NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology - Change and Development in Rural Society

Q1: Read the passage given and answer the questions:
The harsh working conditions suffered by labourers in Aghanbigha were an outcome of the combined effect of the economic power of the maliks as a class and their overwhelming power as members of a dominant caste. A significant aspect of the social power of the maliks was their ability to secure the intervention of various arms of the state to advance their interests. Thus, political factors decisively contributed to widening the gulf between the dominant class and the underclass.
(i) Why do you think the maliks were able to use the power of the state to advance their own interests?
(ii) Why did labourers have harsh working conditions?
Ans. 
(i) 
(a) The maliks being dominant caste were very powerful politically, economically and socially.
(b) Because of power they were able to use the power of state for their vested interests.
(c) They were successfully able to secure the intervention of various arms of the state for their own benefit.
(ii) The labour have been working under harsh conditions because being dalits, they were not allowed to own land and compelled to work in the lands of dominant caste people as a labourer.

Q2: What measures do you think the government has taken, or should take, to protect the rights of landless agricultural labourers and migrant workers?
Ans: Measures to protect the right of Landless:

• Abolition of bonded labour legally:  Bandhua mazdoor (bonded labourers) practice in U.P and Bihar, Halpati System in Gujarat and Jeeta System in Karnataka has been legally abolished by Government of India.
• Abolition of Zamindari System: The intermediaries between the peasants and the state were the Zamindars. The state very effectively and intensively passed legislation and this system was abolished.
• Abolition and regulation act for Tenancy: These laws discouraged tenancy or ‘Batai’ system. In West Bengal and Kerala, where CPI systems government was in power the tenants got the land rights.
• Imposition of Land Ceiling Act: According to this act the upper limit of land for an owner is being fixed. Because of this act to identify surplus land and redistribute among the landless became programme of the state. Binoba Bhave’s Bhoodan yojna instructed this legislation but there are many shortcomings in this act and should be taken care of.
• To improve the condition of landless people living in villages the state should take appropriate measures and this whole sector should be organised.
• The economic conditions of villages should be improved by the state. Villages should be well connected to the ties, job opportunities should be creaked in the villages. Education and health facilities as well as entertainment facilities should be developed in the villages to discourage migration. MANREGA is an effective measure in this duration.
• Consolidation of Land: Landowner farmers are given one or two bigger piece of land in lieu of their several scattered small fields. It may be done as voluntary consolidation or as compulsory consolidation. This can bring about lot of efficiencies in agriculture process as a farmer.

Q3: There are direct linkages between the situation of agricultural workers and then- lack of upward socio-economic mobility. Name some of them.
Ans: 

• Indian rural society is totally dependent on agriculture. It is the only source of their livelihood. Unfortunately it is unevenly distributed, not organised and many people of rural society are landless.
• Indian rural society has patrilineal kinship system. According to legal system women are supposed to have an equal right of family property but actually it is simply on papers. Because of male dominance, they are deprived of their rights.
• Most of the people in villages are landless and for their livelihood they become agriculture workers. They are paid below the statutory minimum wages. Their job is not regular and employment is insecure. Mostly these agriculture workers work on daily wages.
• The tenants also have lower income because they have to pay a large amount of production to the landowner.
• The ownership of land or its total area determines the position of the farmers upward or downward mobility in his socio-economic system. Therefore the agrarian society can be understood in terms of its class structure which is structured through Caste system.

Although this is not always true. In rural society Brahmins are the dominant caste but they are not main landowners so they are part of rural society but fall outside the agrarian structure.These questions are based on Self-Study. Students should do them solves.

Q4: What are the different factors that have enabled certain groups to transform themselves into new wealthy, entrepreneurial, dominant classes? Can you think of an example of this transformation in your state?
Ans: The transformation of certain groups into new wealthy, entrepreneurial, and dominant classes can be attributed to several key factors:

• Access to Education and Skills Development: Education plays a pivotal role in enabling individuals and communities to break free from traditional constraints. Access to quality education and skills development programs equips people with the knowledge and abilities needed to explore new economic opportunities and industries. 
• Economic Opportunities: The availability of economic opportunities, especially in emerging sectors like technology, manufacturing, and services, can empower individuals or groups to accumulate wealth and influence. These opportunities may arise from changes in the economic landscape, globalization, or government policies promoting entrepreneurship. 
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: An entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to identify gaps in the market and create innovative solutions are essential for wealth generation. Individuals or groups that exhibit entrepreneurial traits are more likely to succeed in business ventures and become dominant players in their respective industries. 
• Government Policies and Support: Favorable government policies, such as subsidies, incentives, and access to credit, can greatly facilitate the rise of new dominant classes. These policies create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and wealth creation. 
• Social Networks and Collaboration: Building strong social networks and collaborating with like-minded individuals or organizations can open doors to new opportunities, resources, and partnerships, accelerating the process of wealth accumulation. 
• Adaptability and Resilience: The ability to adapt to changing market conditions and overcome setbacks is crucial for long-term success. Resilient individuals or groups can weather economic challenges and emerge stronger.

An example of such transformation in our state is the emergence of a group of young entrepreneurs who leveraged their technological skills and innovative ideas to establish successful startups in the IT sector. These entrepreneurs not only generated substantial wealth but also became influential figures in promoting entrepreneurship and digital innovation in our region.

Q5: Hindi and regional language films were often set in rural areas. Think of a film set in rural India and describe the agrarian society and culture that is shown in it. How realistic do you think the portrayal is? Have you seen any recent film set in rural areas? If not how would you explain it?
Ans: One of the iconic Hindi films set in rural India is "Lagaan. " In this film, the agrarian society and culture of a fictional village during the British colonial period are vividly portrayed. The film showcases several elements of rural life:

• Agriculture as a Way of Life: "Lagaan" highlights the centrality of agriculture in rural India. The villagers' lives revolve around farming, and they face the challenges of monsoons, droughts, and crop failures. 
• Traditional Practices: The film depicts various traditional customs, rituals, and festivals, showcasing the cultural richness of rural India. For example, the game of cricket is introduced as a means to alleviate the burden of taxation, reflecting the integration of tradition into the storyline. 
• Social Hierarchy: The film portrays the social hierarchy within the village, with distinct roles for different caste groups. It also reflects the exploitation of the villagers by the colonial rulers, mirroring historical realities. 
• Community Bond: "Lagaan" underscores the strong sense of community and solidarity among the villagers as they come together to face external challenges. This aspect of rural life is realistically depicted. 

As for the realism of the portrayal, "Lagaan" is a cinematic representation that combines elements of reality with artistic creativity. While it captures many facets of rural life authentically, some dramatization and storytelling elements are designed for entertainment. Overall, it offers a compelling glimpse into rural India, although artistic liberties are taken for narrative purposes.
Regarding recent films set in rural areas, the shift away from such settings might be attributed to changing audience preferences for more urban-centric stories, modern themes, and globalized narratives. Additionally, the urbanization trend in India has led to a reduced focus on rural backdrops in contemporary cinema.

Q6: Visit a construction site in your neighbourhood, a brickyard, or other such place where you are likely to find migrant workers. Find out where the workers come from, how are they recruited from their home villages, who is the 'mukadam'? If they are from rural areas, find out about their lives in their villages and why they have to migrate to find work.
Ans: During my visit to a construction site in my neighborhood, I gathered valuable information about the migrant workers:

• Origin of Workers: The majority of the workers at the construction site came from rural areas in neighboring states. They hailed from villages where employment opportunities were limited. 
• Recruitment Process: The workers were recruited through a network of labor contractors or 'mukadams. ' These labor contractors act as intermediaries between the workers and the construction companies. They often visit villages, offering job opportunities and negotiating wages. 
• Role of the 'Mukadam': The 'mukadam' is a key figure in the recruitment process. They liaise with both the workers and the construction site management, arranging for transportation and accommodation. They also ensure that workers are paid their wages, although deductions are often made for various reasons. 
• Life in Villages: Workers shared insights into their lives in their home villages. Many come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, where agriculture is the primary source of livelihood. However, factors such as landlessness, crop failures, and insufficient income drive them to seek employment in urban construction projects. 
• Reasons for Migration: The primary reasons for migration include poverty, lack of stable employment, and the aspiration for better economic prospects. Migrant workers hope to send remittances back to their families and improve their living conditions. 
• Challenges Faced: Migrant workers face numerous challenges, including substandard living conditions, low wages, lack of job security, and separation from their families for extended periods. They also encounter exploitation by labor contractors. 

This firsthand experience shed light on the lives and motivations of migrant workers, highlighting the complex dynamics that lead them to leave their rural homes in search of work in urban areas.

Q7: Visit your local fruit-seller, and ask her/him about the fruits she/he sells, where they come from, and their prices. Find out what has happened to the prices of local products after fruits began to be imported from outside of India (such as apples from Australia). Are there any imported fruits cheaper than Indian fruits?
Ans: During my visit to the local fruit-seller, I gathered information about the fruits sold, their origins, prices, and the impact of imported fruits:

• Fruits Sold: The fruit-seller offered a variety of fruits, including apples, oranges, bananas, guavas, and seasonal local fruits like mangoes and papayas. 
• Origins of Fruits: The local fruits, such as mangoes and papayas, were sourced from nearby orchards and farms in our region. However, the apples were imported from countries like Australia. 
• Price Trends: The fruit-seller mentioned that the prices of local fruits have remained relatively stable over the years, with fluctuations depending on seasonal availability. On the other hand, the prices of imported fruits, like apples, have fluctuated due to factors such as international market conditions, currency exchange rates, and import tariffs. 
• Impact of Imported Fruits: The introduction of imported fruits like apples has provided consumers with a wider variety of choices. However, the imported fruits are generally priced higher than local fruits due to transportation costs and import duties. 
• Cheaper Imported Fruits: Some imported fruits, such as oranges from neighboring countries, are occasionally available at competitive prices compared to their Indian counterparts. This can be attributed to proximity and reduced transportation costs. 

In summary, while imported fruits like apples offer diversity to consumers, they tend to be more expensive than locally grown fruits due to additional costs associated with imports. However, certain imported fruits from nearby regions may sometimes be priced competitively. 

Q8: Collect information and write a report on the environmental situation in rural India. Examples of topics: pesticides; declining water table; impact of prawn farming in coastal areas; salination of soil and waterlogging in canal irrigated areas; loss of biodiversity. Possible source: State of India’s Environment Reports, Reports from Centre for Science and Development, and the magazine Down to Earth. 
Ans: Report on the Environmental Situation in Rural India: 
Rural India, characterized by its rich biodiversity and dependence on agriculture, faces a complex array of environmental challenges. This report aims to highlight some key environmental issues affecting rural areas, drawing from various sources, including the State of India's Environment Reports, Reports from the Centre for Science and Development, and the magazine Down to Earth. 

• Pesticides: Pesticide use in rural India remains a concern due to its adverse impacts on both human health and the environment. Farmers often rely heavily on chemical pesticides to protect their crops from pests and diseases. However, this practice has led to issues such as pesticide residue contamination in food products, soil degradation, and the harm caused to non-target organisms like pollinators and aquatic life. 
• Declining Water Table: Rural areas are heavily dependent on groundwater for irrigation, domestic use, and drinking water. Over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture has resulted in a declining water table in many regions. This phenomenon not only threatens the sustainability of agriculture but also leads to increased energy consumption for pumping water from greater depths. 
• Impact of Prawn Farming in Coastal Areas: Coastal regions in rural India have witnessed a surge in prawn farming, often involving the conversion of mangrove forests into aquaculture ponds. This has ecological consequences, including the destruction of valuable mangrove ecosystems, water pollution due to effluents, and increased vulnerability to coastal erosion and storms. 
• Salination of Soil and Waterlogging in Canal Irrigated Areas: In areas where canal irrigation is prevalent, improper water management has led to soil salination and waterlogging. Excessive irrigation and inadequate drainage infrastructure have resulted in the accumulation of salts in the soil, rendering it less fertile, and causing waterlogging that damages crops and infrastructure. 
• Loss of Biodiversity: Rural areas in India are home to diverse flora and fauna. However, rapid urbanization, deforestation, and land-use changes have led to the loss of biodiversity. Endangered species are particularly vulnerable, and the disruption of ecosystems can have long-lasting ecological consequences.