Understanding Secularism Class 8 Notes: CBSE Civics Chapter 2

1. Introduction:

History has witnessed all the gruesome discrimination, persecution, exclusion, & the torture done to people based on the religion which they follow. In the present civilised world, matters like this can be strictly prevented to safeguard communities & protect a person's right. That's why the word secularism is inscribed in the preamble of the constitution of India. Below is the vital information you'll need to learn about India, and it's secularism.

2. What is Secularism?

Secularism generally refers to the separation of religion from a State. It is very essential to separate religion from the state for the country to practise its democracy. Most of the countries have people of more than one religion who reside within the state. We ought to safeguard individuals' right to preach and practise the religion of their choice.

3. What is Indian Secularism?

1. According to the Indian Constitution, a secular state ought to ensure that:

1. One religious community should not assert dominance over the other.

2. Members of the same religious community should not dominate each other.

3. The state would not enforce any specific religion or take away the freedom and support of the other religions.

2. Government spaces in India like police stations, law courts, & government institutions are prohibited from promoting any particular religion. The state can make exceptions for specific religions to respect the sentiments of the religion. For example, Sikhs are generally permitted to wear a turban while riding a bike instead of the helmet.

3. Secularism in India also prevents the dominance of one majority over the minority through various strategic interventions. For example, the Indian Constitution bans untouchability in any form or kind.

4. Why is it Important to Separate Religion from State?

The answer to the question ‘why it is important to separate religion from state’ is beautifully answered in the Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 notes. According to the study material, religion should be kept separate from the State because:

• It enables the country to function democratically.

• The people belonging to the minority communities can otherwise be harmed by the domination of the majority and there can be an infringement of the Fundamental Rights.

• Individuals can exit from their religion and another religion can be embraced by them through Secularism. According to the law, people can interpret religious teachings in different ways.

5. How Indian Secularism is Different from that of Other Countries?

1. Indian secularism very much varies from other democratic countries. For example, let’s take the case of the United States of America- there is a strict separation b/w the state and religion in America. In contrast, the state can practise strategic interventions in religious affairs in India from time to time. 

2. Although in Indian secularism, the state does not entirely separate itself from religion, it does maintain a principled distance. It means any action or intervention by the state will be based on constitutional principles.

3. The Constitution warrants Fundamental Rights, which is based on secular principles.

Here are Some Practise Questions Along with Answers

1. What do you mean by coercion?

Ans: In English, coercion generally means forcing a person to do something. In politics, it refers to the force exerted by various legal authorities, for instance, the state.

2. What is Freedom to Interpret?

Ans: It refers to the freedom given to all the people to comprehend things in their way. This chapter pertains to the individual liberty to formulate their understanding and meaning of the religion they choose to practise.

3. What is State Intervention?

Ans: The state normally has the power to intervene in specific matters that align with the Constitution. It refers to the state's efforts to influence situations, for example, religious matters.

4. What do you mean by Secularism?

Ans: Secularism is generally a belief that nobody should be discriminated based on the religion they follow. Regardless of the religion he/she follows, they are equal according to the laws & regulations that govern the nation.

5. What are the reasons to separate the power of the state from religion?

Ans: Everyone should have the freedom to choose or to leave any religion and join another one. People should also have the freedom to interpret religious teachings as they please.

6. What is Article 17 in the Constitution?

Ans: Article 17 consists of the Right to Equality. It is also directly related to the 'Abolition of untouchability.'

It states that:

"Untouchability" is abolished, and its practice in any form is absolutely forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of "Untouchability" shall be an offence punishable by law."

7. Give the strategies followed by the Indian government in order to establish and maintain secularism.

 Ans: 

1. The strategy of non-interference.

2. The strategy of distancing itself from a religion.

3. The strategy of intervention

8. What do you mean by religion?

Ans: Religion is normally a set of personal beliefs and related practices to divinity. It refers to people's opinions and beliefs concerning the existence, worship, and divinity of nature.

9. What does the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution prohibit?

Ans: The first amendment of the US Constitution prohibits the legislature from creating laws "respecting an establishment of religion" or laws which "prohibit the free exercise of religion." This means that the legislature cannot declare any particular religion as the official religion or any religious community's preferences.

10. Why does a country need laws?

Ans: So as to avoid people from socially unjust and cultural practices. To establish equality between people as society discriminates against the underprivileged lower caste people.

11. What Do You Understand by Secularism?

As per Class 8 Civics Chapter 2, the answer to the question ‘what is secularism’ will be the principle that guides a state to remain separate from and non impacted upon by religious institutions.

A strategy was adopted by India in view of separating the power of religion from the power of the State. The separation of religion from the State is termed as Secularism. According to Understanding Secularism Class 8 notes, Indians are permitted to live by their religious beliefs freely and practise the same.

Steps Taken to Protect Secularism in India:

Following steps are taken by Indian State to protect Secularism in India:

1. Various strategies are taken to keep a distance from religion. No religion is displayed or promoted in government offices such as law courts, police stations, government schools, etc.

2. The strategy of non-interference is adopted by the Govt. According to the above-mentioned fact, religions of all religious communities are given equal respect. There are a few exceptions in this case.

3. A strategy of intervention is also adopted. The laws related to equivalent legacy rights are respected and the religion-based ‘personal laws’ of communities can be intervened by the State to ensure the same.

4. The intervention of the State can also be in the form of assistance. One example of it is the establishment of schools and colleges by the religious communities and the fact that they are mostly granted by the Government of India. Financial aid is also given to these communities on a non-preferential basis.

Did You Know?

• Govt. schools can never promote any religion.

• Untouchability is banned by the Govt. of India to prevent religion-based exclusion and lower caste discrimination.

• India has been a secular country from the beginning of the implementation of the Indian Constitution.

• The word ‘Secularism’ is officially added to the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act.

• The most significant aspect of Secularism is its separation of religion from the state’s power.

5 Important Topics of Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism

Importance of Civics Class 8 Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism Notes

• Revision notes help us quickly understand and remember key concepts before exams.

• They save time by focusing on essential information and skipping unnecessary details.

• These notes simplify complex topics, making them easier to understand and use.

• They provide practical examples that show how theoretical knowledge is used in real-life situations.

• Revision notes ensure thorough preparation by covering all important topics in a structured manner.

• They increase confidence by clearly understanding what to expect in exams.

• Accessible formats like PDFs allow for easy studying anytime and anywhere.

Tips for Learning the Civics Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism Class 8 Notes PDF

• Start by defining secularism and its significance in maintaining equality and neutrality in society.

• Familiarise yourself with how secularism is embedded in the Indian Constitution and its role in shaping democratic values.

• Distinguish between secularism and related concepts like communalism to avoid confusion.

• Learn how secularism has evolved over time and its role in India's history to understand its current relevance. Understand the role of the government in maintaining secularism, including how it handles different religious practices and beliefs.

• Relate the concept of secularism to real-life scenarios and examples provided in the chapter to better grasp its practical implications.

Conclusion

Vedantu’s Class 8 Civics Chapter 2, "Understanding Secularism," helps us to understand the importance of secularism in our democratic society. By maintaining neutrality and treating all religions equally, secularism ensures that every individual has the freedom to practise their beliefs without discrimination. This chapter highlights how secularism is embedded in the Indian Constitution and its role in fostering unity and harmony among diverse communities. Revisiting these notes will reinforce your understanding of how secularism contributes to a fair and inclusive society, preparing you well for exams and everyday discussions.

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