NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics for chapter 2 Understanding Secularism

2. Will  the  government intervene if some  religious group says that their religion allows them to practice infanticide? Give reasons for your  answer.

Answer

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 coercion. However, sometimes, the  government may also intervene via support. For 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.

3. Complete the  following table:

 Answer

(a) This is important to protect the Fundamental Right  to Freedom of Religion.

Example  of violation: the demolition of the  Babri Masjid in Ayodhya  on 6th December, 1992  by Hindu  radicals.

(b) This is important to uphold  the  ideals of a democratic nation  which allows  its citizens  the freedom to choose whichever religion  they  wish to follow.

Example:  France, in February  2004, banned  headscarves and turbans in public  places, thereby hurting the sentiments of Muslim and Sikh minorities.

(c) This is necessary  to uphold  individual freedom  in the light  of pressure  from  a group  or religious community that  one belongs  to.

Example, the Christian community is divided  into Protestants and Cathoiics; Irish Cathoiics are looked down upon and troubled by the  officials  of the Church  of England who are pre-dominantly Protestants.

4. Look up the  annual calendar of holidays of your school.  How  many of them pertain to different religions? What does this  indicate?

Answer

Many holidays  on a school's annual  calendar  pertain to different religions. This indicates  that  India  is a secular country where  religious freedom is granted to its citizens and all religions are equally  respected.

5. Find out  some  examples of different views within the  same  religion.

Answer

Examples of different views  within  the  same religion:

(i)  Hindus are divided  in Vaishnav  (followers of Lord Vishnu)  and Shaiv (worshipers of Lord Shiva).

(ii)Muslims  are divided  into Shias and Sunnis.

(iii)Buddhists  are divided  into  Mahayan and Hinyan.

(iv)Followers  of Lord Mahavir  are called Jain. They are also divided  into  Shwetamber and Digamber.