NCERT Solution For Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 Secularism

Secularism is a fundamental principle of modern democracy and has been at the forefront of political discourse for many years. In this article, we’ve written the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 on Secularism. The NCERT textbook is widely used in schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and is an essential resource for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, PSC, and others.

Our team at PSB (Political Science Blog) has put in significant effort to provide comprehensive and accurate solutions to the questions present in the NCERT textbook. With our solutions, you will have a better understanding of the concept of secularism and its implications for society and politics.

What you will learn:

In this article, you will find answers to questions from the NCERT textbook and other competitive exams that will help you in your exams.

With our NCERT Solution for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 Secularism, you will have a thorough understanding of the subject and be better prepared for your exams.

NCERT Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7 Textbook Solved Exercise

Question 1.
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 ensrure entry of Dalits in temples.

Answer:

Secularism is the principle of separation of religion and state affairs, where the state is neutral and impartial towards all religions.

• (a) Absence of domination of one religious group by another is compatible with the idea of secularism as it aligns with the principle of impartiality and equality.
• (b) Recognition of a state religion is incompatible with the idea of secularism as it goes against the principle of neutrality and impartiality towards all religions.
• (c) Equal state support to all religions is compatible with the idea of secularism as it aligns with the principle of impartiality and equality.
• (d) Mandatory prayers in schools is incompatible with the idea of secularism as it goes against the principle of separation of religion and state affairs.
• (e) Allowing separate educational institutions for any minority community is compatible with the idea of secularism as it promotes diversity and equality, as long as the state does not promote or endorse any particular religion.
• (f) Appointment of temple management bodies by the government is incompatible with the idea of secularism as it goes against the principle of separation of religion and state affairs.
• (g) Intervention of state to ensure entry of Dalits in temples is compatible with the idea of secularism as it promotes equality and non-discrimination, as long as it is done in a neutral and impartial manner and does not promote any particular religion.

Question 2.
Some of the key characteristics of western and Indian model of secularism have got mixed up Separate them and make a new table.

Answer:

Question 3.
What do you understand by secularism? Can it be equated with religious tolerance?

Answer:

Defining Secularism –

Secularism is a political and social principle that seeks to separate religious institutions and practices from the affairs of the state. It holds that the state and religion should be separate, and the state should be neutral with regards to religion, treating all citizens equally regardless of their religious beliefs.

Can ‘Secularism’ be equated with religious tolerance?

Religious tolerance is the respect for and acceptance of the differing religious beliefs and practices of others. While secularism and religious tolerance can overlap, they are not the same thing. Religious tolerance refers to an individual’s or society’s attitudes towards people of different religions, while secularism is more concerned with the relationship between the state and religion. Nevertheless, secularism can promote religious tolerance by creating a society in which individuals are free to practice their own religion without interference from the state or other religious groups.

Question 4.
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.

Answer:

(a) Secularism does not allow us to have a religious identity.

• Opposed: Secularism, in general, is understood as the separation of religion and state, where individuals have the right to freely practice and express their religion or non-religious beliefs, as long as it doesn’t harm others. Hence, it does not prevent people from having a religious identity.
• Example: In India, citizens have the freedom to practice and express their religious beliefs, and this is protected by the Indian constitution. People can have a religious identity and participate in religious practices without interference from the state.

(b) Secularism is against inequality within a religious group or between different religious groups.

• Supported: Secularism is based on the principles of equality and non-discrimination, and it aims to provide equal opportunities and treatment to all individuals, regardless of their religion or beliefs. Hence, it is against inequality within or between religious groups.
• Example: In India, the constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion and provides equal opportunities to all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.

(c) Secularism has a Western-Christian origin. It is not suitable for India.

• Opposed: While the idea of secularism has its roots in Western-Christian culture, it has been adopted and adapted in many different cultures and societies around the world, including India. The principles of secularism are universal and can be applied in any society, regardless of its cultural or religious background.
• Example: In India, the idea of secularism is enshrined in the constitution, which guarantees equality and non-discrimination to all citizens, regardless of their religion or beliefs. The Indian secularism has been shaped by the country’s diverse cultural and religious traditions, and it has been adapted to fit the specific needs and circumstances of the country.

Question 5.
Indian secularism focuses on more than the religion-state separation. Explain.

Answer:

• Indian secularism is not just about the separation of religion and state, but also about ensuring equality and respect for all religions and belief systems.
• It recognizes the diversity of religions and beliefs in India and seeks to protect the freedom of religion and belief for all individuals and communities.
• Indian secularism also aims to promote social harmony and prevent discrimination based on religion.
• In India, secularism is reflected in the country’s constitution, which guarantees equal rights and protections for all citizens, regardless of their religion or belief system.
• Indian secularism also entails the state being neutral in matters of religion and not showing preferential treatment to any one religion. This is reflected in the country’s policies and practices, such as the ban on religious discrimination in government and public institutions, and the provision of equal opportunities and protections for all religions.
• Indian secularism is also reflected in the country’s rich cultural and religious heritage, which includes diverse traditions and practices that have co-existed and flourished for centuries.

Question 6.
Explain the concept of principled distance.

Answer:

• Principled distance refers to the idea that the state should maintain an impartial and neutral stance with respect to religious beliefs, practices and organizations.
• In this concept, the state is expected to be impartial in matters of religion, and not to actively promote or support any particular religion or religious practices.
• This stance of the state is based on the principles of secularism, which advocates for the separation of religion and state.
• The idea behind principled distance is to ensure that the state remains neutral in religious matters and does not become involved in promoting or suppressing any particular religion.
• By maintaining a principled distance, the state can help to prevent religious conflict and promote religious freedom, by allowing individuals and religious communities to freely express and practice their beliefs without interference from the state.
• In the Indian context, the principle of secularism has been incorporated into the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and the separation of religion and state. This has been interpreted to mean that the state should maintain a principled distance from religious matters, and should not actively support or promote any particular religion.