Class 8 Civics Chapter 5 Understanding Marginalization

 

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 5 Understanding Marginalization

 

Understanding Marginalization – Given in this post is NCERT Solutions Class 8 Civics Chapter 5 Understanding Marginalization Important Question Answers. The important questions we have compiled will help the students to brush up on their knowledge about the subject. Students can practice Class 8 Civics Chapter 5 important questions to understand the subject better and improve their performance in the exam. The NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science (Civics) provided here will also give students an idea about how to write the answers.

 

Source Based Questions  

 

Read the extract and answer the questions that follow-

A. Adivasis – the term literally means ‘original inhabitants’ – are communities who lived, and often continue to live, in close association with forests. Around 8 per cent of India’s population is Adivasi and many of India’s most important mining and industrial centers are located in Adivasi areas – Jamshedpur, Rourkela, Bokaro and Bhilai among others. Adivasis are not a homogeneous population: there are over 500 different Adivasi groups in India. Adivasis are particularly numerous in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and in the north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.

1 What does the term adivasis mean? 

Ans. Adivasis – the term literally means ‘original inhabitants’ – are communities who lived, and often continue to live, in close association with forests. 

2 What percent of India’s population is adivasis?

Ans. Around 8 per cent of India’s population is Adivasi. 

3 Name some important Industrial areas located in Adivasi areas.

Ans. Jamshedpur, Rourkela, Bokaro and Bhilai among others are some important Industrial areas located in Adivasi areas.

4 Is adivasis a homogeneous population? 

Ans. Adivasis are not a homogeneous population: there are over 500 different Adivasi groups in India.

5 Name some states where adivasis can be found? 

Ans. There are over 500 different Adivasi groups in India. Adivasis are particularly numerous in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and in the north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.

B. In India, we usually ‘showcase’ Adivasi communities in particular ways. Thus, during school functions or other official events or in books and movies, Adivasis are invariably portrayed in very stereotypical ways – in colorful costumes, headgear and through their dancing. Besides this, we seem to know very little about the realities of their lives. This often wrongly leads to people believing that they are exotic, primitive and backward. Often Adivasis are blamed for their lack of advancement as they are believed to be resistant to change or new ideas.

1 Why do people have such negative connotations with the adivasis?

Ans. Since the adivasis community is often located in remote regions people wrongly believe them to be primitive in nature and thus associate negative aspects or adjectives with them. 

2 Why are adivasis stereotyped against?

Ans. In India, we usually ‘showcase’ Adivasi communities in particular ways. Thus, during school functions or other official events or in books and movies, Adivasis are invariably portrayed in very stereotypical ways – in colorful costumes, headgear and through their dancing. Besides this, we seem to know very little about the realities of their lives. This often wrongly leads to people believing that they are exotic, primitive and backward and thus, stereotyped against. 

3 What do you understand by stereotype?

Ans. A stereotype is a generalized belief about a particular category of people typically being negative in nature. 

4 Often Adivasis are not blamed for their lack of advancement as they are believed to be resistant to change or new ideas. True/False?

Ans. False, Often Adivasis are blamed for their lack of advancement as they are believed to be resistant to change or new ideas.

5 How are adivasis usually portrayed?

Ans. Adivasis are invariably portrayed in very stereotypical ways – in colorful costumes, headgear and through their dancing.

C. Forest lands have been cleared for timber and to get land for agriculture and industry. Adivasis have also lived in areas that are rich in minerals and other natural resources. These are taken over for mining and other large industrial projects. Powerful forces have often colluded to take over tribal land. Much of the time, the land is taken away forcefully and procedures are not followed. According to official figures, more than 50 per cent of persons displaced due to mines and mining projects are tribals. Another recent survey report by organizations working among Adivasis shows that 79 per cent of the persons displaced from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand are tribals. 

1 Adivasis have also lived in areas that are deprived of minerals and other natural resources. True/False?

Ans. False, Adivasis have also lived in areas that are rich in minerals and other natural resources.

2 Why do people want to take over the land of adivasis? 

Ans. Adivasis have lived in areas that are rich in minerals and other natural resources. These are taken over for mining and other large industrial projects. Powerful forces have often colluded to take over tribal land. Most of the times, the land is taken away forcefully and procedures are not followed.

3 According to official figures, more than ____________of persons displaced due to mines and mining projects are tribals.

Ans. According to official figures, more than 50 percent of persons displaced due to mines and mining projects are tribals.

4 Do the adivasis of the North East have their land?

Ans. No, In the North east, their lands remain highly militarized due to the country having borders with other countries.

5 How many percent of adivasis were displaced from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand?

Ans. Another recent survey report by organizations working among Adivasis shows that 79 per cent of the persons displaced from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand are tribals. 

D. The term minority is most commonly used to refer to communities that are numerically small in relation to the rest of the population. However, it is a concept that goes well beyond numbers. It encompasses issues of power, access to resources and has social and cultural dimensions. The Indian Constitution recognised that the culture of the majority influences the way in which society and government might express themselves. In such cases, size can be a disadvantage and lead to the marginalization of the relatively smaller communities

1 What do you mean by the term minority?

Ans. The term minority is most commonly used to refer to communities that are numerically small in relation to the rest of the population.

2 What does the concept of minority encompass?

Ans. The term minority is most commonly used to refer to communities that are numerically small in relation to the rest of the population. However, it is a concept that goes well beyond numbers. It encompasses issues of power, access to resources and has social and cultural dimensions. 

3 How can the majority influence the society?

Ans. The Indian Constitution recognises that the culture of the majority influences the way in which society and government might express themselves due to the population and belief of the majority. 

4 How does the influence of the majority lead to marginalization of the minority?

Ans. The Indian Constitution recognised that the culture of the majority influences the way in which society and government might express themselves. In such cases, size can be a disadvantage and lead to the marginalization of the relatively smaller communities

5 Does the Constitution provide any safeguards for the rights of the minority? 

Ans. Yes, the Constitution does provide safeguards for the minority. The Constitution provides these safeguards because it is committed to protecting India’s cultural diversity and promoting equality as well as justice and also so all the sections of the country are heard. 

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) (1 Mark)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are a type of objective assessment in which a person is asked to choose one or more correct answers from a list of available options. An MCQ presents a question along with several possible answers.

Q1 ________ is a locality which is populated largely by members of a particular community.
A) Ghetto
B) Adivasis
C) Minorities
D) None of these
Ans. A) Ghetto

Q2. The caste system is a hierarchical system and Dalits are considered to be ________
A) at the lowest end
B) at the top end
C) no where
D) at the middle end
Ans. A) at the lowest end

Q3 In a social environment, Marginalisation is due to :
A) Different Language
B) Different Religion
C) Minority
D) All of these
Ans. D) All of these

Q4 Certain groups feels marginalized due to factors, like:
A) Social and cultural
B) Economic
C) Political
D) All of these
Ans. D) All of these

Q5 What literally means the original inhabitants?
A) Adivasis
B) Minorities
C) Ghetto
D) Devoid
Ans. A) Adivasis

Q6 Around ____ per cent population of India constitutes tribals.
A) 10
B) 5
C) 8
D) 12
Ans. C) 8

Q7 ____ is one the important industrial areas where Adivasis are based.
A) Chennai
B) Belgaum
C) Bhilai
D) Delhi
Ans. C) Bhilai

Q8 _____ is home to more than 60 tribal groups.
A) Rajasthan
B) Haryana
C) Maharashtra
D) Odisha
Ans. D) Odisha

Q9 ______ was one of the writers who wrote on women issues during British era
A) Kasturba Gandhi
B) Sarojini Naidu
C) Rashsundari Debi
D) Kaushalya Devi
Ans. C) Rashsundari Debi

Q10 India has more than _____ different Adivasi groups.
A) 200
B) 350
C) 500
D) 100
Ans. C) 500

Q11 Adivasi societies have very little ____ among them.
A) ego
B) competition
C) fights
D) hierarchy
Ans. D) hierarchy

Q12 Shakti Cult of Adivasis belong to _____.
A) Assam
B) Maharashtra
C) Gujarat
D) Tamil Nadu
Ans. A) Assam

Q13 In the 1830s Adivasis from India moved to countries such as ___ to work as plantation workers.
A) China
B) Mauritius
C) America
D) United Kingdom
Ans. B) Mauritius

Q14 Niyamgiri Hills are located in Odisha’s ____ district.
A) Bhuvneshwar
B) Sambalpur
C) Cuttack
D) Kalahandi
Ans. D) Kalahandi

Q15 During the ____ century, the majority of Adivasis converted to Christianity.
A) 17th
B) 15th
C) 19th
D) 21st
Ans. C) 19th

Q16 In North East India, a majority of tribal lands remain under the control of Indian _______.
A) police
B) Military
C) Government
D) People
Ans. B) Military

Q17 There are a total of ____ national parks in India.
A) 100
B) 102
C) 109
D) 104
Ans. D) 104

Q18 ____ per cent of tribal groups from Rural India are currently living below the poverty line.
A) 48
B) 42
C) 46
D) 44
Ans. A) 48

Q19 According to the Census of 2011, Muslim constitute ___ per cent of Indian population.
A) 14.2
B) 14.5
C) 14.9
D) 14.7
Ans. A) 14.2

Q20 What is the meaning of Marginalisation?
A) Forced to occupy the side
B) At the center of thing
C) Both a and b
D) None of these
Ans. A) Forced to occupy the side

Q21 Who are Adivasis?
A) Original Habitants
B) Tribals
C) Both a and b
D) Other than given option
Ans. C) Both a and b

Q22 The term Scheduled Tribe is used For ______
A) Adivasis
B) Urban People
C) Rural People
D) Poor People
Ans. A) Adivasis

Q23 Niyam giri is a sacred hill of
A) Adivasis
B) Christians
C) Sikhs
D) Muslims
Ans. A) Adivasis

Q24 Who are Minorities?
A) Community Large in number
B) Community small in number
C) Both a and b
D) None of these
Ans. B) Community small in number

Q25 As per census 2001______is the religious group with lowest literacy rate
A) Hindu
B) Sikh
C) Muslim
D) Christian
Ans. C) Muslim

 

Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)

Q1. Who are Adivasis?

Ans.  Adivasis are the communities who lived, and often continue to live, in close association with forests. 

Q2. How many different Adivasi groups are there in India?

Ans.  There are over 500 different Adivasi groups in India.

Q3. How is Niyamgiri viewed by Dongarra Kinds? 

Ans. Dongarra Kinds, an Adivasi community, view Niyamgiri as the sacred mountain. 

Q4. How are Adivasi societies most distinctive? Give one point. 

Ans.  There is often very little hierarchy among them.

Q5. How are Adivasis usually portrayed? 

Ans. They are usually portrayed in Stereotypical ways in colorful clothes, headgear and through their dancing

Q6. What reality is brought in light by the Sachar Committee?

Ans.  Only 4% of Muslim children are in Madrasas, whereas 66% attend government school and 30% private schools.

Q7. What do we usually think about Adivasis?

Ans.  We usually think that Adivasis are exotic, primitive and backward.

Q8. Define the term ‘minority’.

Ans.  The term ‘minority’ is the most commonly used to refer to the communities that are numerically smaller in relation to the rest of the population.

Q9. Name any four states where Adivasis are in great numbers.

Ans.  Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa have highest number of Adivasis. 

Q10. Which factor leads to ghettoisation of the Muslim community?

Ans. Social marginalization of Muslims leads to ghettoisation of this community.

 

Short Answer Questions (3 Marks)

Q1. How are Adivasi stereotyped?. 

Ans.  When we think of Adivasis, we have preconceived notions about them. We think of them as weird, primitive, and backward. Their vibrant clothing, headgear, dancing, and traditional way of life frequently give the appearance that they are behind the times. We feel they are also reluctant to change our new ideas. This stereotype of the Adivasi population leads to prejudice and marginalization of the community.

Q2. How were Adivasis marginalized? 

Ans.  Adivasis feel marginalized as a result of their low social standing and poverty. This sense of difference and exclusion prevents groups from accessing resources and opportunities, as well as from asserting their rights.

Q3. What happened to Adivasis when they lost access to their traditional homelands?

Ans.  After Adivasis lost access to their traditional homelands, i.e. forests, they became paupers, having to wander in search of a place to live. They had to deal with issues of sustenance and food. As a result, people moved to cities in search of work. They found work there, although at extremely poor pay. This made their lives difficult. They are trapped in a cycle of poverty and hardship; 45% of tribal groups in rural areas and 35% in urban areas are poor. Due to a lack of proper nourishment, their children grew malnourished.

Q4. Why are Muslims considered to be a marginalized community in India? 

Ans.  In India, Muslims are regarded as a marginalized population since, in comparison to other communities, they have historically been denied the benefits of socioeconomic growth. Most Muslims lack access to even basic necessities such as water and electricity. They are housed in kutcha huts. They have limited access to education and government jobs. As a result, they are always behind in terms of numerous development metrics.

Q5. Name a few marginalized groups of India.

Ans.  Few marginalized groups of India are the Adivasis, the Muslims and the Dalits.

Q6. Write one reason why you think the Constitution’s safeguards to protect minority communities are very important?

Ans.  The Constitution provides safeguards because it is committed to protecting India’s cultural diversity and promoting equality as well as justice.

Q7. Who headed the committee set up by the government to examine the social, economic, and educational status of Muslim community in India?

Ans.  Justice Rajindar Sachar headed a committee set up by the government to examine the social, economic, and educational status of Muslim community in India.

Q8. Why groups may be marginalized?

Ans.  They may be marginalized because they speak a different language, adhere to distinct customs, or belong to a different religious group than the main community. They may also feel alienated because they are impoverished, have a ‘low’ social position, and are perceived to be less human than others.

Q9. How can we tackle Marginalisation?

Ans.  Marginalization is a complex phenomena that necessitates a number of techniques, measures, and safeguards to address. We all have a stake in defending the rights enshrined in the Constitution, as well as the laws and policies enacted to implement these rights. We will never be able to protect the diversity that makes our country special, nor will we be able to fulfill the State’s obligation to promote equality for all.

Q10. How marginalization affects the community?

Ans.  Marginalised groups are sometimes seen with animosity and terror. Because of this perception of difference and exclusion, communities lack access to resources and opportunities, as well as the ability to exercise their rights. They feel disadvantaged and weak in comparison to more powerful and dominating elements of society who own property, are rich, better educated, and politically powerful.

Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

Q1. What do you know about Adivasis? 

Ans.  Adivasi means “original inhabitant.” This community has a strong connection to the forest. They rely entirely on wood for everything. They can’t imagine living without forests. Adivasi people make up about 8% of India’s population. Adivasis live in states such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Assam, and Manipur. In our country, there are about 500 separate Adivasi communities. There are around 60 different tribal groupings in Orissa alone. Adivasi societies are also unusual in that there is frequently minimal hierarchy among them. They practice tribal religions distinct from Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. They have their own languages that predate Sanskrit. Santhali is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

Q2. Define the term minority. Why do people belonging to this community need safeguards?

Ans.  The term minority is most usually applied to communities that are numerically small in comparison to the rest of the population. The Indian Constitution noted that the predominant culture determines how society and government express themselves. In such instances, size might be an impediment, leading to the marginalization of smaller groups. As a result, precautions are required to preserve minority populations against cultural dominance by the majority. They also shield them from any discrimination and disadvantage.

Q3. Would you agree with the statement that economic and social marginalization are interlinked? Why?

Ans. Economic and social marginalization are inextricably intertwined.

  • Dalits and tribals were regarded as a lower social stratum.
  • They live in different parts of the village. Tribals live in outlying locations.

They weren’t obtaining a good education, therefore they couldn’t acquire excellent jobs.

When they do not have possibilities, they stay economically disadvantaged and do not receive an education, and the cycle continues.

Q4. Write in your own words two or more sentences of what you understand by the word ‘marginalization’. 

Ans.  he term marginalization refers to exclusion from mainstream society. Individuals or communities may feel alienated from mainstream culture. They may be marginalized because they speak a different language, have distinct customs, or are members of a different religious group than the main community. They may also feel alienated because they are impoverished, have a ‘low’ social position, and are thought to be less human than others.

Q5. List two reasons why Adivasis are becoming increasingly marginalized

Ans.  Because of this, adivasis are becoming increasingly marginalized.

  • They have a different culture, language, and traditions than mainstream Indian civilization, therefore we incorrectly label them as strange, primitive, and backward.
  • They are accustomed to a more natural way of life, and the destruction of forests is forcing them to migrate to cities, where they feel out of place and out of sync with a lifestyle so dissimilar to their rural upbringing.

Q6. Would you agree with the statement that economic marginalization and social marginalization are interlinked? Why?

Ans. Yes, economic and social marginalization are inextricably intertwined. Marginalization denotes a low social position and, as a result, a lack of access to education and other resources. As observed in the instance of the Muslim community, social marginalization is based on how their traditions, culture, and dress cause us to perceive Muslims as distinct from ourselves. This can occasionally result in unfairness based on religious differences. As a result, minority groups may have difficulty renting homes, finding jobs, or even enrolling their children in school. This is an example of economic marginalization. As a result, the two are linked.

Q7. Imagine that you are watching the Republic Day parade on TV with a friend and she remarks, “Look at these tribes. They look so exotic. And they seem to be dancing all the time”. List three things that you would tell her about the lives of Adivasis in India. 

Ans.  The three things I would tell a friend about Adivasis in India are as follows:

  • Around 8% of India’s population is Adivasi, and several of the country’s most major mining and industrial cities are in Adivasi districts, including Jamshedpur, Rourkela, Bokaro, and Bhilai.
  • Adivasis are not a homogeneous group: India has approximately 500 separate Adivasi groups.
  • Adivasis follow a variety of tribal religions that differ from Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. Adivasis have their own languages, which have frequently affected the development of mainstream’ Indian languages such as Bengali.

Q8. You are participating in a debate where you have to provide reasons to support the following statement: ‘Muslims are a marginalized community’. Using the data provided in this chapter, list two reasons that you would give.

Ans.  There are two arguments in favor of the statement “Muslims are a marginalized community”:

  • As data on basic utilities, literacy rate, and public employment show, the Muslim community has not benefited from the country’s socioeconomic development. 
  • In a 2001 poll, 63.6% of Muslims lived in kutcha households, compared to only 55.2% of Hindus; the literacy rate among Muslims was the lowest, at 59%.
  • Their rituals differ from those of other religious communities to the point where they are defined as distinct from the “rest of us,” resulting in unfair treatment and prejudice against Muslims.

Q9. What were the hardships faced by the Adivasis?

Ans.  The Adivasis faced the following difficulties:

  • Forest lands have been cleared to make way for agriculture and industries. Adivasis have also lived in mineral and other natural resource-rich areas. These are used for mining and other large-scale industrial undertakings. Huge swaths of their land have also been submerged by the waters of hundreds of dams built in independent India. Their regions in the north east remain heavily militarized and war-torn. There are 54 national parks and 372 wildlife sanctuaries in India. These are sites where tribes once lived but were forced to leave. When tribals lose their lands and access to the forest, they lose their primary source of income and sustenance. Adivasis have migrated to cities in search of work where they are employed for very low wages in local industries or at building or construction sites. They, thus, get caught in a cycle of poverty and deprivation.

Q10. Write a brief note on Adivasis. 

Ans.  Adivasis – the term literally means ‘original inhabitants’ – are communities who lived, and often continue to live, in close association with forests. Around 8% of India’s population is Adivasi, and several of the country’s most major mining and industrial cities are in Adivasi districts, including Jamshedpur, Rourkela, Bokaro, and Bhilai. Adivasis are not a homogeneous group: India has approximately 500 separate Adivasi groups. Orissa, for example, is home to more than 60 different tribal communities. Adivasis follow a variety of tribal religions that differ from Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. Worship of ancestors, village and natural spirits is common. Significant numbers of Adivasis converted to Christianity during the nineteenth century, and Christianity has evolved as a very important religion in modern Adivasi history.

Adivasis have their own languages, which have frequently had a significant impact on the development of mainstream’ Indian languages such as Bengali.
 

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