NCERT Class 11 Political Science Political Theory: Chapter 8 — Secularism
This chapter from NCERT's Political Theory for Class 11, titled 'Secularism', delves into the concept and application of secularism in a democratic society, particularly in the Indian context. It addresses the challenge of ensuring equality for diverse cultures and communities within a single nation. The chapter explores the perplexing state of secularism in India, where it is widely professed but also challenged by various groups. It poses critical questions: What is secularism? Is it a Western import? Is it suitable for societies with strong religious influence? Does it show partiality towards minorities? Is it anti-religious? The chapter aims to help students understand the importance of secularism in a democratic society and appreciate the distinctiveness of Indian secularism, while also examining instances of inter-religious domination and discrimination.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Political Science |
| Book | Political Theory |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — Secularism |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 557 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the meaning and importance of secularism in a democratic society.
- Analyze the challenges and debates surrounding secularism in India.
- Examine the concept of inter-religious domination and discrimination.
- Appreciate the distinctiveness of Indian secularism.
- Evaluate the suitability of secularism in diverse societies.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Secularism | A doctrine that opposes inter-religious domination and promotes equality among different religious communities. |
| Inter-religious Domination | Discrimination or persecution of members of one religious community by members of another. |
| Discrimination | Unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, sex, or religion. |
| Exclusion | The process or state of being excluded or shut out. |
| Persecution | Hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs. |
| Minorities | A group of people who differ in race, religion, or ethnic custom from the majority of a country's population. |
| Nationalists | A person who strongly identifies with their own nation and vigorously supports its interests. |
| Clerics | A member of the clergy, especially a Christian priest. |
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Practice questions
- What is the primary concern that secularism aims to address in a multi-cultural society? Answer: Secularism aims to address how a democratic state can ensure equality for different cultures and communities existing within the same country.
- According to the text, what is a key aspect of secularism? Answer: Secularism is a doctrine that opposes all forms of inter-religious domination.
- What are some examples of inter-religious domination mentioned in the chapter? Answer: Examples include the massacre of Sikhs in 1984, the forced displacement of Kashmiri pandits, and the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat in 2002.
- What does the chapter suggest about the state of secularism in India? Answer: The chapter suggests that while secularism is widely professed, it faces significant challenges and doubts in India.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the main question addressed by secularism in a diverse country?
Explanation: Secularism's core aim is to ensure that all communities and cultures within a country are treated equally by the democratic state.
Q2. Which of the following is described as a doctrine that opposes inter-religious domination?
Explanation: The text explicitly defines secularism as a doctrine that opposes all forms of inter-religious domination.
Q3. The chapter mentions the exclusion of Arab minorities in which country?
Explanation: The text uses the example of Arab minorities being excluded from benefits in Israel, despite Jews facing discrimination elsewhere.
Q4. What event in 1984 is cited as an example of inter-religious domination?
Explanation: The chapter specifically mentions the massacre of over 2,700 Sikhs in Delhi in 1984 as an instance of inter-religious domination.
Q5. According to the text, what is a perplexing aspect of secularism in India?
Explanation: The chapter highlights the paradox in India where secularism is professed by almost everyone, yet it faces significant challenges and doubts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the central question that secularism seeks to answer in a democratic country?
Secularism aims to answer how a democratic state can ensure equality for different cultures and communities existing within the same country.
What is the primary definition of secularism provided in the chapter?
Secularism is defined as a doctrine that opposes all forms of inter-religious domination.
What are some examples of inter-religious domination mentioned in the text?
The text cites the 1984 Sikh massacres, the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits, and the post-Godhra riots as examples.
How is secularism perceived in India according to the chapter?
In India, secularism is widely professed by politicians and parties, yet it faces significant challenges and doubts.
Does the chapter suggest secularism is only a Western concept?
The chapter raises the question of whether secularism is a Western implant on Indian soil, implying a debate about its origins and applicability.
What is the significance of studying secularism in a democratic society like India?
Understanding secularism is important for appreciating its role in ensuring equality and dignity for all citizens in a diverse democracy like India.
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NCERT Class 11 Political Science — Political Theory — Chapter 8 — Secularism. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.