1Gender and Politics
1Gender division is best understood as:
A. A hierarchical social division shaped by social expectations and stereotypes
B. A natural and unchangeable difference
C. Only a biological difference
D. A division found only in politics
Answer: (A) A hierarchical social division shaped by social expectations and stereotypes
2Gender division is often understood incorrectly as:
A. Economic inequality
B. Natural and unchangeable
C. A political conflict
D. A caste difference
Answer: (B) Natural and unchangeable
3The term 'sexual division of labour' refers to:
A. Division of work between political parties
B. Division of occupations by religion
C. A system in which household work is mainly done or organised by women
D. Reservation of jobs for women
Answer: (C) A system in which household work is mainly done or organised by women
4Which is an example of household work?
A. Mining
B. Running a political party
C. Parliamentary debate
D. Cooking
Answer: (D) Cooking
5The public/private division commonly assigns the main responsibility for housework and child-rearing to:
A. Women
B. Men
C. Political parties
D. The government
Answer: (A) Women
6Why is household work often not recognised as valuable work?
A. It is always voluntary
B. Much of it is unpaid and remains invisible
C. It is illegal
D. Only men can perform it
Answer: (B) Much of it is unpaid and remains invisible
7Which statement about women and paid work is consistent with the chapter?
A. Women never work outside the home
B. Women are legally barred from offices
C. Women may perform paid work in addition to domestic labour
D. Women only work in agriculture
Answer: (C) Women may perform paid work in addition to domestic labour
8Earlier, participation in public affairs, voting and contesting public office was largely restricted to:
A. Women
B. Children
C. Workers
D. Men
Answer: (D) Men
9Women organised and agitated for equal rights in different parts of the world mainly to improve their:
A. Political and legal status and educational and career opportunities
B. Caste status only
C. Religious status only
D. Property taxes
Answer: (A) Political and legal status and educational and career opportunities
10Movements that aimed at equality for women in public as well as personal and family life are called:
A. Communalist movements
B. Feminist movements
C. Caste movements
D. Secular movements
Answer: (B) Feminist movements
11A feminist is a person who believes in:
A. Male domination
B. One religion being superior
C. Equal rights and opportunities for women and men
D. Caste hierarchy
Answer: (C) Equal rights and opportunities for women and men
12Which country group is mentioned as having high participation of women in public life?
A. South Asian countries only
B. Middle Eastern countries only
C. African countries only
D. Scandinavian countries
Answer: (D) Scandinavian countries
13Which of the following is mentioned as a Scandinavian country?
A. Sweden
B. India
C. Pakistan
D. Sri Lanka
Answer: (A) Sweden
14India is still largely a:
A. Matriarchal society
B. Patriarchal society
C. Theocratic society
D. Caste-free society
Answer: (B) Patriarchal society
15Patriarchy literally refers to:
A. Rule by women
B. Rule by workers
C. Rule by father
D. Rule by elected representatives
Answer: (C) Rule by father
16Patriarchy is used to describe a system that:
A. Gives women complete political power
B. Eliminates social divisions
C. Treats all religions equally
D. Values men more and gives them power over women
Answer: (D) Values men more and gives them power over women
17Women's literacy rate in the cited figures was approximately:
A. 54 per cent
B. 76 per cent
C. 90 per cent
D. 40 per cent
Answer: (A) 54 per cent
18The literacy rate among men in the cited figures was approximately:
A. 54 per cent
B. 76 per cent
C. 60 per cent
D. 85 per cent
Answer: (B) 76 per cent
19Why do some girls drop out of education despite performing as well as boys?
A. Girls are legally prohibited from studying
B. Schools do not admit girls
C. Parents may prefer to spend resources on boys' education
D. Girls cannot take examinations
Answer: (C) Parents may prefer to spend resources on boys' education
20The Equal Remuneration Act was passed in:
A. 1950
B. 1991
C. 2005
D. 1976
Answer: (D) 1976
21The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 provides that:
A. Equal wages should be paid for equal work
B. Women must receive higher wages
C. Only men can be employed
D. All work must be unpaid
Answer: (A) Equal wages should be paid for equal work
22Which problem is highlighted regarding wages for women?
A. Women are always paid more
B. Women may be paid less even for the same work
C. Women cannot receive wages
D. Wages are unrelated to work
Answer: (B) Women may be paid less even for the same work
23Sex-selective abortion is linked to:
A. A rise in the child sex ratio
B. Higher literacy
C. A decline in the child sex ratio
D. Greater political representation
Answer: (C) A decline in the child sex ratio
24Child sex ratio refers to the number of:
A. Boys per hundred girls
B. Women per thousand men
C. Children per household
D. Girls per thousand boys
Answer: (D) Girls per thousand boys
25The chapter notes that the child sex ratio had fallen to approximately:
A. 919
B. 1,190
C. 500
D. 760
Answer: (A) 919
26One reason for the low representation of women in public life is the:
A. Absence of elections
B. Sexual division of labour
C. Lack of political parties
D. End of democracy
Answer: (B) Sexual division of labour
27Women's organisations argue that greater political representation can help ensure that:
A. Only women can vote
B. Men leave politics
C. Women's concerns receive greater attention
D. Caste divisions disappear
Answer: (C) Women's concerns receive greater attention
28The percentage of elected women members in the Lok Sabha cited for 2019 was about:
A. 4.5 per cent
B. 33 per cent
C. 50 per cent
D. 14.36 per cent
Answer: (D) 14.36 per cent
29The share of women in state assemblies in the cited figures was:
A. Less than 5 per cent
B. More than 50 per cent
C. Exactly one-third
D. About 25 per cent
Answer: (A) Less than 5 per cent
30Women's representation in cabinets is described as:
A. Exactly equal
B. Largely all-male
C. Entirely female
D. Constitutionally fixed at one-third
Answer: (B) Largely all-male
31One-third of seats in local government bodies are reserved for:
A. Religious minorities only
B. Only men
C. Women
D. Political parties
Answer: (C) Women
32The reservation for women in local government applies to:
A. Lok Sabha only
B. State cabinets only
C. Rajya Sabha only
D. Panchayats and municipalities
Answer: (D) Panchayats and municipalities
33Approximately how many elected women representatives were mentioned in rural and urban local bodies?
A. More than 10 lakh
B. About 10,000
C. About 1 lakh
D. Exactly 50,000
Answer: (A) More than 10 lakh
34The chapter says women's organisations demanded at least one-third reservation in:
A. Only municipalities
B. Lok Sabha and State Assemblies
C. Only village panchayats
D. Courts
Answer: (B) Lok Sabha and State Assemblies
35The chapter uses gender division to show that disadvantaged groups can benefit when:
A. They avoid politics completely
B. They stop demanding rights
C. Their social divisions are expressed as political issues
D. They reject elections
Answer: (C) Their social divisions are expressed as political issues
36Which of the following is NOT presented as an example of women's changing opportunities?
A. Scientists
B. Doctors
C. Engineers
D. Only household workers
Answer: (D) Only household workers
37The chapter argues that gender division is:
A. A social division that can be expressed in politics
B. Only a private matter with no political relevance
C. A caste division
D. A religious division
Answer: (A) A social division that can be expressed in politics
38Why can politics matter for gender equality?
A. Politics prevents women from voting
B. Political mobilisation can improve women's role in public life
C. Politics removes all family responsibilities
D. Politics eliminates all social differences
Answer: (B) Political mobilisation can improve women's role in public life
39Which statement best captures the chapter's argument about gender and politics?
A. Social divisions should never enter politics
B. Women should avoid political participation
C. Political expression of gender inequality can help disadvantaged groups
D. Gender has no connection with power
Answer: (C) Political expression of gender inequality can help disadvantaged groups
2Religion, Communalism and Politics
40Religious diversity is described as:
A. Found only in India
B. Found only in Europe
C. Unrelated to politics everywhere
D. Widespread in many countries, including India
Answer: (D) Widespread in many countries, including India
41Gandhi believed religion could be connected with politics through:
A. Moral values
B. Caste hierarchy
C. Economic status only
D. Military power
Answer: (A) Moral values
42Gandhi's reference to religion in politics was not to:
A. Moral values
B. A particular religion as superior
C. Ethics
D. Guidance for public life
Answer: (B) A particular religion as superior
43Human rights groups have argued that many victims of communal riots are:
A. Only political leaders
B. Only government officials
C. Religious minorities
D. Only wealthy people
Answer: (C) Religious minorities
44Women's movements have criticised family laws of religions when they:
A. Provide equal rights
B. Protect voting rights
C. Promote education
D. Discriminate against women
Answer: (D) Discriminate against women
45Political acts involving religion are not necessarily wrong when they:
A. Treat every religion equally
B. Give one religion special status
C. Promote domination
D. Exclude minorities
Answer: (A) Treat every religion equally
46The problem of communalism begins when religion is seen as:
A. A personal belief only
B. The basis of the nation
C. A source of moral values
D. A cultural practice
Answer: (B) The basis of the nation
47Communal politics becomes especially problematic when:
A. People of different religions cooperate
B. All religions are treated equally
C. One religion and its followers are pitted against another
D. Religious freedom is protected
Answer: (C) One religion and its followers are pitted against another
48Communal politics is based on the idea that religion is the:
A. Only basis of economic development
B. Basis of federalism
C. Basis of gender equality
D. Principal basis of social community
Answer: (D) Principal basis of social community
49A communalist view assumes that followers of a particular religion:
A. Must belong to one community with the same fundamental interests
B. Have no common interests
C. Cannot vote
D. Must belong to different nations
Answer: (A) Must belong to one community with the same fundamental interests
50According to communal thinking, differences within a religious community are treated as:
A. More important than religion
B. Irrelevant or trivial for community life
C. The basis of federalism
D. A form of secularism
Answer: (B) Irrelevant or trivial for community life
51Communalism assumes that people of different religions:
A. Always have identical interests
B. Must vote for the same party
C. Cannot belong to the same social community
D. Cannot live in cities
Answer: (C) Cannot belong to the same social community
52In its extreme form, communalism may lead to the belief that people of different religions:
A. Should share all political power equally
B. Should avoid elections
C. Must have the same customs
D. Cannot live as equal citizens within one nation
Answer: (D) Cannot live as equal citizens within one nation
53Why is the communalist belief that one religion's followers have identical interests flawed?
A. People have several roles, positions and identities
B. People have only one identity
C. Religion determines every interest
D. Politics has no influence
Answer: (A) People have several roles, positions and identities
54The most common expression of communalism is said to be:
A. Constitutional secularism
B. Everyday religious prejudices and stereotypes
C. Universal adult franchise
D. Local self-government
Answer: (B) Everyday religious prejudices and stereotypes
55A communal mind among a majority community may seek:
A. Abolition of elections
B. Caste reservations
C. Political dominance of that religious community
D. Gender equality only
Answer: (C) Political dominance of that religious community
56For a minority community, communalism may take the form of:
A. A demand for universal education only
B. Support for every party
C. Abolition of religion
D. A desire to form a separate political unit
Answer: (D) A desire to form a separate political unit
57Political mobilisation on religious lines may use:
A. Sacred symbols and religious leaders
B. Only economic statistics
C. Only scientific evidence
D. Only sports events
Answer: (A) Sacred symbols and religious leaders
58Political mobilisation on religious lines can involve:
A. Only neutral policy debates
B. Emotional appeal and fear
C. Only census data
D. Only local elections
Answer: (B) Emotional appeal and fear
59In electoral politics, communal mobilisation may appeal to:
A. All voters equally without distinction
B. Only government employees
C. The interests or emotions of voters of one religion
D. Only women
Answer: (C) The interests or emotions of voters of one religion
60The most ugly form of communalism can include:
A. Universal education
B. Political equality
C. Local government
D. Communal violence, riots and massacre
Answer: (D) Communal violence, riots and massacre
61India and Pakistan experienced some of the worst communal riots during:
A. Partition
B. The Green Revolution
C. The First Five-Year Plan
D. The Emergency
Answer: (A) Partition
62Communalism is described as a major challenge to:
A. Only local government
B. Democracy in India
C. Only education
D. Only economic planning
Answer: (B) Democracy in India
63The makers of the Constitution chose the model of a:
A. Theocratic state
B. Military state
C. Secular state
D. Caste state
Answer: (C) Secular state
64A secular state in India means that the state has:
A. One official religion
B. Only majority religion
C. Only minority religion
D. No official religion
Answer: (D) No official religion
65Which country is mentioned as giving Buddhism a special status?
A. Sri Lanka
B. India
C. Sweden
D. Nepal
Answer: (A) Sri Lanka
66Which country is mentioned as giving Islam a special status?
A. India
B. Pakistan
C. Sri Lanka
D. France
Answer: (B) Pakistan
67Which country is mentioned as giving Christianity a special status?
A. India
B. Sweden
C. England
D. Nepal
Answer: (C) England
68The Indian Constitution gives individuals and communities freedom to:
A. Follow only the official religion
B. Vote only by religion
C. Avoid all political activity
D. Profess, practice and propagate any religion, or not follow any
Answer: (D) Profess, practice and propagate any religion, or not follow any
69The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of:
A. Religion
B. Occupation only
C. Language only
D. Age only
Answer: (A) Religion
70The state may intervene in religious matters in order to:
A. Promote one religion
B. Ensure equality within religious communities
C. End all religious practice
D. Create separate nations
Answer: (B) Ensure equality within religious communities
71The constitutional ban on untouchability is presented as an example of:
A. Religious domination
B. Communal mobilisation
C. State intervention to ensure equality
D. Majoritarianism
Answer: (C) State intervention to ensure equality
72Secularism is described as:
A. An ideology limited to one political party
B. A rejection of all citizens
C. A caste practice
D. One of the foundations of the country
Answer: (D) One of the foundations of the country
73Why is a secular Constitution necessary but not sufficient to combat communalism?
A. Everyday prejudices and political mobilisation also need to be countered
B. The Constitution has no laws
C. Religion is banned
D. Elections are unnecessary
Answer: (A) Everyday prejudices and political mobilisation also need to be countered
74Which of the following is a constitutional feature of India's secular state?
A. Official status for the majority religion
B. No special status to any religion
C. Religious voting rights
D. Separate citizenship by religion
Answer: (B) No special status to any religion
75Which statement about religious expression in politics is consistent with the chapter?
A. Religion must always be excluded from public life
B. Only one religion may influence politics
C. Religious values can inform political ideas when equality is respected
D. Religious minorities cannot make demands
Answer: (C) Religious values can inform political ideas when equality is respected
76Which of the following is an example of a legitimate political demand?
A. Establishing religious domination
B. Excluding other religions
C. Creating unequal citizenship
D. Protecting religious minorities from communal violence
Answer: (D) Protecting religious minorities from communal violence
77Which action is most clearly communal?
A. Using religion to establish domination of one religious group over others
B. Demanding equal protection for minorities
C. Promoting religious freedom for all
D. Using moral values in politics
Answer: (A) Using religion to establish domination of one religious group over others
78The chapter distinguishes religion in politics from communalism mainly by asking whether:
A. People have religious beliefs
B. Political action treats religions equally or promotes exclusive domination
C. Elections are held
D. Citizens live in cities
Answer: (B) Political action treats religions equally or promotes exclusive domination
79Communalism threatens the:
A. Existence of all elections
B. Practice of local government only
C. Idea of India as a democratic and secular nation
D. Concept of federalism only
Answer: (C) Idea of India as a democratic and secular nation
3Caste and Politics
80Caste division is described as being especially characteristic of:
A. All countries equally
B. Scandinavia only
C. Sri Lanka only
D. India
Answer: (D) India
81In the caste system, hereditary occupational division was:
A. Sanctioned by rituals
B. Banned by law
C. Based only on elections
D. Determined by political parties
Answer: (A) Sanctioned by rituals
82Members of the same caste group were traditionally expected to:
A. Marry outside all caste groups
B. Marry within the caste group
C. Vote for different religions
D. Move to cities
Answer: (B) Marry within the caste group
83Traditional caste groups were expected to:
A. Choose any occupation freely
B. Avoid all work
C. Practise the same or similar occupation
D. Join the same political party
Answer: (C) Practise the same or similar occupation
84The caste system involved discrimination against:
A. Only political leaders
B. Only wealthy people
C. Only religious minorities
D. Outcaste groups
Answer: (D) Outcaste groups
85Untouchability is associated with:
A. The exclusion and discrimination of outcaste groups
B. Gender equality
C. Secularism
D. Universal adult franchise
Answer: (A) The exclusion and discrimination of outcaste groups
86Which social reformer worked against caste inequalities?
A. Only political party leaders
B. Jotiba Phule
C. Only industrialists
D. Only judges
Answer: (B) Jotiba Phule
87Which leader is mentioned as working against caste inequalities?
A. Winston Churchill
B. Abraham Lincoln
C. B.R. Ambedkar
D. Nelson Mandela
Answer: (C) B.R. Ambedkar
88Periyar Ramaswami Naicker is mentioned as a:
A. Religious ruler
B. British governor
C. Election commissioner
D. Social reformer who opposed caste inequality
Answer: (D) Social reformer who opposed caste inequality
89Which combination of changes helped weaken old caste notions?
A. Urbanisation, literacy, education and occupational mobility
B. Only elections
C. Only religious diversity
D. Only industrial strikes
Answer: (A) Urbanisation, literacy, education and occupational mobility
90Urbanisation means:
A. Shift from one caste to another
B. Shift of population from rural to urban areas
C. Change of religion
D. Change of government
Answer: (B) Shift of population from rural to urban areas
91Occupational mobility refers to:
A. Moving from one religion to another
B. Moving from one constituency to another
C. Moving from one occupation to another
D. Moving from rural to urban areas only
Answer: (C) Moving from one occupation to another
92Caste hierarchy is described as:
A. A system of equal groups
B. A political party structure
C. A religious festival
D. A ladder-like ordering from higher to lower castes
Answer: (D) A ladder-like ordering from higher to lower castes
93Which institution prohibited caste-based discrimination?
A. The Constitution of India
B. Political parties only
C. Local clubs
D. Private companies
Answer: (A) The Constitution of India
94Has caste completely disappeared from contemporary India?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Only in villages
D. Only in cities
Answer: (B) No
95Which traditional caste practice still persists for many people?
A. Universal inter-caste marriage
B. Complete abolition of caste identity
C. Marriage within one's own caste or tribe
D. No family relationships
Answer: (C) Marriage within one's own caste or tribe
96Untouchability is:
A. Constitutionally required
B. A modern political party
C. A form of secularism
D. Constitutionally prohibited but not completely ended in practice
Answer: (D) Constitutionally prohibited but not completely ended in practice
97Caste continues to be linked to:
A. Economic status
B. Only religion
C. Only language
D. Only gender
Answer: (A) Economic status
98The Scheduled Castes are commonly known as:
A. Adivasis
B. Dalits
C. Communalists
D. Feminists
Answer: (B) Dalits
99The Scheduled Tribes are often referred to as:
A. Dalits
B. Feminists
C. Adivasis
D. Secularists
Answer: (C) Adivasis
100The Census of India counts which two broad social groups among caste-related categories?
A. Only OBCs and Muslims
B. Only upper castes and Dalits
C. Only farmers and workers
D. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
Answer: (D) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
101In the 2011 Census, Scheduled Castes constituted approximately:
A. 16.6 per cent
B. 8.6 per cent
C. 41 per cent
D. 50 per cent
Answer: (A) 16.6 per cent
102In the 2011 Census, Scheduled Tribes constituted approximately:
A. 16.6 per cent
B. 8.6 per cent
C. 41 per cent
D. 27 per cent
Answer: (B) 8.6 per cent
103In the chapter's cited Census discussion, which group is not counted?
A. Scheduled Castes
B. Scheduled Tribes
C. Other Backward Classes
D. Religious communities
Answer: (C) Other Backward Classes
104The National Sample Survey estimate cited for the OBC population was around:
A. 8.6 per cent
B. 16.6 per cent
C. 5 per cent
D. 41 per cent
Answer: (D) 41 per cent
105Casteism is rooted in the belief that caste is the:
A. Sole basis of social community
B. Only basis of religion
C. Only basis of economic development
D. Basis of federalism
Answer: (A) Sole basis of social community
106According to casteist thinking, people belonging to the same caste are assumed to:
A. Have no common identity
B. Have the same interests
C. Always vote for different parties
D. Belong to different nations
Answer: (B) Have the same interests
107When parties choose election candidates, they may consider:
A. Only the candidate's religion
B. Only the candidate's age
C. The caste composition of the electorate
D. Only the candidate's education
Answer: (C) The caste composition of the electorate
108Political parties may nominate candidates from different castes in order to:
A. End elections
B. Avoid voters
C. Abolish caste identity
D. Muster necessary support to win elections
Answer: (D) Muster necessary support to win elections
109Political parties may appeal to:
A. Caste sentiments
B. Only weather conditions
C. Only sports interests
D. Only household work
Answer: (A) Caste sentiments
110A 'vote bank' usually means:
A. A bank owned by a political party
B. A large proportion of voters from a caste or community supporting a party
C. All voters of a caste voting identically
D. A government treasury
Answer: (B) A large proportion of voters from a caste or community supporting a party
111No parliamentary constituency in India has:
A. Any voters
B. More than one community
C. A clear majority of one single caste
D. Political parties
Answer: (C) A clear majority of one single caste
112Why does caste alone not determine election results?
A. Every voter votes by caste only
B. No parties contest elections
C. Only one caste votes
D. Candidates and parties need support from multiple castes and communities
Answer: (D) Candidates and parties need support from multiple castes and communities
113Do all voters of a caste vote for the same party?
A. No
B. Yes, always
C. Only in rural areas
D. Only in cities
Answer: (A) No
114Which other factors can influence election results besides caste?
A. Only caste
B. Government performance and popularity of leaders
C. Only religion
D. Only gender
Answer: (B) Government performance and popularity of leaders
115People within the same caste can have different political preferences because they may differ in:
A. Caste name only
B. Citizenship
C. Economic condition and other interests
D. Constitutional rights
Answer: (C) Economic condition and other interests
116Politics can influence caste by:
A. Eliminating all caste groups immediately
B. Banning elections
C. Ending social identities
D. Bringing caste identities into the political arena
Answer: (D) Bringing caste identities into the political arena
117The chapter says it is more accurate to say that:
A. Caste gets politicised
B. Politics disappears from caste
C. Caste has no political role
D. Politics creates religion
Answer: (A) Caste gets politicised
118Caste groups may become larger by:
A. Rejecting all alliances
B. Incorporating neighbouring castes or sub-castes
C. Ending political participation
D. Abolishing elections
Answer: (B) Incorporating neighbouring castes or sub-castes
119Caste groups may enter into coalitions with:
A. Only one political party
B. Only religious leaders
C. Other castes or communities
D. No one
Answer: (C) Other castes or communities
120Political categories such as 'backward' and 'forward' caste groups are examples of:
A. The abolition of caste
B. Religious divisions
C. Gender divisions
D. New kinds of caste groups emerging in the political arena
Answer: (D) New kinds of caste groups emerging in the political arena
121Caste politics can give disadvantaged communities:
A. Space to demand a share of power
B. No political voice
C. Only economic disadvantages
D. Less access to decision making
Answer: (A) Space to demand a share of power
122Caste politics has helped some Dalit and OBC groups gain:
A. Official religious status
B. Better access to decision making
C. Control over all elections
D. Complete economic equality
Answer: (B) Better access to decision making
123Several organisations have demanded an end to:
A. Universal adult franchise
B. Local government
C. Caste discrimination
D. Religious freedom
Answer: (C) Caste discrimination
124Caste-based organisations have also demanded greater access to:
A. Only religious offices
B. Only private schools
C. Only political symbols
D. Land, resources and opportunities
Answer: (D) Land, resources and opportunities
125Exclusive attention to caste in politics can divert attention from:
A. Poverty, development and corruption
B. Elections and democracy
C. Citizenship and voting
D. All social issues equally
Answer: (A) Poverty, development and corruption
126Caste divisions in politics can sometimes lead to:
A. Only cooperation
B. Tensions, conflict and violence
C. Immediate equality
D. The end of elections
Answer: (B) Tensions, conflict and violence
127Which statement best summarises caste and politics?
A. Caste determines every election
B. Caste has no political relevance
C. Caste matters in politics, but caste alone does not determine political outcomes
D. Politics has no effect on caste
Answer: (C) Caste matters in politics, but caste alone does not determine political outcomes
128Which statement best reflects the chapter's conclusion about social divisions?
A. All social divisions are always harmful
B. All social divisions are always beneficial
C. Social divisions should never be discussed
D. Their political expression can be positive or negative depending on how they are used
Answer: (D) Their political expression can be positive or negative depending on how they are used
