Worksheet Solutions: Regional Aspirations | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: The Indian approach in nation-building balances the principles of ________ and ________.
Ans: Unity, diversity.
The Indian approach in nation-building balances the principles of unity, fostering a strong national identity, and diversity, preserving cultural richness.

Q2: Democracy allows the political expressions of ________ aspirations.
Ans: Regional.
Democracy allows the political expressions of regional aspirations, enabling diverse voices to be heard in the political process.

Q3: Jammu and Kashmir comprises three regions: Jammu, Kashmir, and ________.
Ans: Ladakh.
Jammu and Kashmir comprises three regions: Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, each with its unique characteristics.

Q4: Raja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir signed the instrument of ________.
Ans: Accession.
Raja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir signed the instrument of accession, officially making the region a part of India.

Q5: The demand for a separate Sikh identity led to the ________ Resolution in Punjab.
Ans: Anandpur Sahib.
The demand for a separate Sikh identity led to the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, which emphasized Sikh political and cultural aspirations in Punjab.

Q6: 'Operation Blue Star' took place in the ________ Temple in Amritsar.
Ans: Golden.
'Operation Blue Star' took place in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which was marred by violence and Sikh sentiments.

Q7: The Mizo National Front (MNF) fought a guerrilla war and received support from ________.
Ans: Pakistani Government.
The Mizo National Front (MNF) fought a guerrilla war and received support from the Pakistani Government during their struggle for autonomy.

Q8: The Anandpur Sahib Resolution emphasized the dominance and supremacy of the ________.
Ans: Sikhs.
The Anandpur Sahib Resolution emphasized the dominance and supremacy of the Sikhs in Punjab, reflecting their political aspirations.

Q9: Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh were created by dividing the state of ________.
Ans: Assam.
Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh were created by dividing the state of Assam to address the cultural and political aspirations of various ethnic communities.

Q10: Goa, Daman, and Diu were liberated from Portuguese rule in the year ________.
Ans: 1961.
Goa, Daman, and Diu were liberated from Portuguese rule in the year 1961, showcasing India's commitment to anti-colonialism and territorial integrity.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Regional aspirations are essential in democratic politics.
Reason: They contribute to a sense of regional discrimination.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: ​(c)
Regional aspirations are essential in democratic politics as they represent the diverse cultural, linguistic, and economic identities within a nation. They play a crucial role in decentralization, ensuring better regional representation and development. However, regional aspirations do not inherently contribute to regional discrimination. Instead, discrimination may arise due to neglect or biased policies, not merely from the expression of regional identity. Therefore, while the assertion is true, the reason provided is false.

Q2: Assertion: The Anandpur Sahib Resolution had a significant impact on the general Sikh community.
Reason: The resolution emphasized the aspirations of the Sikhs in Punjab.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The Anandpur Sahib Resolution indeed had a significant impact on the general Sikh community. The assertion is true because the resolution emphasized Sikh aspirations in Punjab, highlighting their political and cultural demands. The reason explains why the assertion is true.

Q3: Assertion: 'Operation Blue Star' led to the formation of a peaceful  Mizoram
Reason: The operation damaged the Golden Temple, hurting Sikh sentiments.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (d)
Operation Blue Star was a military operation carried out in 1984 to remove militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. It had no direct connection to the formation of a peaceful Mizoram.The peace in Mizoram was achieved through the Mizo Peace Accord of 1986, signed between the Government of India and the Mizo National Front (MNF), which ended two decades of insurgency in the region. Thus, the correct answer is: (d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Q4: Assertion: The demand for autonomy in North-East India led to the creation of separate states.
Reason: The central government sought to satisfy the demand for autonomy by dividing Assam.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The demand for autonomy in North-East India indeed led to the creation of separate states. The central government, recognizing these demands, sought to satisfy them by dividing Assam into different states, such as Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. The reason correctly explains why these separate states were created.

Q5: Assertion: Regional aspirations should be suppressed to maintain national integration.
Reason: Expression of regional issues is an abnormal phenomenon in democratic politics.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (d)
Regional aspirations should not be suppressed to maintain national integration. In democratic politics, expression of regional issues is not an abnormal phenomenon; it is a natural outcome of diverse cultures and identities within a nation. Acknowledging and addressing these issues through democratic negotiations is essential for a harmonious and integrated society.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What are the two principles balanced in the Indian approach to nation building?
Ans: Unity and Diversity.

Q2: How does democracy accommodate regional aspirations?
Ans: Through decentralization , power-sharing mechanisms, policy attention, etc

Q3: Name the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ans: Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Q4: What is the significance of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution?
Ans: It outlined the demands of the Sikhs and played a role in shaping Punjab politics.

Q5: Which operation aimed to flush out militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar?
Ans: Operation Blue Star was a military operation conducted by the Indian government in June 1984. Its primary aim was to remove militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which had become a stronghold for armed insurgents.

Q6: Which political party came to power in Punjab in 1985 after the anti-foreigner movement?
Ans: Shiromani Akali Dal.

Q7: Name the states created by dividing Assam in response to demands for autonomy.
Ans: Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Meghalaya.

Q8: What was the main demand of the leaders during the All Party Hills Conference?
Ans: The main demand of the leaders during the All Party Hills Conference was Autonomy for the hill regions of Darjeeling.

Q9: What was the code name for the army action in the Golden Temple in 1984?
Ans: Operation Blue Star was the code name for the military action taken by the Government of India in June 1984.

Q10: Which leader signed the Punjab Pact with Rajiv Gandhi in 1985?
Ans: Harchand Singh Longowal was the leader who signed the Punjab Pact with Rajiv Gandhi in 1985.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the roots of the Kashmir issue and the events surrounding the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India.
Ans: The Kashmir issue originated from the conflict between Raja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir, who wanted independence, and Pakistan, which claimed the region due to its Muslim-majority population. Pakistan attacked Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, leading Hari Singh to seek help from India. He signed the instrument of accession, making Jammu and Kashmir a part of India. The promise of a plebiscite was made, but it has not been conducted to date. Jammu and Kashmir was given special rights under Article 370. Pakistan occupies parts of Jammu and Kashmir, known as Azad Kashmir or POK.

Q2: Describe the political turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir between 1953-1986.
Ans:  Between 1953 and 1986, Jammu and Kashmir experienced significant political turmoil:

• Initially, Sheikh Abdullah's National Conference party was influential, in implementing land reforms.
• Sheikh Abdullah was dismissed in 1953, leading to instability and a lack of popular support for his successors.
• The Congress party dominated state politics until 1974, when an agreement reinstated Sheikh Abdullah as Chief Minister.
• Political unrest continued, with ongoing debates about autonomy under Article 370.
• Various leaders governed, but tensions remained high, culminating in a Congress-National Conference alliance in 1986.
• By 1989, a militant movement emerged, seeking a separate Kashmiri nation, supported by Pakistan.

This period was marked by allegations of election rigging and growing resentment towards the central government's interference.

Q3: Outline the factors that led to the Mizo insurgency and the subsequent peace accord.
Ans:  The Mizo insurgency in Mizoram was driven by several key factors:

• Government Response: The Assam government failed to adequately address the severe famine in 1959, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the Mizo people.
• Formation of MNF: In response to their grievances, the Mizo National Front (MNF) was established under the leadership of Laldenga.
• Armed Conflict: The MNF began an armed struggle for independence in 1966, resulting in a two-decade-long conflict with the Indian army.
• External Support: The MNF received support from Pakistan and found refuge in East Pakistan, complicating the situation further.
• Repressive Measures: The Indian government employed harsh tactics, including military action, which intensified local anger and alienation.

In 1986, a peace agreement was signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga. Mizoram was granted full-fledged statehood with special powers, and the MNF abandoned its secessionist struggle, leading to peace in the region.

Q4: Discuss the impact of the Assam movement of 1979-1985 against 'outsiders'.
Ans: The Assam movement from 1979 to 1985 was led by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) to protest against 'outsiders' who migrated to the state after 1951. Key points include:

• The movement aimed to deport these outsiders, particularly illegal Bengali Muslim settlers from Bangladesh.
• AASU mobilised widespread support across Assam, involving various community groups.
• It included protests and blockades, leading to tragic incidents and loss of life.
• After six years, the Rajiv Gandhi government negotiated with AASU, resulting in the 1985 Assam Accord.
• This accord aimed to identify and deport illegal migrants.
• Following the movement, AASU and the Asom Gana Sangram Parishad formed the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which came to power with promises to resolve these issues.

While the accord brought some peace, the issue of immigration remains a contentious topic in Assam's politics.

Q5: Explain the demands for autonomy in North-East India and the steps taken by the central government to address them.
Ans :  Demands for Autonomy in North-East India

• Historical Context: At independence, most of the North-East was part of Assam.
• Language Imposition: Non-Assamese communities felt the Assamese government imposed its language.
• Protests: Widespread opposition led to the formation of the Eastern India Tribal Union in 1960.
• State Creation: Resulted in the formation of Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Continued Demands: Communities like the Bodos, Karbis, and Dimasas sought separate states.
• Government Response: Autonomy granted through District Councils and Autonomous Councils.

Q6: Analyze the significance of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution in Punjab's political history.
Ans: The Anandpur Sahib Resolution, passed in 1973, was significant for several reasons:

• It highlighted the aspirations of the Sikh community.
• The resolution called for greater regional autonomy and aimed to redefine the relationship between the centre and the states.
• It sought to strengthen federalism in India.
• Despite its importance, the resolution had limited appeal among the wider Sikh population.

Over time, it became a focal point for political movements in Punjab, particularly regarding issues like water distribution and Sikh identity.

Q7: Detail the provisions of the Punjab Pact signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal.
Ans:  The Punjab Pact, signed in July 1985 between Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, included several important provisions:

• Chandigarh was transferred to Punjab.
• A commission was established to resolve the border dispute between Punjab and Haryana.
• A tribunal was set up to manage the sharing of Ravi and Beas river waters among Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
• Compensation and better treatment were promised for those affected by militancy in Punjab.
• The application of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act was withdrawn in Punjab.

The pact aimed to address key issues and reduce tensions in the region, although achieving lasting peace proved challenging.

Q8: How did the demand for autonomy in North-East India lead to the creation of separate states?
Ans: The demand for autonomy in North-East India resulted in the formation of separate states due to the region's rich diversity in ethnic and cultural identities. Key factors include:

• Various communities, such as the Bodo, Karbis, and Dimasas, sought separate states to protect their unique identities and cultural heritage.
• The central government responded by creating states like Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, addressing the aspirations of these communities.
• This reorganisation aimed to provide both political autonomy and cultural preservation for the diverse groups in the North-East.

Overall, the creation of separate states was a response to the distinct needs and demands of the region's communities.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the challenges faced by India in balancing unity and diversity, with a focus on the Kashmir issue.
Ans:  India faces significant challenges in balancing its unity and diversity, particularly highlighted by the Kashmir issue. Key points include:

• The accession of Kashmir to India in 1947 sparked ongoing disputes with Pakistan.
• Article 370 granted special status to the region, complicating the situation further.
• Promises of a plebiscite have remained unfulfilled, leading to tensions.
• India's democratic approach aims to accommodate regional aspirations, yet insurgency and political unrest persist.
• Despite these challenges, India strives to address the needs of diverse regions while maintaining national integrity.
• Finding a balance is crucial; unity strengthens the nation, while diversity enriches its cultural fabric.

Q2: Analyze the factors contributing to the political reorganization in North-East India and the significance of regional aspirations in the region's politics.
Ans:  The political reorganisation in North-East India was influenced by several key factors:

• Cultural diversity and ethnic tensions among various groups.
• The Assam movement from 1979 to 1985, which raised concerns about 'outsiders' and led to the formation of separate states like Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Demands for autonomy from tribal communities, including the Bodos and Karbis.
• Insurgencies, particularly in Mizoram and Nagaland, which highlighted the importance of regional identities.

These developments underscored the significance of regional aspirations:

• Ensured political representation for diverse communities.
• Facilitated cultural preservation.
• Promoted national integration by addressing local demands, thus preventing secessionist movements.
• Democratic negotiations became a vital strategy, reflecting India's commitment to unity in diversity.

Q3: Examine the role of democratic negotiations in addressing regional aspirations and maintaining national integration, citing examples from the given text.
Ans: Democratic negotiations are vital for addressing regional aspirations and ensuring national integration. They foster inclusive governance and help manage diverse interests within a nation.

• The Punjab Pact, signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, is a key example. This agreement included:
  • Concessions such as transferring Chandigarh to Punjab.
  • Resolving border disputes, which addressed Sikh aspirations and reduced tensions.
• In North-East India, democratic negotiations resulted in the creation of separate states like:
  • Meghalaya
  • Mizoram
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  These states met the demands for autonomy from various ethnic groups.
• The peace accord with the Mizo National Front(MNF) in Mizoram exemplifies how democratic discussions can resolve conflicts, leading to:
  • Full statehood for Mizoram.
  • Special powers that foster peace in the region.

These examples demonstrate that democratic negotiations enhance regional inclusivity and help preserve cultural identities within the national framework, thereby promoting sustainable national integration.

Q4: Evaluate the impact of the Goa liberation movement on India's political landscape, considering the challenges faced during the integration of Goa, Daman, and Diu. 
Ans:   The Goa liberation movement in 1961 significantly influenced India's political landscape, reflecting the nation's dedication to territorial integrity and anti-colonialism. The integration of Goa, Daman, and Diu faced several challenges, including:

• Portuguese resistance: Portugal was reluctant to relinquish its colonial territories.
• International opinions: Global perspectives on the conflict complicated the situation.

Despite these challenges, India's strong resolve and diplomatic efforts led to:

• Successful liberation: The Indian army liberated the territories in December 1961 after just two days of action.
• Democratic values: The integration process showcased India's commitment to peaceful resolutions of territorial disputes.

This event not only boosted national pride but also enhanced India's diplomatic reputation internationally. The assimilation of Goa, Daman, and Diu enriched India's cultural diversity, making the region's unique heritage a vital part of the nation's identity. Ultimately, Goa's liberation exemplified India's democratic ideals and its approach to resolving territorial issues through negotiation.