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Family and Community

Chapter 9. Family and Community

Family is the fundamental and most ancient unit of human society, while community connects families and individuals through cooperation, shared responsibilities and mutual support.

Chapter Review

Introduction

• Family is the fundamental and most ancient unit of any society.
• Almost all people live in some form of family.
• Families may have different structures and sizes.
• Joint families may include several generations living together.
• Nuclear families generally consist of a couple and their children.
• Some families may consist of one parent and children.
• Family relationships are based on love, care, cooperation and interdependence.
• Every family member has certain roles and responsibilities.
• Parents have the responsibility of raising children and helping them become responsible members of society.
• Children gradually take on responsibilities and help other members of the family.
• Children learn many family traditions and practices through everyday life.
• Indian languages have many specific terms for different family relationships.
• In many Indian languages, cousins are referred to as brothers and sisters, showing close family bonds.
• Following one's duty or dharma has been an important principle of Indian culture.
• The family acts as a school where children learn important values.
• Values such as ahimsa, dāna, sevā and tyāga are learnt within family life.
• Family members often sacrifice their own needs for the needs of the family.
• Family members support one another during financial difficulties and other challenges.
• Sharing resources is an important feature of family life.
• Grandparents can contribute to children's education, care, guidance and cultural learning.
• Family members may share household chores and responsibilities.
• Modern living has led some couples to prefer nuclear families.
• Both joint and nuclear families have their own advantages and disadvantages.
• Families are connected not only within themselves but also with people around them.
• A group of connected people may be called a community.
• Communities bring people together for festivals, feasts, weddings and other events.
• In villages, communities may cooperate in agricultural activities such as sowing and harvesting.
• Communities may develop practices for sharing natural resources such as water, grazing land and forest produce.
• Such community practices help provide secure access to shared resources.
• Community members have specific duties and responsibilities.
• Cooperation is necessary for the smooth functioning of a community.
• The Halma tradition of the Bhil community shows collective action for the benefit of people and the environment.
• Communities can work together to solve problems such as water scarcity.
• Community support is also important during natural disasters and emergencies.
• Community service can be performed without expecting anything in return.
• Communities exist in both rural and urban areas.
• Residents' Welfare Associations are examples of modern urban communities.
• Urban communities may make rules for waste management, cleanliness and common areas.
• People participate in making and following community rules.
• Communities are ultimately interdependent.
• Different communities depend on one another for goods, services and support.
• Community is a flexible concept and can have many different meanings.
• A jāti or a subdivision of it may be considered a community.
• People belonging to a particular religion, region, occupation or interest may form a community.
• Students may belong to several communities in school, such as sports, science, drama or service groups.
• Family is the foundation of human society.
• Community is a larger unit in which people support one another.
• Ultimately, both families and communities depend on cooperation and interdependence.

Important Definitions

Term	Short Definition
Family	The fundamental and most ancient unit of human society consisting of people related by family bonds.
Joint Family	A family in which several generations and relatives live together.
Nuclear Family	A family generally consisting of a couple and their children, or sometimes one parent and children.
Community	A group of connected people who live, work or participate together and support one another.
Cooperation	Working together to achieve a common purpose or support one another.
Interdependence	A situation in which people or groups depend on one another.
Dharma	The principle of following one's duty and doing what is considered right.
Ahimsa	The principle of non-violence or avoiding harm to living beings.
Dāna	The act of giving or donating.
Sevā	Selfless service performed for others.
Tyāga	Sacrifice or giving up something for the benefit of others.
Halma	A Bhil tradition of coming together to support people, the community and the environment.
Residents' Welfare Association	An urban community organisation in which residents work together and make rules for common needs.

Important Terms

• Family
• Joint Family
• Nuclear Family
• Family Relationships
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Cooperation
• Interdependence
• Dharma
• Ahimsa
• Dāna
• Sevā
• Tyāga
• Family Values
• Community
• Shared Resources
• Community Rules
• Community Support
• Halma Tradition
• Water Conservation
• Urban Community
• Residents' Welfare Association
• Social Service
• Community Participation
• Different Types of Communities

Main Concepts

• Family as the Foundation of Society – Family is the basic and oldest unit of human society.
• Types of Families – Families may be joint, nuclear or have other structures.
• Family Relationships – Indian languages often have specific words for different relationships.
• Family Responsibilities – Every member has responsibilities towards other members.
• Sharing and Cooperation – Family members cooperate and share resources during difficult situations.
• Family as a School – Children learn values, traditions and responsibilities within the family.
• Dharma – Doing one's duty is an important principle of Indian culture.
• Community – Families are connected with other families and people to form communities.
• Community Cooperation – People work together during festivals, agriculture, emergencies and other activities.
• Shared Resources – Communities may develop practices for sharing water, grazing land and forest produce.
• Community Duties – Every member has duties necessary for the smooth functioning of the community.
• Halma Tradition – The Bhil community comes together to serve people, protect the environment and conserve water.
• Community Service – People may help others without expecting payment or personal benefit.
• Urban Communities – Residents' Welfare Associations are examples of communities in urban areas.
• Community Rules – Urban communities may make rules concerning cleanliness, waste management and common facilities.
• Interdependence – Modern society depends on many people and communities for goods and services.
• Flexible Meaning of Community – A community may be based on religion, region, occupation, interest, school activities or social groups.

Joint Family and Nuclear Family

Joint Family	Nuclear Family
Several generations may live together.	Usually consists of a couple and their children.
Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and other relatives may live together.	Usually has fewer family members living together.
Responsibilities can be shared among many members.	Responsibilities are generally shared among fewer members.
Children can interact closely with several generations.	Children generally live with their parents and siblings.

Family Values

• Love
• Care
• Cooperation
• Interdependence
• Sharing
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Service
• Sacrifice
• Helping one another
• Learning family traditions
• Supporting family members during difficulties

Community and Shared Resources

• Communities may collectively use and manage natural resources.
• Important shared resources include water, grazing lands and forest produce.
• Community practices may provide secure access to these resources.
• Such practices also create responsibilities for community members.
• Proper cooperation is necessary to prevent misuse of shared resources.

Halma Tradition

• Halma is a tradition of the Bhil community.
• It involves people coming together to support individuals, families and the community during difficult times.
• The Bhils used this tradition to address water scarcity around Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh.
• They planted thousands of trees in hundreds of villages.
• They dug trenches to conserve rainwater.
• They created water-harvesting structures.
• People participated without expecting payment.
• The objective of Halma is connected with serving Mother Earth.
• It demonstrates cooperation, community responsibility and environmental protection.

Community Support in Emergencies

• Communities often come together during natural disasters and emergencies.
• During the Chennai floods of 2015, many groups helped people affected by the disaster.
• Spiritual and religious organisations cooked and distributed food.
• Such actions demonstrate selfless service and community cooperation.
• Community support can reduce the difficulties faced by people during crises.

Urban Communities

• Community life exists in cities as well as villages.
• Urban communities may function differently from rural communities.
• Residents' Welfare Associations are examples of urban communities.
• Residents may make rules and regulations for common needs.
• These rules may concern waste management and cleanliness.
• They may also concern common areas and care of pets.
• Residents participate in making and following community rules.

Different Types of Communities

• A community may consist of people living in the same locality.
• A jāti or a subdivision of it may be called a community.
• People belonging to the same religion may form a community.
• People from the same region may form a community.
• People following the same occupation may form a community.
• People sharing a common interest may form a community.
• A school class can function as a community.
• Sports groups can form a community.
• Science or drama clubs can form communities.
• Service organisations and student groups can also form communities.

Community Interdependence

• No community can function completely independently.
• People depend on other people for different goods and services.
• Residents' Welfare Associations depend on traders for supplies.
• They may depend on municipal workers for waste management.
• Workers, traders, service providers and residents all depend on one another.
• Modern society therefore involves a high degree of interdependence.

Important Examples

• Shalini's Family – Shows family support, sharing and sacrifice.
• Tenzing's Family – Shows cooperation in household work and social responsibility.
• Bhil Community – Shows collective action through the Halma tradition.
• Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh – Example of community action for tree planting and water conservation.
• Chennai Floods, 2015 – Example of community support during a disaster.
• Kamal Parmar – Example of an individual helping underprivileged children through education.
• Residents' Welfare Associations – Example of modern urban communities.

5-Minute Revision

• ✔ Family is the foundation and most ancient unit of human society.
• ✔ Joint families may include several generations living together.
• ✔ Nuclear families generally consist of a couple and their children.
• ✔ Family relationships are based on love, care, cooperation and interdependence.
• ✔ Every family member has roles and responsibilities.
• ✔ Family teaches children values, traditions and responsibilities.
• ✔ Dharma means following one's duty.
• ✔ Ahimsa, dāna, sevā and tyāga are important values.
• ✔ A community is a group of connected people who support one another.
• ✔ Communities cooperate during festivals, agriculture and emergencies.
• ✔ Communities may share natural resources such as water, grazing land and forest produce.
• ✔ Halma is a Bhil tradition of collective service and cooperation.
• ✔ Community action can help conserve water and protect the environment.
• ✔ Residents' Welfare Associations are examples of urban communities.
• ✔ Communities can be based on religion, region, occupation or common interests.
• ✔ Modern communities are ultimately interdependent.

Exam Booster

• Learn the definition and importance of family.
• Understand the difference between joint family and nuclear family.
• Remember the major roles and responsibilities of family members.
• Learn the meaning and importance of dharma, ahimsa, dāna, sevā and tyāga.
• Understand how family acts as a school of values and traditions.
• Learn the definition and different meanings of community.
• Understand the importance of community cooperation and shared resources.
• Remember the Halma tradition of the Bhil community.
• Learn how communities can help in water conservation and environmental protection.
• Remember the example of community support during the Chennai floods of 2015.
• Understand the role of Residents' Welfare Associations in urban areas.
• Learn why communities are described as interdependent.
• Prepare examples of communities based on religion, region, occupation and common interests.
• Remember that family is the foundation of human society and community is a larger unit based on mutual support.

Family and Community

Chapter 9. Family and Community

Family

Family is the fundamental and most ancient unit of any society. Almost all people live in some form of family.

• Family provides love, care, support and security to its members.
• Family is the first social group in which a child learns to live with others.
• Family members share responsibilities and help one another.
• Family members are connected through different relationships.
• Family life is based on love, care, cooperation and interdependence.
• Family members often support one another during difficult situations.
• Family is also an important place for learning traditions, practices and values.

Types of Families

Indian society has several types of families, including joint families and nuclear families.

Joint Family

A joint family is a family in which several generations live together.

• A joint family may include grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters and cousins.
• Several generations may live under the same household.
• Members can share household responsibilities.
• Family resources may be shared among members.
• Children can learn from older members of the family.
• Older members can provide guidance and support to younger members.

Nuclear Family

A nuclear family generally consists of a couple and their children. Sometimes it may consist of one parent and children.

• A nuclear family has fewer members living together.
• Older generations or other relatives may live separately.
• Modern living conditions may lead some couples to prefer nuclear families.
• A nuclear family may provide greater independence to the members.
• However, it may have fewer family members available to share responsibilities.

Joint Family and Nuclear Family – Difference

Joint Family	Nuclear Family
Several generations may live together.	Usually consists of a couple and their children.
Grandparents and other relatives may live in the same household.	Older generations or other relatives may live separately.
Many members can share family responsibilities.	Responsibilities are generally shared by fewer members.
Children can interact closely with several generations.	Children generally interact mainly with parents and siblings.

Family Relationships

• Family members have many different relationships with one another.
• Indian languages have many specific terms for family relationships.
• Hindi has terms such as bua, tau, tai, chacha, mausi, nana and nani.
• Some Indian languages also have separate terms for elder and younger brothers and sisters.
• In many Indian languages, there is no separate word equivalent to the English word cousin.
• Cousins may simply be called brothers and sisters.
• This reflects the close bonds among children within the wider family.

Roles and Responsibilities in a Family

Cooperation means working together. Relationships among family members are based on love, care, cooperation and interdependence.

• Every member of a family has certain roles and responsibilities.
• Parents are responsible for raising their children.
• Parents help children grow into happy and responsible members of society.
• As children grow older, they gradually take on more responsibilities.
• Children may help their parents, brothers, sisters and other family members.
• Children learn to participate in household activities through daily practice.
• Household responsibilities may include cooking, cleaning, shopping and helping with studies.
• Responsibilities need not always be performed by the same person.
• Family members can share work according to their circumstances and abilities.

Family as a School of Values

The family is also a school where children learn important values and practices.

• Children learn values through everyday family life.
• They learn how to cooperate with others.
• They learn to respect and care for other people.
• They learn family traditions and practices.
• They may learn traditions that have been followed by the family for generations.
• Family members learn to put the needs of others before their own when necessary.

Dharma

Dharma means doing one's duty. Following one's dharma has been an important principle of Indian culture.

• Every person has duties towards others.
• Family members have duties towards one another.
• Doing one's duty helps maintain harmony within the family.
• Responsibility towards family is an important part of family life.

Important Family Values

• Ahimsa – Non-violence or avoiding harm to others.
• Dāna – Giving or sharing with others.
• Sevā – Service to others.
• Tyāga – Sacrifice or giving up something for the benefit of others.
• Love – Caring deeply for family members.
• Care – Looking after the needs of others.
• Cooperation – Working together.
• Sharing – Sharing resources and responsibilities.
• Respect – Treating family members with consideration and dignity.
• Responsibility – Performing one's duties towards other members.

Family Support and Sharing

• Family members often give up some of their own needs to take care of the family's needs.
• Family members may share money, food, clothes and other resources.
• Family support becomes especially important when a member faces financial difficulties.
• Sharing helps ensure that the needs of all family members are considered.
• Cooperation strengthens relationships within the family.

Example – Shalini's Family

• Shalini lives with her family in a town in Kerala.
• Her father runs a small business.
• Her mother is a teacher in a nearby school.
• Shalini has a younger brother.
• Her grandmother Acchamma, her father's brother Chittappa and her aunt Chitti also live with them.
• Shalini's cousin Chinni is also part of the household.
• Shalini's uncle lost his job and her aunt was a homemaker.
• During the festival of Onam, the family realised that Shalini's uncle's family could not afford new clothes.
• Shalini's parents bought clothes not only for themselves and their children but also for Chittappa, Chitti and Chinni.
• Shalini received a simple cotton dress instead of the silk dress she had expected.
• She was happy that everyone in the family could receive new clothes.
• The story demonstrates family support, sharing, care and sacrifice.

Example – Tenzing's Family

• Tenzing lives in a village in Meghalaya.
• His father runs a small grocery store.
• His mother works in a local handicraft cooperative.
• The cooperative makes traditional fabrics, wood carvings and other items for tourists.
• When Tenzing's mother became busy with her work, his father helped with household activities.
• He helped clean the house and take care of the vegetable garden.
• The example shows that family responsibilities can be shared.
• It also shows cooperation between family members.

Family and Modern Living

• Modern living has influenced the structure of families.
• Some couples choose to live separately from older generations or other relatives.
• Such families are generally called nuclear families.
• Joint families may provide greater support from several generations.
• Nuclear families may provide greater independence and privacy.
• Both joint and nuclear families can have advantages and disadvantages.
• The important principle is that family members should support one another.

Important Definitions

Term	Definition
Family	The fundamental and most ancient unit of society.
Joint Family	A family in which several generations live together.
Nuclear Family	A family generally consisting of a couple and their children, or sometimes one parent and children.
Cooperation	Working together to achieve a common purpose or support one another.
Interdependence	A condition in which people depend on one another.
Dharma	The principle of doing one's duty.
Ahimsa	The principle of non-violence or avoiding harm.
Dāna	Giving or sharing with others.
Sevā	Service performed for others.
Tyāga	Sacrifice or giving up something for the benefit of others.

Important Points to Remember

• ✔ Family is the fundamental and most ancient unit of society.
• ✔ Indian society has different types of families.
• ✔ Joint families include several generations living together.
• ✔ Nuclear families generally consist of a couple and their children.
• ✔ Family relationships are based on love, care, cooperation and interdependence.
• ✔ Every family member has roles and responsibilities.
• ✔ Children gradually learn to participate in household responsibilities.
• ✔ Family is a school where children learn values and traditions.
• ✔ Dharma means doing one's duty.
• ✔ Ahimsa, dāna, sevā and tyāga are important family values.
• ✔ Family members may sacrifice their own needs for the needs of the family.
• ✔ Sharing resources strengthens family relationships.
• ✔ Shalini's story demonstrates family support and sharing.
• ✔ Tenzing's story demonstrates cooperation and sharing household responsibilities.
• ✔ Both joint and nuclear families have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Quick Revision

• Family → Fundamental unit of society.
• Joint Family → Several generations living together.
• Nuclear Family → Couple and children, or one parent and children.
• Cooperation → Working together.
• Interdependence → Depending on one another.
• Dharma → Doing one's duty.
• Ahimsa → Non-violence.
• Dāna → Giving.
• Sevā → Service.
• Tyāga → Sacrifice.
• Family as a School → Learning values, traditions and responsibilities.
• Shalini's Story → Sharing and supporting family members.
• Tenzing's Story → Sharing household responsibilities.

Family and Community

Chapter 9. Family and Community – Notes 2

Community

A community is a group of connected people who come together for different purposes and support one another.

• Families are connected not only within themselves but also with other families and people around them.
• A group of connected people may be called a community.
• The meaning of community can change according to the context.
• Community members come together for festivals, feasts, weddings and other events.
• In villages, people may cooperate in agricultural activities.
• Community members may help one another in land preparation, sowing and harvesting.
• Cooperation makes difficult tasks easier for everyone.

Shared Natural Resources

• Communities often develop practices for using shared natural wealth and resources.
• Important shared resources include water, grazing lands and forest produce.
• Such practices are found among many tribal communities.
• Similar practices continue to some extent in village communities in rural India.
• These practices may be considered community rules.
• Such rules were often not written down.
• They helped communities get secure access to shared resources.
• At the same time, every family and individual had specific duties to perform.
• Without cooperation and responsibility, the community cannot function smoothly.

Community Rules and Responsibilities

• Community rules help people use shared resources properly.
• Rules can prevent the misuse or overuse of common resources.
• Every community member has certain duties.
• Members must cooperate for the smooth functioning of the community.
• Community rules may be based on long-established practices and traditions.
• Following common rules creates cooperation and harmony.

Halma Tradition

Halma is a tradition of the Bhil community in which people come together to support an individual or family during a crisis.

• The Bhil community follows the tradition of coming together to help people in times of crisis.
• The region around Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh suffered from an acute water crisis.
• The Bhils decided to work together to address the water crisis.
• They planted thousands of trees in hundreds of villages.
• They dug trenches to conserve rainwater.
• They created other water-harvesting structures.
• They did not receive payment for this work.
• They considered this work their duty towards the community and the environment.
• The objective of the Halma tradition is to serve Mother Earth.
• The example demonstrates cooperation, duty, selfless service and environmental responsibility.
• In 2019, Shri Mahesh Sharma of the Shivganga movement was honoured with the Padma Shri for his transformational work with Bhil communities.

Community Support During Disasters

• Community support becomes especially important during natural disasters and emergencies.
• During the Chennai floods of 2015, roads turned into rivers.
• People could no longer move around normally.
• Many shops were closed and services were interrupted.
• Many private groups came forward to help affected people.
• Spiritual and religious organisations cooked large quantities of food.
• They distributed food to people who needed it.
• This is an example of people working together for the benefit of the community.
• Such service was provided without expecting anything in return.

Community Service

Community service means helping other people or working for the benefit of the community without expecting personal gain.

• Community service may be performed by individuals or groups.
• It can involve helping people during emergencies.
• It can also involve education, environmental protection or other forms of social support.
• Selfless service strengthens the bonds within a community.
• Community service reflects values such as cooperation, care and responsibility.

Example – Kamal Parmar

• Kamal Parmar owned a small auto-fabrication workshop in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• He noticed underprivileged children on the streets.
• Some children had dropped out of school, while others had never attended school.
• Kamal started giving them tuition after his regular working hours.
• He taught the children from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm every day.
• He also provided them with free dinner.
• Soon around 150 children attended his classes regularly.
• Teachers from a local school also joined the initiative for some time.
• Older school-going children joined as volunteers and helped teach the younger children.
• The example shows care, compassion, service and concern for the community.
• It also shows that people can contribute to society according to their abilities.
• The children and volunteers also learnt from one another.

Education and Community Responsibility

• Every child should have access to education.
• Society has a responsibility to support children who lack educational opportunities.
• Community members can contribute through teaching, volunteering and providing necessary support.
• Community initiatives can help reduce inequalities in access to education.
• Helping children receive education benefits both individuals and society.

Urban Communities

• Community life exists in both rural and urban areas.
• Urban communities may function somewhat differently from rural communities.
• New types of communities have emerged in urban areas during the last few decades.
• Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) are examples of modern urban communities.
• Residents of an area participate in making rules and regulations.
• These rules may deal with waste management.
• They may deal with cleanliness of common areas.
• They may also include rules concerning the care of pets.
• Such rules help residents manage common needs and spaces.

Residents' Welfare Associations

A Residents' Welfare Association is an organisation of residents that works for the common needs and welfare of people living in an area.

• Residents participate in making rules and regulations.
• Rules may concern waste management and cleanliness.
• Common areas can be managed collectively.
• Residents can cooperate to solve common problems.
• They can also make decisions regarding matters affecting the neighbourhood.

Interdependence of Communities

Interdependence means depending on one another for different needs.

• Communities are ultimately interdependent.
• No community can fulfil all its needs completely by itself.
• An urban Residents' Welfare Association may depend on traders for supplies.
• It may depend on municipal workers for waste management.
• Residents depend on many workers and service providers in their daily lives.
• Different occupations and communities provide different goods and services.
• Modern society therefore depends on many people and communities.
• Interdependence makes cooperation between different groups necessary.

Community – A Flexible Concept

The word community can have different meanings depending on the context.

• A group of people living in the same locality may form a community.
• A jāti or a subdivision of it may also be called a community.
• People belonging to a particular religion may form a community.
• People belonging to a particular region may form a community.
• People engaged in the same type of work may form a community.
• People sharing a common interest may form a community.
• Communities may be large or small.
• A person can belong to several communities at the same time.

Examples of Different Communities

• Mumbai's Parsi community – A religious community.
• Chennai's Sikh community – A religious community.
• America's Indian community – A community based on common origin or identity.
• Kerala's scientific community – A community based on common work or profession.
• School's art community – A community based on common interest.
• Village farming community – A community based on common occupation.

Communities in School

• A student can be part of several communities in school.
• The class itself can be considered a community.
• Students may also belong to a sports community.
• Students may participate in the National Service Scheme (NSS).
• Students may participate in the National Cadet Corps (NCC).
• Science clubs and drama clubs can also form communities.
• Members of these groups share common interests and activities.

Family and Community – Relationship

Family	Community
Family is the foundation of human society.	Community is a larger social unit.
Family members are connected through family relationships.	Community members are connected through common locality, religion, work, interests or other factors.
Family members support one another in daily duties and tasks.	Community members support one another for common needs and purposes.
Family teaches children values and responsibilities.	Community provides opportunities for cooperation and collective action.
Family responsibilities are shared among family members.	Community responsibilities are shared among community members.

Important Values in Community Life

• Cooperation – Working together for a common purpose.
• Responsibility – Performing one's duties towards others.
• Service – Helping others without expecting personal benefit.
• Sharing – Sharing resources and opportunities.
• Care – Being concerned about the needs of others.
• Respect – Treating others with dignity.
• Selflessness – Helping others without expecting something in return.
• Environmental Responsibility – Protecting Nature and natural resources.

Important Definitions

Term	Definition
Community	A group of connected people who come together for different purposes and support one another.
Shared Resources	Natural resources used or managed collectively by members of a community.
Community Rules	Practices or regulations followed by community members for the proper functioning of the community.
Community Service	Work done for the benefit of others or the community without expecting personal gain.
Halma	A Bhil tradition of coming together to support individuals or families during times of crisis.
Interdependence	A condition in which people or communities depend on one another.
Residents' Welfare Association	An urban organisation in which residents work together and make rules for common needs.

Important Facts to Remember

• ✔ Community is a group of connected people.
• ✔ Communities may come together for festivals, weddings, feasts and other events.
• ✔ Rural communities may cooperate in agricultural activities.
• ✔ Water, grazing lands and forest produce can be shared natural resources.
• ✔ Community rules help ensure secure access to shared resources.
• ✔ Every community member has certain duties and responsibilities.
• ✔ Halma is an important tradition of the Bhil community.
• ✔ Bhils used collective action to address the water crisis around Jhabua.
• ✔ Tree plantation and rainwater conservation were important parts of this effort.
• ✔ The objective of Halma is to serve Mother Earth.
• ✔ Community support was visible during the Chennai floods of 2015.
• ✔ Kamal Parmar helped underprivileged children by providing tuition and free dinner.
• ✔ Urban communities include Residents' Welfare Associations.
• ✔ RWAs may make rules about waste management, cleanliness and pets.
• ✔ Communities depend on other communities for goods and services.
• ✔ Community is a flexible concept.
• ✔ A community can be based on religion, region, occupation or common interest.
• ✔ Students can belong to several communities in school.
• ✔ Ultimately, communities are interdependent.

Quick Revision

• Community → Group of connected people.
• Shared Resources → Water, grazing lands, forest produce, etc.
• Community Rules → Practices for proper use of common resources.
• Halma → Bhil tradition of collective support.
• Jhabua → Example of community action for water conservation.
• Chennai Floods 2015 → Example of community support during a disaster.
• Kamal Parmar → Example of community service through education.
• RWA → Modern urban community organisation.
• Interdependence → Communities depend on one another.
• Community Types → Religious, regional, occupational, interest-based and other communities.

Exam Booster

• Learn the definition and role of a community.
• Understand the importance of shared natural resources.
• Remember why communities need rules and responsibilities.
• Study the Halma tradition of the Bhil community carefully.
• Remember the example of Jhabua's water conservation efforts.
• Remember the Chennai floods of 2015 as an example of community support.
• Study Kamal Parmar's initiative and its values.
• Understand the role of Residents' Welfare Associations.
• Learn the meaning of interdependence with examples.
• Remember that community is a flexible concept.
• Prepare examples of communities based on religion, region, occupation and common interest.

Family and Community

Chapter 9. Family and Community

Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the fundamental and most ancient unit of society?

   1. School
   2. Family
   3. Market
   4. Government

2. Which type of family generally consists of a couple and their children?

   1. Joint family
   2. Nuclear family
   3. Extended community
   4. Village family

3. Which principle means doing one's duty?

   1. Ahimsa
   2. Dāna
   3. Dharma
   4. Tyāga

4. Which of the following means selfless service?

   1. Sevā
   2. Dāna
   3. Tyāga
   4. Dharma

5. Which value means non-violence?

   1. Dāna
   2. Ahimsa
   3. Sevā
   4. Tyāga

6. What do children learn in the family?

   1. Only academic subjects
   2. Values, traditions and responsibilities
   3. Only games
   4. Only occupations

7. Which of the following is a shared natural resource?

   1. Personal diary
   2. Water
   3. School uniform
   4. Personal mobile phone

8. Halma is associated with which community?

   1. Bhil community
   2. Sikh community
   3. Parsi community
   4. Garo community

9. The Halma tradition is mainly based on:

   1. Competition
   2. Collective action and service
   3. Individual profit
   4. Trade

10. Jhabua is located in which state?

    1. Gujarat
    2. Rajasthan
    3. Madhya Pradesh
    4. Maharashtra

11. Which tradition helped the Bhil community address the water crisis around Jhabua?

    1. Onam
    2. Halma
    3. Bihu
    4. Pongal

12. Which organisation is an example of a modern urban community?

    1. Residents' Welfare Association
    2. Family council
    3. Village panchayat only
    4. Joint family

13. What does interdependence mean?

    1. Living completely independently
    2. Depending on one another
    3. Avoiding other people
    4. Competing with everyone

14. Which of the following can be a basis for forming a community?

    1. Religion
    2. Occupation
    3. Common interest
    4. All of these

15. During which disaster did many groups come forward to help people in Chennai?

    1. Chennai floods of 2015
    2. Chennai earthquake of 2010
    3. Chennai drought of 2005
    4. Chennai cyclone of 2000

Section B – Fill in the Blanks

1. Family is the __________ and most ancient unit of society.
2. A family in which several generations live together is called a __________ family.
3. The principle of doing one's duty is called __________.
4. Non-violence is known as __________.
5. Selfless service is called __________.
6. The Bhil tradition of collective action is called __________.
7. Water, grazing lands and forest produce can be __________ resources.
8. Modern urban communities may be organised through Residents' Welfare __________.
9. Depending on one another is called __________.
10. A community may be formed on the basis of religion, region, occupation or common __________.

Section C – True or False

1. Family is an important foundation of human society.
2. Only joint families can teach values to children.
3. Every family member has certain roles and responsibilities.
4. Dharma means doing one's duty.
5. Communities never share natural resources.
6. Halma is associated with the Bhil community.
7. Community service always requires personal financial gain.
8. Residents' Welfare Associations are examples of urban communities.
9. A person can belong to more than one community.
10. Different communities can be interdependent.

Section D – Answer in One or Two Sentences

1. What is a family?
2. What is a joint family?
3. What is a nuclear family?
4. Why is family called a school of values?
5. What is meant by cooperation?
6. What is dharma?
7. What is a community?
8. What are shared natural resources?
9. What is Halma?
10. What is community service?
11. What is interdependence?
12. What is a Residents' Welfare Association?

Section E – Short Answer Questions

1. Explain the importance of family in human society.
2. Write any four differences between a joint family and a nuclear family.
3. Explain the roles and responsibilities of family members.
4. How does a family teach children values and traditions?
5. Explain the importance of sharing and cooperation in family life.
6. Explain the meaning of ahimsa, dāna, sevā and tyāga.
7. How do communities cooperate in using shared natural resources?
8. Explain the importance of community rules and responsibilities.
9. How did the Bhil community use the Halma tradition to address the water crisis?
10. How do communities help people during natural disasters and emergencies?
11. Explain the role of Residents' Welfare Associations in urban communities.
12. Why are different communities described as interdependent?

Section F – Long Answer Questions

1. Explain how family acts as the foundation of society. Discuss the importance of love, care, cooperation, sharing and responsibility in family life.

2. Compare joint families and nuclear families. Explain the advantages and challenges associated with both types of families.

3. What is a community? Explain the different ways in which people can form communities and give suitable examples.

4. Describe the Halma tradition of the Bhil community. How did collective action help in water conservation and environmental protection around Jhabua?

5. Explain the meaning of interdependence. How do people and communities depend on one another in everyday life?

Section G – Case-Based Questions

Case Study 1: A family has several generations living together. Grandparents look after the children, parents manage their work and children help with household activities. The family shares food, resources and responsibilities.

1. What type of family is described here?
2. How does sharing responsibility help the family?
3. What values can children learn from such a family?

Case Study 2: A group of people in a village decides to conserve water. They work together to dig trenches and create water-harvesting structures. Nobody expects payment for the work.

1. What value is demonstrated by the people?
2. Which Bhil tradition is related to such collective action?
3. How can such activities benefit the environment?

Case Study 3: Residents of an apartment complex make rules regarding waste disposal, cleanliness of common areas and the care of pets.

1. What type of community is described here?
2. What organisation may make such rules?
3. Why are such rules necessary?

Section H – Think and Answer

1. Why should family responsibilities not always be left to one person?
2. How can children contribute to their family?
3. Why is it important to protect shared natural resources?
4. Can a person belong to several communities at the same time? Give examples.
5. How can students contribute to their school community?
6. What can we learn from the Halma tradition?
7. How does community cooperation help during emergencies?
8. Why is interdependence important in modern society?

Section I – Activity

1. Draw a simple family tree showing at least three generations of your family.
2. Make a list of five responsibilities that family members share at home.
3. Identify three communities to which you belong and write one common feature of each.
4. Make a poster on “Cooperation Makes a Community Strong”.
5. Prepare a short report on how people in your locality manage a shared resource such as water, roads, parks or waste.

Answer Key – MCQs

Question	Answer
1	b) Family
2	b) Nuclear family
3	c) Dharma
4	a) Sevā
5	b) Ahimsa
6	b) Values, traditions and responsibilities
7	b) Water
8	a) Bhil community
9	b) Collective action and service
10	c) Madhya Pradesh
11	b) Halma
12	a) Residents' Welfare Association
13	b) Depending on one another
14	d) All of these
15	a) Chennai floods of 2015