CBSE Class 8 Social Science - Social and Political Life Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism: Free PDF Download
FAQs on Important Questions for CBSE Class 8 Social Science - Social and Political Life Chapter 2 - Understanding Secularism
1. In what ways does the Indian State prevent religious domination?
There are various ways in which Indian Secularism works to avoid religious domination:
The first and main step that it takes is distancing itself from the religion. The Indian state is not ruled by religious sentiment and does not support any one religious group. The government places like the law, schools, police stations, etc are to avoid promoting any one religious group.
It also prevents the domination of religion through the strategy of non-interference. For instance, it is a religious sentiment for the Sikhs to wear the pagri, and the government cannot force them to remove it.
It also ensures the prevention of domination of a particular religion through the strategy of intervention. The best example of this is the abolition of untouchability.
2. What is secularism according to Chapter 2 of Class 8 Social Science?
The Indian Constitution ensures that every individual has the right to live following their religious beliefs and sentiments. This religious freedom helps the constitution to separate the power of religion and the power of the state. Therefore, secularism refers to the separation of religion from the state. You can understand more about secularism on Vedantu, which is an important concept of our constitution.
3. What are the three objectives of a secular state?
The three objectives associated with the secular states are:
One religious community can and should never dominate the other religions.
In the case of the same religious community, the powerful members cannot dominate those who are subordinate to them.
The state cannot take away the religious freedom of the Individual and should not intervene or enforce support toward any one particular religion.
4. Why is it important to separate religion from the state?
The first reason for the separation of religion from the state is to avoid the domination of the majority religion over the other. To avoid any sort of discrimination and inequality, it is important that religion and the state function separately. For instance, if the Hindu religion had been the dominant religion, it would have been difficult to get rid of the social evil, that is, untouchability.
The second reason embraces the freedom of the individual to leave a particular religion and practice another according to their beliefs.
5. Why do government schools celebrate the religious festivals of different communities?
The government schools of India grant leave and celebrate the religious festivals associated with different religious communities. They do this to avoid discrimination and promote equality. The children have to be made aware of the various religions that the Diversity of India promotes. This will help them respect and be a part of these festivities as an Indian. This will also eradicate all the little traces of inequality that exist on the grounds of religion in the near future. With the right education from childhood, they will grow up to be responsible adults who will learn to accept all the different cultures around them and be proud of the diversity that their country offers.