1. Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.
Women face discrimination in education, employment, wages, property rights, health, and political representation. They often have less access to education and jobs, earn lower wages, and suffer from social evils like dowry and domestic violence.
2. State different forms of communal politics with one example each.
- Everyday beliefs and prejudices: Stereotyping minorities (e.g., viewing Muslims as foreigners).
- Majoritarian dominance: Imposing majority religion on minorities (e.g., riots).
- Political mobilization: Leaders appealing for votes using religious symbols (e.g., election rallies).
- Communal violence: Conflicts between religious groups (e.g., Gujarat riots 2002).
3. State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.
Lower castes and Dalits face discrimination in jobs, education, access to resources, social status, and the prevalence of untouchability in some areas.
4. State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.
No single caste forms a majority in most constituencies, so candidates need wider support. Voters also consider candidates’ policies, development record, and party leadership.
5. What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?
Women’s representation is very low; less than 15% in Lok Sabha and even fewer in state assemblies.
6. Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.
No religion is given official status by the state. Every citizen can practice, profess, and propagate any religion.
7. When we speak of gender divisions, we usually refer to:
(b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women.
8. In India seats are reserved for women in:
(d) Panchayati Raj bodies.
9. Consider the following statements on the meaning of communal politics. Which are correct?
(c) A and C
A: One religion is superior.
C: Followers of a particular religion are one community.
10. Which among the following statements about India’s Constitution is wrong?
(b) Gives official status to one religion.
11. Social divisions based on _________ are peculiar to India.
Caste.
12. List I and List II matching:
- A person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men – B. Feminist
- A person who says that religion is the principal basis of community – A. Communalist
- A person who thinks that caste is the principal basis of community – D. Castiest
- A person who does not discriminate others on the basis of religious beliefs – C. Secularist
Correct Code: (b) B A D C