Our Vibrant Country — NCERT Solutions

Given: Students need to survey their classmates about the languages they speak.

Answer (Sample):
After asking my classmates, I found that the following languages are spoken in our class:

1. Hindi
2. Tamil
3. Telugu
4. Marathi
5. Bengali
6. Gujarati
7. Punjabi
8. Malayalam
9. Kannada
10. English

Observation: Our class itself shows the beautiful diversity of India — students from different states speak different languages, yet we all study and play together happily.

(Students should conduct an actual survey in their class and list the languages they find.)

Given: Students need to find out how the word 'mango' is said in different Indian languages.

Concept: India has more than 1,000 languages. The same fruit can have different names in different languages, showing our rich linguistic diversity.

Answer:

(Students should try to find out more words from languages spoken in their class and add them to the table.)

Given: This is a hands-on group activity about traditional headgear of India.

Answer (Guidance for students):

Traditional Headgears of India:

1. Pagdi/Turban — worn in Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra
2. Topi — worn in various states
3. Pheta — traditional Maharashtrian headgear
4. Mysore Peta — traditional headgear of Karnataka
5. Kullu cap — worn in Himachal Pradesh
6. Jaapi — traditional bamboo hat of Assam

Steps to make a simple turban using a dupatta:

1. Take a long dupatta or scarf.
2. Fold it lengthwise to make it narrower.
3. Place one end on the forehead.
4. Wrap it around the head, tucking folds neatly.
5. Secure the end at the back or tuck it in.

Making a cap from waste materials:

• Use old newspapers, cardboard, or cloth scraps.
• Cut and shape into a cap.
• Decorate with colours, buttons or stickers.

(This is a practical activity — students should actually make the headgear in groups.)

Given: Students need to identify the states of origin of classical and folk dance forms of India and mark them on a map.

Answer:

Map Activity: Students should take a blank map of India and mark each state, writing the name of the dance form next to it.

(Note: The specific dance forms shown in the images could not be seen due to image references, but the above list covers major classical and folk dances. Students should mark the ones shown in their textbook.)

Given: Students need to name traditional Indian musical instruments.

Answer:

Some traditional Indian musical instruments are:

String instruments (Chordophones):

1. Sitar
2. Veena
3. Sarod
4. Sarangi
5. Ektara

Percussion instruments (Membranophones):

1. Tabla
2. Mridangam
3. Dholak
4. Dhol
5. Pakhawaj

Wind instruments (Aerophones):

1. Bansuri (flute)
2. Shehnai
3. Nadaswaram
4. Pungi

Other instruments:

1. Harmonium
2. Manjira (cymbals)
3. Ghungroo

These instruments are used in classical music (Hindustani and Carnatic), folk music and religious ceremonies across India.

Given: This is a hands-on creative activity to make a simple musical instrument.

Answer (Sample — Making a simple drum):

Materials needed: An empty tin can or plastic container, a rubber sheet or balloon, rubber bands, sticks.

Steps:

1. Take an empty tin can or plastic container.
2. Stretch a piece of rubber (from an old balloon) tightly over the open end.
3. Secure it firmly with rubber bands.
4. Use small sticks or pencils as drumsticks.
5. Your simple drum is ready!

Another option — Rattle/Maracas:

1. Take an empty plastic bottle.
2. Put a few dry seeds, pebbles or rice grains inside.
3. Close the cap tightly.
4. Shake it to make music!

(Students should actually try making an instrument using materials available near them.)

Given: This is a personal reflection question about learning an Indian language.

Answer (Sample):
If I could learn one more Indian language, I would choose Tamil.

Reasons:

1. Tamil is one of the oldest languages in the world, with a history of more than 2,000 years.
2. Tamil has a very rich literature, including ancient poetry like Sangam literature.
3. Learning Tamil would help me understand the culture and traditions of Tamil Nadu and connect with people from that region.
4. Tamil is also spoken in Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia, so it would help me communicate with people in other countries too.
5. Tamil has beautiful classical music (Carnatic music) and dance (Bharatanatyam) associated with it.

(Students should write about the language of their own choice with genuine reasons.)

Given: Students need to identify the monuments shown on the reverse side of Indian currency notes.

Concept: The Reserve Bank of India prints images of famous Indian monuments on currency notes to celebrate India's rich heritage.

Answer:

Conclusion: Indian currency notes are not just money — they are windows to India's glorious history and architectural heritage. Each note tells the story of a different state and its contribution to Indian civilisation.

Given: Students need to identify the currency symbol of India and other countries.

Note: The images referred to in the question could not be seen (image reference only), but the answer is based on standard knowledge.

Answer:

Currency symbol of India: $\rupee$ (₹)

The Indian Rupee symbol (₹) was designed by D. Udaya Kumar and was officially adopted on 15 July 2010. It is a combination of the Devanagari letter 'र' (Ra) and the Roman letter 'R', with two horizontal lines at the top representing the Indian flag and also the equal sign, symbolising equality.

Other currency symbols that can be identified:

(Students should look at the images in their textbook and identify the symbols shown there.)

Given: Students need to observe a ₹10 currency note and identify the animals shown on it.

Answer:

On the reverse side of the ₹10 note, the following animals can be seen:

1. Elephant — representing strength and wisdom
2. Rhinoceros (One-horned Rhinoceros) — found in Assam, representing India's wildlife
3. Tiger — the national animal of India, representing power and grace

These three animals are shown along with the Sun Temple of Konark (Odisha) on the reverse side of the ₹10 note.

Significance: By printing these animals on currency notes, India reminds its citizens about the importance of wildlife conservation and the rich biodiversity of our country.

Given: Students need to identify great personalities of India shown in images and write about their contributions.

Note: The specific images (img_24 to img_29) could not be seen. However, based on common personalities featured in CBSE Class 5 textbooks, the following sample answers are provided. Students should match these with the actual images in their textbook.

Answer (Sample personalities and their contributions):

1. Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948)
Mahatma Gandhi, known as the 'Father of the Nation', led India's freedom struggle through non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satyagraha). He organised movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement against British rule.

2. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1891–1956)
Dr. Ambedkar was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. He fought tirelessly against caste discrimination and worked for the rights of the oppressed sections of society. He was India's first Law Minister.

3. Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964)
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was India's first Prime Minister. He played a key role in India's freedom struggle and worked hard to build modern India. He loved children and his birthday (14 November) is celebrated as Children's Day.

4. Rani Lakshmibai (1828–1858)
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi was a brave queen who fought fearlessly against the British in the revolt of 1857. She is remembered as a symbol of courage and patriotism.

5. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931–2015)
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a great scientist and the 11th President of India. He is known as the 'Missile Man of India' for his contributions to India's space and defence programmes. He inspired millions of young people to dream big.

6. Mother Teresa (1910–1997)
Mother Teresa dedicated her life to serving the poor, sick and dying people of India. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

(Students should identify the actual people shown in their textbook images and write about them.)

Given: This is a group activity where students need to research local heroes and contributors from their state.

Answer (Guidance for students):

Steps to complete this activity:

1. Talk to your grandparents, parents, neighbours or community elders.
2. Ask them about people from your locality or state who have done something great for the nation.
3. These could be freedom fighters, scientists, artists, social workers, sportspersons, teachers or doctors.
4. Note down their names, what they did and why they are remembered.
5. Share what you learnt with your classmates.

Sample (for a student from West Bengal):

• Rabindranath Tagore — Nobel Prize-winning poet who wrote our National Anthem.
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose — Freedom fighter who formed the Indian National Army (INA).
• Swami Vivekananda — Spiritual leader who spread Indian philosophy worldwide.

(Students should research and present about real people from their own locality or state.)

Given: This is a project-based group activity to celebrate India's cultural diversity through a cultural fair.

Answer (Sample presentation — State: Rajasthan):

State: Rajasthan — The Land of Kings

Traditional Dress:

• Men wear dhoti, kurta and colourful pagdi (turban).
• Women wear ghagra-choli (long skirt and blouse) with odhni (dupatta), decorated with mirror work and embroidery.

Popular Food:

• Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri, Laal Maas, Ghewar (sweet).

Festivals:

• Teej, Gangaur, Pushkar Fair, Desert Festival, Diwali.

Languages:

• Rajasthani (with dialects like Marwari, Mewari, Dhundhari), Hindi.

Dance and Music:

• Ghoomar dance, Kalbelia dance, Bhavai dance.
• Instruments: Sarangi, Dholak, Morchang.

Famous Monuments:

• Hawa Mahal (Jaipur), Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur), City Palace, Amber Fort.

Discussion Answers:

Unique features found in each state:

• Each state has its own language, food, dress, dance and festivals.
• The architecture, art and crafts differ from state to state.
• Each state has unique geographical features — deserts, mountains, forests, coasts.

Similarities and common values found:

• All states celebrate festivals with joy and togetherness.
• Respect for elders, love for family and hospitality are common values.
• All states have folk music, dance and art forms.
• People across India share values of unity, peace and patriotism.
• The spirit of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (Guest is God) is found across India.

Conclusion: India's strength lies in its diversity — 'Unity in Diversity' is not just a phrase but a lived reality of our great nation.

(Each group should research their assigned state and prepare their own presentation with posters, models and demonstrations.)