NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 – Understanding Secularism
Understanding Secularism, Chapter 2 of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics, explains the answers to the exercise problems at the end of this chapter. These solutions, which were developed by subject specialists, are in accordance with the syllabus. Studying from NCERT Solutions can help students gain a better understanding of the material and help them explain their responses more effectively. Furthermore, students can rewrite these answers in their own words if they like.
The NCERT Solutions are totally exam-oriented and designed to assist pupils to succeed in their board exams. Students are encouraged to practice the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics on a regular basis in order to achieve good exam scores.
Chapter – 2 Understanding Secularism
Ques 1. 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?
A.
| Religion | Different forms of prayers |
Worship of
different gods |
Sacred
sites |
Different kinds of
religious music singing |
| Hindu | Pooja, Meditation | Krishna, Rama | Haridwar | Bhajan, Kirtan |
| Muslim | Namaj | Allah | Mecca | Kawwali, Ajan |
| Sikh | Ardas, Matha tek | GuruNanak | Golden Temple | Shabad Kirtan |
| Christian | Prayer, Meditation | Isa Meseeh | Church | Holy Song |
Yes, it intricates Freedom of religious practices.
- Will the government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practise infanticide? Give reasons for your answer. i) Yes, The Government will interfere, if some religious groups say that their religion allows them to practice infanticide ii) It is a crime to practice infanticide. It is against the right to life as infanticide means intentional killing of infants and that cannot be unacceptable. iii) It leads to variations in male-female ratio, which tend to number of more boys than girls.
- Complete the following table:
| Objective | Why is this important? | Example of a violation of this |
| One religious community does not dominate another. | This is important to prevent the tyranny of majority community | |
| The State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals. | ||
| That some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community. |
Ans.
| Objective | Why is this important? | Example of a violation of this |
| One religious community does not dominate another. | This is important to prevent the tyranny of majority community | One religious preventing another religious group from celebrating a festival. |
| The State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals. | This ensures that state continues to be secular state. | Pakistan has declared itself as an Islamic Nation |
| That some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community. | This prevents majority tyranny within the same community. | Members of forward caste among Hindus often commit atrocities against members of the Dalit Castes. |
- Look up the annual calendar of holidays of your school. How many of them pertain to different religions? What does this indicate? (i) The list of holidays belongs to different festivals. ii) This indicates that India is giving importance for all the religions. All religions are equally respected iii) We find here unity in diversity. A sacred thread of love bonds all religions together and gives the feeling of oneness.
- Find out some examples of different views within the same religion.
| Religion | Different Views |
| Hindu | Arya Samaj, Sanatan Dharma |
| Jainism | Shwetamber, Digambar |
| Sikh | Sant Nirankari, Khalsa |
- 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 does not interfere in religious beliefs and practices of individuals and thus keeps away from religious affairs of the citizens. But when someone tries to disturb social harmony in the name of religion then the State has the right to intervene. This is an example of a balancing act between non-interference in religious beliefs and maintaining social harmony.
For example; there are many instances when the Hindus insist on taking out the Ram Navami procession through Muslim dominated areas. Similarly, the Muslims may also insist on taking out the Muharram procession through Hindu dominated areas. In such a case, the administration has to assess the situation so that social harmony can be maintained.
- 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. Peace can never be the final destination because situations keep on changing. Society is quite complex in which different people have different aspirations and motivations. Many people are always on the lookout for an opportunity to disturb social harmony. So, a peace process has to take into account the differences and common interests of different sets of people in the society.
Chapter 2 – Understanding Secularism Summary
The fundamental right of religious freedom is discussed in depth in this chapter of Class 8 Civics. A secular country is one in which all citizens have the ability to practice their preferred religion, and no majority may take away that freedom.
The chapter also discusses why it’s necessary to keep religion and state apart, as well as how authority can be misused to prevent people from following their own religion. This chapter also explains why India is a secular nation. India is considered a secular country since it is not dominated by people of a single religion, and the state or central power cannot force people to follow a particular religion.
The chapter ‘Understanding Secularism’ helps students comprehend the notion of secularism and why it is necessary to allow inhabitants of the country to practice any religious belief they choose.
Students can use the links provided to access NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science for other topics and study for their exams. Students can also get a free copy of the easily available solutions pdf and keep it for future reference.
FAQ:
As specified in Chapter 2 of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics, find some examples of contrasting viewpoints within the same faith.
The following are some examples of differing viewpoints within the same religion:
- Hindus worship a variety of Gods and Goddesses as idols.
- Shia and Sunni Muslims are two types of Muslims.
- Jains are followers of Lord Mahavir.
- There are two types of Buddhists: Mahayana and Hinayana.
In Chapter 2 of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics, what are the key topics discussed?
The fundamental right of religious freedom is discussed in depth in this chapter of Class 8 Civics. A secular country is one in which all citizens have the ability to practice their preferred religion, and no majority may take away that freedom. The chapter also discusses why it’s necessary to keep religion and state apart, as well as how authority can be misused to prevent people from following their own religion.
Can students rely on the NCERT Solutions for INFINITY learn’S Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 for test preparation?
Yes, students can trust the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 by INFINITY learns since subject matter specialists developed the solutions in accordance with the most recent CBSE guidelines and exam patterns. Furthermore, students can easily review the main themes of this chapter in both online and offline formats at any time and from anywhere.
