Class 10 Social Science Chapter 16 Gender, Religion and Caste (Civics) Practice Paper 2

Subject: Social Science - Class: X Session: 2025-26 Political Science Chapter: 03 - Gender, Religion and Caste Time: 1½ Hours Max. Marks: 40

General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.

2. This question paper contains 20 questions divided into five sections A, B, C, D and E.

3. Section A contains 10 MCQs of 1 mark each.

4. Section B contains 4 questions of 2 marks each.

5. Section C contains 3 questions of 3 marks each.

6. Section D contains 1 question of 5 marks.

7. Section E contains 2 Case Study Based questions of 4 marks each.

SECTION A - Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Q1. Which social reformer is NOT mentioned in the chapter as having worked against caste inequalities?
(a) Jotiba Phule
(b) B.R. Ambedkar
(c) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(d) Periyar Ramaswami Naicker

Q2. What percentage of women were elected to Lok Sabha for the first time in 2019?
(a) 10.5%
(b) 14.36%
(c) 19.2%
(d) 25%

Q3. The Scheduled Castes are commonly known as:
(a) Adivasis
(b) OBCs
(c) Dalits
(d) Minorities

Q4. According to Census 2011, what percentage of India's population are Hindus?
(a) 79.8%
(b) 82.5%
(c) 85.3%
(d) 88.1%

Q5. Gandhiji believed that religion and politics:
(a) Should be completely separated
(b) Can never be separated
(c) Should only mix during elections
(d) Are the same thing

Q6. In which year was the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act) passed?
(a) 2019
(b) 2021
(c) 2023
(d) 2024

Q7. What does 'urbanisation' mean?
(a) Building more cities
(b) Shift of population from rural to urban areas
(c) Modernization of villages
(d) Urban planning

Q8. According to Census 2011, what percentage are Scheduled Tribes in India's population?
(a) 6.2%
(b) 8.6%
(c) 12.5%
(d) 16.6%

Q9. Family laws in India deal with:
(a) Family planning policies
(b) Marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance
(c) Family taxation
(d) Joint family system

Q10. Which of the following is TRUE about caste and elections in India?
(a) Every constituency has a majority of one caste
(b) All voters of a caste vote for the same party
(c) No constituency has a clear majority of one single caste
(d) Caste is the only factor determining elections

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. What did Gandhiji mean when he said "religion can never be separated from politics"?

Q12. Mention two ways in which politics has influenced the caste system in India.

Q13. Why do women's movements argue for changes in family laws of all religions?

Q14. Explain the term 'caste hierarchy'. Has it weakened in modern India?

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. "Feminist movements aimed at equality in personal and family life as well." Explain this statement with examples.

Q16. Describe the main features of India as a secular state.

Q17. "Caste alone cannot determine election results in India." Support this statement with three arguments.

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. Analyze the various disadvantages faced by women in India. How have women's movements and feminist organizations worked to address these inequalities? What challenges still remain?

SECTION E - Case Study Based Questions (4 marks each)

Q19. Read the following case study and answer the questions that follow: A study on poverty in India (1999-2000) showed stark differences across caste groups. Among Scheduled Tribes, 45.8% in rural areas and 35.6% in urban areas lived below the poverty line. For Scheduled Castes, these figures were 35.9% and 38.3% respectively. For Other Backward Classes, 27.0% in rural and 29.5% in urban areas were below poverty line. However, for Hindu Upper Castes, only 11.7% in rural and 9.9% in urban areas were poor.

(a) Which caste group has the highest poverty rate in rural areas? (1 mark)
(b) What is the poverty rate for Hindu Upper Castes in urban areas? (1 mark)
(c) What does this data tell us about the relationship between caste and economic status in India? (2 marks)

Q20. Read the following case study and answer the questions that follow: In many parts of India, parents prefer to have sons and find ways to abort girl children before birth through sex-selective abortion. This practice has led to a severe decline in the child sex ratio. According to Census 2011, there are only 919 girl children for every 1000 boys in India. In some states like Haryana and Punjab, this ratio has fallen below 850. The government has banned sex determination tests and sex-selective abortion, but the practice continues illegally in many places.

(a) What is child sex ratio? (1 mark)
(b) What is the child sex ratio in India according to Census 2011? (1 mark)
(c) Why is declining child sex ratio a matter of serious concern for India? (2 marks) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 02

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Answer 1:
(c) Raja Ram Mohan Roy Explanation: The chapter specifically mentions Jotiba Phule, Gandhiji, B.R. Ambedkar, and Periyar Ramaswami Naicker as leaders who advocated and worked to establish a society without caste inequalities. Raja Ram Mohan Roy is not mentioned in this chapter. Answer 2:
(b) 14.36% Explanation: The percentage of elected women members in Lok Sabha touched 14.36% of its total strength for the first time in 2019, though this is still very low compared to global standards. Answer 3:
(c) Dalits Explanation: The Scheduled Castes are commonly known as Dalits and include those that were previously regarded as 'outcaste' in the Hindu social order and subjected to exclusion and untouchability.

Answer 4:
(a) 79.8% Explanation: According to the 2011 Census data presented in the chapter, Hindus constitute 79.8% of India's population, making it the majority religion. Answer 5:
(b) Can never be separated Explanation: Gandhiji used to say that religion can never be separated from politics, but he meant moral values that inform all religions, not any particular religion. He believed politics must be guided by ethics drawn from religion. Answer 6:
(c) 2023 Explanation: The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act) was passed in 2023, which provides 33% reservation of seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

Answer 7:
(b) Shift of population from rural to urban areas Explanation: Urbanisation refers to the shift of population from rural areas to urban areas, which has been one of the factors leading to changes in the traditional caste system. Answer 8:
(b) 8.6% Explanation: According to Census 2011, the Scheduled Tribes (Adivasis) were 8.6% of the country's population, while Scheduled Castes comprised 16.6%. Answer 9:
(b) Marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance Explanation: Family laws are those laws that deal with family-related matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance. In India, different family laws apply to followers of different religions.

Answer 10:
(c) No constituency has a clear majority of one single caste Explanation: No parliamentary constituency in India has a clear majority of one single caste, which is why every candidate and party needs to win the confidence of more than one caste and community to win elections.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Answer 11: Gandhiji's View on Religion and Politics When Gandhiji said "religion can never be separated from politics," he had a specific meaning: • Not particular religion: By 'religion', Gandhiji did not mean any particular religion like Hinduism or Islam, but rather the moral values that inform all religions. • Ethical guidance: He believed that politics must be guided by ethics drawn from religion. In other words, political actions and decisions should be based on moral and ethical principles that are common to all religions, such as truth, non-violence, compassion, and justice.

This is different from communal politics where one religion is promoted over others or religious identity becomes the basis of political mobilization. Answer 12: Impact of Politics on Caste System Politics has influenced the caste system in the following ways:

1. Caste consolidation: Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating within it neighbouring castes or sub-castes which were earlier excluded from it. Political mobilization leads castes to unite and form larger identities for electoral strength.

2. New caste categories: New kinds of caste groups have come up in the political arena like 'backward' and 'forward' caste groups. These are political categories created for electoral and policy purposes, changing traditional caste identities. (Alternative answer): Caste groups are required to enter into coalitions with other castes, leading to dialogue and negotiation, which wasn't part of the traditional rigid caste system. Answer 13: Women's Movements and Family Laws Women's movements argue for changes in family laws for the following reasons:

• Discrimination against women: Family laws of all religions - Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and others - discriminate against women in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child custody. These laws often favor men and restrict women's rights. • Demand for equality: Women's movements demand that the government should change these laws to make them more equitable and ensure gender justice. They argue that regardless of religion, all women deserve equal rights and dignity under the law, and religious family laws should not be used to perpetuate gender inequality.

Answer 14: Caste Hierarchy in Modern India Caste Hierarchy: It refers to a ladder-like formation in which all caste groups are placed from the 'highest' to the 'lowest' castes based on ritual purity and social status. Upper castes were considered superior while lower castes and 'outcastes' were considered inferior. Has it weakened? Yes, caste hierarchy has weakened considerably in modern India due to: • Economic development and urbanization • Growth of literacy and education • Occupational mobility • Weakening of landlord dominance • Constitutional prohibition of caste discrimination In urban areas, it doesn't matter much who walks next to us or eats at the next table. However, it hasn't disappeared completely - most people still marry within their caste, and effects of centuries of advantages continue.

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Answer 15: Feminist Movements and Personal/Family Life Feminist movements didn't just focus on political and legal equality but also aimed at equality in personal and family life: Meaning: While some women's movements focused only on political rights like voting, more radical feminist movements recognized that inequality exists within homes and families too, and true equality requires transformation of personal relationships and family structures. Examples:

1. Sexual division of labour: Feminists challenged the traditional expectation that women alone are responsible for all housework and child-rearing. They argued for equal sharing of domestic responsibilities between men and women.

2. Family laws: Women's movements demanded changes in family laws of all religions that discriminate against women in matters like marriage, divorce, property inheritance, and child custody. They argued these laws perpetuate male dominance in family life.

3. Domestic violence: Feminist movements brought attention to domestic violence, harassment, and exploitation of women within their own homes, demanding legal protection and social awareness. They challenged the notion that domestic matters are 'private' and beyond public concern. These efforts show that feminism is not just about public life (like jobs and elections) but also about transforming personal relationships, challenging patriarchy in the home, and ensuring women's dignity and autonomy in all spheres of life.

Answer 16: Features of India as a Secular State India is a secular state with the following main features reflected in the Constitution:

1. No official religion: Unlike the status of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Islam in Pakistan, or Christianity in England, the Indian Constitution does not give special status to any religion. There is no official state religion, and all religions are treated equally by the state.

2. Freedom of religion: The Constitution provides to all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice, and propagate any religion. People also have the freedom not to follow any religion. This ensures religious liberty for all citizens.

3. No discrimination: The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion. Citizens cannot be discriminated against in employment, education, or any other sphere on the basis of their religious identity.

4. State intervention for equality: At the same time, the Constitution allows the state to intervene in matters of religion to ensure equality within religious communities. For example, it bans untouchability even though it was sanctioned by some religious practices. This prevents religion from being used to justify discrimination and oppression. These provisions ensure that India remains a secular democracy where people of all religions can live as equal citizens with full religious freedom, while preventing the dominance of any one religion over others.

Answer 17: Why Caste Alone Cannot Determine Elections Despite caste being a factor in elections, it alone cannot determine election results for the following reasons:

1. No caste majority in constituencies: No parliamentary constituency in India has a clear majority of one single caste. Therefore, every candidate and party needs to win the confidence of more than one caste and community to win elections. Appealing to only one caste cannot guarantee victory.

2. No unanimous voting by caste: No party wins the votes of all voters of a caste or community. When people say a caste is a 'vote bank' of a party, it only means that a large proportion (not all) of voters from that caste vote for that party. Many voters from the same caste vote for different parties based on other factors like development, leadership, or ideology.

3. Multiple candidates from same caste: Many political parties may put up candidates from the same caste if that caste is believed to dominate the electorate in a constituency. This means some voters have more than one candidate from their caste while many have none. Voters then choose based on factors beyond just caste identity. Additional factors: • Voters have strong attachment to political parties which is often stronger than caste attachment • People's economic conditions vary within the same caste, leading to different political interests • Assessment of government performance and leader popularity matter significantly • The ruling party frequently loses elections, which wouldn't happen if caste voting was fixed Therefore, while caste matters in electoral politics, many other factors like party loyalty, economic interests, government performance, and leadership popularity also play decisive roles.

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Answer 18: Disadvantages Faced by Women and Women's Movements DISADVANTAGES FACED BY WOMEN IN INDIA: Women in India face multiple forms of disadvantage, discrimination, and oppression:

1. Educational Disadvantage: • The literacy rate among women is only 54% compared to 76% among men • Smaller proportion of girl students go for higher studies • Parents prefer to spend resources on boys' education rather than equally on sons and daughters • Girls drop out of school despite performing as well as or better than boys

2. Economic Inequality: • Women have very small proportion in highly paid and valued jobs • An Indian woman works one hour more than a man daily, but much of her work is unpaid • Despite the Equal Remuneration Act 1976, women are paid less than men for the same work in almost all areas • Women's work, especially domestic labour, is not valued or recognized economically

3. Sexual Division of Labour: • Women are expected to do all housework (cooking, cleaning, childcare) whether or not they work outside • Even when doing paid work, women carry the double burden of household and employment responsibilities • Men avoid housework considering it women's responsibility, even though they're capable of it

4. Sex-Selective Abortion and Son Preference: • Parents prefer sons and abort girl children before birth • This has led to declining child sex ratio - only 919 girls per 1000 boys (Census 2011) • Some states have ratios below 850, indicating severe discrimination

5. Violence and Safety: • Women face various forms of harassment, exploitation, and violence • Urban areas have become particularly unsafe for women • Women are not safe even within their homes from domestic violence, beating, and harassment

6. Political Under-representation: • Women's representation in Lok Sabha reached only 14.36% in 2019 • Less than 5% in state assemblies • Very few women in government cabinets • Women's issues don't get adequate attention in policy-making WORK OF WOMEN'S MOVEMENTS: Women's movements and feminist organizations have worked in various ways to address these inequalities:

1. Political and Legal Rights: • Organized and agitated for voting rights for women in different countries • Demanded and achieved legal equality and enhanced political status • Pushed for women's reservation in legislatures - leading to 33% reservation in panchayats and eventually the Women's Reservation Act 2023

2. Educational and Career Opportunities: • Worked to improve educational access for girls • Challenged stereotypes about women's capabilities • Created awareness about importance of women's education • Helped open up professions previously closed to women (scientists, doctors, engineers, lawyers, managers)

3. Economic Rights: • Demanded equal wages for equal work, leading to Equal Remuneration Act 1976 • Fought for recognition and valuation of women's unpaid domestic work • Worked for women's property and inheritance rights

4. Family and Personal Life: • More radical feminist movements aimed at equality in personal and family life • Demanded changes in discriminatory family laws of all religions • Raised awareness about domestic violence and demanded legal protection • Challenged patriarchal norms in households

5. Protection and Safety: • Human rights groups demanded special steps to prevent violence against women • Worked for laws against sexual harassment, domestic violence • Created awareness about women's safety issues CHALLENGES THAT REMAIN: Despite significant progress, major challenges persist:

1. Deep-rooted Patriarchy: Patriarchal attitudes remain strong in society - the belief that men are superior and women's primary role is domestic continues to influence families, workplaces, and institutions.

2. Education Gap: Large literacy gap (54% vs 76%) continues, with many girls still dropping out due to economic constraints, safety concerns, and preference for boys' education.

3. Economic Inequality: Equal Remuneration Act exists but is poorly enforced. Women continue to be paid less and concentrated in lower-paid jobs. Unpaid domestic work remains unrecognized.

4. Violence and Safety: Violence against women continues and may be increasing in urban areas. Domestic violence within homes remains a serious problem that goes underreported.

5. Son Preference: Despite laws banning sex determination, sex-selective abortion continues, keeping child sex ratio dangerously low.

6. Political Representation: Women's Reservation Act passed only in 2023 - implementation is just beginning. Cabinet positions and party leadership remain male-dominated.

7. Implementation Gap: Many laws exist on paper but are poorly enforced due to social attitudes and weak implementation mechanisms. CONCLUSION: Women's movements have achieved significant legal and political gains, but translating these into actual social change remains a major challenge. Addressing women's disadvantages requires not just laws but fundamental transformation of social attitudes, economic structures, and cultural practices. Continued activism, education, economic empowerment, and strict law enforcement are all essential to achieving true gender equality in India.

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Answer 19: Caste and Poverty Case Study
(a) Highest poverty rate in rural areas: Scheduled Tribes have the highest poverty rate in rural areas at 45.8%.
(b) Poverty rate for Hindu Upper Castes in urban areas: Only 9.9% of Hindu Upper Castes live below the poverty line in urban areas.
(c) Relationship between caste and economic status: This data reveals important insights about the continuing link between caste and economic status in India:

1. Caste hierarchy reflected in economic status: The data clearly shows that the average economic status still follows the old caste hierarchy. The 'upper' castes are economically best off with very low poverty rates (11.7% rural, 9.9% urban), while Dalits (SCs) and Adivasis (STs) are worst off with very high poverty rates (35.9% to 45.8%). The Other Backward Classes are in between (27.0% rural, 29.5% urban). This shows that despite legal equality, caste continues to determine economic opportunities.

2. Effects of historical discrimination: The huge gap in poverty rates between upper castes and lower castes reflects centuries of accumulated advantages and disadvantages. Upper castes had access to education, land ownership, and resources under the old system, which continues to benefit them. Lower castes were denied these opportunities and continue to suffer the consequences through higher poverty, limited access to quality education and employment, and less social capital. The data proves that caste is still an important source of economic inequality in India, even though the relationship has become somewhat more complex with economic development.

Answer 20: Child Sex Ratio Case Study
(a) Child sex ratio: Child sex ratio is the number of girl children per thousand boys in the age group of 0-6 years.
(b) Child sex ratio in India (Census 2011): According to Census 2011, the child sex ratio in India is 919 (919 girls per 1000 boys).
(c) Why declining child sex ratio is a serious concern: Declining child sex ratio is a matter of serious concern for India for several reasons:

1. Reflects deep gender discrimination: The declining ratio is a clear indicator of systematic discrimination and violence against girl children even before they are born. It shows that despite laws and constitutional equality, society still values boys more than girls. Parents use modern technology like ultrasound not for health purposes but to eliminate girl children through sex- selective abortion. This practice of female foeticide is a form of gender-based violence and represents the extreme devaluation of women in society. A ratio of 919 or lower (850 in some states) means thousands of girls who should have been born are missing from the population.

2. Long-term social and demographic consequences: Declining child sex ratio will lead to serious demographic imbalance in the future when these children become adults. There will be a shortage of women, which can lead to multiple social problems including increased trafficking of women, forced polyandry, violence against women, and social instability. It also undermines India's development as discrimination against half the population prevents their full participation in economic and social life. Moreover, it perpetuates a vicious cycle where lower numbers of women lead to further devaluation of women, encouraging more sex-selective practices. This trend, if not reversed, threatens the very social fabric and future of Indian society, making it an urgent issue requiring strong legal enforcement, social awareness campaigns, and fundamental change in attitudes toward the girl child.