NCERT Solutions for Chapter 2 Civics Understanding Secularism Class 8 - FREE PDF Download
Access comprehensive learning resources with Vedantu through NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2. Gain access to the "Understanding Secularism" Class 8 PDF, which simplifies fundamental principles essential for understanding the complexities of the subject with Class 8 Civics NCERT Solutions.
Table of Content
Class 8 Civics Chapter 2, ‘Understanding Secularism,’ is an essential part of the CBSE Class 8 Social Science Syllabus. It introduces students to the fundamental framework of the Indian Constitution, explaining its significance and key concepts. The chapter covers the introduction, the essential features of the Constitution, and the role of each element in ensuring justice, equality, and liberty.
1. List the different types of religious practice that you find in your neighbourhood. This could be different forms of prayer, worship of different gods, sacred sites, different kinds of religious music and singing etc. Does this indicate freedom of religious practice?
Ans: The different types of religious practices found in our neighbourhood are the Vedic chants in Temples, the Gurbani in Gurudwaras, the Namaaz in Mosques, and processions on festivals such as Muharram and prayers in Churches. This indicates the freedom of religious practice in our neighbourhood.
2. Will the government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practise infanticide? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans: Yes, the government will intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practice infanticide. This is because such a practice is against the freedom to life and also against the human rights of that infant.
3. Complete the Following Table:
Ans:
4. Look up the annual calendar of holidays of your school. How many of them pertain to different religions? What does this indicate?
Ans: There are several festivals on which holidays have been declared. 3 of them are national holidays whereas others are religious holidays such as Holi, Diwali, Janmashtami, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Zuha, Eid-e-Milad, Christmas, etc. This shows that in India all religions are respected and people live in communal harmony.
5. Find out some examples of different views within the same religion.
Ans: In the faith of Islam, there are Sunnis who keep fast on Muharram and there are Shias who mourn during this month. So, in the same festival, there are different views and reasons to fast and mourn within Islam.
6. The Indian State both keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion. This idea can be quite confusing. Discuss this once again in class using examples from the chapter as well as those that you might have come up with.
Ans: The Indian state keeps away from religion in certain matters such as the election of government, deployment of officials, etc. for administration. However, it has also given rights to the minorities to set up their own educational institutions and also provides funds to them.
The state also tries to create a reformed society by making laws against the outdated and cruel customs which are against human rights in the religions.
There are certain rules by which a particular religion is exempted from them. For example, the defence personnel in India cannot keep beards but the Sikhs can.
7. This poster highlights the need for ‘Peace’. It says, “Peace is a never-ending process.... It cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests.” Write in your own words what you think the above sentences are trying to convey? How does it relate to the need for religious tolerance?
Ans: The above sentences are trying to say that peace cannot be achieved as long as there is not a healthy environment for discussion and agreement on differences on common matters. One section of people might say that a particular action is wrong or a particular belief is irrational whereas there might be some sections who hold that belief to be true and the actions rational. This could be a cause of disruption of peace in the absence of a harmonious environment for discussion in society.
Topics Covered in Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism
Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism
NCERT Solutions offers clear explanations and examples to enhance understanding of complex constitutional concepts.
Chapter 2 Understanding secularism class 8 questions and answers include practice questions that align with CBSE exam patterns, aiding in effective preparation.
Activities and exercises in civics class 8 chapter 2 encourage critical thinking and application of knowledge, promoting deeper engagement.
Available in PDF format, NCERT Solutions class 8 civics chapter 2 PDF is easily accessible for students to download and use for revision and self-study.
In class 8 civics chapter 2 questions and answers, every answer is prepared by the highly experienced teachers at Vedantu.
All the solutions in class 8 civics chapter 2 questions and answers are accurate and detailed so that students don’t face any problems in understanding the concepts.
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Conclusion
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 2 - Understanding Secularism helps students thoroughly understand the idea of secularism in India. These solutions teach how secularism encourages religious tolerance, equality, and social harmony. Students learn about the key principles of India's secular system, such as keeping religion separate from government matters and protecting individuals' right to religious freedom. Overall, these solutions help students appreciate the importance of secularism in shaping India's democracy.
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FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism
1. What is secularism according to NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2?
Secularism is the principle that the state maintains neutrality towards all religions and does not promote or favor any particular religion. In Class 8 Civics Chapter 2, secularism means protecting every individual's right to freely choose and practice their religion, ensuring no discrimination or preference by the state as per the Indian Constitution.
2. Why is it important for the government not to enforce any one religion, as explained in NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2?
It is important for the government to not enforce any one religion because this ensures:
- Protection of all citizens' religious freedom
- Promotion of equality among diverse communities
- Prevention of domination or discrimination based on religion
- Upholding the fundamental values of secularism in a diverse country like India, as per CBSE 2025–26 syllabus
3. How does Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 explain the need to separate religion from the State?
The chapter explains that separating religion from the State is essential to:
- Prevent religious discrimination by the government
- Ensure that all citizens are treated equally
- Allow individuals to practice their religion without interference
- Maintain peace and harmony in a multi-religious society
4. What are the key objectives of secularism as described in the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2?
The key objectives of secularism are:
- One religious community should not dominate another
- The State should not enforce or endorse any religion
- Members within the same religious community should not dominate others
- Protecting individuals' freedom to practice their chosen religion
5. In what ways does the Indian State intervene in religious practices, and why?
The Indian State intervenes in religious practices only if such practices violate fundamental rights or harm public order, such as banning practices like infanticide even if claimed as religious. This ensures that religious freedom does not override the rights and safety of individuals, aligning with the principles set out in the CBSE 2025–26 curriculum.
6. Can you give an example of how different religious practices in your neighborhood indicate freedom of religion, as per Class 8 Civics Chapter 2?
Observing various forms of worship—like temple prayers, church services, mosque namaz, and gurdwara kirtan—shows that people are freely practicing different religions. This diversity in religious activities is evidence of religious freedom, a principle at the heart of India's secularism.
7. How does NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 explain the concept of ‘equal respect’ to all religions?
‘Equal respect’ means the State does not favor one religion over another, nor does it allow any religion to dominate. Laws and policies are made impartially, festivals of all religions are recognized, and everyone has equal rights regardless of their faith.
8. What consequences may arise if the government supports or promotes one religion, as discussed in Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 NCERT Solutions?
If the government supports one religion, it can lead to:
- Discrimination and inequality among citizens
- Communal conflicts and disharmony
- Suppression of minority rights
- Violation of India's constitutional principles
9. What are some examples of different beliefs within the same religion, as presented in the Class 8 Civics Chapter 2?
An example is the difference between Sunnis and Shias in Islam, where each group observes certain festivals, such as Muharram, differently. Such diversity within a religion underlines the importance of not letting one section dominate others, as highlighted in the chapter.
10. Why is understanding secularism important for students, according to NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2?
Understanding secularism helps students appreciate:
- The value of religious tolerance and mutual respect
- The significance of equality and non-discrimination
- The role of secularism in maintaining unity and peace in India’s diverse society
11. How do holidays in schools reflect secular values as per Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 NCERT Solutions?
School calendars include holidays for multiple religious festivals—such as Diwali, Eid, Christmas—which shows respect and equality towards all religious groups. This has been highlighted as an example of secularism in the chapter’s solutions.
12. What does the chapter suggest when it states that “the State both keeps away from religion and intervenes in religion”?
The chapter means that while the State does not interfere in individual religious practices, it may regulate or prohibit practices that violate fundamental rights or public welfare. Thus, the State balances non-interference with necessary intervention when citizens’ rights are at risk.
13. How do NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 suggest handling domination by members within the same religious community?
The solutions explain that secularism also protects minorities or subgroups within a religion from the domination of the majority in their own community, ensuring everyone’s rights are upheld equally, as per the principles in the CBSE 2025–26 guidelines.
14. How does Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 explain the link between secularism and peace in a society?
The chapter connects religious tolerance and respect for differences—ensured by secularism—with lasting peace. When all beliefs are valued equally and no single group is dominant, social harmony and peace can flourish.
15. In what ways do NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 help students in answering CBSE exam questions based on secularism?
NCERT Solutions provide detailed, stepwise answers following the latest CBSE 2025–26 pattern, use accurate examples, and clarify complex concepts, helping students address both factual and higher-order thinking questions about secularism in exams.
