Religion and Politics MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Understanding Religion and Politics: The Concept of Secularism

Religion and politics often intersect, especially in diverse societies. Secularism provides a framework to manage this relationship, ensuring justice and equality for all citizens regardless of their faith. It is a cornerstone of democracy, promoting harmony and preventing discrimination based on religious beliefs.

Key Concepts of Secularism

Secularism fundamentally means the separation of religion from the state. However, its application can vary:

1. Western Concept of Secularism: Often implies a strict separation between religion and state, where the state does not interfere in religious affairs and religion does not interfere in state affairs. It’s about mutual exclusion. Example: France, USA.
2. Indian Concept of Secularism: Also known as ‘Positive Secularism’, it implies that the state maintains a principled distance from all religions, treating them with equal respect (Sarva Dharma Sambhava). Unlike strict separation, the Indian state can intervene in religious matters to ensure social reform (e.g., banning untouchability) and protect fundamental rights, especially of minority groups. It aims to prevent domination by one religious group over another or by the state over religious freedom.

Constitutional Provisions for Secularism in India

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India a ‘Secular’ republic (added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976). Key articles that uphold secularism include:

• Article 14: Equality before law and equal protection of laws.
• Article 15: Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• Article 16: Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
• Articles 25-28: Right to Freedom of Religion, guaranteeing freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health. It also ensures freedom to manage religious affairs and freedom from religious taxes and religious instruction in state-funded educational institutions.
• Articles 29-30: Protection of interests of minorities, including their right to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture, and to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

Challenges to Secularism: Communalism

Communalism is the antithesis of secularism. It arises when:

• A particular religious group tries to promote its own interests at the expense of other religious groups.
• Religious identity becomes the primary basis for political mobilization.
• Religious prejudices and stereotypes lead to conflict and violence between communities.

Communal politics can manifest in various forms, from everyday beliefs to political mobilization and even communal violence.

Importance of Secularism

Secularism is crucial for:

• Democracy: It upholds the principle of one person, one vote, one value, ensuring that religious identity does not determine political rights.
• Social Harmony: It allows diverse religious groups to coexist peacefully and maintain their identities.
• Justice and Equality: It protects all citizens from religious discrimination and ensures that the state treats everyone equally.
• Unity and Integrity: In a religiously diverse country like India, secularism is vital for national unity and preventing fragmentation along religious lines.

Quick Revision Points

• Secularism: Separation of religion from state.
• Indian Secularism: Principled distance, equal respect for all religions, state intervention for social reform.
• Constitutional Basis: Preamble, Fundamental Rights (Articles 14, 15, 16, 25-28, 29-30).
• Communalism: Belief in the superiority of one’s own religion, leading to conflict.
• Benefits: Democracy, social harmony, justice, national unity.

Practice Questions

1. Which amendment added the word ‘Secular’ to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?

a) 40th Amendment
b) 42nd Amendment
c) 44th Amendment
d) 52nd Amendment

Answer: b) 42nd Amendment

2. The right to ‘freedom of conscience’ is guaranteed under which article of the Indian Constitution?

a) Article 22
b) Article 23
c) Article 24
d) Article 25

Answer: d) Article 25

3. Which of the following is an example of communal politics?

a) A political party advocating for religious harmony.
b) A leader appealing to voters solely on the basis of their religious identity.
c) The state providing subsidies for all religious festivals.
d) Citizens exercising their right to freedom of religion.

Answer: b) A leader appealing to voters solely on the basis of their religious identity.

4. How does the Indian model of secularism differ from the strict separation model seen in some Western countries?

a) India has an official state religion.
b) The Indian state strictly prohibits all religious practices.
c) The Indian state can intervene in religious affairs to ensure social reform and equality.
d) Religious leaders hold legislative power in India.

Answer: c) The Indian state can intervene in religious affairs to ensure social reform and equality.

5. The term ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhava’ is most closely associated with which aspect of Indian secularism?

a) State’s promotion of a single dominant religion.
b) State’s complete non-interference in any religious matter.
c) State’s equal respect and tolerance for all religions.
d) State’s enforcement of a uniform civil code.

Answer: c) State’s equal respect and tolerance for all religions.