NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism
Ananya Gupta16 Jun, 2024
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NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 2: In Chapter 2, "Understanding Secularism," students learn about the importance of secularism in maintaining harmony and equality in a diverse country like India. The chapter explains how secularism ensures that the government treats all religions equally, without favoring any one religion.
This principle is important in a country with multiple religions, as it helps prevent religious conflicts and discrimination. The chapter also highlights the ways in which the Indian Constitution promotes secularism, such as by guaranteeing freedom of religion to all citizens and prohibiting discrimination on the basis of religion.NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 Overview
These notes are prepared by subject experts at Physics Wallah to help students understand Chapter 2, "Understanding Secularism." This chapter explains why secularism is important in India, a country with many different religions. It shows how the government treats all religions equally and does not favor any one religion. This helps prevent religious conflicts and ensures everyone is treated fairly. The chapter also discusses how the Indian Constitution supports secularism by guaranteeing freedom of religion and banning religious discrimination. These notes provide clear explanations and answers to questions, making it easier for students to learn about secularism and its role in creating a fair and just society.NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 PDF
These notes are prepared by subject experts at Physics Wallah to help students understand Chapter 2, "Understanding Secularism." These notes provide clear explanations and answers to questions, making it easier for students to learn about secularism and its role in creating a fair and just society. The PDF link is provided below for easy access to the solutions.NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 PDF
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism
The solutions provided below are prepared by subject experts at Physics Wallah to help students grasp Chapter 2, "Understanding Secularism." This chapter explains why secularism is crucial in India, a country with many different religions.Exercises
1. List the different types of religious practices that you find in your neighbourhood. This could be different forms of prayer, worship of different gods, sacred sites, different kinds of religious music and singing, etc. Does this indicate freedom of religious practice?
Answer: The different types of religious practices that we can see in our neighborhood are as follows:
2. Will the government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practise infanticide? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: Yes, the government can intervene if a religious group claims that their religion allows them to practice infanticide. The Indian Constitution clearly states that the government has the right to intervene if there is a threat to social harmony. Additionally, killing an infant is a crime under the law, and only the judiciary has the authority to impose the death penalty. No religion or individual has the right to commit such a crime. This ensures that the safety and rights of all citizens are protected, regardless of religious beliefs.
3. Complete the following table.
| Objective | Why is it important | Example of a violation of this objective |
| One religious community does not dominate another | ||
| The state does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals | ||
| That some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community |
Answer:
| Objective | Why is it important | Example of a violation of this objective |
|---|---|---|
| One religious community does not dominate another | It is important because the Constitution gives the right to religious freedom to all, and if it is not provided, there may be chances of riots and a disturbance of harmony in the country. | Stopping people of a particular religion from celebrating their festival |
| The state does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals | It is important that every individual in a country has the right to follow the religion of their choice. This is what makes the nation a secular country. | Forcing citizens to follow a specific religion |
| Some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community | Religion cannot be divided on the basis of wealth or creed. Hence, it is important that no member dominates other members from the same religion. Following their religion is the right of every individual. | Distinguishing between upper-class and lower-class within the same religion |
Answer: The annual calendar of our school includes holidays such as Eid for Muslims, Diwali for Hindus, Christmas for Christians, and Guru Nanak Jayanti for Sikhs. This demonstrates that India is a secular country where every individual has the right to religious freedom. These holidays are respected and observed to accommodate the diverse religious beliefs and practices of the country's citizens, fostering harmony and inclusivity. This practice upholds the principles of secularism, ensuring that no religion is favored over another and that everyone can celebrate their religious festivals freely and peacefully.
5. Find out some examples of different views within the same religion.
Answer: Here are some examples of different views within the same religion:
- Hinduism : Hindus worship different idols of Gods and Goddesses based on their regional and personal beliefs. For example, some may worship Lord Shiva, while others may worship Lord Vishnu or Goddess Durga.
- Islam : Muslims are divided into two main sects, Shia and Sunni. They differ primarily in their beliefs about the rightful successor of Prophet Muhammad and certain religious practices.
- Jainism : Followers of Lord Mahavir are called Jains. Jainism itself has several sects and sub-sects that interpret teachings and practices differently.
- Buddhism : Buddhist followers are divided into Mahayana and Hinayana (also known as Theravada). These divisions reflect differences in beliefs, practices, and interpretations of Buddhist teachings.
6. The Indian State both keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion. This idea can be quite confusing. Discuss this once again in class using examples from the chapter as well as those that you might have come up with.
Answer: The Indian State follows a dual approach towards religion: it maintains a distance from religious matters while also intervening in certain aspects. This approach is crucial to uphold secularism and ensure religious freedom for all citizens. However, there are concerns when individuals from a majority religious group gain state power. They may misuse their authority to discriminate against or persecute minorities, denying them the right to practice their religion freely.
For instance, within the Hindu community, practices like untouchability persist, affecting lower-caste individuals. If a person from an upper-caste Hindu majority assumes state power, they could potentially exacerbate these social inequalities. They might use their influence to oppress or marginalize lower-caste communities, perpetuating discrimination based on caste. This underscores the importance of a secular state that respects and protects the rights of all religious and social groups, ensuring that no community faces discrimination or injustice based on religious beliefs or social status.Chapter 2 – Understanding Secularism Summary
Chapter 2 of Class 8 Civics, "Understanding Secularism," focuses on the concept of secularism. It explains that secularism ensures every citizen's right to practice their religion freely, without interference from the state or dominant groups. The chapter emphasizes the importance of separating religion from state affairs to prevent misuse of power that could suppress religious freedoms. It also discusses why India is a secular country, where all religions are treated equally under the law, and the state does not impose any religion on its citizens. Overall, the chapter aims to clarify the concept of secularism and its significance in upholding religious freedom and fostering societal harmony.Benefits of NCERT Solutions For Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 2
- Clarity in Concepts : The solutions provide clear explanations of the concept of secularism, making it easier for students to grasp its meaning and significance.
- Comprehensive Coverage : They cover all topics and key points of Chapter 2, ensuring that students do not miss any important information.
- Exam Preparation : They help students prepare effectively for exams by providing answers to textbook questions and explaining concepts in a concise manner.
- Enhanced Understanding : By using these solutions, students gain a deeper understanding of why secularism is important in a diverse country like India, fostering tolerance and unity.
NCERT Solutions For Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 FAQs
What is secularism?
Why is secularism important in a democratic country?
How does India practice secularism?
What are the challenges to secularism in India?
Does secularism mean disrespecting religion?
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