Secularism is an important topic that plays a vital role in shaping the values and understanding of young minds.NCERT Solutions for Understanding Secularism Class 8 allows students to explore and comprehend the concept of secularism engagingly. Studying from Ncert Solutions will give more clarity about the topic, and help students to learn answers effectively.
Understanding Secularism Class 8 Questions and Answers
NCERT Solution
Exercises
1. List the different types of religious practices that you find in your neighbourhood. This could be different forms of prayer, worship of different gods, sacred sites, religious music and singing, etc. Does this indicate freedom of religious practice?
Answer: The different types of religious practices that we find in our neighbourhood are as follows:
- Sikhism: A Sikh person goes to Gurudwara to worship Guru Granth Sahib.
- Islam: A Muslim goes to a mosque to pray i.e. namaz. Their sacred book is the Quran.
- Christianity: A Christian goes to Church to pray to Jesus Christ. The holy book of the Christians is the Bible.
- Hinduism: A Hindu goes to the temple & worships the idols of Gods and Goddesses.
Yes, this indicates freedom of religious practice & the people in India have the freedom to practice the religion of their choice
2. Will the government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practice infanticide? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: Yes, the Government can intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practice infanticide because Infanticide is a crime & Government is responsible for protecting the right to life. Only the judiciary has the authority to punish a person to death; no other religion can commit the crime of killing someone.
3. Complete the following table.
| Objective | Why is it important | Some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community |
| One religious community does not dominate another | ||
| 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 |
Answer:
| Objective | Why is it important | Example of a violation of this objective |
| An example of a violation of this objective | Because everyone has the right to follow their religion. | They are stopping the minority religious communities from celebrating their festivals. |
| The state does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals | Some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community | India is a secular country where people from different religions live. |
| That some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community | It is important because everyone has the right to follow their religion. that this is what makes the nation a secular country. | There would be chaos between the upper class and the lower class. |
4. Look up the annual calendar of holidays of your school. How many of them pertain to different religions? What does this indicate?
Answer: The annual calendar of holidays our school shows the following holidays:
i. Eid ul fitter, Eid ul Zuha, which pertain to Islam religion.
ii. Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, and Dussehra which pertain to the Hindu religion.
iii. Christmas, which pertains to the Christian religion.
iv. Guru Purab which pertains to the Sikh religion.
This indicates that India is a secular country, and everyone has the right to freedom of religion.
5. Find out some examples of different views within the same religion.
Answer: Some examples of different views within the same religion are as follows:
- Within Hindus, people worship different idols of Gods and Goddesses like Shiva, Krishna, Rama, Vishnu, etc.
- Within Islam, Muslims, are divided into two groups-Shia and Sunni.
- In Jainism, followers of Lord Mahavira are divided into Shwetambri and Digambari sects.
- In Buddhism, followers of Buddha are divided into Mahayana and Hinyan
6. The Indian State both keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion. This idea can be quite confusing. Discuss this again in class using examples from the chapter.
Answer: The Indian State follows a dual approach concerning religion, avoiding religious interference while intervening in certain examples.
For example, the State maintains a secular by not favouring any specific religion, ensuring equal treatment for all citizens. However, it intervenes to address social issues like the abolition of untouchability and the banning of discriminatory practices. This approach aims to protect religious freedom while promoting social justice and harmony.
7. This poster 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 poster on religious tolerance for your peers.
Answer: “Peace is a never-ending process….. It cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests.”
peace is an ongoing and continuous endeavour. It is essential to acknowledge and respect our differences to achieve peace.
There is a need to understand and accept diverse religious beliefs and practices to keep the peace.
Peace promotes harmonious coexistence among individuals.
Intext Questions
Book page 19
1. Re-read the introduction to this chapter. Why do you think retaliation is not the proper response to this problem? What would happen if different groups followed this path?
Answer: Retaliation is not the proper response to the problem because
it creates violence and discord.
It impedes social and economic progress.
The minorities are ignored and feel humiliated & marginalized.
If different groups were to follow the path of retaliation, it would only lead to further hatred, conflict, and lack of cooperation among the different communities.
Book page 20
2. Discuss in class: Can there be different views within the same religion?
Answer: Yes, there can be different views in the same religion: For Example:
i. Within Hindus, people worship different idols of Gods and Goddesses like Shiva, Krishna, Rama, Vishnu, etc.
ii. Within Islam, Muslims, are divided into two groups-Shia and Sunni.
Book page 22
3: In the above storyboard, discuss the answer given by the teacher.
Answer: In the above storyboard the students of a government school asked their teacher to celebrate a big religious festival in the school premises. However, the teacher explained that being a secular state, government schools do not celebrate any religious festival. All festivals are treated equally on the base of the fundamental right- the Right to freedom of Religion.
Book page 23
4. Government schools often have students from different religious backgrounds. Re-read the three objectives of a secular State and write two sentences on why government schools mustn’t promote any one religion.
Answer: It is important for government schools not to promote any one religion because it ensures equal treatment and respect for students from different religious backgrounds. It allows students to develop their own beliefs and values without imposition.
Book page 25
5. Can you think of a recent incident, from any part of India, in which the secular ideals of the Constitution were violated and persons were persecuted and killed because of their religious backgrounds?
Answer: In certain parts of Jammu and Kashmir, there have been examples of religious discrimination where non-Muslim communities, are persecuted, killed, and threatened by the Muslim community which infringes upon their rights to practice their festivals and cultural traditions.
These incidents are viewed as a violation of the secular ideals of the Constitution.
Read Also: Class 8 Civics Chapter 7 MCQ & Easy Online Test
FAQ
1. What is secularism Class 8?
Secularism, in simple terms, refers to the principle of separating religion and the state.
2. What is understanding secularism of Class 8?
According to Understanding Secularism Class 8, Indians are allowed to live by their religious beliefs freely and practice the same.
3. Why India is called a secular country?
India is called a secular country because its Constitution promotes religious freedom and ensures equal treatment of all religions.
4. Why is secularism important?
Secularism is important as it safeguards religious freedom, promotes inclusivity, and prevents religious discrimination.
5. What are the different types of secularism?
There are three types of secularism: socio-economic, philosophical, and political secularism.
Conclusion
The Ncert Solutions for Understanding Secularism Class 8 provides students with a comprehensive understanding of secularism in India. By studying and practising these Ncert Solutions, students can enhance their knowledge, improve their problem-solving skills, and perform better in their exams. You can access them by visiting the website. If you have any other queries about Ncert Solutions for Understanding Secularism Class 8 feel free to reach us so that we can get to you at the earliest possible.