RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Text book Questions

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
Caste is an important institution in India. Whose statement is this?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Swami Vivekananda
(c) Jai Prakash Narayan
(d) Sardar Patel
Answer:
(c) Jai Prakash Narayan

Question 2.
Which of the following statement is false?
(a) Caste influences the process of decision making.
(b) Political parties do not select their candidates on the basis of caste.
(c) Caste has a great importance in the politics at the state level.
(d) Voters generally cast their vote on the basis of caste.
Answer:
(b) Political parties do not select their candidates on the basis of caste.

Question 3.
In which of the following states, castes have a great influence?
(a) Bihar
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these

Question 4.
What was the major cause of the partition of India?
(a) Casteism
(b) Communalism
(c) Lingualism
(d) Corruption.
Answer:
(b) Communalism

Question 5.
The communal incident at Godhra in Gujarat happened in :
(a) Feb, 2000
(b) March, 2001
(c) Feb, 1992
(d) December 1995
Answer:
(a) Feb, 2000

Question 6.
The major ill-effect of communalism is :
(a) Political instability
(b) Hindrance in national unity
(c) Economic loss
(d) All of these.
Answer:
(d) All of these.

Question 7.
The leaders between whom the Poona pact was signed were-
(a) Pt. Jawahar Lai Nehru and Sarder Patel
(b) Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar
(c) Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai
(d) Indira Gandhi and Vajpayee
Answer:
(b) Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What is casteism?
Answer:
The spirit of intense attachment towards caste in called casteism.

Question 2.
What was the basis of caste in Vedic Period?
Answer:
In Vedic Period, the basis of caste was work and profession.

Question 3.
What is communalism?
Answer:
Communalism is such a spirit whereby a specific group, formed on the basis of religion or language, gives more importance to its interests than to those of the nation.

Question 4.
Which policy of the British government promoted communalism in India?
Answer:
British government’s “Divide and Rule” policy encouraged communalism in India.

Question 5.
Write two ill-effects of communalism.
Answer:
Two ill-effects of communalism are:

  1. It develops mutual animosity amongst different groups of the society.
  2. It gives rise to violence and riots, which results into horrific bloodshed and vandalism.

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Write the role of casteism in elections in India.
Answer:
The role of casteism in elections in India : The role of casteism in Indian elections can be clarified with the help of the following facts :

  1. In India’s election, the mobilsation of castes affects the process of political and administrative decisions.
  2. At the time of election in India, all the political parties select their candidates on the basis of castes. Every party takes statistical data of castes before nominating a candidate for election.
  3. In India, election campaigning is also done on the basis of casteism and a sense of casteism is invoked in the area where a candidate fights election from, so that entire lot of the particular caste cast their votes in the support of this candidate.

Question 2.
Write any two reasons of communalism.
Answer:
Reasons of communalism :
Two reasons of communalism are as follows:

  • Politics of appeasement :
    Governments accept all demands-proper or otherwise-of a particular group or class, providing certain privileges and thus causing animosity and jealousy in other communities. Such favours give birth to tension among different communities on account of a particular one being given privileges under appeasement policy. Such privileges are taken as granted by the community and as such, a wave of discontent rips through the other classes.
  • Vote-bank policy :
    Some political parties extend their consent to all the steps / initiatives taken by a particular class for the sake of their votes and this favouratism opens a gateway to other parties to follow the same suit towards other groups of the society. As a result, an atmosphere of tension is created. Because of certain privileges, it is quite obvious that the society gets inflicted with restlessness.

Question 3.
How does caste influence the procedure of decision-making?
Answer:
Associations or organisations formed on the basis of caste in India try to influence decision-making process of the administration. The scheduled castes and scheduled tribes want the extension in the time limit of their reservations, the castes which are not included in the reservation launch agitations with an aim of getting reservation and some castes are on their toes to get included in the bracket of reservation.

In order to get their demands heeded, some castes mount all-possible pressures on the administration-for example, Gujjar reservation quota to the caste, though it in now quashed by Hon’ court. Such caste-based organizations try to influence the system to fall in line on the issue of their choice, and thus, influence decision-making.

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

Question 4.
Communalism was promoted by the British policies. Clarify this statement
Answer:
The problem of communalism in India is a gift of the British administration. The British government adopted “Divide and Rule” policy in India, as a result of which Hindus and Muslims were at loggerheads and the Britishers managed their system smoothly. Because of aspirations of different classes, the British played a role of a juggler between Congress and Muslim league in Indian politics. The communalism kept on spreading because of policies of British government, They first neglected Muslims to please Hindus and than they tried to appease Muslims by way of granting them special incentives to counter development and modernization of Hindu folk.

The British government further aggravated this problem of commnualism in society by starting election process on the basis of communalism.

Question 5.
How does foreign propaganda promote the influence of communalism?
Answer:
The impact of foreign propaganda in advancing communalism

  1. Oil-rich countries of Gulf supply huge amounts of money to Muslims and European countries provide monetary help to the Christian organisations in India. This huge amount of money is not used to spur their educational and economic development. In fact, it is used to spread communalism. Example, untouchables of Tamil Nadu threaten to change their religion if their demands are not met. These circumstences give rise to communalism.
  2. Some of the Muslim organisations follow the policies adopted in foreign countries to spread tension and riots in Indian society. Stone throwing incidences in Kashmir and brain-washing of the youth in the name of Jihad are examples of this category.

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What is the meaning of casteism? Explain the role of caste in Indian politics.
Answer:
Meaning of caste :
The spirit of intense attraction towards a caste is called casteism. That is the hyper cohesion of a person towards his caste, nature of the person to isolate himself from other castes and attitude and demeanour of a person in administration and politics when dictated by considerations of caste is called casteism. As a result of this a person nurtures a mindset of opposition and aversion towards other castes.

According to Kaka Kalelkar :
“Casteism is an over-riding, blind and supreme group loyalty that ignores the healthy social standards of justice, fair play, equity and universal brotherhood”.

Role of Caste in Indian politics :

  • An influential role in decision-making :
    In India, organised castes influence the political and social decision-making process. For example-scheduled castes and scheduled tribes exert pressure on government to extend the benefits of reservation.
  • Electoral trend on the basis of casteism :
    During election campaigning of a candidate in Indian election, the candidate tries to invoke the feeling of casteism in order to mould to his favour all members of the caste in his constituency.
  • Ethnic pressure group :
    Many ethnic (racial) groups and communities as ‘Nadar caste Union’ in Tamil Nadu, Kshatriya cartel in Gujarat, Kayasth congregation in Bihar, etc. try to bargain in political domain on the basis of their organised pressure.
  • Racial representation in the formation of cabinet :
    It is endeavoured during cabinet formation of states that there should be a minister of all the main castes. In central cabinet also, some portfolios are allotted to the members belonging to dalits, tribes, Brahmins Sikhs, Rajputs and Kayasths.
  • Casteism in state politics :
    ‘No state’s politics is immune to the impact of casteism. State politics of Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Rajasthan has become caste-ridden.
  • Decision in political parties on the basis of casteism :
    In India, all political parties take their decisions on choosing candidates on the basis of caste only.

From the above description, it is clear that the casteism plays a vital role in Indian politics.

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

Question 2.
What is communalism? Describe its major factors.
Answer:
When a religious, cultural or linguistic group or community consciously considers itself to be a separate class and keeps putting political demands on the basis of religious and cultural grounds and gives priority to its demands over national and social interests, this can be called communalism.

According to Smith :
“He is a communal person or a group which considers each religious and linguistic group a separate social and political entity and whose interest is different from other groups and can be hostile to them. The ideology of such individuals or individual groups will be called communalism or communalist”

Causes of Problem of Communalism

  • Representation in the formation of the cabinet on the basis of religion :
    It is always put in cognizance while constituting a cabinet or legislature at the centre or in states that all main communities and prominent religious groups get suitable representation in it. In the formation of central cabinet, Sikhs, Christians and minorities are given due representation.
  • Religion and national unity :
    Religion and communalism are regarded detrimental to national unity. The great country, India, was partitioned on account of religious differences and still these fanatic groups are at play.
  • Religious pressure group in politics :
    Certain communal organisations play a role of powerful coercion in Indian politics. These religious groups influence the policies of the administration and sometimes manipulate decisions in their favour.
  • Nurturing a spirit of separation by political parties for their own interest :
    It is true that many political parties and organisations came into being before independence and partition of the country, and after independence too, purely on the basis of religion, which include Jamayat-E-Islam, All India Majlis-E-Ittehade Muslim, etc. Unfortunately, these organisations started politics of religion for fulfilling their political interests and hence because of which, a nature of separation developed among communities. Besides, these organisations indulged in certain activities of separatism, thus challenging the unity and integrity of our country.
  • Other reasons :
    1. There is a spurt in communal passion in the society because of economic and educational backwardness of Muslims.
    2. In vote-bank politics, when a particular group is given something extra or more in comparision to others, it is quite natural that tension develops in the society.
    3. Even today, a faction of Muslims is suffering from a mindset of separatism, and as such they cannot include themselves in the national mainstream.

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

Question 3.
Analyse the ill-effects of communalism?
Answer:
Ill-effects of communalism :
The ill-effects of communalism are as follows

  • Mutual hatred :
    When Hindus and Muslims fight for their respective interests, it naturally creates an atmosphere of mutual hatred and distrust. This hatred spreads fierce communalism and hence social peace gets disturbed.
  • Economic loss :
    Communal riots cost dear in terms of economic loss. Plenty of shops are burnt and a large amount of national property in gutted. In addition to it, government has to invest a hefty amount of money in controlling communal riots.
  • Fatal for life :
    Hundreds of people are killed in communal riots. There have been no riots which have not caused massive bloodshed. Ranchi, Varanasi, Aligarh, Mumbai, etc are the recent examples of communal riots.
  • Political instablity :
    An ill-effect of communalism is political instability. Communalism develops such circumstances or helps to develop such conditions which bring-in political instability in the country.
  • Obstacle in national unity :
    Communalism is a strong enemy to national unity. National unity implies that all should live in mutual bond, all should ensure mutual good, whereas communalism stands with contrary objectives. Its conviction is that all communities should fight for their respective interests.
  • Threat to national security :
    India is a religiously diverse county. People of several communities live here. It is essential that these people live with harmony which is further essential for the development of the country. Fierce communal feelings and riots cannot allow unity to blossom. These communal clashes and tensions cause formidable danger to our national security. In addition to the above ill-effects, religion and communalism are also obstacles to the economic and industrial growth of the country. Communalism also adversely impacts our relations with other countries.

Question 4.
Explain the positive and negative impacts of casteism.
Answer:
Positive impacts of casteism :

  1. Casteism develops a spirit of socialisation and unity amongst people.
  2. Relation between castes and politics have facilitated a bond among people. Members of a caste living at distant places throng at a place hosting caste meets and it develops a bond.
  3. Caste politics has attracted many in active politics. People active in casteist organisaitions
    also get active and involved in politics.
  4. Casteism has brought about a change in social composition.
  5. Caste politics has changed the social culture among all the castes in the society. The lower castes follow the upper castes in their eating habits, clothing, life-style and thoughts.

Negative Impacts of Casteism :

  1. To fight elections on caste basis and to cast votes under the influence of a caste is of course the result of casteism.
  2. Due to casteist considerations and sentiments, the reverance and devotion of citizens get divided. People start giving priority to casteist interests over national interests.
  3. Caste- induced thoughts encourage orthodoxy, because of which, scientific and progressive outlook do not gain momentum on the wheels of development.
  4. Because of casteism, governments work under the pressure of big and powerful casteist groups and organisations.
  5. Casteism endangers such democratic values as freedom, equality, fraternity, etc. The society gets disharmonised in terms of splits, divisions and conservative interests.
  6. Casteism gives birth to conflicts and animosity in the society.

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Other Important Questions

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
What is an age-old social arrangement in India?
(a) Caste
(b) Religion
(c) Class
(d) Non-violence
Answer:
(a) Caste

Question 2.
What types of diversities are found in India?
(a) Linguistic
(b) Racial
(c) Religious
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these

Question 3.
“After independence, the influence of caste has comparatively increased in political field in India,” Whose quote is it?
(a) Menon
(b) Johns
(c) Dhriye
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Menon

Question 4.
Vote-politics has increased
(a) Religion
(b) Violence
(c) Casteism
(d) None of these
Answer:
(c) Casteism

Question 5.
The agreement signed between Gandhiji and Ambedkar was :
(a) Poona Pact
(b) Shimla Agreement
(c) Tashkent Agreement
(d) All the above
Answer:
(a) Poona Pact

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Between whom was the “Poona Pact” signed?
Answer:
“Poona Pact” was signed between Gandhiji and Ambedkar

Question 2.
What was the object of separate electorates?
Answer:
The object of a separate electorate system was to create a spilt between upper castes and lower castes of Hindus.

Question 3.
What are the thoughts of Morris Johns on casteism?
Answer:
According to Morrisjohns, “The importance of politics for casteism and casteism for politics has increased much more”

Question 4.
What type of encourgement has been given to vote-bank politics by political parties?
Answer:
All the political parties have encouraged vote-bank politics with an aim to win election for grabbing power and then derive pleasure of power.

Question 5.
Who said, “Caste is the most important party in India”.
Answer:
‘Jai Prakash Narayan’ made this statement.

Question 6.
Mention the names of two states which have become living examples of caste-politics.
Answer:
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have become living examples of caste-based politics.

Question 7.
Who advocated the two-nation theory?
Answer:
In 1940, Mohd Alijinnah came out with two-nation theory.

Question 8.
When did India get partitioned on communal lines?
Answer:
In 1947.

Question 9.
By whom and when was Bengal divided into two parts?
Answer:
In 1905, division of Bengal was done by Lord Curzon on the basis of communalism.

Question 10.
Write any two reasons of communalism.
Answer:

  1. Vote-bank politics
  2. Party politics

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

Question 11.
Write two points with regard to role of castes in Indian polity.
Answer:

  1. Role of castes in decision-making process.
  2. Electoral behaviour on ethnic /casteist basis.

Question 12.
What is a caste?
Answer:
When a class is entirely based on heredity, it is called caste.

Question 13.
At present, in which states are demands of reservation being raised on the basis of caste by some ethnic organisations?
Answer:
In the sates of Haryana, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Question 14.
Write two characteristics of caste-based politics.
Answer:

  1. Political relations are made dynamic by caste
  2. Racial organisations have given birth to caste-based political aspirations.

Question 15.
What is the quote of Rudolph and Rudolph in respect of caste-based politics?
Answer:
According to Rudolph and Ruldolph, “The caste politics has lessened the differences between the castes and increased similarities among the members of different castes.”

Question 16.
When was ‘All-India Muslim league’ established?
Answer:
All-India Muslim League was established in 1906.

Question 17.
Who chaired the Sachchar Committee report?
Answer:
The Chairmanship of Sachchar Committee Report was done by Retd Judge ‘Rajendra Singh Sachchar’.

Question 18.
Which facilities were provided to the minorities by the Sachchar Committee?
Answer:
For the development of minorities, the Sachchar Committee suggested a 15-point programme for education to all and special incentives to Muslim girls, etc.

Question 19.
Which policy of the British government encouraged communalism in India?
Answer:
The British policy of ‘Divide and Rule’ encouraged communalism in India.

Question 20.
What is the objective of communal organisations?
Answer:
By exerting pressure on administrations, these organisations try to gain more power, dignity and political rights for their members.

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Mention the characteristics of caste-based politics.
Answer:
Characteristics of caste-based politics are:

  1. The relations between caste and politics are dynamic. That is, their relation do not stand consistent.
  2. In specific area, a certain caste may becomes politically strong and powerful.
  3. Casteist unions and organisations have encouraged caste-based politics.
  4. Casteist / ethnic leadership earns political dividends by way of supporting certain caste issues, and gets an increased number of followers in their caste.
  5. Along the line of politicisation of caste, there is ethnicization of politics at local level.
  6. Despite education, modernisation and democratic system, the spirit of casteism and polarisation has got an impetus.

Question 2.
What do you understand by casteism?
Answer:
Meaning of casteism :
When a class is entirely based on heredity, (then) we call it a caste. Castes are such a social groups which have separated themselves from others, which have their own characteristics and marital relationship takes place only within their community, and who have a traditional business based on caste. A feeling of intense cohesion is casteism. That is, a hyper attraction of a person towards his caste, nature to think ‘self quite distinct from other castes and one’s attitude and behaviour on the basis of his caste in administrative and political domain is casteism. Because of profound attachment to his caste, a person nurtures a feeling of malice and animosity towards other castes. Casteism develops a spirit of unity and collectivism within a caste. There also develops a sense of self indulgence.

Question 3.
Explain the role of caste in the decision-making process of political parties.
Answer:
Role of caste at the time of selection of candidates by political parties :
The political parties consider caste equation while deciding the name of their candidates. They choose to nominate the person of that caste which has a majority in the particular region. Many times when two political parties nominate their candidates belonging to the same caste having majority in that particular area, then the third party nominates the person who belongs to the second number in terms of the majority of caste in that specific region, so that the benefit of division of votes of the first group would be obtained by the third candidate.

Almost all political parties resort to the consideration of caste in selection of their candidates in Lok Sabha and states’ assembly elections in India. The political parties always keep in mind the caste equation in their organizational elections and also while making appointments. Many factions on the basis of caste are found internally in all the political who are engrossed in power competition.

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

Question 4.
Mention any two positive impacts of casteism in Indian politics.
Answer:
Two positive impacts of casteism in Indian politics are as follows :

i. To bind the people with one string :
The relation of caste and politics has bound the people in a stream. People of the same caste even while living at remote places, come into contact with each other in meetings held by the people of their caste. They maintain contact with each other through modem means of communication. They help each other in resolving their problems and try to maintain unity among the people of their caste to take greater advantage from the government. This develops the feeling of unity and social cohesion among the people.

ii. To generate political activism :
The caste-based politics has enhanced political activity in a big way. People have started becoming active in politics to keep their influence in their caste and to protect their interests. They have begun to get involved in social work. The active people of ethnic organisations have also become active in politics.

Question 5.
Write two negative impacts of casteism in Indian politics.
Answer:
Two negative impacts of casteism in Indian politics are as follows.

  • Damage to the spirit of fraternity and unity :
    It damages the sentiments of fraternity and unity. Enmity increases in the wake of conflicts between ethnic/ racial groups to further their own interests. The atmosphere becomes tense and conflicting and social harmony get disturbed. During the Gujjar riots in Rajasthan, there were clashes between the Meenas and Gujjars, leading to social tensions.
  • Push to conservatism :
    Casteist thoughts enhance conservatism. And hence the fruits of scientific and progressive approaches do not get ripened. As a result, casteism promotes traditionalism and modem outlook gets hampered.

Question 6.
Define communalism.
Or
Write the definition of communalism and explain its meaning.
Answer:
Meaning and definition of communalism :
When a religious, cultural and linguistic group or community considers itself a distinct class and keeps its political demands on the basis of religion and culture, grants priority to its own demands over national and social interests, (then) it can be called ‘communalism’. All such emotions and activities fall under the orbit of communalism, where the stress on the interests of a particular group is given on the basis of religion and language. These interests are given more priority than national interest and a sense of separation is infused in that group or they are separately encouraged.

According to Wimant Smith :
“He is a communal person or a group which considers each religious and linguistic group a separate social and political entity and whose interest is different from other groups and can be hostile to them. The ideology of such individuals or individual group will be called communalism or communalist”.

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

Question 7.
Prove that communalism is a danger to the nation.
Answer:
Communalism a threat to the nation :
India is a multi-community-country. It houses people of different communities. It is obvious and mandatary that all should live in harmony in order to establish an atmosphere of peace and order and also for the development in the country. Because of spread of spiteful sentiments by communal organisations, different communities have a sense of animosity and strife. When the sentiments of ill-will and doubts reach a feverish point, communal clashes / riots do erupt resulting in threat to national unity and security. These clashes also bring a bad name to the country and its image of secularism gets tarnished at the international level.

There develops a sense of disbelief towards the government if it fails to provide shelter to the victims of riots. This mindset of segregation over time gives birth to problem of political instability. There is a serious threat to national unity and integrity because of communalism. There happens to be catastrophic consequences at the time of eruption of communal riots. Normal life goes haywire and sentiments of brotherhood get sabotaged. Law and order in the society suffer in a big way. The country suffers a huge economic loss and national development gets hampered.

Question 8.
Mention any four suggestions for the resolution of increasing communalism in India.
Answer:
Four suggestions for the resolution of increasing communalism :
The following are the four suggestions in order to get rid of communalism :

  1. The government should always take care that it should not do anything which can encourage communalism. Mere promises would not do. Instead, it should enforce the ideals of equality in practical ways.
  2. India is a secular country, but the education of eternal, moral values of life should be necessarily infused in all. The aim and mission of education should be to invoke sentiments of nationalism and devotion towards the nation instead of sentiments towards a specific religion.
  3. No religious organisation should be provided with special incentives or facilities merely on the basis of religion, because by this, a sense of hatred does erupt in the minds of people having different religions.
  4. A major cause of communalism is its benefit/ exploitation in election by politicians. Political parties encourage communalism which should be strictly prohibited.

Question 9.
Mention any four bad impacts of communalism.
Answer:
Four bad impacts of communalis :
The following are four bad impacts of communalism.

  • Hindrance in national unity :
    Communalism damages sentiments of national unity and fraternity. The society gets discriminated and hence social equality gets sabotaged.
  • Impede nation’s propress and well-being :
    After independence, many cities in India have been affected by the fire of communal riots. Because of communal events in cities, normal life gets disturbed. Obviously, it causes monetary loss and is also a burden on government exchequer, which is a great hindrance in national development and progress.
  • Serious danger to national security:
    The communal clashes, which take place between minorities and majorities in India, create threats to the national security of our country.
  • Innocent people get victimised in communal violence :
    Innocent women, children, the elderly slum-dwellers get victimised in communal violence. Thousands of people are killed in communal riots and thousands of homes are ransacked. Some cities as Ranchi, Srinagar, Varanasi, Aligarh, Hyderabad, Meerut, Mumbai, etc. are examples of such riots during which huge number of people got mutilated and handicapped, and besides, many deaths were witnessed in these clashes.

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
In what ways is casteism detrimental to the country, society and politics? Explain in detail.
Or
Describe the negative Impacts of casteism on Indian Politics.
Answer:
Negative Impacts of casteism on Indian politics- In modem Indian society, the caste-based differences are found to be spreading like cancer and AIDS-both horrible diseases. Casteism causes tension and srtife in the society. National interests are marred and conservatism gets promoted. The government works under pressure. Casteism is against the doctrines of democracy. The feeling of casteism has been on the rise since independence and all the parties seek to benefit from it. Casteism has cast the following negative impacts on Indian politics.

  • Against democratic sentiments :
    Casteism is against democratic sentiments. It harms democratic values like liberty, equality and fraternity and encourages disunity and narrow-minded thinking in society.
  • Promotes Vote Bank politics :
    Political parties and leaders support fair and unfair demands of a caste to make it their vote-bank and encourage them, which is fatal for the interest of the nation. Ethnic interests are given more importance over national interests.
  • Damage to the sentiments of fraternity and unity :
    It damages the sentiments of fraternity and unity, and enmity increases on account of conflicts of varying ethnic interests. The atmosphere of society becomes tense and full of clashes. This destroys social harmony. During the Gujjar movement in Rajasthan, there were clear differences between Meenas and Gujjars in some areas.
  • Enhance conservatism :
    Casteist thinking enhances conservation, in which scientific and progressive approaches do not get developed. Development of modem approach gets hindered and casteism promotes traditionalism.
  • Emergence of struggle and unrest :
    Within the society, struggle and unrest replace peace, calm and ease. Different castes struggle for their interest. On many occasions, there is an atmosphere of unrest in the society due to the decision of the government taken under pressure.
  • Country’s governance under inept people :
    To fight an election on caste considerations and voting on the basis of caste request is the result of casteism. Qualified persons/candidates lose elections on account of voting trend on caste lines and the candidate who wins the elections does not appreciate the liabilities of the society as a whole. They put their caste-loyalty on priority. This is dangerous to the country as well as to the society. The governance of the country goes into the hands of unqualified people, who, of course, cannot bring any good to the country.
  • Division of reverence and devotion :
    Due to casteist emotions, the reverence and devotion of citizens get divided. There is a decline in the devotion towards the country. People start giving preference to caste interests over national interests. These initiatives create obstacles in the unity and development of the country.
  • Formation of political parties on caste consideration :
    Due to casteism, political parties are formed on caste lines. For the development of healthy democracy, political parties should be constituted on economic and political ideologies.
  • Sense of insecurity in minorities :
    A sense of insecurity develops among the minority castes and communities.
  • Government buckles under groups pressures :
    Government works under the pressures of big and powerful ethnic groups, therefore, it tries to avoid fair and impartial decisions.
  • Damage to national property :
    Many a time, the movement of ethnic organisations takes violent turns, causing huge loss to national property. Industrial development and business suffer in a big way. In the course of struggle, public property is damaged.

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

Question 2.
State the reasons of development of casteism.
Answer:
The reasons of development of casteism :
The reasons of development of casteism are as follows
i. A line of thought to increase repute of own caste :
Indian society is divided into many castes. People of every caste endeavour to promote the glory of own caste. As a result, there is a push to the reputation of their caste, simultaneously their own reputation is also felt to be increasing.

ii. Expansion of transport and communication sources :
Ever since there has been an ‘increase’ in transport and communication resources, there is a mutual cohesion among the members of a caste. In addition to it, has been quite easy to propagate the sentiment of casteism through newspapers and also by caste-specitic magazines and the likes.

iii. Marriage-related prohibitions :
Every caste imposes a restriction on it members that he/they should marry within his/their caste only. As a result the scope of marriage becomes ‘limited’ and his love and attention towards his caste becomes obvious in the wake of the area of wedding opportunity being limited.’The sentiments of love towards own caste are the form of caste-management. One caste is like a conjugal group, whose members make one-another their relatives, This through has given birth to casteism.

iv. Effect of urbanisation and Industrialisation :
Because of this change, people have migrated to cities from villages and they have started living there. During their ‘being’ in cities, they start to spot/find out people of their caste or community for solving their own problems. Slowly and steadily, they get mingled and have started formation of many associations like. “Akhil Bhartiya Agrawal Sangh”. In this way, on one hand, industrialisation and urbanisation help in breaking caste-system, but simultaneously, give rise to the strong sentiment of casteism.

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 24 Casteism and Communalism

v. Problem of livelihood :
So far as the advent of casteism is concerned, the problem of livelihood has played a major role. People of a caste feel that if they want to be employed then they have to develop a bond. If one member of a caste gets onto a good/high post, then he should provide or help to provide employment to the people of his caste. Against the backdrop of these thoughts, racial/ethnic organisation develops and flourishes and as a result of such organisations, a sentiment of casteism comes into ‘being’.

Question 3.
Mention efforts to remove casteism.
Answer:
Efforts to remove casteism :

  1. In order to remove casteism, encouragement to inter-caste marriages shall prove to be fruitful.
  2. The youth of the nation should be encouraged to form caste-free groups and its shall auger well in this direction. If these caste-free graphs get vocal and get into the society with the strong appeal of their doctrine, then, of course, entire population will be their members one day.
  3. For the removal of casteism, ‘anti-racial’ education is mandatory. Children should not be imparted with caste-based rules. If they come to know of them naturally because of social atmosphere, (then) advance education should be such that they develop a mindset which does not subscribe to caste-based dogmas.
  4. To end casteism, there should be anti-casteist propagands. By way of propagnda, anti-casteist mindset, emotions and sensitivity should be infused in people’s mind.
  5. In order to remove casteism, mere sloganeering, bringing any laws and to talk against caste-arrangement will not suffice, unless these are implemented on ground. Hence, it is a duty on the part of the people to play an active role in the direction of its elimination.
  6. For the elimination of casteism, it is important to bring in cultural and political equality in the society. When there are cultural and economic parities in people of different castes, then the people on their own, will bring down cast-bondage and will start establishing social relations.
  7. There must be strong and powerful rules to end casteism. The government has initiated some measures such as- Untouchability (offences) Act, 1955, which is a step forward to end caste- system. This law has got a considerable amount of success.
  8. All the caste-based institutions should be banned in order to end casteism.

RBSE Solutions for Class 12 Political Science