Please refer to Gender Religion and Caste Class 10 Social Science Important Questions with solutions provided below. These questions and answers have been provided for Class 10 Social Science based on the latest syllabus and examination guidelines issued by CBSE, NCERT, and KVS. Students should learn these problem solutions as it will help them to gain more marks in examinations. We have provided Important Questions for Class 10 Social Science for all chapters in your book. These Board exam questions have been designed by expert teachers of Standard 10.
Class 10 Social Science Important Questions Gender Religion and Caste
Objective Type Questions
Question. According to the census of India, 2011, what is the population percentage of scheduled castes?
(a) 16.6%
(b) 13.2 %
(c) 12.2%
(d) 20.8%
Answer : (a) 16.6%.
Question. How much representation do local governments provide for women in India?
OR
How many seats are reserved for the women in the Indian local self-governments?
(a) One – tenth
(b) One – third
(c) One – fourth
(d) One -sixth
Answer : (b) One-third
Question. What does caste hierarchy mean?
(a) All caste are considered equal.
(b) A ladder like formation in which all caste groups are placed from the highest to the lowest.
(c) A ladder like formation in which all caste groups are placed from the lowest to the highest.
(d) A caste system in which two or more caste are at the same level in the ladder like structure.
Answer : (b) A ladder like formation in which all caste groups are placed from the highest to the lowest.
Question. Communalism refers to a division based on which idea?
(a) Region
(b) Gender
(c) Religion
(d) Language
Answer : (c) Religion.
Question. Which of the following is prohibited by the Indian Constitution?
(a) Discrimination only on the basis of gender
(b) Discrimination only on the basis of caste
(c) Discrimination on the basis of gender, religion and caste
(d) Discrimination on the basis of literacy level.
Answer : (c) Discrimination on the basis of gender, religion and caste
Question. Who is a feminist?
(a) A person who demands equal rights for all human beings.
(b) A person who demands more rights for men.
(c) A person who demands equal rights for women of high caste.
(d) A person who demands equal rights for women.
Answer : (d) A person who demands equal rights for women.
Question. What is patriarchy?
(a) A system where mother is the head of the family.
(b) A system where there is no head of the family.
(c) A system where father is the head of the family.
(d) A system where grandparents have control over family matters.
Answer : (c) A system where father is the head of the family.
Question. Which type of state is India?
(a) Secular
(b) Communist
(c) Anarchy Rule
(d) Monarchy
Answer : (a) Secular
Short Answer Type Questions
Question. Suppose a politician seeks your vote on the religious ground. Why is his act considered against the norms of democracy? Explain.
Answer : His act is against the spirit of democracy as the said politician is not working as per the Constitution.
(i) It also exploits the social difference.
(ii) It may create social discard and may lead to social division.
(iii) It is also a biased attitude and neglects the principle of equality.
Question. Explain any three forms of communalism in the Indian politics.
Answer : (i) Communalism in daily beliefs: The most common expression of communalism is in everyday beliefs. These routinely involve religious prejudices, the stereotype of religious communities and belief in the superiority of one’s religion over other religions. This is so common that we often fail to notice it, even when we believe in it.
(ii) Creation of political parties: A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious community. For those belonging to the majority community, this takes the form of majoritarian dominance. For those belonging to the minority community, it can take the form of a desire to form a separate political unit.
(iii) Political mobilisation: Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism. This involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeal and plain fear in order to bring the followers of one religion together in the political arena.
Question. “Secularism is not an ideology of some political parties or persons, but it is one of the foundations of our country.” Examine the statement.
Answer : Secularism is the foundation of our country –
(i) There is no official religion of India.
(ii) Our Constitution does not give special status to any religion.
(iii) The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the ground of religion.
(iv) The Constitution provides all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion or not to follow any religion.
(v) The Constitution allows the state to intervene in the matters of religion in order to ensure equality.
Question. How does caste get politicised? Give three points.
Answer : (i) Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating within its neighbouring castes or sub-castes which were earlier excluded from it.
(ii) Various caste groups are required to enter into a coalition with other castes or communities and thus enter into a dialogue and negotiation.
(iii) New kinds of caste groups have come up in the political area like ‘backward’ and ‘forward’ caste groups.
Question. Describe three advantages of the political expression of caste differences.
Answer : Advantages of the political expression of caste differences are :
(i) It gives disadvantaged groups the opportunity to demand a share in power and decision- making.
(ii) Many political parties take up the issue of ending caste discrimination.
(iii) Measures for uplifting the status of the backward castes will be undertaken.
Question. Explain the impact of caste system on Indian democracy.
Answer : Impact of caste system on Indian democracy :
(i) Expression of caste differences in politics gives many disadvantaged communities the space to demand their share of power. In this sense, caste politics has helped Dalit and OBC to gain better access to decision-making.
(ii) Several political and non-political organizations have been demanding and agitating for an end to discrimination against particular castes, for more dignity and more access to land, resources and opportunities.
(iii) Exclusive attention can produce negative results as well. It can divert attention from other pressing issues such as poverty, development and corruption. In some cases, it leads to violence.
Question. How is gender division understood in Indian society? To what extent does political mobilisation on gender basis help to improve women’s role in public life?
Answer : (i) In Indian society, gender division tends to be understood as natural and unchangeable. It is based on social expectations and stereotypes.
(ii) This attitude leads to sexual division of labour i.e., boys and girls are brought up to believe that the main responsibility of women is housework and bringing up children whereas all the outside works are to be done by men.
(iii) The result of this division of labour is that though the women constitute almost half the population, their role in public life is minimal.
(iv) Political expression and political mobilisation on this question helped to improve women’s role in public life. We now find women working as scientists, doctors, engineers, teachers, etc. Now, with a lot of efforts, 33% seats are reserved for women in local government bodies.
Question. Define Feminist Movements. Write their main objective.
Answer : Definition: Agitations or movements demanding enhancement in the political and legal status of women and improving their education and career opportunities are called Feminist Movement.
Main Objective: The main objective of the Feminist Movement is to attain equality among men and women.
Question. How does religion influence the political set up in our country? Explain.
Answer : The religion in politics is not as dangerous as it seems to us. Ethical values of each religion can play a major role in politics. As a member of any religious community, people should express their political needs. The political leaders regulate the practice of religion so that there should be no discrimination and oppression. If all religions are treated equally then these political acts are correct in any way.
Question. “The Government of India gives holidays for the festivals of most of the religions.” Why is it so? Give your view point.
Answer : It is so because :
(i) India is a secular state, there is no official religion in our country.
(ii) The Constitution provides freedom to all to profess, practice and propagate any religion or not to follow any.
(iii) The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the ground of religion.
Question. What is communalism? How is communalism a hindrance in the functioning of our democracy? Explain.
Answer : Communalism: When beliefs of one religion are presented as superior to those of other religions, when the demands of one religious group are formed in opposition to another and when state power is used to establish domination of one religious group over the rest, is called Communalism.
Communalism is a hindrance in the functioning of our democracy as:
(i) Communalism leads to the belief that people belonging to different religions cannot live as equal citizens within one nation. Either, one of them has to dominate the rest or they have to form different nations.
(ii) Any attempt to bring all followers of one religion together in a context other than religion is bound to suppress many voices within that community.
Question. Explain the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies.
Answer : (i) Central Legislature : Less than 10% of its total strength are women.
(ii) State Legislature : Less than 5% of its total strength are women.
(iii) Panchayati Raj : One-third of the seats are reserved for women.
Question. Describe the adverse effects of caste in politics in India.
Answer : Adverse effects of caste in politics in India :
(i) Political parties try to use caste to gain votes.
(ii) They promise to take care of the interests and demands of different castes.
Question. “Caste has not still disappeared from contemporary India.” Write any three examples to justify the statement.
Answer : (i) Most people marry within their own caste or tribe.
(ii) Untouchability has not ended despite provisions in the Constitution.
(iii) Effects of centuries of advantages and disadvantages continue to be felt today.
Question. Why are caste barriers breaking down in India? Explain with three reasons.
OR
Describe any three factors that are responsible for breaking down of caste system in India.
Answer : Factors for breaking down of Caste System:
(i) Social and economic development.
(ii) Urbanization.
(iii) Occupational mobility.
(iv) Growth of literacy and education.
(v) The Constitution of India prohibited any caste-based discrimination.
(vi) Constitutional prohibition of untouchability.
Question. Suggest any two measures to check communalism in India.
Answer : (i) Communal prejudices and propaganda need to be countered in everyday life.
(ii) Religion based mobilisation needs to be countered in the arena of politics.
Question. How are religious differences expressed in politics?
Answer : The religious differences are often expressed in the field of politics, i.e.:
(i) Gandhian View: Gandhiji used to say that religion can never be separated from politics, what he meant by religion was not any particular religion like Hinduism or Islam, but moral values that infirm all religions. He believed that politics must be guided by ethics drawn from religion.
(ii) Human Rights View: Human right groups in our country have argued that most of the victims of communal riots in our country are people from religious minorities. They have demanded that the government take special steps to protect religious minorities.
(iii) Women’s Movement View: Women’s movement has agreed that family laws of all religions discriminate against women. So they have demanded that government should change these laws to make them more equitable.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question. Examine the standard of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies.
OR
Assess the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies.
OR
What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?
Answer : The status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies is as follows :
(i) Central Legislature : Less than 10% of its total strength are women.
(ii) State Legislature : Less than 5% of its total strength are women.
(iii) Panchayati Raj : One-third of the seats are reserved for women.
(iv) India is among the bottom group of nations in the world, in this aspect.
(v) Women’s organizations and activists have been demanding a similar reservation of at least one-third of seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. But the bill to this effect has not been passed.
Question. How can the relationship between politics and religion be beneficial and problematic at the same time? Explain.
OR
It is inevitable to ignore the relationship between politics and religion. In what way does this relationship impact modern day politics? Explain.
Answer : Beneficial:
(i) Influence of religion can make politics value based.
(ii) Religious communities can politically express their needs and interests.
(iii) Political authorities can monitor and control religious discrimination and oppression.
Problematic:
(i) Religion can become the base for the development of nationalist sentiments which can lead to conflicts.
(ii) Political parties will try to make political gains by pitting one group against the other.
(iii) State power may be used to establish the domination of one religious group over another.
Question. Define communalism. Explain any three forms of Communalism in the Indian Politics.
Answer : (i) Communalism is a situation when beliefs of one religion are presented as superior to those of other religions. When the demands of one religious group are formed in opposition to another and when state power is used to establish domination of one religious group over the rest.
(ii) Various forms of communalism in politics :
(a) The most common expression of communalism is in everyday beliefs.
(b) A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious community.
(c) Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism. This involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeal and plain fear.
Question. How can caste take different forms in politics? Explain with examples.
OR
Analyse the role of caste in Indian politics.
Answer : Influence of caste on politics :
(i) While choosing candidates for election, political parties consider the caste composition of the voters to win support.
(ii) When the government is formed, political parties take care that representative from different castes find a place in the government.
(iii) Political parties make an appeal to the caste sentiments to win votes.
(iv) Some political parties are known to favour some particular caste.
(v) Universal Adult Franchise and the principle of one- person-one-vote have compelled the political leaders to bring caste sentiments into politics to muster support.
Question. Explain the factors that have led to the weakening of the caste system in India.
OR
Explain any five reasons for the declining caste system in India.
OR
What factors have brought about a change in the Indian caste system in modern times? Explain.
OR
Explain any five socio-economic changes responsible for breaking down the old notion of caste hierarchy in India.
Answer : Decline of the caste system in India :
(i) Efforts of social reformers like Phule, Gandhiji, Ambedkar against caste system have helped to promote a casteless society.
(ii) Economic development has reduced the emphasis on caste.
(iii) Large scale urbanisation has diminished the awareness of caste, as people rub shoulders in buses, trains and offices.
(iv) Growth of literacy and education has helped to decrease the belief in caste.
(v) Occupational mobility is possible now and children are not compelled to continue the profession of the family or father.
(vi) Weakening of the position of landlords in the villages has led to decline of the rigid caste barriers in villages.
(vii) Constitutional provisions such as Right to Equality of all before law have helped to prevent discrimination legally.
(viii) Policy of reservation of seats in local self- government bodies and legislatures as well in educational institutes have helped to uplift the political, social and economic position of lower castes.
Question. Describe the positive and negative aspects of relationship between caste and politics.
OR
Describe three advantages and two disadvantages of the political expression of caste differences.
OR
Analyse any five advantages and disadvantages of the political expression of caste differences?
Answer : Advantages:
(i) It gives disadvantaged groups the opportunity to demand a share in power and decision- making.
(ii) Many political parties take up the issue of ending caste discrimination.
(iii) Measures for uplifting the status of the backward castes will be undertaken.
Disadvantages:
(i) Caste-based politics diverts attention from main issues such as poverty, corruption etc.
(ii) Caste-based politics leads to tensions, conflicts and violence.
Question. Mention any three forms in which communalism is expressed in politics. Describe the solution provided by the Constitution framers of India to meet this challenge.
Answer : Communalism can take various forms in politics:
(i) The routine beliefs involve religious prejudices, stereotypes of religious communities and belief in the superiority of one’s religion over other religions.
(ii) A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious community.
(iii) For those belonging to the majority community, this takes the form of majoritarian dominance. For those belonging to the minority community, it can take the form of a desire to form a separate political unit.
(iv) Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism. This involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeal and plain fear in order to bring the followers of one religion together in the political arena.
(v) Sometimes communalism takes its most ugly form of communal violence, riots and massacre.
The makers of our Constitution were aware of this challenge. That is why they chose the model of a secular state. This choice was reflected in several constitutional provisions like
(i) There is no official religion for the Indian state.
(ii) The Constitution provides to all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion, or not to follow any.
(iii) The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
(iv) At the same time, the Constitution allows the state to intervene in the matters of religion in order to ensure equality within religious communities.
Question. What form does communalism take in politics?
OR
Explain any three forms of communal politics, with examples.
OR
Explain how communalism is being expressed in politics?
OR
What does the term communalism mean? Explain any four forms which communalism takes in politics.
OR
State different forms of communal politics with one example each.
Answer : Communalism : It means attempts to promote religious ideas between groups of people who are identified as different communities.
Communalism can take various forms in politics :
(i) Communalism in daily beliefs: The most common expression of communalism is in everyday beliefs. These routinely involve religious prejudices, the stereotype of religious communities and belief in the superiority of one’s religion over other religions. This is so common that we often fail to notice it, even when we believe in it.
(ii) Creation of political parties: A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious community. For those belonging to the majority community, this takes the form of majoritarian dominance. For those belonging to the minority community, it can take the form of a desire to form a separate political unit.
(iii) Political mobilisation: Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism. This involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeal and plain fear in order to bring the followers of one religion together in the political arena.
(iv) Sometimes, communalism takes its most ugly form of communal violence, riots and massacre.
Question. Describe any five constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.
OR
What is the meaning of “Secularism”? How does the Constitution make India a secular state? Explain.
OR
“The makers of the Indian Constitution chose the model of a secular state for India.” Which constitutional provisions make India a secular state in the light of the above statement?
OR
What is a secular state? How does the Constitution of India ensure that India remains a secular state? Explain.
OR
How does the Constitution of India ensure secularism?
Answer : Secularism means no special status is given to any religion. It is just not an ideology of some parties or persons.
(i) There is no official religion for the Indian states, unlike the status of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, or that of Islam in Pakistan.
(ii) The Constitution provides freedom to all to protest, practice and propagate any religion, or not to follow any.
(iii) The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
(iv) The Constitution allows state to intervene in the matters of religion in order to ensure equality within religious communities. For example, it bans untouchability.
Question. What was the Feminist Movement? Explain the political demands of the Feminist Movement in India.
Answer : Feminist Movement was a radical movement which demanded equality for women in personal and family life also, apart from politics, society and educational field.
The political demands of the Feminist Movements in India were :
(i) More women representatives in local government bodies.
(ii) More political representation for women by having elected women representatives.
(iii) Reserving at least one-third of the seats in Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies for women.
Question. Describe any five ways in which women in India are still discriminated and oppressed.
OR
“In our country, women still lag much behind than men despite some improvements since Independence.” Support the statement by giving five reasons.
OR
Explain with five examples that women are still discriminated in India.
OR
How “Women in India still face discrimination and oppression in various ways”. Support the statement with five examples.
OR
What are the problems faced by Indian women which affect their social status? Explain any five.
OR
Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.
Answer : In our country, women still lag much behind than men despite some improvements since Independence.
Women face disadvantage, discrimination and oppression in various ways :
(i) The literacy rate among women is only 54 per cent as compared with 76 per cent among men.
(ii) Similarly, a smaller proportion of girl students go for higher studies. Girls are performing as good as boys in school. But they drop out because parents prefer to spend their resources for their boys’ education rather than spending equally on their sons and daughters.
(iii) The proportion of women among the highly paid and valued jobs is still very small. On an average, an Indian woman works one hour more than an average man everyday.
(iv) The Equal Wages Act provides that equal wages should be paid to equal work. However, in almost all areas of work, from sports and cinema to factories and fields, women are paid less than men, even when both do exactly the same work.
(v) In many parts of India, parents prefer to have sons and find ways to have the girl child aborted before she is born. Such sex-selective abortion led to a decline in child sex ratio.
(vi) Woman face harassment, exploitation and violence on the domestic front.
Question. What is sexual division of labour? Mention the main demands of the worldwide women’s agitations?
Answer : Sexual division of labour means the division of work on the basis of the gender difference and according to this concept, all housework and responsibility of bringing up children is women’s work.
Women all over the world have been demanding:
(i) Equal voting rights.
(ii) Enhancement of the political and legal status of women.
(iii) Improvement of educational and career opportunities for women.
Question. The focus on caste in politics can sometimes give an impression that elections are all about caste and nothing else. Do you agree? Explain.
Answer : No, I do not agree with this statement.
This is far from true because :
(i) No parliamentary constituency in the country has a clear majority of one single caste. So, every candidate and party needs to win the confidence of more than one caste and community to win elections.
(ii) No party wins the votes of all the voters of a caste or community. When people say that a caste is a ‘vote bank’ of one party, it usually means that a large proportion of the voters from the caste vote for the party.
(iii) Many political parties may put up candidates from the same caste (if that caste is believed to dominate the electorate in a particular constituency). Some voters have more than one candidate from their caste while many voters have no candidates from their caste.
(iv) The ruling party of the sitting MP or MLA frequently loses elections in our country. That could not have happened if all castes or communities were frozen in their political preferences.
Question. Assess the influences of politics on caste system.
Answer : Influence of politics on Caste :
(i) Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating within its sub-castes.
(ii) Various caste groups are required to enter into a coalition with other castes or communities.
(iii) New kinds of caste groups have entered politics like ‘backward’ and ‘forward’ castes.
(iv) Politics in caste has allowed many disadvantaged caste groups to demand their share of power.
(v) Caste politics has helped the dalits and OBCs to gain better access to decision-making.
Question. “Caste has not still disappeared from contemporary India.” Support the statement with suitable examples.
OR
“Caste has not still disappeared from contemporary India”. Do you agree with the statement? Justify your answer with suitable arguments.
Answer : Yes, I agree with the statement.
Arguments :
(i) Most people marry within their own caste or tribe.
(ii) Untouchability has not ended despite provisions in the Constitution.
(iii) Effects of centuries of advantages and disadvantages continue to be felt today.
(iv) A large mass of low caste people still do not have access to education.
(v) Caste is continued to be linked to economic status.
