Secularism Short and Long Important Question Class 11 Political Science Chapter-8 Book-Political Theory

 

1. What is secularism?

Answer:

Secularism is a system in which the state remains separate from religion and adopts an equal attitude towards all religions. Its purpose is to protect any person or group from privilege or discrimination on the basis of their religion.

2. What is the main objective of secularism?

Answer:

• Equal treatment to all religions

• guarantee of religious freedom

• Separation between state and religion

• Preventing religious discrimination and domination

3. What problems can there be in society without secularism?

Answer:

• Religious discrimination and inequality

• Persecution of minorities

• Religious conflict and communal violence

• Mixing of politics and religion, leading to religious extremism

4. What are the two major models of secularism?

Answer:

1. European (Western) model – keeps religion and state completely separate.

2. Indian Model – Secularism allows the state to maintain an appropriate distance from religion and intervene in social reform.

5. What is the difference between Indian and Western secularism?

Answer:

6. What is the importance of secularism in India?

Answer:

• Maintaining unity despite religious diversity

• Ensuring equal rights to all citizens

• Protection of minorities and religious freedom

• Preventing communalism and religious extremism

7. What are the constitutional provisions related to secularism in India?

Answer:

1. Article 14 – Right to equality

2. Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of religion

3. Articles 25-28 – Right to freedom of religion

4. Article 30 – Right of minorities to establish their own educational institutions

5. Article 44 – Promoting Uniform Civil Code

8. What is meant by hegemonism within religion?

Answer:

Dominance within religion means when some classes or groups within a religion control and discriminate against others. Example:

1. Caste discrimination in Hinduism- Dalits were prevented from entering temples.

2. Gender discrimination in Islam – Women are deprived of religious leadership.

Only men are eligible for pastorate in Christianity.

9. What are the examples of religious discrimination and communal violence in India?

Answer:

1. 1984 - Anti-Sikh riots

2. 1992 - Babri Masjid demolition and subsequent violence

3. 2002 - Gujarat riots

4. Exodus of Kashmiri Pandits

10. What should be the characteristics of a secular state?

Answer:

• Equal treatment to all religions

• Separation of state and religion

• guarantee of religious freedom

• Protecting the rights of minorities

11. What criticisms are made against secularism?

Answer:

1. Accusation of being anti-religion – Some people consider it anti-religion, while it protects religious freedom.

2. Minority appeasement – ​​It is alleged that governments favour minorities in the name of secularism.

3. Western concept – Some people consider it a foreign ideology to India, although it has existed in India historically.

4. Vote bank politics – Some political parties use secularism for vote bank politics.

12. What steps can be taken to strengthen secularism?

Answer:

• Promoting religious tolerance.

• Conducting education and awareness programmes.

• Enforcing strict laws to prevent communal violence.

• Banning the use of religion in politics.

13. What are the characteristics of the European secularism model?

Answer:

• Complete separation of state and religion.

• There is no government aid to religious institutions.

• Religion is considered a private matter.

• Public policy is not made based on religious arguments.

14. What is the form of secularism in the Indian Constitution?

Answer:

The Indian Constitution adopts a positive secularism, in which the state not only maintains distance from religion but also encourages religious freedom and social reform.

15. What is the relationship between secularism and democracy?

Answer:

• Secularism is the cornerstone of democracy as it provides equal rights to all citizens.

• Everyone without religious discrimination has the right to vote and participate in government.

• In democracy religion is considered a personal matter and the state acts impartially.

16. Will Indian secularism continue in the future?

Answer:

Indian secularism is evolving over time, and its success will depend on –

• How little is religion used in politics?

• To what extent is communal violence controlled?

• Whether secularism is kept separate from vote bank politics or not.