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NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 - Understanding Secularism

Q1. List the different types of religious practice that you find in your neighbourhood. This could be different forms of prayer, worship of different gods, sacred sites, different kinds of religious music and singing etc. Does this indicate freedom of religious practice?
Ans: The different types of religious practices that we can see in our neighbourhood are as follows:

  • A Sikh person worships in Gurudwara to Guru Nanak using Guru Granth Sahib
  • A Muslim worships in a mosque, and their sacred book is the Quran.
  • A Christian worships Jesus Christ in a Church, and their religious book is the Holy Bible.
  • A Hindu worships in a Temple to the idols of Gods and Goddess.

This shows that the people in India have the freedom to practice the religion of their choice and yet live together in peace and harmony.

Person offering NamazPerson offering Namaz

HavanHavan
Q2. Will the government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practise infanticide? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans:

  • The government in any democratic nation would intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practice infanticide because this tradition goes against the Fundamental Right to Life.
  • It involves the killing of an innocent and is, hence, unacceptable. The government, in this case, interferes by pressure. However, sometimes, the government may also intervene via support.
    Example: Sikhs in Delhi are excused from wearing helmets on two-wheelers because their religion demands them to wear a turban-a sacred tradition for them.


Q3. Complete the following table:
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 - Understanding Secularism
Ans:
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 - Understanding Secularism

Q4. Look up the annual calendar of holidays of your school. How many of them pertain to different religions? What does this indicate?
Ans: The annual calendar of our school marks holidays like Eid, which is celebrated by Muslims. Diwali, which is a Hindu festival, Christmas, which is celebrated by Christians, and Guru Nanak Jayanti which is a Sikh festival. This proves that India is a secular country and every individual has the right to religious freedom.


Q5. Find out some examples of different views within the same religion.
Ans: 
Some examples of different views within the same religion are as follows:

  1. Hindus worship different idols of Gods and Goddesses.
  2. Muslims are divided into Shia and Sunni
  3. Followers of Lord Mahavir are called Jains
  4. Buddhist followers are divided into Mahayana and Hinayana

Among Muslims, many people believe in the ‘Parda system’, whereas many do not approve of it & see it as interference in the freedom


Q6. The Indian State both keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion. This idea can be quite confusing. Discuss this once again in class using examples from the chapter as well as those that you might have come up with.
Ans: The Indian state keeps away from religion as well as doesn't intervene in religion in the following ways: 

  • The Indian State distances itself from religion and it is not ruled by a religious group & nor does it support any one religion.
  • Equal respect is given to all religions. In order to prevent domination by one particular community, the state may interfere in the religion.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 - Understanding Secularism

  • The state may interfere in religion to ensure that all religions are treated equally.
  • Sometimes, the State may have to intervene in the religion based on the ‘personal laws’ of the communities to ensure that laws relating to equal inheritance are protected.


Q7. This poster alongside highlights the need for 'Peace'. It says, “Peace is a never-ending process... It cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests.” Write in your own words what you think the above sentences are trying to convey. How does it relate to the need for religious tolerance?
This chapter had three drawings on religious tolerance made by students of your age. Design your own poster on religious tolerance for your peers.
Ans.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 - Understanding Secularism

  • ‘Peace is a never-ending process. It cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests.’ The above sentences say that for all the communities to stay together, it is very important that each religious community should respect the other, their interests & their religious practices.
  • We should not feel bound by any law that we need to respect the other religion, whereas, we should work towards decreasing the differences among religious communities & work towards bringing peace into the society as a civilized society. Only then, we will be able to enjoy the co-existence of different religions in society.
The document NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 - Understanding Secularism is a part of the Class 8 Course Social Studies (SST) Class 8.
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FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 - Understanding Secularism

1. What is secularism and why is it important in a diverse society like India?
Ans.Secularism is the principle of separating religion from the government and ensuring that the state treats all religions equally. In a diverse society like India, which is home to various religions and cultures, secularism is important because it promotes harmony and prevents discrimination based on religious beliefs. It allows individuals to practice their religion freely while maintaining a neutral stance from the government.
2. How does the Indian Constitution uphold the principle of secularism?
Ans.The Indian Constitution upholds secularism through various provisions. Article 25 guarantees the freedom of religion, allowing individuals to practice and propagate their faith. Article 26 allows religious groups to manage their own affairs, and Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion. These articles collectively ensure that the government remains secular and treats all citizens equally, regardless of their religion.
3. What are some challenges to secularism in India?
Ans.Some challenges to secularism in India include communal tensions, religious intolerance, and political exploitation of religious sentiments. Instances of violence between different religious communities and the rise of religious nationalism can threaten the secular fabric of the nation. Additionally, some political parties may use religion to gain votes, undermining the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution.
4. How does secularism promote social cohesion among different religious communities?
Ans.Secularism promotes social cohesion by fostering mutual respect and understanding among different religious communities. When the state is neutral towards all religions, it encourages dialogue and interaction, reducing prejudices and stereotypes. This helps in building a sense of unity and shared identity among citizens, regardless of their religious backgrounds, leading to a more harmonious society.
5. Can secularism coexist with religious beliefs in an individual's life?
Ans.Yes, secularism can coexist with religious beliefs in an individual's life. Secularism pertains to the relationship between the state and religion, ensuring that the government does not favor any religion. Individuals can continue to practice their faith and hold religious beliefs while also supporting a secular state. This coexistence allows for personal freedom of belief while maintaining a neutral public sphere.
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