Grade 5 Q&A: Chapter 17: Clothes - Our Necessity

Concept Questions

Q1: What is the difference between 'wanting clothes' and 'really needing them'?

Answer: Wanting clothes refers to a desire for many different types of clothes, often influenced by advertisements. Really needing clothes means having only what is essential for protection and daily use, considering the climate and basic requirements.

Q2: What is the danger of being attracted to clothes shown in advertisements?

Answer: Being attracted to clothes shown in advertisements can turn into greed, leading to wanting things when we do not truly need them.

Q3: Name two specialities of Maharashtra's textile industry mentioned in the chapter.

Answer: Two specialities are the Paithani of Paithan and Yeola, and Himroo shawls from Aurangabad. Others include bedsheets and bedspreads from Solapur, and handloom and powerloom cloth from Ichalkaranji.

Q4: Why was Mumbai famous worldwide for its textile mills?

Answer: Mumbai was famous worldwide for its textile mills because the humid weather on the island facilitates the manufacture of long thread for making cloth.

Q5: How did the flourishing cloth industry in Mumbai affect its population?

Answer: The flourishing cloth industry in Mumbai attracted workers from all over the country who came and settled there, making Mumbai an important hub for financial activity in India.

Q6: Why did humans begin to need clothes during their evolution?

Answer: During the evolution of man, his body went through changes including a reduction in the amount of body hair. As a result, he began to need protection from the elements (weather conditions), thus arose the need for clothes.

Q7: Describe the progression of human clothing from prehistoric times.

Answer: In prehistoric times, man did not wear clothes. Later, he began using the bark and leaves of trees. After that, he used the skins of animals he had killed. Finally, after learning to make yarn from materials like cottonwool, he began to use cotton cloth in a variety of ways.

Q8: What is the principle related to human needs and nature's provision?

Answer: Nature has given us enough to fulfill everyone’s needs, but nature cannot quench man’s greed. Man must give priority to his needs and not desires.

Q9: How does the local climate influence the clothes worn in different regions of a country?

Answer: The clothes worn in different regions of the country are different depending on the local climate. For example, warmer clothes in cold regions and lighter clothes in hot regions.

Application-Based Questions

Q10: Rohan and Sania have many clothes but do not wear many of them. What should they do with these clothes?

Answer: Rohan and Sania should donate the clothes they do not wear to those who are in need. This aligns with the principle of using things only as needed and helping others.

Q11: You are visiting people who often take shelter at railway stations. What questions would you ask them about their clothes, especially regarding different seasons?

Answer: I would ask: * What is the total number of clothes they have? * What do they wear in the summer? * What kind of clothes do they wear in winter? * What clothes do they use during the monsoon season? * What do they wear to functions and festivities?

Q12: If you visit a textile industry, what raw materials would you expect to see being used to produce fabric?

Answer: Depending on the type of fabric, I would expect to see raw materials like cotton, wool, silk, or synthetic fibers (like nylon, polyester).

Q13: You are going to a clothes market with your parents. What observations would you make to understand the diversity of clothes?

Answer: I would: * Look at the variety of clothes and make a list of their names. * Find out which clothes are meant only for children, for adults, or for aged people. * Find out about the various types of sarees. * Note down the names of places famous for their sarees. * Spot the names of places/regions in the names of the sarees and mark those places/regions on a map.

Q14: Why do we see a variety of fabrics and costumes in India?

Answer: We see a variety of fabrics and costumes in India due to the diverse climatic conditions in different parts of the country. Different regions have different needs for warmth, coolness, or protection from rain, leading to diverse clothing styles and materials.

Q15: Why is it important to use things only as we need them, especially concerning clothes?

Answer: It is important to use things only as we need them because nature provides enough to fulfill everyone's needs, but not everyone's greed. Excessive consumption of clothes leads to unnecessary production, using up natural resources and energy, and creating waste, which harms the environment. Frugal use helps maintain environmental balance.

Higher-Order Thinking Questions

Q16: The chapter states, "Wanting things when we do not need them is simply desire, not necessity." How does this concept apply to other aspects of life beyond clothes?

Answer: This concept applies broadly to all aspects of life. For example, wanting the latest gadget every year (when the old one still works) is desire, not necessity. Wanting a large house with many unused rooms is desire, not necessity. Wanting excessive amounts of food (leading to waste) is desire, not necessity. Understanding this distinction helps in making responsible choices, conserving resources, reducing waste, and focusing on what truly contributes to well-being rather than superficial wants.

Q17: Discuss how the development of transport facilities has influenced the availability of diverse clothing across different regions.

Answer: With better transport facilities, the diverse fabrics and costumes characteristic of specific regions have become available in all places. Previously, people were limited to locally produced clothes. Now, efficient transport allows clothes from Kashmir (e.g., Pashmina) to be sold in Kerala, and sarees from Kanjivaram to be available in Punjab. This has led to a greater variety of choices for consumers and has also helped in the spread and appreciation of regional textile traditions across the country.

Q18: How does the historical evolution of clothing reflect human adaptation to their environment and technological progress?

Answer: The historical evolution of clothing directly reflects human adaptation and technological progress. Initially, humans had sufficient body hair and no need for clothes. As body hair reduced, the need for protection from elements (cold, heat) arose, leading to the use of natural materials like bark, leaves, and animal skins. The development of spinning and weaving technology allowed for the creation of fabrics like cotton, enabling more comfortable, versatile, and diverse clothing. This progression shows how humans continuously innovate to meet their needs and adapt to environmental challenges.

Q19: "Nature has given us enough to fulfill everyone’s needs. However, nature cannot quench man’s greed." Elaborate on the environmental implications of this statement.

Answer: This statement is a powerful ecological principle. It implies that Earth's natural resources are sufficient to sustain all human life if consumed responsibly (meeting 'needs'). However, when human 'greed' drives excessive consumption and resource exploitation beyond what is necessary, nature's capacity to replenish these resources or absorb waste is overwhelmed. This leads to environmental degradation such as deforestation, water scarcity, pollution, and climate change, ultimately threatening the very systems that support life. It calls for a shift from a consumption-driven mindset to one of sustainability and moderation.

Q20: Why do you think it's important to know about the textile industries and specialities of different regions in India?

Answer: It's important to know about regional textile industries and specialities for several reasons: * **Cultural Heritage:** It helps us appreciate the rich cultural diversity and traditional craftsmanship of India. * **Economic Understanding:** It provides insight into the local economies, livelihoods, and the importance of these industries. * **Geographical Connection:** It connects clothing types to the climate and resources of different regions. * **Informed Choices:** It helps consumers make informed choices, supporting local artisans and sustainable practices. * **National Pride:** It fosters pride in India's diverse and skilled textile heritage.

References

1. Maharashtra State Board Environmental Studies (Part One) Standard Five Textbook (2015 Edition) - Chapter 17: Clothes - Our Necessity, pages 82-88.
2. Maharashtra State Board 5th Standard Environmental Studies Syllabus.
3. Balbharati Environmental Studies Part 1 Textbook.