Worksheet Solutions: Recent Developments in Indian Politics | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: After the assassination of Indira Gandhi, ___________ became the Prime Minister of India.
Ans: Rajiv Gandhi
Rajiv Gandhi succeeded his mother, Indira Gandhi, as the Prime Minister of India after her tragic assassination.

Q2: The rise of the 'Mandal Issue' in national politics was a significant development in the ___________.
Ans: 1980s
The Mandal Issue, referring to the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations for OBC reservations, gained prominence during the 1980s, altering the political landscape.

Q3: The economic policy followed by various governments in India during the 1980s is also known as the ___________.
Ans: New Economic Policy
The New Economic Policy in the 1980s marked India's shift towards liberalization, privatization, and globalization, transforming its economic strategies.

Q4: The disputed structure at Ayodhya, known as Babri Masjid, was demolished in ___________.
Ans: December 1992
The Babri Masjid, a historical mosque in Ayodhya, was demolished in December 1992, leading to significant religious and political consequences in India.

Q5: The Mandal Commission recommended reserving ___________ percent of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for OBCs.
Ans: 27
The Mandal Commission suggested a 27 percent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in educational institutions and government positions, promoting social equality.

Q6: The caste-based politics dominated Indian politics from the ___________.
Ans: 1980s onwards
Caste-based politics gained prominence in the 1980s, with political parties focusing on caste affiliations and social issues to garner support.

Q7: The Rath Yatra led by LK Advani started from ___________ and ended in Ayodhya.
Ans: Somnath in Gujarat
LK Advani's Rath Yatra, a political journey, commenced from Somnath in Gujarat and culminated in Ayodhya, promoting the construction of a Ram temple at the Babri Masjid site.

Q8: The Babri Masjid was a 16th-century mosque built in ___________.
Ans: Ayodhya
The Babri Masjid, constructed in the 16th century in Ayodhya, became a focal point of religious and political tensions in India.

Q9: The violence against Muslims in Gujarat in 2002 began after an incident at ___________.
Ans: Godhra station
Communal violence in Gujarat erupted in 2002 following the Godhra train burning incident, leading to widespread unrest and tragic consequences.

Q10: In the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, the coalition led by ___________ was defeated, and the United Progressive Alliance came to power.
Ans: BJP National Democratic Alliance
In the 2004 elections, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance lost to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance, resulting in a change in India's political leadership.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The rise of the 'Mandal Issue' in national politics had a significant impact on Indian politics.
Reason: The Mandal Commission recommended reserving 27 percent of seats for OBCs in educational institutions and government jobs.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because the Mandal Issue, which revolved around the implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendation to reserve 27 percent of seats for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in educational institutions and government jobs, indeed had a significant impact on Indian politics. It led to widespread discussions and debates, reshaping the social and political landscape of the country. The reason provided is also correct; the Mandal Commission's recommendation was a crucial aspect of the Mandal Issue, showing a direct link between the assertion and the reason.

Q2: Assertion: The emergence of caste-based politics dominated Indian politics from the 1980s onwards.
Reason: In 1989 and 1991, a political party (BSP) supported by Dalit voters achieved a landmark political success.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because caste-based politics did indeed dominate Indian politics from the 1980s onwards. Various political parties, including the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), actively mobilized support along caste lines. The reason provided is also true; the BSP, supported by Dalit voters, achieved significant political success in the elections of 1989 and 1991. This success marked a landmark in Indian politics as it showcased the strength of Dalit politics in the country.

Q3: Assertion: The Babri Masjid controversy was a significant issue in Indian politics.
Reason: The Bharatiya Janata Party supported the demand for a Ram temple at the Babri Masjid site.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because the Babri Masjid controversy was indeed a significant issue in Indian politics. The dispute over the Babri Masjid site, where some Hindus claimed it to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, led to intense political and social debates, culminating in the demolition of the mosque in 1992. The reason is also true; the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) openly supported the demand for building a Ram temple at the Babri Masjid site. This support intensified the controversy and made it a prominent issue in national politics.

Q4: Assertion: The emergence of regional parties in Indian politics had no impact on the governance of the country.
Reason: Regional parties often influence the Central Government to divert more annual budget funds to their states at the expense of other states.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is false because the emergence of regional parties in Indian politics significantly impacted the governance of the country. Regional parties played a vital role in forming coalitions, influencing policies, and addressing local issues effectively. The reason is true; regional parties often used their influence to secure more budget funds for their states, leading to a fairer distribution of resources based on regional needs. Therefore, the reason explains the impact of regional parties on governance, making option (a) the correct choice.

Q5: Assertion: The 2002 Gujarat riots were solely triggered by an accident at Godhra station.
Reason: The riots began after a train carrying karsevakas was set on fire, resulting in the death of 57 karsevakas.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because the 2002 Gujarat riots were indeed triggered by an incident at Godhra station. The Godhra train burning incident resulted in the death of 57 karsevakas, leading to widespread communal violence in Gujarat. The reason is also true, explaining that the riots began after the train carrying karsevakas was set on fire. The incident created a wave of anger and violence, making option (a) the correct choice as the reason accurately explains the cause of the riots.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Who became the Prime Minister of India after the assassination of Indira Gandhi?
Ans: Rajiv Gandhi.

Q2: List two key developments in Indian politics during the 1980s.
Ans: Introduction of the Mandal Commission and the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Q3: What percentage of seats did the Mandal Commission recommend reserving for OBCs in educational institutions and government jobs?
Ans: 27%.

Q4: Which party was supported by Dalit voters and achieved a landmark political success in 1989 and 1991?
Ans: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

Q5: What is the significance of the term 'Hindutva Party' with reference to the BJP?
Ans: The BJP is often associated with the ideology of Hindutva, which promotes Hindu nationalism.

Q6: Who built the disputed structure at Ayodhya known as Babri Masjid?
Ans: Mir Baqi, a general under Mughal Emperor Babur.

Q7: What was the main issue raised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Indian politics in the 1980s?
Ans: The VHP demanded the construction of a Ram temple at the site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

Q8: What event led to the massive riots in the country after the opening of the locks of the Babri Masjid?
Ans: The opening of the locks of the Babri Masjid in 1986 by a district judge.

Q9: Who led the Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya, and what was its purpose?
Ans: L.K. Advani, a leader of the BJP, led the Rath Yatra with the purpose of mobilizing support for the construction of a Ram temple at the Babri Masjid site.

Q10: In which year did the United Progressive Alliance come to power in the Lok Sabha elections?
Ans: 2004.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the significance of the Mandal Commission and the implementation of its recommendations in 1990.
Ans: The Mandal Commission was established in 1979 to study the social and economic conditions of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in India. Its recommendations included a reservation of 27% of government jobs for OBCs. The implementation of these recommendations in 1990 had significant implications for Indian society and politics. It aimed to address historical injustices faced by marginalized communities and provide them with greater representation in government institutions. However, it also led to widespread protests and political tensions, as some groups opposed the reservation policy, fearing loss of opportunities for the upper castes.

Q2: Describe the key factors that led to the rise of regional parties in Indian politics during the 1980s and 1990s.
Ans: The rise of regional parties in Indian politics during the 1980s and 1990s can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the decline of the dominant Congress party and the emergence of coalition governments at the national level created space for regional parties to assert their influence. Secondly, regional parties were able to mobilize support based on regional identity, language, and cultural issues, appealing to specific regional aspirations. Thirdly, economic disparities and regional imbalances in development also contributed to the rise of regional parties, as they advocated for greater regional autonomy and resource allocation.

Q3: Discuss the events and aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya.
Ans: The Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya took place on December 6, 1992. It was a highly controversial incident where Hindu nationalist groups demolished the 16th-century Babri Masjid mosque, claiming it was constructed on the birthplace of Lord Ram. The demolition triggered widespread communal riots and violence across the country, leading to the loss of thousands of lives. The event deeply polarized the Indian society along religious lines and strained communal harmony. The aftermath of the demolition included legal battles, social tensions, and political repercussions that continue to shape Indian politics and society to this day.

Q4: Explain the causes and consequences of the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Ans: The 2002 Gujarat riots were a series of communal violence incidents that occurred in the state of Gujarat, primarily targeting the Muslim community. The causes of the riots can be traced back to the Godhra train burning incident, where a train carrying Hindu pilgrims was set on fire, resulting in the death of several individuals. This incident sparked a wave of retaliatory violence and led to widespread communal clashes. The consequences of the riots were devastating, with thousands of people killed, displaced, and injured. The incident raised concerns about religious intolerance, human rights violations, and the failure of the state machinery to control the violence.

Q5: What consensus emerged in Indian politics after 1990, and what were its key elements?
Ans: After 1990, a consensus emerged in Indian politics regarding the broad framework of economic reforms and liberalization. This consensus was based on the understanding that India needed to shift from a state-controlled economy to a more market-oriented one. The key elements of this consensus included reducing government intervention, promoting private sector growth, attracting foreign investment, and integrating with the global economy. This consensus was supported by major political parties across the spectrum and resulted in significant changes in India's economic policies and development trajectory.

Q6: How did the emergence of caste-based politics impact the political landscape of India in the 1980s and 1990s?
Ans: The emergence of caste-based politics in the 1980s and 1990s had a profound impact on the political landscape of India. It led to the mobilization of different caste groups, particularly the backward castes, who demanded greater political representation and social justice. Caste-based political parties emerged, challenging the dominance of traditional political parties. The focus shifted from broad-based national politics to identity-based politics, with parties making caste-based alliances and advocating for caste-specific policies. This transformed the power dynamics and electoral strategies in Indian politics, with caste becoming a crucial factor in shaping political outcomes.

Q7: How did the emergence of religious identity-based politics change the dynamics of Indian politics during the 1990s?
Ans: The emergence of religious identity-based politics in the 1990s, particularly Hindu nationalism, had a significant impact on the dynamics of Indian politics. It led to the rise of Hindu nationalist parties and organizations, which sought to assert the interests and identity of the Hindu majority. This shift towards religious identity-based politics created a more polarized political environment, with debates over secularism, minority rights, and the relationship between religion and politics taking center stage. It also intensified communal tensions, as religious identity became a key factor in electoral strategies and political mobilization.

Q8: Discuss the significance of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and the shift in political power.
Ans: The 2004 Lok Sabha elections in India were significant as they marked a shift in political power and the end of a long period of dominance by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi, emerged as the single largest party and formed a coalition government known as the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). This election highlighted the importance of coalition politics and regional parties in Indian democracy. It also reflected a desire for change among voters and a rejection of the BJP-led government's policies. The 2004 elections had a lasting impact on Indian politics and set the stage for subsequent changes in power dynamics.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the significance of the Mandal Commission and the implementation of its recommendations in 1990.
Ans: The Mandal Commission, officially known as the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission, was established in India in 1979. Its primary purpose was to identify the socially and educationally backward classes of India and recommend measures for their advancement. The commission's report, submitted in 1980, recommended the reservation of 27 percent of government jobs and seats in educational institutions for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Significance:

• Social Empowerment: The implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendations was a significant step towards social empowerment. It provided opportunities for the historically marginalized OBC communities in education and employment sectors, enabling them to participate actively in the nation's development.
• Reduction of Disparities: The reservation policy aimed at reducing disparities among different sections of society. By ensuring a fair representation of OBCs in educational institutions and government jobs, it worked towards a more balanced and inclusive society.
• Political Impact: The Mandal Commission's implementation had a profound impact on Indian politics. It led to the rise of OBC leaders and parties, giving them a significant political voice. Parties championing OBC causes gained prominence and played vital roles in various states and at the national level.
• Educational Upliftment: Reservation in educational institutions meant that OBC students gained access to higher education, which was previously denied to many due to social and economic factors. This move contributed to the overall educational upliftment of OBC communities.
• Economic Empowerment: By ensuring representation in government jobs, the Mandal Commission provided economic stability to many OBC families. It allowed them access to government employment opportunities, leading to improved economic conditions for individuals and communities.

Q2: Describe the key factors that led to the rise of regional parties in Indian politics during the 1980s and 1990s.
Ans: 

• Regional Identity: Regional parties often represented the unique cultural, linguistic, and historical identities of specific states or regions. They appealed to the local population's sentiments and issues, fostering a sense of regional pride and unity.
• Dissatisfaction with National Parties: Many regions felt neglected by national parties, especially the Congress. Regional parties emerged as alternatives, promising to address local problems more effectively than their national counterparts.
• Effective Leadership: Charismatic regional leaders emerged during this period. These leaders were able to connect with the masses, articulate their concerns, and provide strong, local leadership, which greatly bolstered regional parties.
• Focus on Local Issues: Regional parties focused on addressing specific economic, social, and developmental challenges faced by their regions. By concentrating on local problems, they gained the trust and support of the people living in those areas.
• Coalition Politics: The era of coalition governments at the national level provided opportunities for regional parties to play pivotal roles in forming ruling alliances. This increased their visibility and influence on national policies.

Q3: Discuss the events and aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya.
Ans: Events: In December 1992, the Babri Masjid, a 16th-century mosque in Ayodhya, was demolished by Karsevakas (Hindu volunteers). The controversy around the site originated from the belief of some Hindus that the mosque was built upon the birthplace of Lord Rama. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) actively supported the demand for constructing a Ram temple at the site.

Aftermath:

• Communal Tensions: The demolition triggered widespread communal violence across India. Riots erupted in several cities, leading to significant loss of life and property. The incident deepened religious divides between Hindus and Muslims.
• Political Ramifications: The event had significant political repercussions. It led to the weakening of the Congress party, and the BJP gained prominence as a major political force. Communal issues, including the Ayodhya dispute, became central to Indian politics, shaping election campaigns and political agendas.
• Legal Battles: The legal battle over the ownership of the site ensued. The case went through various stages in the courts, reflecting the complex nature of the dispute and the challenges in finding a resolution acceptable to all parties involved.
• International Impact: The Babri Masjid demolition and its aftermath strained India's relationships with neighboring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. Communal violence and religious tensions drew international attention, affecting India's global image.

Q4: Explain the causes and consequences of the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Ans: Causes: The 2002 Gujarat riots were primarily triggered by the Godhra train burning incident on February 27, 2002. A train carrying Hindu pilgrims caught fire in Godhra, resulting in the deaths of 57 people. The incident was alleged to be a deliberate attack by Muslims, which fueled communal tensions. Inflammatory speeches, rumors, and historical animosities between Hindu and Muslim communities also contributed to the escalation of violence.

Consequences:

• Loss of Life and Property: The riots resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,000 to 2,000 people, most of whom were Muslims. Thousands of people were injured, and properties, homes, and businesses were destroyed.
• Displacement: Thousands of families, mostly Muslims, were displaced and forced to live in relief camps. Many lost their livelihoods and faced immense economic hardships.
• Psychological Trauma: Survivors, especially women and children, suffered severe psychological trauma. The events left a lasting impact on the mental health of the affected individuals and communities.
• Political Fallout: The Gujarat government, led by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, faced severe criticism for its handling of the riots. There were accusations of inadequate law enforcement and political interference, raising questions about the state's responsibility to protect its citizens.
• Human Rights Concerns: International human rights organizations and activists criticized the Indian government for its handling of the situation, raising concerns about religious intolerance and human rights violations.
• Polarization: The riots deepened the religious and social divide between Hindus and Muslims in Gujarat. Trust and harmony between the communities were severely damaged, making the process of reconciliation and coexistence more challenging.
• Legal Proceedings: Several cases related to the riots were filed, leading to legal proceedings against individuals involved in the violence. However, the pursuit of justice in these cases has been a subject of debate and controversy.