Important Questions: Regional Aspirations | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: When was the first democratic election to Sikkim Assembly held and which party swept the elections?
Ans: The first democratic election to Sikkim Assembly was held in 1974 and the Sikkim Congress party won the elections.

Q2: Why do some people feel that Article 370 should be revoked?
Ans: Some people feel that Article 370 should be revoked because Article 370 does not allow full integration of the Jammu and Kashmir State with India.

Q3: Mention any one point of; agreement included in the Rajiv Gandhi Logowal Accord.
Ans: To resolve the border dispute between Punjab and Haryana, a commission would be established.

Q4: How far is the demand for reservation beyond SCs, STs, and OBCs, justified?
Ans: The demand for reservation beyond SCs, STs, and OBCs should be based on economic conditions. Because poor people of every class of the society need help.

Q5: Justify that, “Regionalism is not as dangerous as Communalism.”
Ans: Regionalism only denotes a feeling of love for a particular region, while communalism encourages communal riots.

Q6: The States of which region of India are referred to a ‘Seven Sisters’?
Ans: The states of the North-East (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura) region of India are referred to as the ‘Seven Sisters’.

Q7: Which student group led the anti-foreigner movement in Assam?
Ans: All Assam Students Union.

Q8: With which objectives DMK made its entry into Indian Politics?
Ans:

• The First objective was the restoration of the original name of Kallakudi railway station which had been renamed Dalmiapuram.
• The secondary objective was for giving Tamil cultural history greater importance in the school curriculum.

Q9: Name the three social and political regions of the Northern most state of India.
Ans: Names of the three social and political regions of the Northern most state of India—
(i) Jammu 
(ii) Kashmir 
(iii) Ladakh

Q10: Why were the seven small states created in North-East India?
Ans: Seven small states were created in North-East India because of demands for (i) autonomy (ii) movements for secession and  (iii) opposition to outsiders.

Q11: Which students group led the anti foreigner movement in Assam?
Ans: All Assam Students’ Union in 1979 (AASU).

Q12: Who were the signatories of Punjab Accord of 1985?
Ans: The then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, the then President of Akali Dal.

Q13: Jammu and Kashmir state comprised of which three social and political regions?
Ans: Kashmir, Jammu and Laddakh regions.

Q14: How did India meet with the challenge of diversity?
Ans: By redrawing the internal boundaries of the country, i.e. created Chhattisgarh Jharkhand and Uttarakhand etc.

Q15: What is the significance of Article 370? Ans. Article 370 signifies special status of Kashmir:
Ans: 

• To give greater autonomy to J & K.
• To specify that state has its own constitution.
• All provisions of constitution are not applicable to state

Q16: Which Prime Minister expressed regret over violence against Sikhs after Indira Gandhi’s death?
Ans: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2005 after twenty years in Parliament to regret over the killings of Sikhs.

Q17: When was first normal election held in Punjab after violence?
Ans: In 1997 in the post militancy era and alliance of Akali Dal and BJP scored victory.

Q18: What do you mean by Seven Sisters?
Ans: The ‘North-East region’ consisting of seven states is referred to as seven sisters.

Q19: What does the special status given to J & K under Article 370 mean?
Ans: Article 370 signifies special status of Kashmir:

• To give greater autonomy to J & K.
• To specify that state has its own constitution.
• All provisions of constitution are not applicable to state.

Q20: Highlight any two characteristics of Dravidian movement.
Ans: Dravidian movement was one of the first regional movements in Indian Politics
 with the ambition to create a Dravid nation:

• This movement used democratic means like public debates and the electoral platform to achieve its ends.
• Due to this strategy, movements acquired political power in the state and became influential at national level.
• Dravidian movement led to formation of‘Dravid Kazhagam’ (DK) under the leadership of Tamil Social reformer ‘E.V. Ramaswami Periyar’.

Q21: Mention the outcomes of Assam Accord of 1985.
Ans: ‘Assam Accord’ was signed between Rajiv Gandhi-led government and AASU leaders over the issue of ‘outsiders’ in 1985:

• The foreigners who migrated into Assam during and after Bangladesh war and since were to be identified and deported.
• The Asom G. ;,a Parishad came to power in 1985 with the promise of resolving the foreign national problems as well as to build a ‘Golden Assam’.

Q22: Which accord proved to be a turning point in the history of Mizoram? 
Ans: The accord between Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga of 1986 granted full fledged statehood with special powers to Mizoram. Even MNF (Mizo National Front) agreed to give up secessionists struggle.

Q23: What was the role of Congress in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir?
Ans: Congress dominated the politics of J & K between 1953 to 1974 in the following manner:

• National Conference remained iconic power with the active support of Congress for sometime but later merged with the Congress.
• The Congress gained direct control over the government in state.
• The Congress party also made attempts to have an agreement between Sheikh Abdullah and Government of India.
• In 1974, Indira Gandhi reached an agreement with Sheikh Abdullah and he became the Chief Minister of State.

Q24: Which communities wanted separate states in the North East region?
Ans: Despite reorganisation of North-East in 1972, autonomy demand arose:

• Assam communities like Bodos, Karbis and Dimosas demanded separate states.
• They mobilised public opinion and popular movement and same area was claimed by more than one community.
• Federal set up satisfied their autonomy i.e. Karbis and Dimosas were granted autonomy under district councils while Bodos were granted autonomous council.

Q25: In what ways the issue of outsiders continues to be a live issue in Assam?
Ans: Assam Accord could not solve the problem of immigration:

• The issue of‘outsiders’ continues to be alive issue.
  
• In Tripura, the original inhabitants have been reduced to being a minority in North-East.
• The same feelings formed the hostility of local population to Chakma refugees in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q26: Explain the rise of political violence in the North-Eastern parts of India.
Ans: After independence, three issues dominate the politics of the North East, demands for autonomy, movements for secessions, and opposition to outsiders. Mizo National Front (MNF) was formed under the leadership of Laldenga. In 1966, the MNF started an armed campaign for independence. There was political violence for two decades. The MNF fought a guerilla war. In 1986, an agreement was signed between Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga. Under this agreement, Mizoram was given full statehood. In Nagaland, Naga National Council Launched an armed struggle for sovereignty of Nagas. In Assam, there was a big movement against outsiders. This Movement involved many tragic and violent incidents leading to the loss of property and human lives.

Q27: Why did the movement for Secession in the Mizo Hills area gain popular support? How was the Problem solved?
Ans: The inhabitants of Mizo Hills in Assam demanded Secession from the Indian Union and established Mizo National Front to get their demand conceded. The Mizos organized armed agitation and commenced guerilla warfare. The MNF was banned during Chinese aggression. The government, keeping their aspirations in view decided to make the Mizo Hills area a Union Territory, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi on 21st January 1972. It was named Mizoram. However, Mizos headed by Laldenga were not satisfied with this arrangement. Ultimately in 1986, a peace agreement was signed between Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga. Under this agreement, Mizoram was granted full-fledged statehood. Laldenga was made the Chief Minister of Mizoram.

Q28: What lessons can we draw from the feeling of alienation in some parts of India?
Ans: After independence in some parts of India, there was a feeling of alienation among the people. We can draw the following lesson from the feelings of alienation:

• There is a great need to remove disparities among the different regions of the nation.
• Special attention should be given to the development of backward areas.

Q29: What are the factors that fuel the fire of separatism in India?
Ans: The following are the reasons that cause separatism in India:

• Geographical and Cultural Causes. After independence, the states were reorganized on the basis of old boundaries and so the people living in one state could not develop the feeling of oneness. Generally, language and culture lead to regional sentiments.
• Historical Causes. History has contributed to the origin of regionalism doubly i.e., positively and negatively which leads to separatism. Origin of Shiv Sena is a proof of positive contribution and Dravida Munnetra Kazgham a negative one.
• Language. Norman D. Palmer believes that much of the political concerns the question of regionalism and language. He opines that the problem of regionalism is candidly connected with language. India is a multi-lingual country and people speaking various languages initiated intense movements for separate states. Indian Government, by organizing states on a linguistic basis, has created a never-ending problem.
• Caste. Caste, too, has contributed significantly to the origin of regionalism. Domination of a single caste at a place leads to a violent form of regionalism.

Q30: What was the main outcome of Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal accord in July 1985?
Ans: 

• Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.
• A separate commission to be appointed to resolve border dispute between Punjab and Haryana.
• A tribunal to be set up to settle down the sharing of Ravi-Beas river water among Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan
• To withdraw the Armed forces special power Act in Punjab.

Q31: What was Goa problem? How was Goa liberated and how did it become part of Indian Union?
Ans: 

• Goa was under Portuguese alongwith Daman and Diu since 16th century.
• We expected freedom in 1947 but Portugal refused to withdraw but the people of Goa wanted to merge with motherland.
• People of Goa suppressed from religious conversions and civil rights known as ‘Goa Problem’.
  
• In 1961, with in two days Goa, Daman and Diu were liberated from Portugal rule under ‘Operation Vijay’ by Government of India.
  
• Goa became part of India and in 1987, it attained the status of ‘State Position’.

Q32: Describe the outcome of Anandpur Sahib Resolution of 1973.
Ans: Anandpur Sahib Resolution was passed at the conference of Akali Dal at Anandpur Sahib in 1973:

• To ascertain regional autonomy and to redefine centre-state relations.
• Sikhs aspirations aimed at ‘bolbala’ of Sikhs.
• It could also be interpreted as a plea for separate sikh nation despite federal spirit.

But, it became controversial due to following reasons:

• Due to lack of popularity of Akali Dal resolution had a United appeal.
• Akali government was dismissed in 1980 and it lost its importance.
• Akali Dal launched a movement on the distribution of water between Punjab, and its neighbouring states.
• Movement went into the hands of extremist elements from moderate Akalis and converted into armed insurgency for which Anandpur Sahib Resolution considered responsible.

Q33: State one similarity and one difference between the crisis in Punjab and Assam during 1980s.
Ans: Similarity- It was regional aspirations given to prior importance and solving the crisis through democratic negotiations. Differences- In Punjab, Akali Dal started the movement for formation of ‘Punjabi Sabha’ wdiereas in Assam, the crisis was against the people who were seen as outsiders or migrants who were considered to be competitors to employment opportunities.

Q34: How was DMK entered in Indian Politics? 
Ans: DMK i.e. Dravid Munetra Kazhagam entered in Indian politics with three demands in 1953-54:

• To restore original name of Kallkudi railway station.
• The addition of Tamil Cultural History in &hool curriculum.
• To eliminate craft education scheme.

Q35: When did Independent India first use referendum procedure?
Ans: In 1967 in the case of Goa’s liberation:

• In January 1967, the central government held a special ‘Opinion Poll’ in Goa asking people to decide it they wanted to be a part of Maharashtra or remain separate.
• The majority was in favour of remaining outside of Maharashtra, thus Goa became a Union-territory.
• Goa was granted statehood in 1987.

Q36: Read the passage given below carefully and answer thequestions:
The Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985 is the best example of such movements against ‘outsiders’. The Assamese suspected that there were huge number of illegal Bengali Muslim settlers from Bangladesh. They felt that unless these foreign nationals are detected and deported they would reduce the indigenous Assamese into a minority. There were other economic issues too. There was widespread poverty and unemployment in Assam despite the existence of natural resources like oil, tea and coal. It was felt that these were drained out of the State without any commensurate benefit to the people.
1. Name the group that led movement against outsiders in 1979.
2. Why did Assamese seek the detection and deportation of outsiders?
3. What were the economic issues taken up as a part of movement?
Ans:
1. All Assam Students’ Union (AASU).
2. Because they feared that they would reduce the indigenous Assamese into a minority.
3. (i) There was widespread poverty and unemployment in Assam despite existence of natural resources like oil, tea and coal.
(ii) It was also felt these were drained out of state without any commensurate benefit to people.

Q37: Read the passage  given below carefully and answer thequestions:
The best way to respond to regional aspirations is through democratic negotiations rather than through suppression. Look at the situation in the eighties-militancy had erupted in Punjab: problems were persisting in the North-East: students in Assam were agitating; Kashmir valley was on the boil. Instead of treating these as simple law and order problems, the Government of India reached negotiated settlement with regional movements. This produced a reconciliation which reduced the tensions existing in many regions. The example of Mizoram shows how political settlement can resolve the problem of separatism effectively.
1. How are regional aspirations dangerous for the unity of country?
2. What is meant by democratic negotiations?
3. Who was leading agitation in Assam?
4. What steps were taken by government of India to respond regional aspirations?
Ans:
1. It creates the problem of separatism in the country.
2. Democratic negotiations respect the demand of regional aspirations in place of suppression.
3. The students.
4. (i) Reached negotiated settlement with regional movements.
(ii) Produced a reconciliation to reduce the tensions existing in many regions.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q38: Describe any three obstacles that delayed the merger of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
Ans: Jammu and Kashmir mainly comprise three social, political, and geographical regions Ladakh, Kashmir, and Jammu. The Ladakh area is mountainous with a little population of Buddhists and Muslims. Kashmir valley is very beautiful in which Muslims are in majority and Kashmiri Hindus are in minority. Jammu region is a mix of foot-hills plains inhabited by Hindu-Muslims-Sikhs and others. Following are the obstacles that delayed the merger of Jammu and Kashmir with India.

• British government before independence declared that it is the free will of Princely states to merge with Pakistan or India or remain as Independent states. The people of Jammu Kashmir did not want to merge with India and tried to have an independent state.
• Sheikh Abdullah, the popular leader of the National Conference, though wanted to get rid of Maharaja Hari Singh ruler of Kashmir, but was against joining Pakistan. National Conference was getting help from Congress and leaders like Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. In Oct. 1947 Pakistan sent some tribal forces to capture Kashmir and then Hari Singh-Maharaja was forced for help from India. India gave military help and as a result, one part of Kashmir came under Pakistan known as ‘Azad Kashmir’.
• There is another dispute about the State of Kashmir within the Indian Union. Kashmir was given a special status by Article 370 in our constitution as compared to other states of India. The state has its own constitution which is different from the democracy practiced in the rest of India.

On 5-6 August 2019, Article 370 was abrogated from the Indian constitution, Ladhakh separated from J&K. Both J&K and Ladakh become Union territories. Therefore now in India, there are 28 states and 9 Union Territories.

Q39: Describe the story of Goa’s liberation from the Portuguese to its becoming a state of the Indian Union.
Ans: India got Independence in 1947 from British rule, yet Portugal refused to withdraw colonial rule from Goa, Daman, and Diu. The Portuguese during their long rule carried out forced religious conversions. After independence Indian government tried, peacefully, to persuade the Portuguese government to withdraw its possession from Goa, etc., but of no use. Socialist Satyagrah from Maharashtra strengthened the popular movement within Goa. In December 1961, the Indian government sent armies to liberate these territories. After two days of struggle Goa, Diu and Daman became Union territory. Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) tried to merge Goa with Maharashtra but Goans were keen to retain a separate identity and culture. In January 1967, the Central Government held a special ‘opinion poll’, and the majority of Goan people voted in favor of remaining outside of Maharashtra. Finally, in 1987, Goa became a state of the Indian Union.

Q40: Which three lessons do we learn from regional aspirations and their: accommodation as an integral part of democratic politics? Describe.
Ans: The period since 1980 accentuated regional aspirations ranging from demands of statehood, economic development to autonomy and separation keep coming up. We learn from the following lessons.

• Regional aspirations are very much a part of democratic politics. Expression of regional issues is very much a normal phenomenon. India has large and diverse democracy and she should deal with regional aspirations on a regular basis.
• Secondly, the best way to respond to regional aspirations is through democratic negotiations. Suppression of the movement gives the wrong color. The government of India reached negotiated settlement with regional movements and this produced a reconciliation. The example of Mizoram proves that political settlement can resolve the problem of separatism effectively.
• Thirdly, the regions together form the nation. So regions must have a share in deciding the destiny of a nation. Groups and parties from the region must be given a share in power at the state level. If the regions are not given share at the national level, the feeling of alignment and injustice destroys the mutual harmony.

Q41: Briefly describe the story of Sikkim from the time of India’s MMJ independence to its merger with India.
Ans: By 1947, Sikkim became a protectorate state of India’ means it was neither a part of India, but nor a fully sovereign country also. Sikkim’s monarch Chogyal was just an internal administrator, whereas defense and foreign relations were looked after by the Indian government. The majority of Sikkim’s population was Nepali and they were against the rulers. Anti- Chogyal leaders got help from India and in 1974 in the Sikkim assembly election, Sikkim Congress voted for greater integration with India. The Indian Parliament accepted the popular approval of the Sikkim Assembly and Sikkim became the 22nd State of the Indian Union. Though Chogyal did not accept this merger yet it enjoyed popular support.

Q42: While trying to forge and retain unity in diversity in India, there are many difficult issues that are yet to be tackled. Describe any three such areas of tension.
Ans: Jammu and Kashmir and 370. Kashmir issue is a major issue of tension. The accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India was brought into being on 26th Oct. 1949. Article 370 was included in the Indian constitution in order to satisfy the political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has its own Constitution, separate flag, and separate law or citizenship. Article 370 is very important for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Article 370 is included in the Indian Constitution in order to satisfy the political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Sardar Patel declared in the Indian Constituent Assembly, “In view of the special problem with which the Jammu and Kashmir government is faced we have made special provisions for the continuance of the state with the Union on the existing basis. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has its own Constitution, separate flag, and separate law of citizenship. Moreover, the control of the Union Government over the state of Jammu and Kashmir is not as effective as it is in other states. Changes in Article 370 can be made by the Parliament but with the consent of the government of Jammu and Kashmir.
On 5-6 August 2019, Article 370 was abrogated from Indian Constitution, Ladakh separate from J&K. Both J&K and Ladakh become Union Territories. Therefore now in India, there are 28 states and 9 Union Territories.
After independence three issues dominate the politics of North-East, demands for autonomy, movements for secessions, and opposition to outsiders. Mizo National Front (MNF) was formed under the leadership of Laldenga. In 1966 the MNF started an armed campaign for independence. There was political violence for two decades. The MNF fought a guerilla war. In 1986 agreement was signed between Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga. Under this agreement, Mizoram was given full statehood. In Nagaland, Naga National Council Launched an armed struggle for sovereignty of Nagas. In Assam, there was a big Movement against outsiders. This Movement involved many tragic and violent incidents leading to the loss of property and human lives.
Movement for a separate state. Another tension in India is a various movement going on for separate states.

Q43: Analyze any three main causes of unrest in Jammu and Kashmir?
Ans: The politics of Jammu and Kashmir always remained controversial and conflict-ridden both for external and internal reasons. The problem of Jammu – Kashmir poses inter-linked national security. Pakistan claims Jammu and Kashmir based on its majority Muslim population, whereas China claims the Shaksam valley and Aksai Chin, externally, the Kashmir conflict is a territorial conflict primarily between India and Pakistan, having started just after the partition of India in 1947, China has at times played a minor role. India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Kashmir including the Indo-Pakistan wars of 1947 and 1965 as well as the Kargil war of 1999.
Internally, there is a dispute about the status of Kashmir within the Indian Union. Kashmir was given a special status by article 370, which gives greater autonomy to Jammu Kashmir compared to other states of India. According to this article, the state has its own constitution, all provisions of the Indian Constitution are not applicable to the state and even the laws passed by the parliament, apply to Jammu and Kashmir, only if the state agrees. This special status has provoked two reactions. One section outside of Jammu-Kashmir feels that Article 370 should be revoked. Whereas a section of Kashmiris demand that special federal status guaranteed by Article 370, has not been given in practice, thirdly, the people of the state demand for a ‘free and fair’ plebiscite to allow the Kashmiri people to decide their future. On 5-6 August 2019, Article 370 was abrogated from Indian Constitution, Ladhakh separated from J&K. Both J&K and Ladakh become Union Territories. Therefore now in India, there are 28 states and 9 Union Territories.

Q44: Describe the secessionist movement of Mizos. How as per the provisions of constitution, was it resolved on accommodation of diversities?
Ans: 

• After independence, the Mizo hills was made an autonomous district within Assam.
• Some Mizos believed that they were never a part of British India and not to belong to Indian Union.
• The movement of secession gained popular support after Assam government failed to respond adequately to great famine of 1959 in Mizo hills.
• It led to formation of Mizo National Front (MNF) under leadership of Laldenga.
• In 1966, the MNF started an armed campaign for independence.
• The MNF fought gurilla war, got support from Pakistan government and secured shelter in then East Pakistan.
• At the end oftwo decades ofinsurgency, Mizoram under leadership of Laldenga started negotiations with Indian government.
• 1986, a peace-agreement was signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga which granted statehood to Mizoram with special powers and MNF agreed to give up secessionist struggle.
• Today, Mizoram is one of the most peaceful places in the region alongwith big strides in literacy and development.

Q45: “Regional aspirations, regional inbalances and regionalism are a hindrance in the way of national unity of India”. Do you agree with the statement?
Ans: Because:

• Regional aspirations are part of democratic politics.
• Expression of regional issues is not an abnormal phenomenon.
• Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland have regional aspirations in United Kingdom.
• Regional movements are responded through democratic negotiations rather than suppression.
• Its examples are in eighties, militancy erupted in Punjab, problems persisted in the North-East, students agitated in Assam and Kashmir Valley was on the boil.
• The government of India settled down some negotiations with these regional aspirations to reduce tensions in many regions.
• Mizoram is an example of political settlement to resolve the problem of separation effectively.

Q46: What were the main provisions of Punjab Accord of 1985? How has peace been restored on seewar lines in Punjab?
Ans: Punjab Accord was an agreement signed between the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, the then President of Akali Dal in 1985 to be known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi Longowal Accord’ also to create normalcy in Punjab:

• Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.
• To appoint a separate commission to resolve border dispute between Punjab and Haryana.
• A tribunal to be set up to settle down sharing of Ravi-Beas river water among Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
• To withdraw the Armed forces special power Act in Punjab.
• To provide agreement for compensation to better treatment to those affected by militancy in Punjab.

But, peace could not be established easily in Punjab and resulted:

• It led to many excesses by police and violation of human rights.
• If fragmented the Akali Dal.
• President’s rule was imposed and normal Political process was suspended.
• Hence, Political process could not be restored in this atmosphere. Even during elections in 1992, only 24% electors turned out to vote.

Consequently above mentioned added to tension between Punjab and its neighbouring states.

Q47: On a political outline map of India locate and label the following and symbolise them as indicated:
1. The 22nd State of India due to its merger.
2. The state out of which the states of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh were created.
3. Article 370 has a special significance for this state of India.
4. The state whose leader signed an agreement with Rajiv Gandhi.
5. An important state whose leader was Lai Denga.
6. Two states which were not part of state of Assam at the time of India’s Independence.
7. The state associated with Golden Temple and ‘Operation Blue Star’.
Ans:
1. Sikkim 
2. Assam
3. Jammu and Kashmir
4. Punjab
5. Mizoram
6. (a) Manipur 
(b) Tripura
7. Punjab