Worksheet Solutions: Social Institutions - Continuity and Change | Sociology Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: The three main institutions of Indian society are Caste, Tribe, and _______.
Ans: Family
Family, as a fundamental social institution, plays a crucial role in Indian society, influencing individuals' socialization and support systems.

Q2: The term "jati" is commonly used in Indian languages to describe the caste system, while the English term "_____" is also used.
Ans: Caste
The term "jati" is the native terminology for caste in various Indian languages, while "caste" is the corresponding English term widely used to describe the system.

Q3: The varna system divides society into four categories: Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and _______.
Ans: Shudra
The varna system, one of the classifications in the caste system, designates individuals into these four main categories, with Shudra being the lowest in the hierarchy traditionally assigned to laborers and service providers.

Q4: In the caste system, endogamy is a norm, which means that only members of the same _______ can marry each other.
Ans: Caste
Endogamy is the practice of marrying within one's social group, specifically within the same caste, ensuring social and cultural continuity within the community.

Q5: Caste separation and differentiation principles focus on common beliefs such as purity, pollution, and _______ marriage.
Ans: Endogamous
The caste system's principles emphasize marrying within the same caste (endogamous marriage) to maintain purity and avoid social pollution.

Q6: In the caste system, Brahmins are assigned roles as _______ and teachers.
Ans: Priests
Brahmins, the highest caste in the varna system, traditionally serve as priests, scholars, and teachers, playing vital roles in religious and educational practices.

Q7: The British conducted a census in India to determine the number and sizes of various _______.
Ans: Castes and subcastes
The British conducted a census to categorize and understand the diverse castes and subcastes in Indian society, leading to the documentation of social structures.

Q8: The British introduced the zamindari system in Bengal, where landlords were chosen to collect _______.
Ans: Taxes
The zamindari system involved landlords collecting taxes from farmers, which sometimes led to exploitation and unfair taxation practices.

Q9: Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the eradication of social evils like untouchability without mistreatment of _______.
Ans: Harijans
Gandhi advocated for the upliftment of Harijans (a term used for lower-caste individuals) without retaliation, aiming for their integration into society without mistreatment.

Q10: In modern India, despite progress, caste still plays a role in certain areas, such as caste-based politicization and _______ in politics and education.
Ans: Reservations
Caste-based reservations continue to be a topic of discussion, addressing historical social injustices through affirmative action policies in education and politics.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The term "varna" describes a four-fold division of society in India.
Reason: The varna system includes Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra.
(a) Both assertion and reason are 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) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is correct as "varna" indeed describes a four-fold division of society in India, including Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra. The reason is also accurate as it provides the correct categories included in the varna system, explaining the assertion correctly.

Q2: Assertion: The British introduced the zamindari system in Bengal.
Reason: The zamindari system was beneficial for farmers as it provided them with fair taxes.
(a) Both assertion and reason are 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) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (b)
While it is true that the British introduced the zamindari system in Bengal, the reason provided, stating that it was beneficial for farmers as it provided fair taxes, is not accurate. The zamindari system often led to exploitation of farmers, and the assertion and reason are not directly related or explaining each other.

Q3: Assertion: Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the eradication of social evils like untouchability.
Reason: Gandhi believed that the privileges and domination of the Brahmins would persist even after the advancement of Harijans.
(a) Both assertion and reason are 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) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is accurate as Mahatma Gandhi indeed emphasized the eradication of social evils like untouchability. The reason is also true, as Gandhi believed that even after the advancement of Harijans, the privileges and domination of the Brahmins would persist, emphasizing the need to uplift the oppressed communities without mistreating them.

Q4: Assertion: Caste-based politicization and reservations in political parties and educational institutions continue to be discussed in modern India.
Reason: Caste no longer plays a significant role in Indian society.
(a) Both assertion and reason are 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) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (b)
The assertion is true as caste-based politicization and discussions about reservations in political parties and educational institutions continue in modern India. However, the reason provided, stating that caste no longer plays a significant role in Indian society, is not correct. Caste still plays a significant role in various aspects of Indian society, making the reason incorrect.

Q5: Assertion: In tribal societies, some tribes desire to join the mainstream society to improve their social status.
Reason: Tribal elites who have achieved education and improved their status receive better treatment than other workers who are not as educated.
(a) Both assertion and reason are 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) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true as some tribes in tribal societies do desire to join the mainstream society to improve their social status. The reason is also accurate, explaining that tribal elites who have achieved education and improved their status receive better treatment, providing a correct explanation for the assertion.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What are the three main institutions of Indian society?
Ans: The three main institutions of Indian society are family, marriage, and caste.

Q2: Define the term "jati" in the context of the caste system.
Ans: "Jati" refers to the subgroups or occupational groups within a particular caste in the caste system.

Q3: What is endogamy in the caste system?
Ans: Endogamy in the caste system means marrying within one's own caste or subcaste.

Q4: Name one of the four categories in the varna system.
Ans: One of the four categories in the varna system is the Brahmins (priests and scholars).

Q5: Who are the Panchamas in the caste system?
Ans: The Panchamas in the caste system are the lowest or untouchable castes.

Q6: Who conducted a census in India to determine the number of castes and subcastes?
Ans: B.R. Ambedkar conducted a census in India to determine the number of castes and subcastes.

Q7: Mention one leader who worked towards the upliftment of Harijans in the independence movement.
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi worked towards the upliftment of Harijans in the independence movement.

Q8: What did Mahatma Gandhi emphasize regarding untouchability?
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the eradication of untouchability and the equality of all individuals.

Q9: What is the main objective of Article 17 in the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The main objective of Article 17 in the Indian Constitution is to abolish untouchability.

Q10: What is the significance of caste in urban industries?
Ans: Caste can influence access to employment opportunities and social mobility in urban industries.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the concept of "varna" in the caste system, including the four categories.
Ans: In the caste system, "varna" refers to the four main categories or social classes that individuals are born into, based on their occupation and social status. The four varnas are:

• Brahmins: This is the highest varna, consisting of priests, scholars, and teachers. They are considered to be responsible for spiritual and intellectual pursuits.
• Kshatriyas: This varna includes warriors, rulers, and administrators. They are responsible for protecting society and maintaining law and order.
• Vaishyas: This varna comprises traders, merchants, and farmers. They engage in business and agricultural activities to support the economy.
• Shudras: This varna consists of laborers and servants who provide manual labor and services to the higher varnas.

Q2: Describe the impact of colonialism on the caste system in India.
Ans: Colonialism had a significant impact on the caste system in India. The British colonizers, influenced by their own notions of social hierarchy, reinforced and rigidified the existing caste system. They implemented policies that classified and categorized people based on their caste, making it more difficult for individuals to move out of their assigned social positions. The British also used caste as a tool to divide and rule the Indian population, exacerbating social tensions and inequalities.

Q3: How did leaders like Mahatma Gandhi work towards the upliftment of Harijans during the freedom movement?
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi, along with other leaders, worked towards the upliftment of Harijans (the term he used for the untouchables or Dalits) during the freedom movement in India. He advocated for the removal of untouchability and believed in the equal treatment of all individuals regardless of their caste. Gandhi actively campaigned against untouchability, promoted inter-caste marriages, and fought for the rights and dignity of Harijans. He emphasized the importance of education, economic empowerment, and social integration to uplift the oppressed communities.

Q4: Discuss the role of Article 17 in the Indian Constitution in removing untouchability.
Ans: Article 17 of the Indian Constitution plays a crucial role in removing untouchability. It explicitly abolishes untouchability in all its forms and prohibits its practice in any form. This constitutional provision aims to eradicate the social evil of untouchability and promote equality and social justice. It empowers the state to take necessary measures to enforce the prohibition of untouchability and provide legal protection to individuals who are subjected to discrimination based on caste.

Q5: Explain the concept of Sanskritisation and its advantages and disadvantages.
Ans: Sanskritisation is a concept that refers to the process by which lower caste groups adopt the customs, rituals, and practices of higher castes in an attempt to improve their social status. It involves the imitation of the cultural norms and behaviors associated with higher castes. The advantages of Sanskritisation include the possibility of upward mobility within the caste system, gaining social acceptance, and access to better opportunities. However, the disadvantages include the perpetuation of caste-based inequalities, the reinforcement of hierarchical social structures, and the marginalization of indigenous cultural practices.

Q6: What is the concept of the dominant caste, and how did it change after India's independence?
Ans: The concept of the dominant caste refers to a caste group that holds significant social, economic, and political power within a particular region or community. They exercise influence and control over resources, decision-making processes, and social dynamics. After India's independence, the dominance of certain castes shifted due to various factors such as educational and economic reforms, reservation policies, and the rise of new political leaders. While some dominant castes retained their influence, there were also instances where marginalized castes gained political representation and challenged traditional power structures.

Q7: Differentiate between upper castes and lower castes in Indian society.
Ans: In Indian society, upper castes refer to the higher varnas, primarily Brahmins and Kshatriyas, who traditionally held positions of power, privilege, and social status. They were often associated with intellectual pursuits, ruling positions, and land ownership. Lower castes, on the other hand, refer to the lower varnas, primarily Vaishyas and Shudras, who were historically engaged in occupations considered menial, such as farming, manual labor, and service. Lower castes faced social discrimination, limited opportunities, and restricted access to resources compared to the upper castes.

Q8: Describe tribal societies in India, including their distribution and classification.
Ans: Tribal societies in India refer to indigenous communities that have distinct cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic characteristics. They are often concentrated in forested and hilly regions across various states of India. Tribal communities are classified as Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the Indian Constitution and are eligible for specific protections and affirmative action policies. They have their own customs, traditions, and governance systems, often living in close harmony with nature. However, tribal communities also face challenges such as displacement, loss of traditional livelihoods, and assimilation into mainstream society.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the Impact of Colonialism on the Caste System in India.
Ans: Colonialism had a profound impact on the caste system in India. During the colonial rule, the British were astonished by the complexity of Indian society, especially the persistence of untouchability and the multitude of subcastes. They implemented various policies and systems that significantly influenced the caste dynamics:

• Census and Classification: The British conducted a comprehensive census to understand the social structure of India. This led to the categorization and documentation of various castes and subcastes, creating an official record of the intricate social hierarchy.
• Land Settlements: The British introduced different land settlement systems like the zamindari system, ryotwari system, and mahalwari system. These systems had economic implications, affecting the social standing of different castes based on their involvement in land ownership and agriculture.
• Governmental Interventions: The British administration introduced legal measures that sometimes reinforced existing social hierarchies. They acknowledged certain groups as "Scheduled Castes" and "Scheduled Tribes," establishing legal categories that persist in India's constitutional framework.
• Social Reform Movements: The encounter with Western ideas and education through colonialism inspired social reform movements. Leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Jyotiba Phule advocated for the abolition of caste discrimination and untouchability, laying the foundation for future social reforms.

Q2: Explain the Concept of Sanskritisation and Its Advantages and Disadvantages.
Ans: Sanskritisation is a sociological term coined by M.N. Srinivas, describing the process through which lower castes emulate the customs, rituals, and way of life of the upper castes, especially Brahmins. This imitation is often seen as a means to enhance social status. Here are its advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

• Social Mobility: Sanskritisation offers a pathway for lower castes to ascend the social ladder by adopting the practices of higher castes. This can lead to increased acceptance within society.
• Economic Opportunities: Emulating the lifestyle of higher castes might provide access to economic opportunities and resources, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals and communities.
• Cultural Exchange: Sanskritisation can lead to cultural exchange between different caste groups, fostering understanding and tolerance among communities.

Disadvantages:

• Loss of Cultural Identity: Imitating the practices of higher castes might erode the cultural identity of lower castes, leading to the loss of their unique traditions and customs.
• Reinforcement of Inequality: Sanskritisation can reinforce the idea of social hierarchy, implying that the practices of upper castes are superior, thereby perpetuating the existing social inequalities.
• Gender Disparities: Some customs adopted during Sanskritisation, such as dowry practices, can perpetuate gender inequalities and social problems.
• Temporary Change: Sanskritisation often results in temporary adjustments without addressing the underlying structural issues of caste-based discrimination and oppression.

Q3: Differentiate Between Upper Castes and Lower Castes in Indian Society.
Ans: Upper Castes:

• Privileges: Traditionally, upper castes like Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas enjoyed social privileges and held positions of power and authority within society.
• Education and Opportunities: Upper castes historically had better access to education, leading to opportunities in various fields such as administration, education, and business.
• Social Status: Members of upper castes were often respected in society and held esteemed positions as priests, warriors, and merchants.

Lower Castes:

• Discrimination: Lower castes, such as Shudras and Dalits, faced discrimination and were often relegated to menial jobs. They were considered impure and faced social exclusion.
• Limited Opportunities: Lower castes had limited access to education and employment opportunities, restricting their social mobility and economic growth.
• Social Marginalization: Members of lower castes were subjected to social segregation, including restrictions on entering temples, using common facilities, and interacting freely with higher castes.

Q4: Describe Tribal Societies in India, Including Their Distribution and Classification.
Ans: Tribal societies in India, also known as Adivasis or Scheduled Tribes, form a unique and diverse cultural landscape within the country:

Distribution:

• Geographical Spread: Tribal communities are scattered across various states in India, with significant concentrations in states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and the North Eastern states.
• Northeastern Region: The North Eastern states, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland, have a high concentration of tribal populations, often constituting a majority in these states.

Classification:

• Languages: Tribal communities speak a variety of languages belonging to different language families such as Austric and Tibeto-Burman. These languages are distinct from the Indo-Aryan and Dravidian languages spoken by the majority of the population.
• Population Diversity: There are numerous tribal groups in India, ranging from large tribes like Gonds, Bhils, and Santhals to smaller groups like the Jarawas of the Andaman Islands.
• Socio-Economic Practices: Tribes have diverse livelihoods, including agriculture, hunting, gathering, and handicrafts. Their socio-economic structures are often community-oriented and distinct from mainstream Indian society.

Challenges and Resilience:

• Marginalization: Tribal communities face challenges such as land dispossession, lack of access to education, and limited healthcare facilities. They often experience marginalization and economic exploitation.
• Cultural Richness: Despite challenges, tribal societies possess rich cultural heritage, with unique art, music, dance, and oral traditions. They have a deep connection with nature and often practice sustainable living.
• Resilience and Movements: Tribal communities have organized movements advocating for their rights, including the right to land, education, and preservation of their cultural identity. These movements have led to policy changes and legal protections for tribal communities in India.

In summary, tribal societies in India exhibit diverse languages, cultures, and socio-economic practices. While they face challenges, their resilience and cultural richness continue to shape the cultural mosaic of the country.