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Society and Diversity

Upper Primary Math/Science/Social

Useful for: UPSC Civil Services, CTET, OTET, OSSTET, CTSA / STSS, Junior Teacher, OAVS, OSSC Teacher Readiness

and 3 more exams

Sainik Schools, Special OTET, SSB School Teachers

Overview

India’s diversity of language, religion, caste, tribe and region coexists with unifying forces such as the Constitution, shared culture and economy.

Key points

The Eighth Schedule lists 22 languages.
Fifth and Sixth Schedules provide for administration of tribal areas.
There are 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
Caste is changing but continues in social and political life.
Unifying factors: Constitution, democratic institutions, shared festivals, economic interdependence, pilgrimages.
Diversity can be a source of strength or conflict depending on governance.

Explanation

Regional identities coexist with national identity.
Migration creates new forms of diversity in cities.
Tribal identity faces pressures from development and displacement.
Inter-faith and inter-caste interaction is growing in cities.
Inclusive policies strengthen unity.

Step by step

Identify the concept, method or policy asked.
Recall the definition, thinker, year or rule.
Apply it to the situation and eliminate extreme options.

Examples

Q: "Unity in diversity is India’s strength. Discuss." → Diversity forms; unifying forces; challenges; conclusion.
Q: "Discuss the challenges faced by PVTGs." → Vulnerabilities; programmes; gaps.
Q: "Is caste disappearing in modern India?" → Evidence for and against; conclusion.

Traps and advanced points

Trap: Wrong number of languages.
Trap: Ignoring tribal schedules.
Trap: Romanticising diversity.

Quick revision

22 languages.
5th and 6th Schedules.
75 PVTGs.

Practice MCQs

From the perspective of definition and scope, which one of the following statements about Indian Diversity & Social Structure is correct?
1. Indian society combines linguistic, religious, caste, tribal, regional and class diversity with shared institutions and mobility.
2. Economic growth automatically eliminates every form of social hierarchy and exclusion.
3. Indian Diversity & Social Structure is unrelated to institutions, processes or real-world applications.
4. Indian Diversity & Social Structure has no exceptions or limitations in exam analysis.
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Answer: (a) Indian society combines linguistic, religious, caste, tribal, regional and class diversity with shared institutions and mobility.. Indian society combines linguistic, religious, caste, tribal, regional and class diversity with shared institutions and mobility.
Consider the following statements on Indian Diversity & Social Structure and Globalization & Social Change, focusing on definition and scope: 1. Economic growth automatically eliminates every form of social hierarchy and exclusion. 2. Globalization produces identical social and economic outcomes for all groups and regions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2. Neither statement is correct; both are common misconceptions.
With reference to Indian Diversity & Social Structure (definition and scope), consider the following statements: 1. Modernisation, migration, education, markets and politics reshape identities rather than simply erasing them. 2. Economic growth automatically eliminates every form of social hierarchy and exclusion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer: (a) 1 only. Only statement 1 is correct.
How many languages are listed in the Eighth Schedule?
1. 18
2. 20
3. 22
4. 24
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Answer: (c) 22. The Eighth Schedule lists 22 languages.
Tribal areas are administered under the —
1. Ninth Schedule
2. Tenth Schedule
3. Fifth and Sixth Schedules
4. First and Second Schedules
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Answer: (c) Fifth and Sixth Schedules. These Schedules provide for tribal administration.
How many Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups are there in India?
1. 100
2. 45
3. 60
4. 75
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Answer: (d) 75. 75 PVTGs.
Which is a unifying factor in Indian society?
1. Language differences
2. Regional conflicts
3. Caste barriers
4. The Constitution and democratic institutions
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Answer: (d) The Constitution and democratic institutions. Shared institutions unite diverse groups.
Diversity becomes a strength or a source of conflict mainly depending on —
1. governance
2. climate
3. population only
4. geography only
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Answer: (a) governance. Inclusive governance turns diversity into strength.
Regional identities in India —
1. coexist with national identity
2. are banned
3. do not exist
4. replace national identity
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Answer: (a) coexist with national identity. People hold both identities.
Migration to cities mainly creates —
1. new forms of diversity
2. complete uniformity
3. fewer languages
4. no change
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Answer: (a) new forms of diversity. Cities bring diverse groups together.