussed in Understanding Diversity Class 6 are directly linked to concepts of equality, tolerance, and democracy in Indian polity.
Continue reading NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 2 – Diversity and Discrimination to understand how differences can sometimes lead to inequality and social injustice.
FAQs
Q1. What is diversity according to NCERT Class 6 Polity Chapter 1?
Diversity means differences among people in language, culture, food, dress, religion, and region.
Q2. Why is India called a diverse country?
India has many languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles across different regions.
Q3. How does geography affect diversity in India?
Geography influences food habits, clothing, occupations, and lifestyle of people.
Q4. Why is Ladakh used as a case study in this chapter?
Ladakh shows how climate and location shape culture and livelihood.
Q5. What does unity in diversity mean?
It means people with different cultures and backgrounds live together as one nation.