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I. Chapter Summary

This chapter explores how social divisions like gender, religion, and caste influence politics in India. It emphasizes the constructive and destructive roles of these divisions in a democracy. It begins with an analysis of gender inequality in political participation and representation. Then it discusses religious differences, secularism, and the importance of religious tolerance in a democratic society. Lastly, it examines caste as a form of social stratification and how caste influences voting patterns and political mobilization. The chapter underlines that while democracy offers a platform to resolve these divisions, politicization of such identities can also be misused.

II. Key Concepts Covered

Concept	Explanation
Gender Division	Social division based on unequal treatment and stereotyping of roles of men and women.
Feminist Movements	Movements aiming to achieve gender equality and women’s rights.
Political Representation of Women	Low participation of women in legislative bodies despite being half the population.
Religion and Politics	Interrelationship between religious beliefs and political ideologies.
Secular State	A state that does not favor any religion and treats all citizens equally regardless of faith.
Communalism	Political exploitation of religious sentiments; dangerous to democratic values.
Caste Inequality	Hierarchical social division based on birth; affects social and economic status.
Caste in Politics	Caste influences voting and political campaigning, but has also empowered lower castes.

III. Important Questions

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)

1. Which country reserves 1/3rd of seats in local government for women?
   • a) USA
   • b) India
   • c) Sri Lanka
   • d) China
   • Answer b) India
2. Communalism refers to:
   • a) Respecting all religions
   • b) Using religion in politics for dominance
   • c) Equality of all castes
   • d) Promoting minority rights
   • Answer b) Using religion in politics for dominance
3. Which of the following is not a form of caste inequality?
   • a) Economic discrimination
   • b) Voting rights
   • c) Social segregation
   • d) Unequal education opportunities
   • Answer b) Voting rights
4. A secular state ensures:
   • a) Promotion of a particular religion
   • b) No interference in any religion
   • c) Equal respect to all religions
   • d) State funding to religious institutions
   • Answer c) Equal respect to all religions

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)

1. Why is political representation of women still low in India? (PYQ – 2019)
2. What is communalism? Why is it harmful for democracy? (PYQ – 2020)
3. Mention two ways caste continues to influence Indian politics. (PYQ – 2021)
4. What is the role of religion in Indian politics?

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. What are the various forms of communalism in Indian politics? Explain with examples. (PYQ – 2020)
2. Explain how gender division is reflected in various spheres of life. (PYQ – 2018)
3. How does caste influence electoral politics in India?
4. What is secularism? How does the Indian Constitution promote it?

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

1. Is political mobilization on caste or religion always harmful in a democracy? Give reasons.
2. Suggest reforms to improve women’s participation in Indian politics.

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts

Not applicable for formulas, but key definitions and distinctions are:

• Gender Division: Division of labor and rights based on socially constructed roles of men and women.
• Secularism: Principle of separation of religion from state affairs.
• Communalism: Using religion as a political tool to create division.
• Caste System: A rigid social hierarchy based on birth and occupation.
• Feminist Movements: Campaigns for equal rights and opportunities for women.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
Gender, Religion, and Caste	5–7 marks	MCQs, Short & Long Answers, HOTS

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Year	Marks	Question
2018	5	Explain gender inequality with examples from politics and education.
2019	3	Why is women’s participation in politics low in India?
2020	5	Describe the forms of communalism in Indian politics with examples.
2021	3	Mention any two ways caste influences Indian politics.

VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics

• Women Reservation Bill: Debated in Parliament for decades; still pending implementation.
• Religious Rallies and Votes: Examples of religious groups influencing electoral outcomes.
• Caste-based Political Parties: E.g., BSP, which seeks to empower Dalits.
• Local Panchayats: 33% seats reserved for women, leading to grassroots change.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success

 Time Management

• Allocate 15 minutes for each: Gender, Religion, Caste—then revise with flashcards.
• Use real examples to strengthen understanding during revision.

 Exam Preparation

• Create a 3-column table comparing gender, religion, and caste in politics.
• Practice case-based questions, as they are now common in board papers.

 Stress Management

• Discuss these social issues in class debates or peer study groups to learn via discussion.
• Reflect on your own local surroundings—connect textbook with real world.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific)

For Classes 9–10

Academic Streams Overview:

• Science: Sociology of science, gender in STEM.
• Commerce: Gender & caste equity in corporate hiring.
• Arts: Political science, sociology, journalism.

Career Paths:

• Social Activist
• Journalist (Gender & Social Justice Reporting)
• Human Rights Lawyer
• Public Policy Analyst
• Civil Services (UPSC – with Sociology, PSIR)

Foundational Competitions & Programs:

• NTSE
• UNICEF Gender Champion Initiatives
• Model UNs on Inclusion

XI. Important Notes

•  Democracy thrives on inclusion—recognizing and reducing inequalities strengthens governance.
•  Use statistics and examples (e.g., women in Parliament, caste census) in answers.
•  Understand not just definitions, but implications on policy and society.