NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Political Science Chapter 3 Gender, Religion and Caste
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 3 covers Gender Division and Women's Political Representation, Religion, Communalism and Secular State, and Caste System in Indian Politics.
Overview of Topics & Subtopics (Click to Jump)
1. Gender Division & Women's Political Representation
Short Note:
• Sexual Division of Labour: Social system where all household work is done by women inside the home, or organized through domestic helpers.
• Patriarchal Society: A male-dominated system where men hold primary power and dominate roles in political leadership, moral authority, and social privilege.
• Political Representation: Reservation of 1/3rd seats for women in local government bodies (Panchayats & Municipalities) has strengthened their political role, though central/state legislative representation remains low.
2. Religion, Communalism & Secular State
Short Note:
• Communalism: Idea that religion is the principal basis of social community. It becomes dangerous when one religion is pitted against another in politics.
• Forms of Communalism: Religious prejudices, political dominance of majority community, mobilization on religious lines, and communal violence/riots.
• Secular State Model: India has no official state religion, freedom to practice/propagate any religion, and prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion.
3. Caste in Politics (Influence & Role)
Short Note:
• Caste System: Hereditary division of society based on occupational hierarchy and discrimination (untouchability).
• Caste in Politics: Political parties choose candidates keeping in mind the caste composition of the electorate, appeal to caste sentiments to win votes, and treat caste groups as vote banks.
4. Politics in Caste (Transformation of Caste)
Short Note:
• Political Mobilization: Politics brings caste into the political arena. Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating neighboring sub-castes.
• New Caste Groups: Formation of broad political categories like 'Backward' and 'Forward' caste groups.
• Impact: Gives disadvantaged castes (Dalits and OBCs) a platform to demand their share of power and access to resources.
Intext & Conceptual Questions
2. No Official Religion: The Indian Constitution does not grant official status to any single religion.
3. Freedom of Religion: Guarantees all citizens the fundamental right to profess, practice, and propagate any religion or no religion.
2. Political campaigns appeal to caste sentiments and identities to secure vote banks.
3. Ruling parties form cabinets ensuring adequate representation for different caste groups.
Textbook Chapter End Exercise Questions
1. No Official Religion: Unlike Sri Lanka (Buddhism) or Pakistan (Islam), India has no official state religion.
2. Prohibition of Discrimination: The Constitution forbids discrimination against any citizen on grounds of religion.
3. State Intervention: Allows the state to intervene in religious matters to ensure equality (e.g., banning untouchability).
1. Literacy Rate: Literacy rate among women (64.6%) is significantly lower than men (82.1%).
2. Unequal Pay: Women are paid less than men for equal work across various sectors.
3. Sex Ratio & Foeticide: Female foeticide and preference for male children lead to a skewed sex ratio.
4. Domestic Violence: High prevalence of domestic abuse, harassment, and social discrimination.
1. Coalition Formation: Each caste group tries to expand by negotiating and combining with neighboring sub-castes.
2. New Political Groups: Creates broader political coalitions such as 'Backward' and 'Forward' caste alliances.
3. Empowerment of Minorities: Gives marginal and oppressed caste communities a platform to assert their rights and demand representation.
Read More & Chapter Resources
These short notes are designed for quick revision. Read the main points once, then use the related material below to practise the same chapter. Revising a concept and checking it with questions can make your preparation more focused.