NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political science (Political Theory) Chapter 8 Secularism

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 11th

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Book : Political Theory Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 8 Social Science Political Science

Class : 11th

Subject : Political science

Chapter : 8

Chapter Name : Secularism

Q1 Which of the following do you feel are compatible with the idea of secularism? Give reasons.

(a) Absence of domination of one religious group by another.
(b) Recognition of a state religion.
(c) Equal state support to all religions.
(d) Mandatory prayers in schools.
(e) Allowing separate educational institutions for any minority community.
(f) Appointment of temple management bodies by the government.
(g) Intervention of state to ensure entry of Dalits in temples.

a. Absence of domination of one religious group by another is compatible with the idea of
secularism as secularism opposes all forms of inter-religious domination.
b. Recognition of a state religion is not in compliance with secularism since secularism
opposes the idea of a state being associated with a religion (theocratic state).
c. Equal state support to all religions is compatible with secularism as the state is not being
biased and is showing equal interest in the preservation of all religions.
d. Mandatory prayers in schools is not compatible with secularism as secularism does not
support the worship of a particular god and people should not be forced to practice/ pray/
worship a particular religion.
e. Allowing separate educational institutions for any minority community is compatible with
secularism as it supports the preservation of all religions especially the minority religions
and secure their cultural identity.
f. Appointment of temple management bodies by the government is not compatible with
secularism since a secular state should not interfere with the affairs and functions of a
religious denomination.
g. Intervention of state to ensure entry of Dalits in temples is compatible with the idea of
secularism since it supports allowing religious reforms for the well being and
development of a down-trodden group so that they get social justice and are treated
without any discrimination.

Page : 127 , Block Name : Exercises

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Book : Political Theory Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 8 Social Science Political Science

Q2 Some of the key characteristics of western and Indian model of secularism have got mixed
up. Separate them and make a new table.

Western Secularism Indian Secularism

Strict non-interference of religion and state in State supported religious reforms allowed
each other’s affairs

Equality between different religious groups is Equality between different sects of a religion
a key concern is emphasised

Attention to minority rights Less attention to community based rights

Individual and his rights at the centre Rights of both individual and religious
community protected.

Western Secularism Indian Secularism

Strict non-interference of religion and state in State supported religious reforms allowed
each other’s affairs

Equality between different sects of a religion Equality between different religious groups is
is emphasised a key concern

Less attention to community based rights Attention to minority rights

Individual and his rights at the centre Rights of both individual and religious
community protected.

Page : 127 , Block Name : Exercises

Q3 What do you understand by secularism? Can it be equated with religious tolerance?

Answer. Secularism is an ideology that is based upon the principles of tolerance and plurality. It
is based upon the idea that one religion is not dominative in its basic character over another
even if it has the support of enormous social capital. Secularism aims towards the proper

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Book : Political Theory Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 8 Social Science Political Science

conservation and protection of minority religious rights. The basic idea of secularism is divided
into:
Positive and Negative Secularism, which is based upon the ideas of interference of the state
institutions within the domain of religion.

Page : 128 , Block Name : Exercises

Q4 Do you agree with the following statements? Give reasons for supporting or opposing any of
them.
(a) Secularism does not allow us to have a religious identity.
(b) Secularism is against inequality within a religious group or between different religious
groups.
(c) Secularism has a western-Christian origin. It is not suitable for India.

a. Secularism allows us to have a religious identity, it does not allow the state to mandate a
particular religion and aim all the decision towards them.
b. This statement is true as secularism supports equality between the religions and rejects
the idea of one religious hegemonization.
c. This statement is not valid as the idea of secularism is suitable in Indian context also
even if it has euro-centric inclinations because the constitution of India mandates it.

Page : 128 , Block Name : Exercises

Q5 Indian secularism focuses on more than the religion-state separation. Explain.

Answer. Indian secularism aims at the qualified interference of the state institutions within the
domain of religion. Indian secularism also demands the state autonomy in terms of conflictual
situations and conditions turning volatile. The issues of Babri Masjid, saw the state and judicial
interference to minimise the tensions on the communal lines while on the other hand, the state
uses religion as an instrument to gain more political support in elections.

Page : 128 , Block Name : Exercises

Q6 Explain the concept of principled distance?

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Book : Political Theory Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 8 Social Science Political Science

Answer. The concept of principled distance means that the institutions empowered by the state
machinery have to maintain the qualified distance from the religious avenues. It aims at the
establishment of such a society where the capitalisation of the religious beliefs could not be
done for the maximisation of political and electoral benefit.

Page : 128 , Block Name : Exercises

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