All the Prime Ministers of India with Information

All the Prime Ministers of India with

 Information  

The Prime Ministers of India with some basic information about them:

1.        Jawaharlal Nehru (1947-1964): Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India. He was a leading figure in the Indian independence movement and played a key role in drafting the Indian constitution. He was a staunch advocate of secularism and democracy.

2.        Gulzarilal Nanda (1964; interim): Nanda served as the interim Prime Minister of India twice, in 1964 and 1966. He was a member of the Indian National Congress and played a key role in India's development in the early years of its independence.

3.        Lal Bahadur Shastri (1964-1966): Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India. He is best known for his leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, which resulted in a stalemate and a peace agreement. He also introduced many agricultural reforms in India.

4.        Indira Gandhi (1966-1977 and 1980-1984): Gandhi was the first woman to serve as the Prime Minister of India. She was a member of the Indian National Congress and implemented many policies aimed at improving the lives of the poor and marginalized. She was assassinated in 1984.

5.        Morarji Desai (1977-1979): Desai was the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India. He was a member of the Janata Party and introduced many economic reforms during his tenure.

6.        Charan Singh (1979-1980): Singh served as the Prime Minister of India for a brief period of time. He was a member of the Janata Party.

7.        Rajiv Gandhi (1984-1989): Gandhi was the son of Indira Gandhi and served as the Prime Minister of India after her assassination. He introduced many economic reforms and was known for his efforts to modernize India.

8.        V.P. Singh (1989-1990): Singh was a member of the Janata Dal party and served as the Prime Minister of India for a brief period of time. He introduced many reforms aimed at improving the lives of the poor and marginalized.

 9.       Chandra Shekhar (1990-1991): Shekhar was a member of the Samajwadi Janata Party and served as the Prime Minister of India for a brief period of time.

10.      P.V. Narasimha Rao (1991-1996): Rao was a member of the Indian National Congress and introduced many economic reforms during his tenure. He is credited with ushering in a new era of economic liberalization in India.

11.      Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1996; 1998-2004): Vajpayee was a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and served as the Prime Minister of India three times. He was known for his efforts to improve India's infrastructure and for his foreign policy initiatives.

12.      H.D. Deve Gowda (1996-1997): Gowda was a member of the Janata Dal party and served as the Prime Minister of India for a brief period of time.

13.      I.K. Gujral (1997-1998): Gujral was a member of the Janata Dal party and served as the Prime Minister of India for a brief period of time.

14.      Manmohan Singh (2004-2014): Singh was a member of the Indian National Congress and served as the Prime Minister of India for two terms. He is credited with steering India through a period of economic growth and development.

15.      Narendra Modi is an Indian politician who is currently serving as the 14th Prime Minister of India. He was first elected as the Prime Minister in 2014 and was re-elected for a second term in 2019. Before becoming the Prime Minister, he served as the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. Modi is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is known for his pro-business and pro-development policies. He has launched several initiatives, including the "Make in India" campaign, to boost manufacturing and investment in the country. He is also known for his focus on digital technology and has launched initiatives like Digital India and e-governance to make government services more accessible to citizens. Modi's tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by several controversial policies, including demonetization, the Citizenship Amendment Act, and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. His government has also faced criticism for its handling of issues like the economy, religious intolerance, and freedom of speech.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER OF Chapter 1 - Political Theory: An Introduction Prepared by Suman Kumar Jha

 Chapter 1 - Political Theory: An Introduction

Question 1:

Which of the following statements are true/false about Political theory?

(a) It discusses ideas that form the basis of political institutions.

(b) It explains the relationship between different religions.

(c) It explains the meanings of concepts like equality and freedom.

(d) It predicts the performance of political parties.

Answer:

(a) True

(b) False

(c) True

(d) False

Question 2:

Politics is more than what politicians do. Do you agree with this statement? Give examples.

Answer:

It is correct that politics is more than what politicians do. Politicians as a part of government are involved in politics but politics is not limited to their activities. Politics involves number of various negotiations that go on in society through which collective decisions are made.

Politics involves the actions of government and its relation to the aspirations of the people.

Politics involves the struggle of people and its influence on decision making.

People are engaged in political activity whenever they negotiate with each other and participate in collective activities that are designed to promote social development and resolve common problems.

  For example, residents of localities form associations to solve their common problems and raise these issues at higher level.

  Students form unions in colleges and universities to debate and resolve issues that affect the majority of them.

  Thus, politics is involved in the sphere of life that is related to power, collective decision-making and solving common problems.

Question 3:

Vigilant citizens are a must for the successful working of a democracy. Comment.

Answer:

  Vigilant people are a must for the successful working of a democracy as vigilance creates awareness about the rights of citizens and government policies that affect daily life.

  Awareness leads to discussion and debate on the issues that arise out of the implementation of policies.

  Citizens can, thus, force the government to implement new policies or modify the existing policies and programmes of the country by building up and mobilising their opinion.

  As democracy is about government of the citizens, by the citizens and for the citizens, vigilance of the citizens accelerates the successful working of a democracy.

Question 4:

In what ways is the study of political theory useful for us? Identify four ways in which the political theory can be useful to us.

Answer:

Political theory is useful for us as it helps in understanding the meaning of political concepts by looking at the way they are understood and used in ordinary language.

Political theories debate and examine the various meanings and opinions from different contexts in a systematic manner.

The four ways in which the political theory can be useful to us, are:

  It helps in understanding how constitutions are shaped in a certain manner, how governments and social lives are arranged in a certain systematic manner by studying and understanding the ideas and principles that are at their base.

  It shows the significance of various principles such as rule of law, separation of power, judicial review etc.

  Political theory helps bureaucrats, politicians, government officers and advocates to interpret the laws and constitution. It also helps in understanding the problems of society and explore the ways to solve them.

  Political theory encourages individuals to examine their ideas and feelings about political things so that they can become moderate in their ideas and feelings.

Question 5:

Do you think that a good/ convincing argument can compel others to listen to you?

Answer:

Yes, a good/ convincing argument can compel others to listen to one. Arguments prove the degree of reason of a proposition and the need to defend it. A good defence is a compelling factor in the audience listening to the speaker. The knowledge of political theory enables the individual to think systematically on issues like justice and freedom and polish his/her opinion. This helps the presentation of argument in an informed manner. A wise opinion is convincing and is for the sake of common interests. Therefore, it makes others listen to and agree with the individual who argues in a convincing manner.

Question 6:

Do you think studying political theory is like studying mathematics? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer:

Studying political theory is not like studying mathematics as mathematics deals with precise concepts and patterns while political theory studies human beings and their ideas in the context of power and decision-making. In mathematics, there are single definitions of terms. In political theory, on the other hand, the definitions of terms vary according to the context. This is because the opinion of people changes unlike objects and carries different meanings of a single term in different contexts. The concepts that are dealt by mathematics are constant and derived through formulae whereas the concepts of political theory are at variance and open to interpretation.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER OF Chapter 2 - Freedom Prepared by Suman Kumar Jha

 Chapter 2 - Freedom

Question 1:

What is meant by freedom? Is there a relationship between freedom for the individual and freedom for

the nation?

Answer:

Freedom is a situation that limits the constraints on individuals and allows them to expand their

ability and reach their potential.

Freedom allows the full development of an individual’s creativity, sensibility, capabilities and the

autonomy to make choices.

It permits the individuals to exercise their power of reason and judgement.

Yes, there is a relationship between freedom for the individual and freedom for the nation.

A free nation allows the full development of individual’s talent and ability by making fewer

constraints on individuals.

An individual is said to be free only if s/he resides in a free nation.

A nation is said to be free if it has freedom as one of its principles and only if it has provided this to

its people. In this way, individual freedom and national freedom are closely linked together.

Question 2:

What is the difference between the negative and positive conception of liberty?

Answer:

Negative liberty Positive liberty

1. It defines and defends the area of

an individual’s life where no

external authority can interfere.

i. It defines the area of society where an

individual can be free with some constraints

made by the society and the government.

2. It is not concerned with the

conditions of the society.

ii. It is concerned with the enabling conditions

of the society.

3. It is concerned with explaining the

idea of ‘freedom from’.

iii. It is concerned with explaining the idea of

‘freedom to’.

4. This area comes into personal

domain of the individual.

iv. This area comes into social domain of the

individual.

5. More negative liberty leads to more

freedom.

v. More positive liberty checks excess of

freedom to an individual, which could be an obstruction for social stability.

Question 3:

What is meant by social constraints? Are constraints of any kind necessary for enjoying freedom?

Answer:

Social constraints are the external controls on individual freedom maintained by the society.

The government, as a part of the society, controls individual freedom through laws that embodies

the power of the government and are legitimatised.

Constraints on freedom are also a result of social inequality.

Yes, constraints are essential to enjoy freedom.

Constraints are necessary to develop respect for views and beliefs of others.

It is necessary for the creation of a society.

Absence of constraint would lead to imposition of beliefs and ideas of stronger groups eventually

leading to conflict.

Constraints are required to control violence and settle disputes.

Question 4:

What is the role of the state in upholding freedom of its citizens?

Answer:

The state upholds the freedom of its citizens by providing certain rights to them.

The state maintains ‘justifiable constraints’ or reasonable restrictions on people so that they cannot

harm others and their freedom.

It provides positive liberty to its citizens to enable them to expand their ability and talent.

It defines and checks ‘other regarding’ actions of its people in order to maintain social stability.

Question 5:

What is meant by freedom of expression? What in your view would be a reasonable restriction on this

freedom? Give examples.

Answer:

Freedom of expression means the freedom to express one’s views through speech, writing etc. 

It is considered to belong to the minimum area of ‘non-interference’, that is, negative liberty.

According to the provisions of the Indian Constitution, this is a fundamental right.

Society bears some inconvenience caused by freedom of speech to protect it from people who

want to restrict it.

Society cannot restrict people from expressing themselves freely whether it agrees with their views

or not.

A reasonable restriction of freedom of expression is one that allows society to function smoothly

and curbs interference in privacy.

These restrictions are reasonable as they are necessary to run the society smoothly.

Following are some reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech.

Freedom of speech cannot interfere in someone’s privacy. Employees of Royal household of

England are constrained by contract from disclosing any inner affairs of the royal household.

Another example of putting restriction on freedom of speech is of film censor board. Censor board

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER OF Chapter 3 - Equality Prepared by Suman Kumar Jha

Chapter 3 - Equality

Question 1:

Some people argue that inequality is natural while others maintain that it is equality which is natural and the inequalities which we notice around us are created by society. Which view do you support?

Give reasons.

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference:

Equality is natural and the inequalities which we notice around us are created by society.

People are naturally equal because of the common humanity.

Inequality exists because of unequal opportunities and exploitation of one group from other groups in the society.

  Natural inequalities are those that emerge between people as a result of their different capabilities and talents.

  Social circumstances, situations and conditions help the individual to grow and develop her/his talents and capabilities.

  Different status and roles are essential for smooth running of the society but these status and roles are decided by the society that shows inequality.

Society categorises the people on the basis of race, gender, caste, class etc that create inequality.

Thus, society labels certain race, gender, caste, class to be treated inferior or superior by creating stereotypes.

Question 2:

There is a view that absolute economic equality is neither possible nor desirable. It is argued that the most a society can do is to try and reduce the gaps between the richest and poorest members of society. Do you agree?

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference:

  It is correct that absolute economic equality is not possible even though it is desirable. The most a society can do is to try and reduce the gaps between the richest and poorest members of society to bring economic equality.

  Society has different status, roles and ranks for its members so that it can function smoothly.

  People achieve different ranks according to their capabilities and the rewards are equivalent to the work and responsibilities that are attached to their rank.

  Therefore, absolute economic equality cannot be possible as inequality in income will remain in the society.

  The gap between the richest and poorest members of the society can be reduced by providing equality in opportunity to everyone, regardless of their background.

Question 3:

Match the following concepts with appropriate instances:

(a) Affirmative action (i) Every adult citizen has a right to vote

(b) Equality of opportunity (ii) Banks offer higher rate of interest to senior citizen (c) Equal Rights (iii) Every child should get free education

Answer:

(a) Affirmative action (ii) Banks offer higher rate of interest to senior citizen

(b) Equality of opportunity (iii) Every child should get free education(c) Equal Rights. (i) Every adult citizen has a right to vote

Question 4:

A government report on farmers’ problems says that small and marginal farmers cannot get good prices from the market. It recommends that the government should intervene to ensure a better price but only for small and marginal farmers. Is this recommendation consistent with the principle of equality?

Answer:

The recommendation of the government is consistent with the principle of equality as the intervention is necessary to secure the interests of small and marginal farmers.

Small and marginal farmers do not have access to adequate resources to sustain themselves during the off-season. Therefore, they need better compensation for their produce.

Question 5:

Which of the following violate the principles of equality and why?

(a) Every child in class will read the text of the play by turn.

(b) The Government of Canada encouraged white Europeans to migrate to Canada from the end ofthe Second World War till 1960.

(c) There is a separate railway reservation counter for the senior citizens.

(d) Access to some forest areas is reserved for certain tribal communities.

Answer:

(a) It is not a violation of principles of equality as reading by turn is necessary to maintain disciplineand coherence in class.

(b) It is a violation of principles of equality as white Europeans were given preference and privilegeover coloured people on the basis of their colour differences.

(c) It is not a violation of principles of equality because this right is given to the senior citizens on thebasis of their special needs and requirements.

(d) It is not a violation of principles of equality because it protects the livelihood rights and culture ofthe tribal people.

Question 6:

Here are some arguments in favour of the right to vote for women.

Which of these are consistent with the idea of equality? Give reasons.

(a) Women are our mothers. We shall not disrespect our mothers by denying them the right to vote.

(b) Decisions of the government affect women as well as men, therefore they also should have a sayin choosing the rulers.

(c) Not granting women the right to vote will cause disharmony in the family.

(d) Women constitute half of humanity. You cannot subjugate them for long by denying them the rightto vote.

Answer:

(a) It is not consistent with the idea of equality as this is not based on the principles of equality but thisargument emanates from our emotions.

(b) It is consistent with the idea of equality as this argument is based on the impact of decision makingprocess on women and hence, their right to choose the decision makers.

(c) It is not consistent with the idea of equality as it is concerned more with the disintegration of familyrather than giving women equal opportunity to choose their representatives.

(d) It is consistent with the idea of equality as this argument is based on rational thinking. Women areconsidered as equal to men in the composition of society and are therefore given equal importance and opportunity to cast their vote.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER OF Chapter 4 - Social Justice PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Chapter 4 - Social Justice

Question 1:

What does it mean to give each person his/her due? How has the meaning of “giving each his due” changed over time?

Answer:

Giving each person his/her due means providing justice by ensuring the well-being of all the people.

In contemporary time, the concept of “giving each his due” has changed to the understanding of what is due to each person as a human being.

The German philosopher Immanuel Kant argued that if all persons are granted dignity then what is due to each of them is the opportunity to develop their talents and pursue their chosen goals.

Question 2:

Briefly discuss the three principles of justice outlined in the chapter. Explain each with examples.

Answer:

Equal Treatment of Equals:

This indicates the principle of treating people equally.

All individuals share certain characteristics as human beings. Therefore, they deserve to be treated equally and provided with equal rights.

  It includes civil rights like right to life, liberty and property, political rights like right to vote and social rights related to equal social opportunities.

It also prohibits discrimination on the grounds of class, caste, gender and race.

For example, two individuals from different backgrounds should be paid same reward for the same kind of job.

Proportionate justice:

This principle indicates rewarding people in proportion to the scale and quality of their effort.

It is just to reward different jobs differently on the basis of efforts and skills required and the danger involved.

Thus, proportionality provides balance to the principle of equal treatment.

The reward and compensation for a surgeon and an architect varies according to the skill that is required in their job.

Recognition of Special Needs:

  This principle is based on distributing rewards and duties on the basis of special needs of people.

  On the basis of factors such as age, physical disabilities and lack of access to good education or health care, special treatment is given in many countries.

  People with special needs or disabilities are treated unequal in some particular respect and therefore are provided with some deserving and special help.

  A physically challenged person getting a reserved seat in bus is an example of principle of recognition of special needs.

Question 3:

Does the principle of considering the special needs of people conflict with the principle of equal treatment for all?

Answer:

  The principle of considering the special needs of people does not raise a conflict with the principle of equal treatment for all.

  People with special needs are given special treatment to facilitate their participation in the running of the society.

  People with special needs also require special treatment for integration with society and for securing opportunities and basic needs that would be otherwise denied to them.

  The senior citizens, women and socially backward people are given special treatment due to their special needs.

Question 4:

How does Rawls use the idea of a veil of ignorance to argue that fair and just distribution can be defended on rational grounds?

Answer:

  Rawls uses the idea of a veil of ignorance to argue that fair and just distribution can be defended on rational grounds.

  He says that if a person keeps herself/himself under the ‘veil of ignorance’ then s/he would come up with the just distribution, fair laws and policies that would affect the whole society.

  A person under the ‘veil of ignorance’ is unaware of her/his possible position and status in the society therefore s/he would rationally decide from the point of view of the worst-off.

  It would be sensible in this situation for everyone to ensure that all resources are available equally to all persons.

  In this way Rawls, with his idea of ‘veil of ignorance’, is able to prove that fair and just distribution can be defended on rational grounds with the help of this idea.

Question 5:

What are generally considered to be the basic minimum requirements of people for living a healthy and productive life? What is the responsibility of governments in trying to ensure this minimum to all?

Answer:

Housing, supply of clean water, basic amount of nourishment to remain healthy, education and minimum wage are the basic minimum requirements of people for living a healthy and productive life.

Government is responsible for providing these services to all sections of the society irrespective of their class, caste, race and gender at a cost they can afford.

  Supporters of free market ideology are in favour of providing goods and services by the private agencies and the state or government should only try to empower people to buy those goods and services. However, eventually, free market tends to work in the interest of the powerful section.

  Government checks the interference of private agencies in some sectors of the economy so that the goods and services in the free market do not become out of reach for the weaker sections.

Question 6:

Which of the following arguments could be used to justify state action to provide basic minimum conditions of life to all citizens?

(a) Providing free services to the poor and needy can be justified as an act of charity.

(b) Providing all citizens with a basic minimum standard of living is one way of ensuring equality ofopportunity.

(c) Some people are naturally lazy and we should be kind to them.

(d) Ensuring basic facilities and a minimum standard of living to all is a recognition of our sharedhumanity and a human right.

Answer:

(a) Providing free services to the poor and needy as an act of charity is unjustified basis of stateaction to provide basic minimum conditions of life to all citizens. Services to the poor and needy are their rights and the government should not give these to them as charity.

(b) Providing all citizens with a basic minimum standard of living to ensure equality of opportunity isjustified basis of state action to provide basic minimum conditions of life to all citizens. This is because it is the responsibility of the government to provide opportunities for citizens.

(c) Being kind to people who are lazy is not rational thinking as laziness is not a physical handicap.Therefore, it is an unjustified basis for state action to provide basic minimum conditions of life to all citizens.

(d) Ensuring basic facilities and a minimum standard of living to all as a recognition of our sharedhumanity and human rights is a justified basis of state action to provide basic minimum conditions of life to all citizens.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER OF Chapter 5 - Rights PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 - Rights

Question 1:

What are rights and why are they important? What are the bases on which claims to rights can be made?

Answer:

  Rights are primarily those state-recognised claims that every individual regards to be necessary for leading a life of respect and dignity. These are essentially a justified claim or an entitlement.

  Rights are important as they help individuals to develop their capacity to reason, develop their skills and enable them to make informed choices in life.

The bases on which claims to rights can be made are:

  The representation of conditions that individuals collectively see as a source of self-respect and dignity.

  The necessity for every individual’s well being.

Question 2:

On what grounds are some rights considered to be universal in nature? Identify three rights which you consider universal. Give reasons.

Answer:

The importance of certain rights for all human beings regardless of their place in society confers universality on these rights. The assumption behind human rights is the entitlement of human beings to certain rights that ensure self-respect and dignity by virtue of being born as humans. Thus, universal rights are those rights whose entitlement is non-negotiable.

The three universal rights are as follows:

  Right to education is considered to be universal in nature because this is must for an individual to develop his/her capacity to reason, skills and enables him/her to make informed choices in life. This helps the individual to make good use of other rights.

  Right to livelihood ensures self-respect and dignity of the individuals through economic independence.

  Freedom of expression is important for all human beings as it develops creativity and originality and allows for free expression of ideas and beliefs.

Question 3:

Discuss briefly some of the new rights claims which are being put forward in our country today—for example the rights of tribal people to protect their habitat and way of life, or the rights of children against bonded labour.

Answer:

  The claim of rights of tribal people to protect their habitat and way of life has emerged with the new conception of a secure and respectful life of individuals along with preserving their traditional way of life and access to resources.

  This is a result of change in society and its beliefs and providing special provisions or rights to people to protect indigenous culture.

Tribal people are given rights to own a part of land of the forest to which they belong.

They are given special facilities in education, job, medicine etc. so that they can compete with the rest of the society on equal terms.

  The rights of children against bonded labour are necessary to prevent their exploitation and ensure a safe childhood for them.

The right to education is a new right given in the Indian Constitution.

This right helps in preventing the violation of the basic right of children to education.

Right to information is a new right that helps the citizens to know the status or the procedure of the services that they are entitled to receive.

Question 4:

Differentiate between political, economic and cultural rights. Give examples of each kind of right.

Answer:

  Political rights are those rights that ensure equality before law and the right to participate in the political process. Right to contest election is a political right.

Economic rights are those rights that ensure the entitlement of basic needs of food, shelter etc.

Economic rights helps in fulfilling the political rights. Right to minimum wage is an economic right.

Cultural rights are given to citizens to preserve their culture, its essence and its dignity.

Political rights and economic rights help in ensuring cultural rights for citizens. Right to establish institutions to preserve one’s language is a cultural right.

Question 5:

Rights place some limits on the authority of the state. Explain with examples.

Answer:

  Rights place some limits on the authority of the state as they make the state responsible for its actions.

Rights place an obligation upon the state to act in a certain way.

For example, the state must ensure that its policies should provide basic needs to all its individuals.

Rights suggest what the state must refrain from doing.

The state cannot make laws that violate the fundamental rights of the citizens and go against the constitution.

  Freedom of expression is a basic right of individual therefore the state cannot stop anyone from expressing himself/herself.

  The state cannot arrest any individual unnecessarily as that would mean violating her/his right of liberty.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER Chapter 6 - Citizenship PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Class 11 Political Science 

Chapter 6 - Citizenship

Question 1:

Citizenship as full and equal membership of a political community involves both rights and obligations. Which rights could citizens expect to enjoy in most democratic state today? What kind of obligation will they have to their state and fellow citizens?

Answer:

The rights that citizens are expected to enjoy most in democratic state are right to equality, right to vote in political elections, freedom of expression, right to have basic facilities, right to security and equal treatment by laws.

There are legal and moral obligations on citizens to participate in and contribute to the shared life of the community as well as the state. Citizens are also expected to preserve the culture and natural resources of their country.

Question 2:

All citizens may be granted equal rights but all may not be able to equally exercise them. Explain.

Answer:

All citizens may be granted equal rights but all may not be able to equally exercise them due to following factors:

Socio-economic inequality that prevents equality of opportunity

Lack of accessibility to legal remedies

Lack of awareness of rights

Corruption in the government apparatus that prevents the delivery of services covered under these rights.

The consequences of these factors can be seen in the following examples:

  Every child has right to education but some children are not sent to school due to gender bias and poverty and therefore are engaged in child labour.

  Many women are not aware that physical and mental torture by their husband comes under domestic violence. Therefore, they are not able to seek legal remedies.

Question 3:

Write a short note on any two struggles for full enjoyment of citizen rights which have taken place in India in recent years. Which rights were being claimed in each case?

Answer:

The movement in India regarding the rights of lesbians and gays to express and lead a normal life demanded the decriminalisation of homosexuality by the state that was considered to be a crime. Delhi high court has decriminalised homosexuality but still the movement is on as it has not yet gained the legal approval.

Narmada Bachao Andolan is an environmental as well as human rights movement. The movement is against increasing the height of the dam. The increase in the height of the dam will flood the area and residents will get displaced. The movement is to force the government to decrease the height of the dam and pay proper compensation to the people and assure rehabilitation for them.

Both the above mentioned movements are still going on for the human rights of people. The first movement was for freedom of expression, right to security and normal life as Indian citizens. The second movement focused on the right to shelter, food, employment and security of the people as citizens of India.

Question 4:

What are some of the problems faced by refugees? In what ways could the concept of global citizenship benefit them?

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, some sample pointers have been provided for your reference:

The following are some of the problems faced by refugees:

Refugees are not treated well by the local residents of the place.

They are considered as a burden on the local economy.

The local residents feel that refugees are snatching their job opportunities in that area.

The refugees are held responsible for spreading diseases, crime and polluting the area as they mostly live in slums and tents.

They are constrained to do useful and necessary work but at low wages.

Refugees face the problem of shelter, food and lack of employment.

Refugees are exempted from the rights that are given by the state to its people like enjoying the right of minimum standard of living and security.

  Thus, they are often exploited by the police and other local residents on grounds of the rights that they lack as a member of that state.

Global citizenship would be beneficial to refugees as it will be easier to deal with problems that extend across national boundaries and require cooperation of other states.

It would also help refugees and stateless people by providing them basic rights and solutions to their problems so that they can lead a normal life.

Question 5:

Migration of people to different regions within the country is often resisted by the local inhabitants.

What are some of the contributions that the migrants could make to the local economy?

Answer:

Migrants contribute greatly towards the economy of the state where they are working.

They perform useful work at lower wages and make up a large proportion of the service sector.

The goods and services provided by them are counted in the GDP.

Migrants bring new skills and techniques that can be adapted to suit local conditions.

Migrant workers also pay taxes and thus contribute to economic growth of their host region.

Question 6:

“Democratic citizenship is a project rather than an accomplished fact even in countries like India which grant equal citizenship”. Discuss some of the issues regarding citizenship being raised in India today.

Answer:

“Democratic citizenship is a project rather than an accomplished fact even in countries like India” as in democratic countries people are still far behind in fully enjoying the rights associated with democratic citizenship.

In the context of India, equality of rights is ensured for all citizens by the Constitution, but does not always translate on the ground.

Socio-economic inequality is a major factor preventing the access of all citizens to basic rights.

Citizens have the right to move and work freely anywhere within the territory, they have the right to enjoy basic facilities that are needed to survive and lead a healthy life but migrants are exempted from these rights as Indian citizens at some places.

  Besides migrants other citizens are not able to enjoy the rights fully. Girl children are not able to enjoy the basic right of education. Many poor children are forcefully engaged in child labour though these children have got certain fundamental rights in democratic India but they are not able to enjoy it.

  The issue of dual citizenship for people who reside outside the country is also a matter of debate and shows the dynamic nature of the concept of citizenship.

Therefore, it can be said that democratic citizenship is a project that has still to meet its goal rather than having accomplished it.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER Chapter 7 - Nationalism PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Chapter 7 - Nationalism

Question 1:

How is a nation different from other forms of collective belonging?

Answer:

Nation is, to a great extent, an ‘imagined community’ held together by the collective beliefs, aspirations and imaginations of its members. It is based on certain assumptions like shared beliefs, common history, common territory, shared political ideals and common political identity that people construct about the collective whole with which they identify themselves. Unlike family its members are not linked with face-to-face relation. It is different from clans and other kinship groups as it is not based common descent. It is different from any lingual group as it is not based on a common language nor is it like a religious group as it does not share any common religion.

Question 2:

What do you understand by the right to national self-determination?

How has this idea resulted in both formation of and challenges to nation-states?

Answer:

Right to national self-determination means seeking the right by cultural groups to govern themselves and determine their future development as a nation.

The idea of national self-determination led to the formation of nation-state. As in case of Europe after First World-War, the countries were formed on the basis of culture they shared. It helped these groups to determine their future development path and to govern themselves.

This idea is also a challenge to the formation of nation-state as it is impossible to have one culture in a nation-state. It is impossible to ensure that each cultural group could achieve political independence and statehood. Examples for the same could be the mass migrations that took place after the reorganisation of state boundaries in Europe to maintain cultural homogeneity.

Question 3:

“We have seen that nationalism can unite people as well as divide them, liberate them as well generate bitterness and conflict”. Illustrate your answer with examples.

Neither descent, nor language, nor religion or ethnicity can claim to be a common factor in nationalisms all over the world. Comment.

Answer:

  Nationalism unites people into a bond on the basis of same territory, shared beliefs, common history, shared political ideals, common political identity and aspirations.

  The idea of nationalism can liberate people from the bond of various smaller groups to a wider and common group of nation where they share common interests and goals.

  It can also divide the people as every lingual or cultural group could demand for a separate nationstate.

  It can generate bitterness and conflict as demands for separate nation state by smaller groups often leads to conflict. Such situations are at the root of many ongoing conflicts in the world.

  Neither descent, nor language, nor religion or ethnicity can claim to be a common factor in nationalisms all over the world as there is no common set of characteristics that is present in every nation. It is very difficult for every lingual, religious and ethnic group to become politically and economically viable. This also leads to several problems for those groups that are in minority.

Therefore, no nation-state can stand only on the factor of religion or ethnicity.

Question 4:

Illustrate with suitable examples the factors that lead to the emergence of nationalist feelings.

Answer:

The factors that lead to the emergence of nationalist feelings are:

Shared beliefs − This refers to the collective identity and vision for the future of a group that aspires to have an independent political existence.

The citizens of a nation-state share common beliefs irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

For example, every citizen of India wants the national hockey team to become world champion.

Common history − The citizens of a nation-state share a common history.

It perceives them as stretching back into the past as well as reaching into the future.

For example, Indians share a common history of nationalist movement and have the same vision for their future.

Common territory − It shares a common land or territory on which the people have been living for a long period of time. Thus, territory is an important component of unity.

For example, Indians identify themselves with the distinctive geographical features of the Indian subcontinent.

Shared political ideals − Citizens of a nation-state share a vision of the kind of state they want to build.

  They share same political ideas, they share commitment to a set of political ideas and are bound by a set of obligations legitimatised by the law of the state.

  For example, the Constitution of India that is representative of the collective will of the people has adopted democracy and secularism, among other ideals, as its goals.

Common political identity − The citizens share a common political identity irrespective of their religious, linguistic groups.

For example, a Sikh from Punjab, a Muslim from Uttar Pradesh and a Hindu from Karnataka share a common political identity of being Indian irrespective of their different religious and linguistic groups.

Question 5:

How is a democracy more effective than authoritarian governments in dealing with conflicting nationalist aspirations?

Answer:

  A democratic government is more effective than an authoritarian government as it respects the opinion of people and provides opportunity and rights to every cultural group to flourish.

  All cultural groups including those in minorities have the opportunity to be represented at the highest levels of decision making in a democratic set up. Thus, it provides a structure for all groups to express their aspirations.

  An authoritarian government will create an oppressive and authoritative society in which minority groups cannot survive. The dominance of the majority gives rise to nationalist aspirations among other groups in such situations.

  A democratic government respects the rights and cultural identity of minorities and therefore can solve conflicting nationalist aspirations by taking decisions through consensus that benefit all groups which stay inside the democratic set up.

Question 6:

What do you think are the limitations of nationalism?

Answer:

The limitations of nationalism can be cited as:

  Most nationalist ideals are representative of the goals of a single cultural group. Thus, they fail to incorporate the broader vision of inclusiveness.

  Since it is not possible for every cultural group to create its own nation-state therefore every nationstate state has more than one cultural group.

  The different cultural groups often get involved in conflicts due to their separate nationalist aspirations and the principle of exclusivity based upon a desire for homogenous identity.

  The role of nationalism in a globalised world is yet to be completely evaluated as nationalist tendencies acquire a different meaning in an inter-connected world.

Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER Chapter 10 - Development PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Chapter 10 - Development

Question 1:

What do you understand by the term development? Would all sections of society benefit from such a definition of development?

Answer:

Development is a process that ensures good quality of life to all the people in terms of happiness, harmony and satisfaction of essential needs. It is related to improvement, progress and aspirations of people. This definition of development would benefit all the sections of society as it shows the basic need approach. It allows more people to make meaningful choices and the pre-condition for this is the fulfilment of basic needs like food, education, health and shelter.

The previous concepts of development that were based on only economic growth have notbeen beneficial for poor people and environment and have resulted in a wide gap between rich and poor and imbalanced ecology. Therefore, a definition that aims towards improving the quality of people’s life would justify the essence of development.

Question 2:

Discuss some of the social and ecological costs of the kind of development which has been pursued in most countries.

Answer:

Social costs of development

  A large number of people have been displaced from their homes and localities due to industrialisation.

  Displacement causes loss of livelihood and increased impoverishment along with destruction of local culture and community life.

  Displacement of rural agricultural communities has resulted in increased number of urban and rural poor and has brought them into the category of marginalised people.

  It is responsible for many struggles and social disorganisation.

Ecological costs of development

  The present model of development is dependent upon increasing use of energy and is a major cause for environmental degradation.

  Consumption of fossil fuels to meet energy requirements is also a major cause of pollution as well as depletion of natural resources.

Global warming has increased due to emission of pollutant gases from industries.

Icebergs of polar regions are melting due to global warming. This would cause flooding and submergence of low lying areas like Bangladesh and Maldives.

  Developmental projects have resulted in deforestation, which has created the problem of green house effect, scarcity of firewood, medicinal herbs and food, affecting poor people.

  Rivers and ponds are dry up and level of ground water has decreased.

Question 3:

What are some of the new claims for rights which the process of development has generated?

Answer:

The new claims for rights that have been generated by the process of development are as follows:

The protection of people affected by development from the state and the society as a whole.

The right of people to be consulted about decisions that affect their lives.

The right to livelihood of people when their regular livelihood activities are threatened by developmental activities.

Rights of communities, particularly tribal and aboriginal, to the use of natural resources.

Rights of future generations to the resources that are common to the entire humanity.

Question 4:

What would be the advantages of democracy over other forms of government for ensuring that decisions regarding development are made to promote the common good?

Answer:

The advantages of democracy over other forms of government for ensuring common good as the aims of development are as follows:

  A democratic government ensures that the decisions regarding development are taken while keeping the common interest of people in concern and respecting the rights of all.

  Conflicts over resources and different versions of the good life are resolved through debate in a democracy and these cannot be imposed from the higher authorities.

  The developmental priorities, strategies and way of implementations are decided by higher level of political leaders and bureaucrats.

  Democratic structure also makes it possible to include the views of common people in the strategy and priorities of development to prevent discrimination and adverse effects.

  Democracy allows every citizen to have a stake and participate in deciding their future and nation’s priorities.

  Other forms of governments like authoritarian, monarchical and dictatorship do not involve people in decision making process of development.

Question 5:

In your view how successful have popular struggles been in making the state responsive to the social and environmental costs of development? Discuss with examples.

Answer:

Popular struggles like the Narmada Bachao Andolan and the Chipko movement have played a major role in making the state responsive to the social and environmental costs of development.

The Narmada Bachao Aandolan has stopped the government for the time being from raising the height of Sardar Sarovar dam on River Narmada. This project was harmful for the environment and social life of the people. A large forest was submerged during the construction and many people were displaced. The activists have also been trying to persuade the government to offer more meaningful rehabilitation packages to the displaced people.

The Chipko Movement against deforestation was successful in Uttrakhand. The people hugged the trees and stopped the contractors from cutting them down. This was basically an environmental movement but the livelihood of the local people also depended on these forests. Thus, it created awareness all over the country about the actions of the government and forced the state to become more responsive.

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 9 - Peace NCERT Question Answer PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Chapter 9 - Peace

Question 1:

Do you think that a change towards a peaceful world, needs a change in the way people think? Can mind promote peace and is it enough to focus only on the human mind?

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference:

A change towards a peaceful world needs a change in the way people think for most conflicts arise in the minds of people. However, the mind by itself is insufficient to promote peace as the cause for violence also lies in the social structures. Thus, the creation of a peaceful society requires the elimination of structural violence.

Question 2:

A State must protect the lives and rights of its citizens. However, at times its own actions are a source of violence against some of its citizens. Comment with the help of some examples

Answer:

It is true that at times government’s own actions are a source of violence against some of its citizens.

  The Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 in Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura has been a source of violence against the citizens of these states.

  The Act has resulted in large-scale violation of the rights of citizens under Articles 14, 19, 21, 22, and 25 of the Constitution.

  The Act allows any officer of armed forces to arrest or shoot the person, use of force and to search any premise on the basis of suspicion.

The act also bestows legal immunity to the officials protecting them from prosecution.

Another example of state violence on civilians is related to land acquisition.

In the name of development, the state forcefully encroached upon the land of people in Nandigram and Singur in 2007.

  When the civilians protested they had to face brutalities of police.

Question 3:

Peace can be best realised when there is freedom, equality and justice. Do you agree?

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference:

  It is correct that peace can best be realised in the presence of freedom, equality and justice. Freedom in the society allows people to express themselves freely, while equality and justice help in removing the grounds for conflict.

Every person and group will be able to fulfil their basic needs in societies where equality prevails.

Justice ensures the prevention of oppression of individuals and groups based on class, gender, etc.

Thus, freedom for all, along with equality and justice addressing the aspirations of all individuals and groups help in removing insecurities that breed resentment among groups and cause conflicts.

Question 4:

Use of violence does not achieve just ends in the long run. What do you think about this statement?

Answer:

  Use of violence does not achieve just ends in the long run as violence tends to become out of control and causes a trail of death and destruction.

  Violence involved in forcefully removing oppressors, liberation struggle and self-defence is often justified.

  However, the removal of oppressors by the oppressed class through violent struggle leads to another cycle of violence fuelled by a feeling for revenge.

  According to Mahatma Gandhi when violence is done for good, the good is temporary and the evil it does is permanent as violence breeds hatred and resentment and divides people instead of uniting them.

Question 5:

Differentiate between the major approaches, discussed in the chapter, to the establishment of peace in the world.

Answer:

There are three major approaches for the establishment of peace in the world.

1. The first approach favours sovereignty and deals with fair competition between the states and the maintenance of a balance of power to contain conflict. This approach upholds the sovereignty of states as paramount and competition among them as a fact in order to promote peace.

2. The second approach deals with economic integration and interdependence that leads to political unification. Economic and social cooperation between states would lead to peace by promoting international understanding.

3. The third approach visualises the state as a transitory system and the emergence of a global community surpassing the state system to maintain world peace. The rise of people’s movements and multinational corporations is a step in this direction. The process of globalisation has contributed to this by reducing the influence of state and diluting the concept of sovereignty.

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 - Secularism NCERT Question Answer PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Chapter 8 - Secularism

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 ensure entry of Dalits in temples.

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference:

(a) Absence of domination of one religious group over another is compatible with the idea of secularism as it allows freedom to all religious groups.

(c) Equal state support to all religions is compatible with the idea of secularism as it provides a chance to every religion to preserve it’s traditions and flourish.

(e) Allowing separate educational institutions for any minority is compatible with the idea of secularism as this will provide right to the minority to maintain it’s cultural identity and a chance to develop.

(g) Intervention of state to ensure entry of Dalits in temples is compatible with the idea of secularism as it prevents discrimination and provides equal rights to every social group.

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.

Western Secularism Indian Secularism

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

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

Answer:

Western Secularism Indian Secularism

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

Less attention to community based rights Attention to minority rights

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

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

Question 3:

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

Answer:

  Secularism is a doctrine that opposes any form of religious and intra-religious domination. It does not oppose religion itself.

  Secularism cannot be equated with religious tolerance as tolerance may be compatible with religious domination by one group.

  However, religious tolerance is one of the components of secularism.

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:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference:

(a) Secularism allows us to have a religious identity. In India, a citizen can have a religious identity, sothat he/she can represent his/her religious institution whenever required in order to preserve and develop it.

(b) Secularism is against inequality both within a religious group and between different religiousgroups. The Indian government tries to maintain equality within religious groups to prevent discrimination and eradicate practices that are derogatory to human dignity.

(c) Secularism may have a western-Christian origin but it is suitable for India. This is due to the factthat India is a multi-cultural and religious society. Thus, it is necessary to ensure equal treatment to all groups both within and between different religions to maintain harmony and integrate the country.

Question 5:

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

Answer:

  Indian secularism does not focus on the religion-state separation alone; it is also concerned with maintaining harmony between different religions and reforming religious practices to protect the social and civil rights of its citizens.

Indian secularism allows every religion to flourish and develop.

The Indian state allows the promotion of all religions and treats each of them equally.

Therefore state does not interfere in religious matters but it checks the influence of religion in public life.

Question 6:

Explain the concept of principled distance.

Answer:

  According to the concept of principled distance, a secular state may keep a principled distance from religion to promote peace between communities and it may also intervene to protect the rights of specific communities.

  The state gives equal preference to every religion and respects them all equally.However, the state may interfere if religious groups try to exercise their power on the political and social life of the people.

This balanced distance of state from religious groups is called principled distance.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Politics in India Since Independence Chapter 1 Challenges of Nation Building PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Challenges of Nation Building

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

1. Which among the following statements

about the partition is incorrect?

(a) Partition of India was the outcome of the “two-nation theory”.

(b) Punjab and Bengal were the two provinces divided on the basis of religion.

(c) East Pakistan and West Pakistan were not contiguous.

(d) The scheme of Partition included a plan for transfer of population across the border.

Answer: (d) The scheme of partition included a plan for transfer of population across the border.

2. Match the principles with instances:

Answer: (a)-(ii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(i), (d)-(iii)

3. Take a current political map of India (showing outlines of states) and mark the location of the following Princely States,

(a) Junagadh (b) Manipur

(c) Mysore (d) Gwalior.

Answer: Please see the Map attached at the end of the chapter. The places are marked as 3(a), 3(b), 3(c) and 3(d).

4. Here are two opinions:

Bismay: “The merger with the Indian State was an extension of democracy to the people of the Princely States.” Inderpreet: “I am not so sure, there was force being used. Democracy comes by creating consensus. ”

What is your opinion in the light of accession of Princely States and the responses of the people in these parts?

Answer: Accession of Princely States and merger with Indian union was to expand democracy all over the country because princely states never enjoyed their political rights. Indian government central government used force to extend democracy to some extent as this was mandatory to have a uniform base in the country

5. Read the following very different statements made in August 1947: “Today you have worn on your heads a crown of thorns. The seat of power is a nasty thing. You have to remain ever wakeful on that seat… you have to he more humble and forbearing… now there will be no end to your being tested. ”

-M.K, Gandhi “India will awake to a life of freedom…. we step out from, the old to the new…. we end, today a period of ill fortune and India discovers herself again. The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity …”,

-Jawaharlal Nehru Spell out the agenda of nation building that flows from these two statements. Which one appeals more to you and why?

Answer: These two statements focus on the agenda of secularism, democracy, sovereignty and freedom. It focuses on the path which will lead to the real development and prosperity of our country. The first statement appeals to me more than the second one because it invokes the countrymen to remain awake, alert and conscious as it is not the end of our struggle. The time to build the nation initiates now.

6. What are the reasons being used by Nehru for keeping India secular? Do you think these reasons were only ethical and sentimental? Or were there some prudential reasons as well?

Answer: Reasons for keeping India secular:

1. All the Muslims did not leave India during participation, some muslims stayed in India as a minority and Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to deal with them in a very civilised and dignified manner.

2. He advocated security and democratic rights of Muslims as a citizen of India.

No, these reasons were not only ethical and sentimental, but there were some prudential reasons also as:

1. India’s secular nature cherished its long term goals and principles

like socialism, equality, liberty and fraternity.

2. Secularism stops any single faith to become superior and inferior to those who practicised another religion. Hence it considers all citizens equal irrespective of religious affiliation.

7. Bring out two major differences between the challenge of nation building for eastern and western regions of the country at the time of Independence.

Answer: The two major differences between eastern (Bengal) and Western (Punjab) regions can be summed up as follows:

1. These regions were the muslim majority provinces to be joined. Hence, it was decided that new country Pakistan will comprise two territories i.e. West and East Pakistan.

2. Secondly, there was a problem of minorities on both sides of border (East and West). Lakhs of Hindus and Sikhs in areas of Pakistan and Muslims on the Indian side of Punjab and Bengal found themselves trapped with no option except to leave their homes.

8. What was the task of the States Reorganisation Commission? What was its most salient recommendation?

Answer: The State Reorganisation Commission was set up in 1953 by central government to look into the matter of redrawing of boundaries of state:

1. The commission evolved that states’ boundaries should reflect the boundaries of different languages to accommodate linguistic diversity.

2. The State Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956 which resulted the creation of 14 states and 6 union territories.

3. Its most salient recommendation was the formation of linguistic states i.e. to reorganise states on the basis of accommodation of their languages to prepare a uniform base for the nation.

9. It is said that the nation is to large extent an “imagined community” held together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations and imaginations. Identify the features that make India a nation.

Answer: India proved herself through all stages of three challenges at the time of nation building like:

1. India is a secular country where people speak different languages and follow different cultures and religions to be recognised as a nation of unity in diversity with common faith and beliefs.

2. Political aspiration ensures demo¬cratic setup based on parliamentary form of government creating political competition in a democratic framework.

3. India’s imaginations established a welfare state on the principle of equality and special protection to socially disadvantaged groups and religions as well as cultural communities.

10. Read the following passage and answer the questions below:

“In the history of nation-building only the Soviet experiment bears comparison with the Indian. There too, a sense of unity had to be forged between many diverse ethnic groups, religious, linguistic communities and social classes. The scale-geographic as well as demographic was comparably massive. The raw material the state had to work with was equally unpropitious: a people divided by faith and driven by debt and disease.”

—Ramachandra Guha

(a) List the commonalities that the author mentions between India and Soviet Union and give one example for each of these from India.

(b) The author does not talk about dissimilarities between the two experiments. Can you mention two dissimilarities?

(c) In retrospect which of these two experiments worked better and why?

Answer: (a) Commonalities between India and Soviet Union:

(i) Both the nations shaped the nation on linguistic basis.

(ii) To promote welfare motives, the economic and technological developments took place in India also.

(iii) States were divided on the grounds of geographical boundary and strength of populations also in both the nations.

(b) Dissimilarities:

(i) Soviet Union was divided into 15 independent republics/countries to be disintegrated.

(ii) India maintained its unity and integrity even among diversified nature of states and peoples without any more division.

(c) The Indian experiment worked better to promote linguistic and cultural plurality without affecting unity and integrity of the nation though India adopted some diplomatic measures to make country united.

MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED

Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark]

1. Name the leader who played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of princely states to join the Indian Union.

Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

2. What is meant by Two Nation Theory?

Answer: Two Nation Theory was propounded by Muhammad Ali Jinnah to create separate state for Muslims.

3. Mention the main recommendation of the State Reorganisation Commission of 1953.

Answer: The main recommendation of the State Reorganisation Commission was to organise states on language basis and the boundaries of states could also reflect the linguistic aspects.

4. Which two languages were spoken in Bombay state before it was divided in 1960?

Answer: Gujarati and Marathi

5. Name any four princely states that resisted their merger with the Indian Union?

Answer: Junagadh, Hyderabad, Kashmir and Manipur.

6. How many princely states consisted at the time of independence of India?

Answer: 565 princely states.

7. What was meant by princely states?

Answer: Princely states were ruled by princes who employed some form of control over their internal affairs under the supremacy of the British.

8. What was the basis of the report of States Reorganisation Commission?

Answer: States Reorganisation Commission Report was based on the distribution of boundaries of states on language basis to reflect linguistic aspects.

9. Why were the states reorganised on linguistic basis in India in 1956?

Answer: States were reorganised on linguistic basis in India in 1956 to maintain unity and integrity of the nation to avoid violence and conflicts among the people.

10. Whose speech was known as ‘tryst with destiny’?

Answer. ‘Tryst with destiny’ speech was delivered by the first Prime Minister of independent India Pt. Jawahar Lai Nehru while addressing special session of constituent Assembly as the midnight of 14-15 August 1947.

11. Name the states which decided to remain independent in place of joining India.

Answer:  Travancore, Junagadh, Hyderabad and Bhopal decided to remain independent.

12. In which Congress Session proposal for linguistic principles of reorganisation was accepted?

Answer: Nagpur Congress Session of 1920.

13. Name the movement which demanded the separate province for Andhra region.

Answer: The Vishalandhra movement demanded that Telugu speaking areas should be separated from Madras Province of which they were a part and be made into a separate Andhra Province.

14. Why did Amritsar and Kolkata become communal zones?

Answer: Amritsar and Kolkata became communal zones because Muslims did not wish to move into area of Hindus and Sikhs majority and on the other hand Hindus and Sikhs also wanted to stay away from the areas of Muslim predominance.

15. Define Globalisation.

Answer: Globalisation refers to integration of an economy with the other country based on interdependence.

16. What is WSF?

Answer: WSF is the World Social Forum, a global platform to bring together a wide coalition of human rights activists, environmentalists and women activists.

Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]

1. Identify any two consequences of the partition of India in 1947.

Answer: 1. Communal Riots took place as the people of one community were killed and maimed by the people of other community in the name of religion.

2. People went through immense sufferings as they were forced to abandon their homes and to secure temporary shelter in the refugee camps. Thousands of women were abducted on both sides of border.

2. Mention any two challenges that India faced just after independence.

Answer: (i) Challenge to shape a nation

(ii) Challenges to establish democracy.

Or

(iii) Challenge to ensure the development and well being of the entire society.

3. Name the original states from which the following states were carved out.

(a) Meghalaya (b) Gujarat

Answer: (a) Assam (1972) (b) Bombay (1960)

4. Explain the role played by Sardar Patel in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union.

Answer. Sardar Patel negotiated with the rulers of princely states and diplomatically merged most of them into the Indian Union i.e. there were 26 small states in today’s Orissa and 14 big states and 119 small states in today’s Gujarat.

5. Which state got divided on bilingual basis?

Answer: Bombay got divided on bilingual basis consisting of Gujarat and Marathi speaking people. After popular agitation, the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat were created in 1960.

6. Name the leader who advocated separate state of Andhra Pradesh by observing fast unto death and participation in Salt Satyagraha.

Answer: The leader Potti Sriramulu of Madras resigned from government job to participate in Salt Satyagraha and advocated equality in the society and demanded entry of dalits in temples of Madras as well as observed fast unto death since 19 October 1952 to create separate state of Andhra Pradesh

7. What was government’s approach towards the integration of princely states was based on three considerations?

Answer: 1. Most of the princely states willingly wanted to join Indian Union.

2. The government wanted to accommo¬date plurality by adopting flexible approach in dealing with the demand of the region.

3. The central government was so much concerned towards integration and consolidation of territorial boundaries of Indian nation.

8. Which interests were hidden behind the conflicts between Hindus and Muslims at the time of independence?

Answer: Hindu and Muslim communities bear some political interests at the time of independence:

1. Muslim League demanded a separate nation for Muslims to protect the interests of Muslims only.

2. There were some Hindu organisations also which made efforts to look after the interests of Hindus only to make India a ‘Hindu Nation’.

9. “India got independence under very difficult circumstances rather than any other country”. Justify the statement.

Answer: India got independence in 1947 under very difficult circumstances:

1. Freedom came with the partition of the country.

2. The year 1947 became the year of unprecedented violence and trauma.

3. Still our leader faced all these challenges in an appreciable manner by accommodating regional diversities also.

Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]

1. How has the princely state of Manipur acceded to India?

Answer: Due to integration of princely states, Maharaja of Manipur Bodhachandra Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with the India Government on the assurance to be maintained the internal autonomy of Manipur:

1. The state became a constitutional Monarchy after it conducted elections in 1948 to become first state to hold elections based on ‘Universal Adult Franchise’.

2. But sharp differences arose in Legislative Assembly over the question of merger of Manipur with India while the state congress wanted the merger other political parties were opposed to this.

2. Describe briefly any four problems faced in the process of partition of India.

Answer: The process of partition had been started in 1940 when Muslim League Propounded Two Nation Theory. This process involved various problems:

1. Areas were supposed to be distributed on the basis of religions majority i.e. Muslim majority areas built Pakistani territory and rest stayed with India. It created communal riots in country.

2. No single belt of muslim majority was the part of British India. They were concentrated in East and West. Hence, it was decided that Pakistan will comprise two territories namely East and West Pakistan separated by long expansion of India territory.

3. All muslim majority areas did not want to be merged with Pakistan

i. e. it was opposed in NWFP. But ultimately NW.FP was made to merge with Pakistan.

4. Another problem belonged to minorities on both sides of border

i. e. Lakhs of Hindus and Muslims and Sikhs from both the sides were left with no option except to leave their homes.

3. Name the states divided on the basis of sub-regional culture.

Answer: In the late 20th century, some states sub-regions raised the voice for separate states accommodating their regional culture on the ground of complaints of regional imbalances. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttaranchal were created in 2000 on the basis of separate regional culture only.

4. Explain three challenges which independent India faced during the process of Nation Building.

Answer: India had to face many challenges immediately after she got independence, which can be summed up as follows:

1. Challenge to Shape a Nation: India was divided among various states at the time of independence. Hence a great challenge arose to unity and integrate country into one bond Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took upon himself to integrate these states either wilfully or diplomatically to be completed into different stages.

2. To Establish Democratic Setup: India constituted representative democracy based on parliamentary form of government and it was a great challenge to develop these democratic practices in the nation.

3. To Ensure Development and Well Being of the Society: Indian polity made herself to achieve welfare goods with the environment of effective economic policies and eradication of poverty and unemployment.

5. What problems were involved at the integration of princely states during nation building?

Answer: Integration of princely states possessed many difficulties in front of nation builders:

1. British announced to lapse of British

Paramountcy over princely states with the end of their rule over India.

2. British government took the view that all these states were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent wilfully. It became a hindrance for unity of nation.

3. Ruler of Travancore declared the states an independent one.

4. Nizam of Hyderabad and Bhopal also followed Travancore.

5. These responses created a possibility of division of country in place of unity and democracy.

6. Write a short note on the people’s movement of Hyderabad.

Answer: Hyderabad was the largest princely state of India under the rule of Nizam. One of the world’s richest person. Nizam wanted Hyderabad to be an independent state. But the people of Hyderabad were not happy with the rule of Nizam due to his non-democratic practices. Hence, various section of society agitated against him:

1. The peasants in Telangana region particularly rose voice against him.

2. Women also joined the movement in large number.

3. The communist and Hyderabad congress were in the forefront of movement.

4. Nizam responded by unbashing a Razakars paramilitary force on people.

5. Ultimately, the central government had to order the army to tackle and in 1948, Indian army moved in control the Nizam’s forces.

All the above mentioned situations led to an accession of Hyderabad.

7. What was the significance of linguistic reorganisation of Indian states to the nation building?

Answer: In the initial years it was felt that linguistic states may foster separatism and create pressures on newly founded nation. But India considered democracy and federalism by making a favour to linguistic states only:

1. Linguistic states enhanced democratic practices.

2. Linguistic states reduced separatist attitude by accepting the regional linguistic claims of all regions.

3. Linguistic reorganisation provided a uniform base to the nation and strengthened unity of nation.

4. Linguistic states promoted the principle of unity in diversity, a distinct feature of nation.

Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]

1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the following questions:

The interim government took a firm stance against the possible division of India into smaller principalities of different sizes. The Muslim League opposed the Indian National Congress and took the view that the States should be free to adopt any course they liked. Sardar Patel, India’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister during the crucial period, immediately after Independence, played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of Princely States in bringing most of them into the Indian Union.

Questions

1. Which government has been referred to as the interim government?

2. Why did the Muslim League oppose the Indian National Congress?

3. What makes the role of Sardar Patel a historic one? Explain.

Answer:

1. The Indian National Congress has been referred to as the interim government.

2. The Muslim League opposed the Indian National Congress because it was of the view that the states should be free to adopt any course they liked.

3. Sardar Patel was India’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister during the crucial period immediately following Independence. He negotiated with the rulers of princely states firmly but diplomatically and brought most of them into the Indian Union.

2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:

We should begin to work in that spirit and in course of time all these angularities of the majority and minority communities, the Hindu community and the Muslim community-because even as regards Muslims you have Pathans, Punjabis, Shias, Sunnis and so on and among the Hindus you have Brahmins, Vaishnavas, Khatris, also Bengalees, Madrasis, and so on-will vanish. … You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed-that has nothing to do with the business of the State.

—Mohammad Ali Jinnah

Questions

1. Do you think that Jinnah’s statement contradicts the theory which was the basis of creation of Pakistan? Justify your answer.

2. What is the essence of Jinnah’s statement in this passage?

3. To what extent did Pakistan live up to Jinnah’s expectations in this passage?

Answer:

1. Jinnah’s statement does not con-tradict the ‘Two Nations’ Theory’ as he aimed at the creation of separate state for Muslims without any interference in other communities like Pathans, Punjabis, Shias and Sunnis.

2. The essence of Jinnah’s statement in this passage is his secular outlook regarding the protection and promotion of every community by giving freedom to practices one’s own beliefs (religiously).

3. Pakistan did not live up to Jinnah’s expectations because Pakistan became an orthodox Muslim country that did not respect interests of another communities after indepen-dence.

3. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:

We have a Muslim minority who are so large in numbers that they cannot, even if they want, go anywhere else. That is a basic fact about which there can be no argument.. Whatever the provocation from Pakistan and whatever the indignities and horrors inflicted on non-Muslims there, we have got to deal with this minority in a civilised manner. We must give them security and the rights of citizens in a democratic state. If we fail to do so, we shall have a festering sore which will eventually poison the whole body politic and probably destroy it.

—Jawaharlal Nehru

Questions

1. Why did Jawaharlal Nehru want to deal with the muslim minority in a civilised way?

2. Why this minority should be given the security and rights-on the same footing as 20 all others in a democratic system?

3. If this minority was not provided security and rights w’hat kind of scenario is envisaged?

Answer:

1. Because India adopted democracy which commit equal rights and opportunities to each and every human being in place of dividing them.

2. It was argued by Jawaharlal Nehru not only for ethical and sentimental reasons but prudential reasons also to realise long cherished goals and principles as socialism, equality, and fraternity.

3. If this minority was not provided security and rights it may effect:

1. Basic nature of democratic system.

2. It is against secular nature of India.

3. It may effect India’s foreign policy also.

4. It may threat to other minorities also.

5. Most important it may lead to disintegration of the nation.

Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]

1. What forced the Union Government of India to appoint the State Reorganisation Commission in 1953? Mention its two main recommendations. Name any four new states formed after 1956.

Answer: 1. State Reorganisation Commission was appointed in 1953 by central Government to rearrange the boundaries of states.

2. Its main recommendations were to organise states on language basis as well as the boundaries of state could reflect the linguistic aspects also.

3. The Madras province under British India created following linguistic states:

(a) Andhra Pradesh (Telugu)

(b) Tamilnadu (Tamil)

(c) Kerala (Malayalam)

(cl) Karnataka (Kannad)

4. The state Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956 which created 14 states and 6 Union territories.

2. Explain any three challenges faced by India at the time of its independence.

Answer: India had to face many challenges immediately after she got independence, which can be summed up as follows:

1. Challenge to Shape a Nation: India was divided among various states at the time of independence. Hence a great challenge arose to unify and integrate country into one bond. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took upon himself to integrate these states either wishfully or diplomatically to be completed into different stages.

2. To Establish Democratic Set up: India constituted representative democracy based on parliamentary form of government and it was a great challenge to develop these democratic practices in the nation.

3. To Ensure Development and Well Being of the Society: Indian polity made herself to achieve welfare goals with the evolvement of effective economic policies and eradication of poverty and unemployment.

3. How did the reorganisation of states take place in India after its independence? Explain.

Answer: 1. In the initial years it was felt that linguistic states may foster seperatism and create pressures on newly founded nation, but India considered democracy and federalism by making a favour to linguistic states only.

2. State Reorganisation Commission was appointed in 1953 central Government to rearrange the boundaries of states.

3. Its main recommendations were to organise states on language basis as well as the boundaries of states could reflect the linguistic aspects also.

4. The State Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956 which created 14 states and 6 union territories.

5. Linguistic states enhanced demo¬cratic practices.

6. Linguistic states reduced separatist attitude by accepting the regional and linguistic claims of all regions.

4. Explain any three consequences of partition in India.

Answer: 1. In the name of religion, people of one community killed and mained people of the other community. Cities like Lahore, Kolkata and Amritsar were titled as communal zones.

2. People went through social sufferings also be forced to abandon their homes especially minorities, who took shelter in refugee camps.

3. To preserve the honour of family, many women were killed even many children were separated from their family and if crossed borders, they did not have any home.

4. The partition did not only divide property, assets or liabilities but also the government employees and the railways etc.

5. Assess the role played by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in nation building.

Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is also known as ‘Iron man of India’, became India’s Deputy Prime minister and Home minister during integration of princely states. He played a historic role in negotiating the rulers of princely states and diplomatically brought most of them in Indian Union. It was very complicated which required skilful persuation i.e. there were 26 small states in today’s

Orissa, Saurashtra region of Gujarat had 14 states with 119 small states etc.

Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]

A1. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions

1. What does this picture represent?

2. Mention some consequences of partition.

3. Which year is being denoted in the picture?

Answer:

1. This picture represents the painful scene of partition of country when people were supposed to leave their homes.

2. (i) Communal Riots (ii) Social Sufferings

(iii) Administrative Concerns and Financial Strains.

3. The year of 1947, most abrupt, unplanned year in the history.

2. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions

1. Identify the person in the centre of the cartoon and mention the challenge surrounding him.

2. What does the picture actually refer?

3. How did India avoid all these conflicts?

Answer:

1. The person is the first Prime Minister of India Pt. Jawahar Lai Nehru, who faced the first and foremost challenge of integration of princely states and formation of linguistic states.

2. The picture refers the problem of reorganisation of states on linguistic basis with the fear of disintegration in the country.

3. India identified and respected regional demands of the people and enhanced democracy by providing some autonomy to the states also.

B. On a political outline map of India locate and label the following and symbolise them as indicated:

Questions

1. Name and mark the original state from . which the following states were carved out.

(a) Gujarat (b) Meghalaya (c) Haryana (d) Chhattisgarh

2. Name and mark the countries reorganised on religious grounds.

3. Demarcated boundaries of these countries by geographical zones.

Answer:

1. (a) Gujarat (from Bombay)

(b) Meghalaya (from Assam)

(c) Haryana (from Punjab)

(d) Chhattisgarh (from Madhya Pradesh)

2. (a) India (b) Pakistan

3. (a) Pakistan (b) Bangladesh