GSEB Class 9 Social Science Solutions Chapter 19 India Human Life

1. Answer the following Questions in two-three sentences each.

 

Question 1. What diversities are seen among the people of India?
Answer: Many diversities are observed in food, clothing, housing, language, dialects, and celebrations among the citizens of India.
In simple words: India's people show differences in their food, clothes, homes, languages, regional speech, and festivals.

Exam Tip: When describing cultural aspects of a country, remember to mention key categories like food, dress, language, and festivals to cover all major areas of diversity.

 

Question 2. To which family do the languages of South India belong?
Answer: The languages spoken in South India are part of the Dravidian family of languages. Kannada language is used in Karnataka. Other languages spoken include Telugu in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil in Tamil Nadu, and Malayalam in Kerala.
In simple words: South Indian languages are from the Dravidian group. Examples are Kannada in Karnataka, Telugu in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil in Tamil Nadu, and Malayalam in Kerala.

Exam Tip: It is crucial to associate each Dravidian language with its primary state of origin in South India for accurate responses.

 

Question 3. State the major language and dialects of Bihar.
Answer: Hindi is the main language spoken in Bihar. Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magdhi are other regional dialects spoken in Bihar.
In simple words: Hindi is Bihar's main language, with Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magdhi being popular local dialects.

Exam Tip: When asked about a state's language, always mention the primary language first, then list any significant dialects.

2. Write short notes on the following:

 

Question 1. Dresses of men and women in Bengal and in Eastern states.
Answer:
1. Eastern India includes states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and more.
2. There is not much difference in the clothing of people in Jharkhand, Assam, and Odisha.
3. Men in Bengal wear dhoti, Zabbho, Khes on their shoulder, and headgear, while women usually wear a saree, petticoat, and blouse.
In simple words: Eastern India includes many states like Bihar and West Bengal. People in Jharkhand, Assam, and Odisha wear similar clothes. Bengali men wear dhoti, Zabbho, Khes, and a headgear, while women wear saree, petticoat, and blouse.

Exam Tip: When describing regional attire, always name the specific garments and accessories worn by both men and women.

 

Question 2. Festivals and Holy Days of Western India.
Answer:
1. Major states of Western India are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa. It also includes the Union Territories of Daman & Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
2. People of Western India celebrate Diwali, Navaratri, Shivratri, Dashera, Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid, Christmas, Mahavir Jayanti, Pateti, Chetti Chand, and Buddha Jayanti, among others.
3. In Western India, especially in Rajasthan, Ghummar, Kachchi Ghodi, Kalbelia, and other dances are performed during the festive season. Holi and Gangaur are celebrated with great excitement.
4. Navaratri-Ras Garba of Gujarat is widely known across the World.
5. Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra and Shivratri in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, are celebrated with significant fervor.
6. Lavni dance of Maharashtra is very well-known.
7. India is a secular nation. All religious festivals are observed without any prejudice.
In simple words: Western India includes states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. People celebrate festivals such as Diwali, Navaratri, and Christmas. Famous dances like Ghummar happen in Rajasthan, and Gujarat's Navaratri-Ras Garba is world-famous. Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra and Lavni dance are also very popular. India celebrates all festivals without bias because it is a secular country.

Exam Tip: When listing festivals, try to include both religious celebrations and cultural practices like specific dances or fairs from the region.

Question 3. Select a proper option and write the answer:

 

Question 1. People experiencing how much temperature put on cotton dresses with light colour?
(a) More
(b) Less
(c) Normal
(d) Extreme
Answer: (d) Extreme
In simple words: When the weather is very hot, people wear light-colored cotton clothes to stay cool.

Exam Tip: Light-colored cotton clothing is preferred in extreme heat because it reflects sunlight and allows air circulation, helping to keep the body cool.

 

Question 2. People of which state put on shoes from camel's leather?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Goa
Answer: (b) Rajasthan
In simple words: People in Rajasthan use camel leather to make shoes.

Exam Tip: Rajasthan is known for its desert environment and camels, making camel leather a traditional and practical material for footwear in the region.

 

Question 3. Which language is spoken in Goa?
(a) Marathi
(b) Hindi
(c) Gujarati
(d) Konkani
Answer: (d) Konkani
In simple words: Konkani is the main language spoken in Goa.

Exam Tip: Remember to link specific languages to the states where they are predominantly spoken, as this is a common geography fact.

 

Question 4. People of which state eat a variety of Parothas?
(a) Jammu & Kashmir
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Assam
(d) Punjab
Answer: (d) Punjab
In simple words: Many types of parathas are eaten by people in Punjab.

Exam Tip: Punjabi cuisine is well-known for its wide range of parathas, often served with butter or curd.

 

Question 5. Where is the Magh Fair held?
(a) Pushkar
(b) Nasik
(c) Allahabad
(d) Ujjain
Answer: (c) Allahabad
In simple words: The Magh Fair is organized in Allahabad.

Exam Tip: Fairs like Magh Mela are often linked to specific holy sites, in this case, Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) which is important for its confluence of rivers.

 

Question 6. Of which state is 'Pongal' a main festival?
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Sikkim
Answer: (b) Tamil Nadu
In simple words: Pongal is a very important festival in Tamil Nadu.

Exam Tip: Pongal is a harvest festival, prominently celebrated in Tamil Nadu to thank the Sun God, nature, and farm animals.

 

Question 7. Which type of relief is seen in Uttarakhand?
(a) Fertile plain
(b) Mountainous
(c) Coastal
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) Mountainous
In simple words: Uttarakhand is mostly a hilly region with many mountains.

Exam Tip: Uttarakhand is located in the Himalayan range, so its terrain is naturally mountainous, characterized by high peaks and valleys.

Gujarat Board Class 9 Social Science India: Human Life Additional Important Questions and Answers

I. Answer the following questions.

 

Question 1. Name the major states of Western India.
Answer: Major states of Western India:
1. Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa are the main states of Western India.
2. Union territories such as Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli are also part of Western India.
In simple words: The main states in Western India are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa. Union Territories like Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli are also included.

Exam Tip: When asked to list states in a region, always include both full-fledged states and any relevant Union Territories to ensure a complete answer.

 

Question 2. Give a brief idea about the staple food of people of Western India.
Answer:
Rajasthan:
Millet and dal-bati are the staple diet of Rajasthan. Marwadi Kachori from Rajasthan is a popular snack.
Gujarat:
Chapati or Bukhari, vegetables, dal, rice, khichdi, and kadhi form the regular meals of Gujarat.
1. People enjoy khaman, patra, and ganthia as savory dishes.
2. People prefer snacks like thepla, ganthia, dry kachori, khakhra, and sukhdi for breakfast.
3. Citizens of Gujarat widely utilize groundnut oil.
Maharashtra:
1. Bhakhri, sabudana khichdi, vegetables, aarti (lentils), and similar items are the daily food of Maharashtra.
2. Maharashtrians eat Puran Poli, shrikhand, misal pav, and other savory dishes.
Coastal areas:
Rice and fish are the primary diet of people living along the sea coasts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa.
In simple words: In Western India, Rajasthan's main foods are millet and dal-bati, with Marwadi Kachori as a snack. Gujarat's daily meals include chapati, vegetables, dal, and rice, and they love snacks like khaman and thepla. Maharashtra's common foods are bhakhri and sabudana khichdi, and special dishes include Puran Poli. Along the coasts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa, people mostly eat rice and fish.

Exam Tip: For regional food questions, it is effective to categorize by state and list both main meals and popular snacks or special dishes.

 

Question 3. Why do people of Gujarat favour dry snacks?
Answer:
1. From ancient times, the people of Gujarat have always been traders.
2. They used to journey to distant places for trade.
3. As a result, they keep homemade dry snacks with them that do not spoil for a long time.
4. Thepla, Chavana, ganthia, dry kachori, khakhra, sukhdi, sev-mamra, and other similar items are a few such snacks that they enjoy at home or even when they travel.
In simple words: Gujaratis like dry snacks because they were historically traders who traveled far. These snacks, like thepla and ganthia, last a long time without spoiling, making them perfect for journeys.

Exam Tip: When explaining cultural habits, always try to link them to historical or geographical factors, as this shows deeper understanding.

 

Question 4. Give a brief idea about the clothing of people of Western India.
Answer:
Rajasthan:
1. Rajasthan is a dry and desert region. Therefore, there is less plant life there.
2. Rajasthanis show their desert characteristics in their attire, which is colorful and vibrant.
3. Men typically wear dhoti, angarakha, and colorful paghadis. Women wear saree, petticoat, and blouse.
Gujarat:
Traditionally, men wear dhoti, kurta, and a white cap or turban. Women wear saree, petticoat, and blouse.
Maharashtra:
The traditional dress of a Maharashtrian man includes dhoti, paheran, and a cap (paghdi). Women wear saree in the Maharashtrian fashion.
Madhya Pradesh:
The dresses of Madhya Pradesh are quite similar to those of its neighboring states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Goa:
• Traditionally, Goans wear dhoti and paheran, and women wear saree, petticoat, and blouse.
• However, at present, Goa's costumes are highly influenced by Western countries.
In simple words: In Western India, Rajasthani clothes are colorful to match the desert. Men wear dhoti, angarakha, and paghadis, while women wear saree, petticoat, and blouse. Gujaratis and Maharashtrians wear similar traditional outfits like dhoti for men and saree for women. Madhya Pradesh's clothing is like its neighbors'. Goans traditionally wear dhoti and saree, but today, Western styles are more common.

Exam Tip: For clothing descriptions, it's helpful to specify gender-specific garments and note any modern influences, especially in coastal regions.

 

Question 5. Write a short note on dwelling of Western India.
Answer:
Rajasthan:
Most of Rajasthan is a desert area and thus receives little rainfall. Hence, most houses have flat roofs. Rural residents reside in homes made of grass and soil.
Gujarat:
People in Gujarat live in modern types of houses and buildings constructed from brick and cement. Homes in the Kachchh region of Gujarat are known as Bhunga.
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Goa:
1. Urban people in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa also live in modern houses with many current facilities.
2. Roofs of buildings in the Konkan region, which receives heavy rainfall, are sloped.
3. In every state, forest dwellers living in forests or mountainous areas reside in scattered huts.
In simple words: In Rajasthan, houses have flat roofs made of grass and soil because it's a desert with little rain. Gujaratis live in modern brick and cement homes, with unique "Bhunga" houses in Kachchh. In Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa, city people have modern homes. Konkan's roofs are slanted due to heavy rain, and forest people live in simple, scattered huts.

Exam Tip: When describing dwellings, always connect the architectural style and materials to environmental factors like climate and available resources.

 

Question 6. State the different languages spoken in the various parts of the Western India.
Answer:

Over and above this, people belonging to several regions speak their own dialects.
In simple words: Western India has many languages. Rajasthan uses Marwadi, Gujarat uses Gujarati, and Kachchh has Kachchhi. Hindi is spoken in Madhya Pradesh, Marathi in Maharashtra, and Konkani in Goa. Each area also has its own local dialects.

Exam Tip: When presenting regional information, a table format is excellent for clearly mapping regions to their specific languages or characteristics.

 

Question 7. Which important fairs are celebrated with great enthusiasm in Western Gujarat.
Answer: Fairs celebrated in Western Gujarat:
1. Siddhpur in Gujarat is well-known for its camel trade on Kartik Purnima (Full moon day). A fair is organized at that time.
2. A fair is held for trading donkeys at Vautha of Dholka taluka in Gujarat.
3. Other famous fairs in Gujarat include the Tametar Fair near Thangadh, the Bhavnaath Fair in Junagadh, and the Dang Darbar Fair in Dangs.
4. In the Adhik (Additional) Bhadarvo month, which happens every 18 years, a fair is arranged at Bhadhhut in Vagra taluka of Bharuch district.
In simple words: Western Gujarat celebrates many important fairs. Siddhpur has a famous camel fair during Kartik Purnima. A donkey trading fair happens in Vautha. Other well-known fairs include Tametar, Bhavnaath, and Dang Darbar. Every 18 years, a special fair takes place in Bhadhhut during the Adhik Bhadarvo month.

Exam Tip: When listing fairs and festivals, try to include their location, timing, and any unique features or cultural significance.

 

Question 8. Name the important states of North India and their distinct characteristics.
Answer:
1. North India includes the states of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi, among others.
2. Punjab is a land of five rivers.
3. Because of its immense beauty, Jammu and Kashmir is considered to be heaven on Earth.
4. Uttarakhand is a hilly region and is also known as Devbhumi.
5. Himachal Pradesh is also a mountainous state.
6. Uttar Pradesh is a part of the fertile plain in the Ganga-Yamuna doab.
7. Delhi is the National Capital of India.
In simple words: North India has states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand. Punjab is known for its five rivers, and Jammu and Kashmir is called heaven due to its beauty. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are mountainous, with Uttarakhand also called Devbhumi. Uttar Pradesh has fertile plains, and Delhi is India's capital.

Exam Tip: When asked to name states and their characteristics, ensure you mention a unique geographical or cultural feature for each state listed.

 

Question 9. Give a brief account of the food of North India.
Answer:
1. Wheat is the main food of Punjab and Haryana.
2. People of Punjab often consume tandoori roti made from wheat and a variety of parathas.
3. Vegetables, especially those prepared with paneer, are highly favored by them. Lassi is a well-known drink in Punjab.
4. People of Jammu and Kashmir mainly eat rice, meat, and fish.
5. Roti, daal, and rice are the staple foods of people in Uttar Pradesh.
6. Mustard oil is commonly used in North Indian cooking.
In simple words: In North India, wheat is a main food in Punjab and Haryana, where people enjoy tandoori roti and many kinds of parathas, along with lassi. In Jammu and Kashmir, rice, meat, and fish are popular. Uttar Pradesh relies on roti, dal, and rice. Mustard oil is commonly used for cooking across North India.

Exam Tip: When describing food habits, include staple grains, popular dishes, special beverages, and common cooking oils for a thorough answer.

 

Question 10. How do people of North India wear?
Answer:
1. The dress that people of Punjab and Haryana wear is known as Punjabi dress.
2. Women wear salwar and kameez. Men wear a loose shirt (like kurta) and salwar, which is also called pathani. Some people also wear an embroidered jacket over the loose shirt.
3. Sikh people wear a typical turban style, known as pagadi.
4. Kashmiris wear Kashmiri dress. During winter, they put on warm clothes that cover their entire body.
5. The dressing of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is similar to that of Jammu and Kashmir.
6. Men wear caps and ladies wear head-scarves on their heads.
7. Men in Uttar Pradesh wear dhoti and paheran and tie a scarf on their heads. Ladies wear saree, petticoat, and blouse.
In simple words: In North India, Punjabi dress is common in Punjab and Haryana, with women wearing salwar-kameez and men loose shirts or pathani. Sikh men wear turbans. Kashmiris wear warm clothes in winter. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have similar clothing to Jammu and Kashmir. In Uttar Pradesh, men wear dhoti and paheran with a scarf, while women wear saree, petticoat, and blouse.

Exam Tip: When discussing regional attire, ensure to describe clothes for both men and women, mention traditional headwear, and consider variations due to climate.

 

Question 11. Explain the dwellings of people of North India.
Answer:
1. Punjab and Haryana get moderate rainfall. So, houses of people have flat roofs.
2. Urban residents live in buildings constructed from bricks and cement.
3. Wood is utilized for constructing houses in Jammu and Kashmir.
4. In Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, people live in double-storey buildings.
5. People keep their domestic animals on the ground floor and they live on the first floor.
6. The warmth from animals reaches the first floor, which is made of wood, creating a cozy environment for people. Such buildings are quite useful during snowfall.
7. The roofs are sloped to allow snow to slide down. Moreover, smooth rocks are used as roof tiles so that the snow on the rooftops easily slips down.
8. In Uttar Pradesh, urban people live in houses built from bricks and cement.
In simple words: In Punjab and Haryana, houses have flat roofs because of moderate rain. City people build homes with bricks and cement. Jammu and Kashmir use wood for houses. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have two-story homes where animals live downstairs, keeping the upstairs warm with wooden floors, especially useful during snow. Their roofs are slanted with smooth rocks to help snow slide off. Uttar Pradesh city dwellers also live in brick and cement homes.

Exam Tip: Always relate housing styles to environmental conditions like rainfall and temperature, and mention the materials used in construction.

 

Question 12. Which languages do North Indians speak?
Answer:
1. People of Punjab speak Punjabi language, and the people of Haryana speak Haryanvi language.
2. People in Uttar Pradesh speak Hindi and Urdu languages.
3. Urdu is a major language of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri and Dongari languages are also spoken there.
4. Besides Hindi, people of Uttarakhand also speak Garhwali and Kumauni dialects.
5. The official language of Himachal Pradesh is Hindi; however, most people use Pahari language daily.
6. In addition to these languages, locals of all these regions also speak various dialects.
In simple words: In North India, Punjabis speak Punjabi, Haryanvis speak Haryanvi. Uttar Pradesh uses Hindi and Urdu. Jammu and Kashmir's main language is Urdu, also with Kashmiri and Dongari. Uttarakhand has Garhwali and Kumauni dialects, besides Hindi. Himachal Pradesh's official language is Hindi, but many use Pahari daily. All these regions also have many local dialects.

Exam Tip: When listing languages, differentiate between official languages and significant regional dialects for a comprehensive answer.

 

Question 13. Write a short note on festivals and holy days and fair of North India.
Answer: Festivals and holy days of North India:
1. Baisakhi and Lahiri are major festivals of Punjab. Bhangra is a well-known folk dance of Punjab.
2. Eid and Moharram festivals are observed with great zeal in Jammu and Kashmir.
3. Dashera is celebrated in a special way in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh.
4. Holi is a major festival of Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, Kathak is a famous dance of Uttar Pradesh.
5. Besides, festivals like Shivratri, Ram Navami, Janmashtami, Dashera, Eid, Moharram, Christmas, and others are also widely celebrated festivals in these regions.
Fairs of North India:
1. The Dashera fair of Kullu is quite famous.
2. In Punjab, a Martyr's fair is held.
3. Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela are famous fairs of Prayagraj (Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh.
4. In Uttarakhand, Kumbh and Ardha Kumbh fairs are famous.
In simple words: North India celebrates many festivals and fairs. Punjab has Baisakhi and Lahiri, with Bhangra dance. Jammu and Kashmir observe Eid and Moharram. Dashera is special in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh celebrates Holi and is known for Kathak dance. Other popular festivals include Shivratri and Christmas. Famous fairs include Kullu's Dashera fair, a Martyr's fair in Punjab, and the well-known Kumbh and Magh Melas in Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) and Uttarakhand.

Exam Tip: For notes on festivals and fairs, categorize them clearly, mentioning specific regions and any associated cultural activities like dances.

 

Question 14. Which states are included in South India? What are the similarities between these states?
Answer:
1. South India includes the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
2. Southern India is a peninsula, and each state has a sea coast.
3. One can observe that food habits, dwellings, and costumes are almost similar in all the states of South India.
In simple words: South India includes Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. All these states are peninsular with a coastline. They share common traits in their food, homes, and clothing.

Exam Tip: When discussing similarities among states in a region, focus on common geographical features (like coastline) and cultural aspects (food, dress, housing).

 

Question 15. Give a brief idea about the food habits of South Indians.
Answer: Food habits of South Indians:
1. Rice, Sambhar, and fish constitute the main diet of southern states.
2. Idli, dhosa, meduvada, and other similar items, along with coconut chutney, are famous rice-based foods.
3. People consume rasam, which is similar to daal, almost daily in their meals.
4. People of Kerala use coconut leaves as dishes.
In simple words: South Indians mostly eat rice, sambhar, and fish. Popular rice dishes include idli, dhosa, and meduvada, served with coconut chutney. Rasam, a lentil-like soup, is eaten almost every day. In Kerala, people often use coconut leaves to serve food.

Exam Tip: Highlight staple foods, unique dishes, and any distinctive serving customs when detailing regional food habits.

 

Question 16. Write a note on costumes and dwellings in South India.
Answer: Costumes
1. Due to the hot and humid weather in the South, people wear loose garments.
2. Lungi, Peheran, khes on the shoulder, and occasionally a pagdi (turban) are common attire among men.
3. Women wear saree in the southern style with a blouse.
4. Karelians wear lungi or a short dhoti, and ladies often place flower veni on their heads.
Dwellings:
1. People live in houses made of brick and cement.
2. Modern housing is observed in Bengaluru and Chennai.
3. People living near the sea coast use coconut leaves for their huts.
In simple words: In South India, due to hot and humid weather, people wear light, loose clothes. Men often wear lungi, peheran, and khes, sometimes with a turban. Women wear sarees with blouses. In Kerala, women wear flower veni on their heads. For homes, most people live in brick and cement houses, with modern types seen in cities like Bengaluru and Chennai. Coastal residents sometimes use coconut leaves for their huts.

Exam Tip: For questions about costumes and dwellings, explain how environmental factors (like climate) influence the choice of clothing and building materials.

 

Question 17. Give an account of the festivals and holy days of South India.
Answer:
1. Andhra Pradesh is famous for the Kuchipudi dance. Shivratri, Makar Sankranti, and Baisakhi are also celebrated there.
2. Mysuru (Mysore) in Karnataka celebrates Dashera, Eid, and Navaratri.
3. Kathakali is a well-known dance of Kerala. Onam, Christmas, Eid, and Shivratri are other festivals celebrated in Kerala.
4. Pongal is the main festival, and Bharat Natyam is a very famous dance style of Tamil Nadu.
In simple words: South India celebrates many festivals and has famous dances. Andhra Pradesh is known for Kuchipudi, Shivratri, and Makar Sankranti. Karnataka celebrates Dashera, Eid, and Navaratri. Kerala features Kathakali, Onam, Christmas, Eid, and Shivratri. Tamil Nadu's main festival is Pongal, and Bharat Natyam is its famous dance.

Exam Tip: When listing regional festivals, try to include prominent dance forms or special celebrations associated with each state.

 

Question 18. Describe a few important states of East India. Name these states which have sea coast?
Answer:
1. East India consists of the states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, and Meghalaya, among others.
2. Out of these states, Odisha and West Bengal have sea coasts.
In simple words: East India includes states like Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam. Among these, Odisha and West Bengal are the states that have a sea coast.

Exam Tip: For regional descriptions, it is useful to list key states and identify specific geographical features like coastlines if asked.

 

Question 20. Write about the staple food of East India.
Answer:
1. People in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal consume roti and vegetables, but rice is eaten more frequently.
2. Rice is a staple diet in mountainous regions.
3. People also consume pulses and green vegetables in their meals.
4. Rosogulla and Sandesh are very popular sweets in the eastern states, especially in West Bengal.
5. Sathvo (Satthu) is a special dish eaten in Bihar. Tea is a widespread drink in Assam.
6. Mustard oil is widely used in cooking.
In simple words: In East India, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal eat roti and vegetables, but rice is more common, especially in hilly areas. Pulses and green vegetables are also part of their meals. Rosogulla and Sandesh are popular sweets in West Bengal. Sathvo is a special Bihar dish, and tea is a common drink in Assam. Mustard oil is widely used for cooking.

Exam Tip: When describing regional food, ensure to include staple grains, common dishes, popular sweets, and typical cooking oils.

 

Question 21. Give a brief idea about the dwellings of East Indians.
Answer:
1. People living in plains have houses made of bricks and cement.
2. People living in mountains use wood and bamboo for constructing their houses.
3. The roofs of houses are slanted due to heavy rainfall.
4. In West Bengal, people construct a 'pukur', which is a small pond in their backyards, to rear fish for daily meals.
In simple words: East Indians living in plains have brick and cement houses. Mountain residents build homes with wood and bamboo. Houses have sloped roofs because of heavy rain. In West Bengal, people dig small ponds in their backyards to raise fish for food.

Exam Tip: When discussing regional dwellings, consider both the materials used and any unique architectural features or practices influenced by local climate or culture.

 

Question 22. State the various languages spoken in East India.
Answer:
1. Hindi is spoken in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh.
2. Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magdhi are other dialects spoken in Bihar.
3. Assamese is spoken in Assam, Odia in Odisha, and Bengali in West Bengal.
4. Garo and Khasi languages are spoken in Meghalaya.
5. Mizo dialect is used in Mizoram.
In simple words: In East India, Hindi is spoken in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh, with Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magdhi as Bihar's dialects. Assamese is in Assam, Odia in Odisha, and Bengali in West Bengal. Meghalaya speaks Garo and Khasi, while Mizoram uses the Mizo dialect.

Exam Tip: For questions about regional languages, list the main language of each state and any significant local dialects.

 

Question 23. Explain the festivals and holy days of East India.
Answer:
1. Bihu in Assam and Odissi in Odisha are famous dances.
2. The chariot procession of Jagannathpuri (in Odisha) is world-famous.
3. Festivals of Chhath in Bihar and Durga Puja in West Bengal are celebrated with great zeal.
In simple words: East India celebrates various festivals and dances. Bihu in Assam and Odissi in Odisha are famous. Odisha is also known for the world-famous Jagannathpuri chariot procession. In Bihar, Chhath is celebrated, and West Bengal observes Durga Puja with much enthusiasm.

Exam Tip: When describing festivals, highlight associated cultural activities like dances or processions, and mention the states where they are celebrated with particular fervor.

II. Complete the following statements.

 

Question 1. India is a country of unity in diversity because .....................
Answer: India is a diverse country with unity in diversity because there is a wide range in religious practices, food, clothing, housing, language, dialects, and celebrations among the people. However, they coexist peacefully in the nation as an Indian community.
In simple words: India is a land of unity in diversity because its people show many differences in religion, food, clothes, homes, languages, and festivals, yet they live together peacefully as one nation.

Exam Tip: When explaining "unity in diversity," always mention both the varied aspects (like culture, language, religion) and the unifying factor (peaceful coexistence as one nation).

 

Question 2. Mostly, the houses in Rajasthan have flat roof because .....................
Answer: Mostly, the houses in Rajasthan have flat roofs because the Thar desert is located in Rajasthan, so it receives little rainfall.
In simple words: Houses in Rajasthan have flat roofs because the state is mostly desert and does not get much rain.

Exam Tip: Relate architectural features (like flat roofs) directly to climatic conditions (low rainfall) for a clear explanation.

 

Question 3. Jammu and Kashmir called the heaven on the Earth because .....................
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir is called the heaven on Earth because it has incredible natural beauty.
In simple words: Jammu and Kashmir is known as heaven on Earth because of its amazing natural scenery.

Exam Tip: For simple cause-and-effect questions, ensure the reason provided is direct and clearly explains the given statement.

 

Question 4. All religions and national festivals are celebrated in India because .....................
Answer: All religions and national festivals are celebrated in India because India is a secular country.
In simple words: All religious and national festivals are celebrated in India because the country is secular.

Exam Tip: Understanding the concept of secularism is key to explaining why all festivals are equally celebrated in India.

II. Fill in the blanks.

 

Question.
1. The Marawadi ..................... is famous for breakfast among the people of Rajasthan.
2. The ..................... fair near Thangadh in Gujarat is famous.
3. Himachal Pradesh is also known as ..................... mountainous region.
4. ..................... is the famous dance form of Andhra Pradesh.
5. ..................... is the main language of Madhya Pradesh.
Answer:
1. The Marawadi **Kachori** is famous for breakfast among the people of Rajasthan.
2. The **Tametar** fair near Thangadh in Gujarat is famous.
3. Himachal Pradesh is also known as **Devbhoomi** mountainous region.
4. **Kuchipudi** is the famous dance form of Andhra Pradesh.
5. **Hindi** is the main language of Madhya Pradesh.
In simple words: Kachori is a famous breakfast in Rajasthan. The Tametar fair is well-known in Gujarat. Himachal Pradesh is also called Devbhumi. Kuchipudi is a famous dance in Andhra Pradesh. Hindi is the main language in Madhya Pradesh.

Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks, recall specific facts related to regional culture, geography, and language.

V. Match the Following.

Answer:
1. Ghummar - (D) Rajasthan
2. Bhangra - (A) Punjab
3. Kathakali - (E) Kerala
4. Bharat Natyam - (B) Tamil Nadu
5. Bihu - (C) Assam
In simple words: This section asks you to match the items in Column 'A' with their correct counterparts from Column 'B'. Each numbered item from 'A' needs to be paired with one lettered item from 'B'.

Exam Tip: For matching questions, try to identify the most definite pairs first. This approach can help narrow down options for more challenging matches, improving your overall accuracy.

VI. Choose the Correct Option.

 

Question 1. In regions that experience temperature, people wear light coloured cotton clothes.
(a) high
(b) low
(c) pleasant
(d) extreme
Answer: (a) high
In simple words: People usually wear light-colored cotton clothes in areas with high temperatures to stay cool. These clothes help reflect sunlight and keep the body comfortable.

Exam Tip: Remember that light colours reflect heat, while dark colours absorb it. Cotton is breathable, making it suitable for warm weather.

 

Question 2. People of which state usually wear footwear made of camel hides?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Goa
Answer: (b) Rajasthan
In simple words: In Rajasthan, people often use footwear made from camel leather. This is because camels are common in the desert environment of that state.

Exam Tip: Associate specific cultural practices and materials with the geographical and animal resources available in a region.

 

Question 3. Which language is spoken in Goa?
(a) Marathi
(b) Hindi
(c) Gujarati
(d) Konkani
Answer: (d) Konkani
In simple words: The official and most widely spoken language in the Indian state of Goa is Konkani. It is a very important part of the state's culture.

Exam Tip: When asked about regional languages, try to recall the primary language associated with each specific state or union territory.

 

Question 4. Which poet said that humans beings are fond of festivals?
(a) Bhavbhuti
(b) Bharvi
(c) Banbhatt
(d) Kalidas
Answer: (d) Kalidas
In simple words: The famous poet Kalidas stated that people really enjoy festivals. This shows how much festivals were valued in ancient Indian culture.

Exam Tip: For questions about quotes or specific statements, remember key literary figures and their notable contributions or sayings.

 

Question 5. In which state is the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated with great enthusiasm?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Gujarat
Answer: (c) Maharashtra
In simple words: Ganesh Chaturthi is a very popular festival that people celebrate with much excitement, especially in the state of Maharashtra. It is a very big yearly event there.

Exam Tip: Connect prominent festivals with the states where they are most enthusiastically observed, as this is a common general knowledge topic.