Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8: Stepwise NCERT Solutions for Secularism

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 Secularism (2025-26)

Exercises

1. Which of the following do you feel are compatible with the idea of secularism? Give reasons.

• (a) Absence of domination of one religious group by another.
• (b) Recognition of a state religion.
• (c) Equal state support to all religions.
• (d) Mandatory prayers in schools.
• (e) Allowing separate educational institutions for any minority community.
• (f) Appointment of temple management bodies by the government.
• (g) Intervention of state to ensure entry of Dalits in temples.

Answer:

• (a) Absence of domination of one religious group by another: Compatible. Secularism stands for equality and opposes religious domination.
• (b) Recognition of a state religion: Not compatible. Secularism requires no official state religion.
• (c) Equal state support to all religions: Compatible, but complex. While in principle it promotes equality, state support must not lead to favoritism or dominance.
• (d) Mandatory prayers in schools: Not compatible. It violates religious freedom and secular values.
• (e) Allowing separate educational institutions for any minority community: Compatible. It enables protection of minority rights as per the Constitution.
• (f) Appointment of temple management bodies by the government: Not compatible if it leads to state interference in religious affairs without just cause. However, the state may intervene for reforms.
• (g) Intervention of state to ensure entry of Dalits in temples: Compatible. Secularism supports state intervention to end social/religious discrimination.

2. Some of the key characteristics of western and Indian model of secularism have got mixed up. Separate them and make a new table.

3. What do you understand by secularism? Can it be equated with religious tolerance?

Answer: Secularism is a doctrine that advocates separation of state from religion and opposes both inter-religious and intra-religious domination. It aims for equality and freedom of all religions. Religious tolerance is only one aspect; secularism goes beyond it by promoting equality and active protection of rights.

4. Do you agree with the following statements? Give reasons for supporting or opposing any of them.

• (a) Secularism does not allow us to have a religious identity.
• (b) Secularism is against inequality within a religious group or between different religious groups.
• (c) Secularism has a western-Christian origin. It is not suitable for India.

Answer:

• (a) Disagree. Secularism does not abolish religious identity; it guarantees freedom to practice any religion or none.
• (b) Agree. Secularism opposes all forms of inequality—both within and between different religious groups.
• (c) Disagree. While concepts of secularism developed in the West, Indian secularism has evolved its own distinct model suitable for India's diversity.

5. Indian secularism focuses on more than the religion-state separation. Explain.

Answer: Indian secularism not only separates the state from religion but also promotes equality among and within religions. The state can intervene to remove discrimination (e.g., abolishing untouchability), protect minority rights, and support reforms. It ensures both inter-religious and intra-religious equality, going beyond mere separation.

6. Explain the concept of principled distance.

Answer: Principled distance is an approach where the state maintains a flexible distance from religions. While not favoring or discriminating against any religion, the state can engage or disengage with religion as needed—either to intervene and reform unfair practices, or to ensure equal treatment. The aim is social equality and justice.

Mastering the Concept of Secularism – Class 11 Political Science

Understanding secularism in Political Science is vital for CBSE Class 11 students. This chapter explores both Indian and Western models, highlighting the core idea of equality and freedom of religion in a democracy.

By focusing on NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 Secularism (2025-26), students can strengthen their grasp on inter-religious and intra-religious equality, state intervention, and principled distance for better exam performance.

Regular practice of chapter-wise solutions ensures clarity on secularism’s key aspects. Reviewing definitions, examples and criticism will help you excel in Political Science and score higher marks in your CBSE exams.