In the 1980s, India witnessed a rise in regional aspirations, with demands for greater autonomy in various states. Some movements remained within the constitutional framework, while others took a more aggressive or armed approach. The Indian government responded with a mix of negotiations and military action, resulting in accords in states like Assam, Punjab, and Mizoram. The challenges of maintaining national unity while respecting regional diversity shaped Indian politics during this period.
i. Which states saw major regional conflicts in the 1980s? (1 Mark)
(a) Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Rajasthan
(b) Assam, Punjab, and Mizoram
(c) Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka
(d) Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana
ii. How did the Indian government respond to regional aspirations? (2 Marks)
iii. Why was balancing national unity and regional diversity a challenge? (1 Mark)
Ans:
i. (b) Assam, Punjab, and Mizoram
ii.
- It engaged in negotiations and signed accords with various groups.
- It sometimes used military action to control armed movements.
iii. Regional aspirations needed to be accommodated without threatening national integrity.
Q2: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:
In 1979, the Assam Movement began, demanding the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh. The movement, led by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), called for stricter controls on immigration and economic policies that would benefit local Assamese people. After years of protests, an agreement known as the Assam Accord (1985) was signed between the movement leaders and the Indian government, aiming to address their demands. However, tensions over the issue of migration continue to affect Assam’s politics.
i. What was the main demand of the Assam Movement? (1 Mark)
(a) More representation in Parliament
(b) Economic independence from India
(c) Identification and deportation of illegal immigrants
(d) Merger with Bangladesh
ii. What were the key provisions of the Assam Accord? (2 Marks)
iii. Why does the issue of migration remain a concern in Assam? (1 Mark)
Ans:
i. (c) Identification and deportation of illegal immigrants
ii.
- It aimed to detect and deport immigrants who arrived after 1971.
- It promised economic development and protection of Assamese culture.
iii. Illegal immigration continues to affect demographics and local politics.
Q3: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:
In the 1980s, Punjab faced growing demands for autonomy led by Sikh religious and political groups. The situation worsened when militants took control of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, leading to Operation Blue Star (1984)—a military action ordered by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The operation successfully removed the militants, but it also caused significant damage to the temple and deep resentment among Sikhs. This led to Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her Sikh bodyguards, followed by anti-Sikh riots across India.
i. What was the objective of Operation Blue Star? (1 Mark)
(a) To remove illegal immigrants
(b) To reclaim disputed land from Pakistan
(c) To remove militants from the Golden Temple
(d) To conduct peace talks with Sikh leaders
ii. What were the consequences of Operation Blue Star? (2 Marks)
iii. Why was Operation Blue Star controversial? (1 Mark)
Ans:
i. (c) To remove militants from the Golden Temple
ii.
- Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards.
- It led to violent anti-Sikh riots across India.
iii. It caused destruction to the Golden Temple and hurt Sikh sentiments.
Q4: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:
Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed a special status under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, granting it autonomy in several matters. However, the state experienced political instability, cross-border terrorism, and demands for greater autonomy. In 2019, the Indian government revoked Article 370, reorganizing the state into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This move was seen by some as strengthening national unity, while others viewed it as an erosion of Kashmir’s autonomy.
i. What constitutional provision granted Jammu and Kashmir special status? (1 Mark)
(a) Article 356
(b) Article 370
(c) Article 395
(d) Article 21
ii. What were the key changes after the revocation of Article 370? (2 Marks)
iii. Why was the revocation of Article 370 controversial? (1 Mark)
Ans:
i. (b) Article 370
ii.
- Jammu & Kashmir lost its special status and was reorganized into two Union Territories.
- The central government gained more direct control over governance in the region.
iii. Some viewed it as a necessary step for national integration, while others saw it as a loss of autonomy.
Q5: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The Dravidian movement emerged in Tamil Nadu, challenging the dominance of North Indian culture and Brahminical traditions. Leaders like Periyar E.V. Ramasamy opposed Hindi imposition and promoted Tamil identity and self-respect. The movement led to the rise of political parties like Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and later AIADMK, which shaped Tamil Nadu’s regional politics. Despite its regional focus, the movement integrated with Indian democracy and influenced national politics.
i. Which leader played a key role in the Dravidian movement? (1 Mark)
(a) B.R. Ambedkar
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
(d) Sardar Patel
ii. What were the main objectives of the Dravidian movement? (2 Marks)
iii. How did the Dravidian movement influence Tamil Nadu’s politics? (1 Mark)
Ans:
i. (c) Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
ii.
- Opposition to Hindi imposition and North Indian cultural dominance.
- Promotion of Tamil identity and regional self-respect.
iii. It led to the formation of regional political parties that continue to dominate state politics.
Q6: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The Mandal Commission was established in 1979 to examine the condition of socially and educationally backward classes (OBCs) and recommend measures for their upliftment. The commission, led by B.P. Mandal, recommended 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions. In 1990, Prime Minister V.P. Singh implemented these recommendations, leading to massive protests and counter-protests across India. The decision significantly impacted Indian politics and social justice policies.
i. What was the primary recommendation of the Mandal Commission? (1 Mark)
(a) Economic reforms
(b) 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and education
(c) Abolition of caste-based reservations
(d) Privatization of industries
ii. What were the consequences of implementing the Mandal Commission report? (2 Marks)
iii. Why was the Mandal Commission report controversial? (1 Mark)
Ans:
i. (b) 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and education
ii.
- It led to widespread protests, especially among upper-caste students.
- It reshaped Indian politics by increasing OBC representation.
iii. Many believed it would create caste-based divisions and affect meritocracy.
Q7: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The implementation of Mandal Commission recommendations in 1990 triggered massive protests, particularly from upper-caste students and professionals. Many feared that caste-based reservations would reduce opportunities for merit-based selection. The protests were especially intense in North India, where students organized demonstrations and self-immolations. The government, however, stood firm on its decision, leading to long-term changes in India’s social and political landscape.
i. Why did students protest against the Mandal Commission recommendations? (1 Mark)
(a) They wanted more reservations
(b) They feared caste-based quotas would reduce merit-based opportunities
(c) They wanted higher salaries for government jobs
(d) They opposed privatization of education
ii. How did the Mandal protests impact Indian politics? (2 Marks)
iii. Why did the government not withdraw the Mandal Commission recommendations? (1 Mark)
Ans:
i. (b) They feared caste-based quotas would reduce merit-based opportunities
ii.
- They deepened caste-based political mobilization.
- They led to increased representation of OBCs in governance.
iii. It aimed to ensure social justice and upliftment of backward classes.
Q8: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The Ram Janmabhoomi movement centered on the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, which many Hindus believe was built on the site of Lord Ram’s birthplace. The movement gained momentum in the 1980s and early 1990s, with Hindu nationalist groups demanding the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site. On December 6, 1992, the Babri Masjid was demolished by Kar Sevaks, leading to widespread communal riots and political upheaval. The dispute remains a key issue in Indian politics and society.
i. What happened on December 6, 1992, in Ayodhya? (1 Mark)
(a) The Babri Masjid was demolished
(b) A new mosque was built
(c) The Supreme Court ruled on the dispute
(d) The Ram temple was inaugurated
ii. What were the consequences of the Babri Masjid demolition? (2 Marks)
iii. Why is the Ayodhya dispute significant in Indian politics? (1 Mark)
Ans:
i. (a) The Babri Masjid was demolished
ii.
- Widespread communal riots occurred across India.
- The Ayodhya dispute became a major issue in national politics.
iii. It led to communal tensions and became a key factor in electoral politics.
Q9: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:
In 1991, India faced a severe economic crisis, with low foreign exchange reserves and high inflation. To address the crisis, the government, under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, introduced economic liberalization policies. These included reducing government control over industries, encouraging foreign investment, and privatization. The reforms marked a shift from a socialist economy to a market-driven economy, leading to rapid economic growth in subsequent years.
i. Who was the Finance Minister responsible for India’s 1991 economic reforms? (1 Mark)
(a) V.P. Singh
(b) Manmohan Singh
(c) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
(d) Rajiv Gandhi
ii. What were the key features of the 1991 economic reforms? (2 Marks)
iii. Why were economic reforms necessary in 1991? (1 Mark)
Ans:
i. (b) Manmohan Singh
ii.
- Liberalization of industries and reduction of government control.
- Encouragement of foreign investment and privatization.
iii. India faced a severe financial crisis with low foreign exchange reserves.
Q10: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:
In February 2002, communal violence broke out in Gujarat, following the burning of a train in Godhra, which led to the deaths of several Hindu pilgrims. This event triggered riots and violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims, resulting in mass casualties and destruction. The riots led to national and international criticism over the handling of law and order by the Gujarat government. The events also had long-term political consequences, influencing elections and governance in India.
i. What event triggered the Gujarat riots of 2002? (1 Mark)
(a) A political assassination
(b) The burning of a train in Godhra
(c) A Supreme Court verdict
(d) A terrorist attack
ii. What were the consequences of the Gujarat riots? (2 Marks)
iii. Why were the Gujarat riots politically significant? (1 Mark)
Ans:
i. (b) The burning of a train in Godhra
ii.
- Widespread violence and loss of lives occurred.
- There was national and international criticism of the government’s response.
iii. They had long-term effects on Indian politics, including electoral outcomes and governance.
