Question 9 of 14intermediate🔍 AnalyzeEssay3 marks

Conduct a class discussion on the two quotations at the start of the chapter.

Correct Answer

Rabindranath Tagore's quotation — 'Oh, grant me my prayer, that I may never lose the bliss of the touch of the one in the play of the many' — expresses the desire to recognize the divine unity (the 'one') within the diverse manifestations of life (the 'many'). It celebrates finding spiritual oneness amidst worldly diversity.

Sri Aurobindo's quotation states that 'the principle of unity in diversity' has always been normal to India, and its fulfilment is 'the fundamental course of her being.' He emphasizes that India's essential nature (Swabhava) and natural duty (Swadharma) are founded on the principle of 'Many in the One.'

Both quotations highlight that India's strength lies in recognizing unity within diversity, not despite it.

Exercise: Questions, activities and projects | Q: 1 | (Page Page 12)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter opens with two quotations that establish its central theme. Tagore's poetic prayer speaks of finding 'the one in the play of the many.' Sri Aurobindo's philosophical statement connects unity in diversity to India's fundamental nature (Swabhava) and duty (Swadharma). The chapter then explores various dimensions — food, textiles, festivals, and literature — to illustrate this principle of 'Many in the One.'

Solution Steps

  1. Tagore's quotation expresses the desire to recognize divine unity (the 'one') within diverse manifestations of life (the 'many')

  2. Sri Aurobindo states that the principle of unity in diversity has always been normal to India and is fundamental to her being

  3. India's essential nature (Swabhava) and natural duty (Swadharma) are founded on the principle of 'Many in the One'

  4. Both quotations emphasize that India's strength lies in recognizing unity within diversity

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