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NCERT Solutions For Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 FAQs
What is secularism?
Secularism refers to the principle of separating religion from the affairs of the state. It ensures that the state does not favor any particular religion and allows individuals to practice their faith freely.
Why is secularism important in a democratic country?
Secularism is important in a democratic country because it guarantees religious freedom and prevents religious discrimination. It promotes social harmony by treating all religions equally under the law.
How does India practice secularism?
India practices secularism by maintaining a stance of equidistance from all religions. The Indian Constitution ensures religious freedom for all citizens and prohibits the state from interfering in religious matters.
What are the challenges to secularism in India?
Challenges to secularism in India include communal tensions, politicization of religion, and incidents of religious discrimination. These challenges highlight the ongoing need to uphold and strengthen secular principles.
Does secularism mean disrespecting religion?
No, secularism does not imply disrespecting religion. Instead, it promotes respect for all religions by ensuring they are treated equally and individuals can practice their beliefs without fear of persecution.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism
In this article we have provided NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 prepared by our experts to help students to prepare better for their examinations.
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 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:
Sikhism
: Sikhs worship in a Gurudwara, paying homage to Guru Nanak and using the Guru Granth Sahib as their sacred text.
Islam
: Muslims worship in a mosque and follow the teachings of the Quran.
Christianity
: Christians worship Jesus Christ in a church and consider the Holy Bible as their religious book.
Hinduism
: Hindus worship in a temple, offering prayers to the idols of various Gods and Goddesses.
This variety of religious practices demonstrates that people in India have the freedom to practice the religion of their choice and still live together in peace and harmony.
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
4. Look up the annual calendar of holidays of your school. How many of them pertain to different religions? What does this indicate?
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.
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