Worksheet Solutions: Rise of Popular Movements | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: The nature of popular movements depicts a very unusual form of ______________ action.
Ans: collective
Popular movements depict a very unusual form of collective action, showcasing the power of unified public engagement for social change.

Q2: Movements that involve political parties are known as ______________ movements.
Ans: party-based
Movements that involve political parties, aligning their goals and ideologies with specific political agendas to drive change.

Q3: The main leader of the Chipko movement was ______________.
Ans: Sunderlal Bahuguna
He was the main leader of the Chipko movement, leading the efforts to protect trees from being cut down.

Q4: The Dalit Panthers opposed discrimination on the basis of ______________.
Ans: caste
The Dalit Panthers vehemently opposed discrimination based on caste, advocating for social equality and justice.

Q5: The BKU demanded higher government floor prices for ______________ and ______________.
Ans: sugarcane, wheat
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) demanded higher government floor prices for sugarcane and wheat, vital crops for Indian farmers.

Q6: The Anti-Arrack Movement started in the village of ______________ in Andhra Pradesh.
Ans: Dubarganta
The Anti-Arrack Movement started in Dubarganta village in Andhra Pradesh, where women mobilized against the sale of arrack, addressing the social issues stemming from alcoholism.

Q7: Narmada Bachao Andolan demanded a cost-benefit analysis of major developmental projects including ______________ costs.
Ans: social
Narmada Bachao Andolan demanded a cost-benefit analysis of major developmental projects, including social costs, emphasizing the human and cultural impact of these projects.

Q8: The movement for Right to Information started in 1990 in ______________.
Ans: Rajasthan
The movement for Right to Information started in 1990 in Rajasthan, with the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) initiating demands for transparent governance.

Q9: In 2002, a weak Freedom of Information Act was legislated but never came into ______________.
Ans: force
In 2002, a weak Freedom of Information Act was legislated but never came into force, lacking implementation and enforcement.

Q10: The National Council for People’s Right to Information was formed in ______________ in 1996.
Ans: Delhi
The National Council for People’s Right to Information was formed in Delhi in 1996, centralizing efforts to elevate the Right to Information movement to a national level.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Party-based movements follow the objectives and ideologies of political parties.
Reason: They do not have independent goals.
(a) Assertion and Reason are both true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
Party-based movements align their objectives with political parties and operate within their ideological framework. They do not pursue independent goals but rather work in conjunction with the political party's agenda.

Q2: Assertion: The BKU demanded higher government floor prices for sugarcane and wheat.
Reason: They wanted to sell these crops at a lower price.
(a) Assertion and Reason are both true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (c)
The BKU demanded higher government floor prices for sugarcane and wheat to ensure better income for farmers. They did not intend to sell their crops at a lower price but sought fair compensation.

Q3: Assertion: Popular movements often address issues unnoticed by the government, strengthening democracy.
Reason: They bring attention to societal concerns, fostering public participation and awareness.
(a) Assertion and Reason are both true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
Popular movements indeed highlight societal issues, making the government and society more aware, leading to increased democratic participation.

Q4: Assertion: The Anti-Arrack Movement aimed to ban the sale of arrack in villages.
Reason: It was concerned about the economic impact of alcoholism on rural areas.
(a) Assertion and Reason are both true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The Anti-Arrack Movement primarily aimed to stop arrack sales in villages due to its adverse social and economic effects on rural areas.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Name one leader of the Chipko movement.
Ans: Sunderlal Bahuguna

Q2: What were the demands of the Chipko Movement?
Ans: Control over natural resources, low-cost support to small-scale industries, environment-friendly development, and women's rights against alcoholism.

Q3: Which state did the Dalit Panthers originate in?
Ans: Maharashtra

Q4: What did the Dalit Panthers oppose?
Ans: Discrimination against Dalits, injustice in resource distribution, improper implementation of reservation laws, and mistreatment of Dalit women.

Q5: Who was the chief leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU)?
Ans: Mahendra Singh Tikait

Q6: What were the characteristics of the BKU's demands?
Ans: Higher government floor prices for sugarcane and wheat, abolition of restrictions on inter-state movement of farm produce, and guaranteed supply of electricity at reasonable rates.

Q7: Which movement aimed to save the Narmada river?
Ans: Narmada Bachao Andolan

Q8: What did the Anti-Arrack Movement demand initially?
Ans: To stop the sale of arrack in the villages.

Q9: When did the movement for Right to Information start?
Ans: 1990

Q10: What does the Right to Information law allow people to do?
Ans: Demand information from any department that can be made public, and it is the duty of the department to provide that information.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the demands and results of the Chipko Movement.
Ans: Demands:

• Control over natural resources like water, forest, and land for local people.
• Government support for small-scale industries at low cost.
• Environment-friendly development in the area.
• Opposition against alcoholism, particularly by women.

Result:

• The government banned tree cutting in the Himalayan region for 15 years.

Q2: Describe the activities and demands of the Dalit Panthers movement.
Ans: Activities:

• Fought against increased atrocities on Dalits in various parts of Maharashtra.
• Raised awareness about Dalit oppression in literature and public platforms.
• Strongly opposed atrocities, especially on Dalit women.

Demands:

• Opposition to caste-based discrimination.
• Opposition to injustice in resource distribution.
• Proper implementation of reservation laws.
• End to mistreatment of Dalit women.

Result:

• A strict law against atrocities on Dalits was enacted in 1989.

Q3: Explain the reasons behind the BKU's protest in 1988 and their demands.
Ans: Reasons for Protest:

• High prices of electricity, affecting farmers' livelihoods.

Demands:

• Higher government floor prices for sugarcane and wheat.
• Abolition of restrictions on the inter-state movement of farm produce.
• Guaranteed supply of electricity at reasonable rates.

Q4: Discuss the problem that led to the anti-Arrack movement and its demands.
Ans: Problem:

• Widespread addiction to arrack (alcohol) in Andhra Pradesh, causing economic decline, increased debts, unemployment, and domestic violence.

Demands:

• Initially, demanded stopping the sale of arrack in villages.
  Later addressed issues like domestic violence, sexual harassment, and the dowry system.

Q5: What were the issues raised by the Narmada Bachao Andolan, and what strategies did they use?
Ans: Issues Raised:

• Opposition to forced displacement due to the Sardar Sarovar Project.
• Demanded a cost-benefit analysis of major projects, considering social costs.

Strategies Used:

• Sustained agitation for over 20 years.
• Used democratic strategies like rallies, demonstrations, and public awareness campaigns.

Q6: Describe the origin and demands of the movement for the Right to Information.
Ans: Origin:

• Started in 1990 by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) in Rajasthan, demanding records of famine relief work and laborers' accounts.

Demands:

• Right to demand information from government departments, with transparency in governance.
• Conducted Jan Sunwais or Public Hearings, pressuring the administration to explain its actions.

Q7: How did the popular movements contribute to strengthening democracy? Explain.
Ans: Contributions to Strengthening Democracy:

• Revealed issues unnoticed by the government, fostering transparency.
• Allowed people to voice their concerns, enhancing democratic participation.
• Increased public awareness, leading to informed citizens.
• Highlighted the significance of mass movements in democratic processes, encouraging active citizenship.

Q8: Discuss the characteristics and demands of party-based movements, providing an example.
Ans: Characteristics:

• Involvement of political parties, following party ideologies and objectives.
• Close association with political parties, often working in alignment with their policies.

Demands:

• Aligned with the political party's objectives and goals.

Example:

• Naxalbari Movement, where political parties collaborated in the movement, advocating for specific ideological changes.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the Nature of Popular Movements and Provide Examples.
Ans: Popular movements are unique forms of collective action, often employing unconventional methods to protest against various social, political, and environmental issues. These movements can be party-based, aligning with political parties, or non-party based, operating independently of specific ideologies. For instance, the Chipko Movement (1973) in Uttarakhand saw common people protesting against tree felling, demanding control over natural resources and environment-friendly development. Another example is the Dalit Panthers (1972) movement in Maharashtra, where educated Dalit youth opposed caste-based discrimination and fought for the proper implementation of reservation laws. These movements demonstrate the diverse and dynamic nature of popular movements, reflecting the complex societal challenges they address.

Q2: Discuss the Objectives and Impact of the Anti-Arrack Movement.
Ans: The Anti-Arrack Movement, originating in Andhra Pradesh, aimed to curb the devastating impact of alcoholism on rural communities. Men's addiction to arrack led to economic decline, increased debts, domestic violence, and social problems. Women took a stand against this menace, initiating the movement. Initially, the demand was to ban arrack sales in villages. However, the movement expanded to address broader issues such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, and the dowry system. Despite the state government's reluctance due to revenue concerns, the movement succeeded in banning arrack sales in many villages, significantly improving the social fabric and empowering women in these communities.

Q3: Describe the Challenges Faced and Strategies Employed by Narmada Bachao Andolan.
Ans: Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) faced significant challenges in its fight against the Sardar Sarovar Project. The movement demanded a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of developmental projects, including social costs like forced resettlement and loss of livelihood. Initially focusing on rehabilitation, NBA later opposed the dam entirely. To address these challenges, NBA utilized democratic strategies, organizing protests, public hearings, and awareness campaigns. They engaged with various stakeholders, highlighting the environmental and social consequences of the project. NBA's sustained agitation for over two decades showcased their resilience and determination. Their struggle against displacement and ecological damage became a symbol of grassroots resistance, highlighting the importance of considering social costs in large-scale developmental projects.

Q4: Explain the Significance and Impact of the Movement for Right to Information (RTI) in India.
Ans: The movement for Right to Information (RTI) revolutionized transparency and accountability in India. Initiated by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) in 1990, it demanded access to public records. MKSS organized Jan Sunwais, compelling the administration to explain its actions publicly. In 2005, the RTI Act became law, allowing citizens to demand information from government departments. This legislation empowered citizens, making the government more accountable. RTI played a crucial role in exposing corruption, ensuring efficient public service delivery, and fostering a culture of accountability. It enabled citizens to participate actively in governance, strengthening democracy. The movement's success demonstrated the power of grassroots initiatives, emphasizing the importance of an informed citizenry in building a just and transparent society.