NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 2 - Understanding Secularism are available for free download, courtesy of Orchid International School professionals. These comprehensive NCERT Answers for Class 8 Social Science, specifically addressing the chapter "Understanding Secularism," have been crafted to enhance students' learning experiences.
Students can access the NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 - Understanding Secularism. Curated by experts according to the CBSE syllabus for 2025–2026, these step-by-step solutions make SST-Civics much easier to understand and learn for the students. These solutions can be used in practice by students to attain skills in solving problems, reinforce important learning objectives, and be well-prepared for tests.
Below given are some MCQs based on the chapter Understanding Secularism. Tick the correct option:
1. According to the Indian Constitution, which of the following is true?
One religious community can not harm another.
Sikhs can not wear turbans.
People of other religions than Hindus can not worship publicly.
Members of the same community can harm each other.
Answer: A
2. According to American secularism, there is____
No separation between religion and State
Less separation between religion and the State
A strict separation between religion and the State
The mix of religious activities
Answer: C
3. In Saudi Arabia, which practice is followed? Mark the correct answer.
Non-muslims are not allowed to build temples, churches or any other religious place.
Muslims can harm non-muslims.
Non-muslims together follow their religious activities in public.
None of the above
Answer: A
Fill in the Blanks
The Indian Constitution mandates that the Indian State be ……….
The Indian state works in various ways to prevent the ………
The Indian Constitution grants the right to religious communities to set up their own ……
The Indian Constitution guarantees ………..
Indian constitution intervened in Hindureliguous practices to remove ………
Answers: a. Secular
b. Domination
c. Schools and colleges
d. Fundamental rights
e. untouchability
List the different types of religious practice that you find in your neighbourhood. This could be different forms of prayer, worship of different gods, sacred sites, different kinds of religious music and singing etc. Does this indicate freedom of religious practice?
The different types of religious practices found in our neighbourhood are the Vedic chants in Temples, the Gurbani in Gurudwaras, the Namaaz in Mosques, and processions on festivals such as Muharram and prayers in Churches. This indicates the freedom of religious practice in our neighbourhood.
Will the government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practise infanticide? Give reasons for your answer.
Yes, the government will intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practice infanticide. This is because such a practice is against the freedom to life and also against the human rights of that infant.
Complete the Following Table:
|
Objective |
Why is this important? |
Example of a violation of this objective |
|
One religious community does not dominate another. |
||
|
The State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals. |
||
|
That some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community. |
|
Objective |
Why is this important? |
Example of a violation of this objective |
|
One religious community does not dominate another. |
This is important in order to protect the rights of all the religious communities to practice their own religion. |
The destruction of several temples such as Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Somnath Temple, etc. |
|
The State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals. |
This is important in order to keep the secular ideas of the state upright. |
The government provides funding to Madrasas in India which are religious institutions for Muslims. |
|
That some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community. |
This is important in order to keep the rights of all the people of the state enacted. |
The Ahmadiyya sect of Islam is not considered a part of Islam by the Sunni sect of Islam. |
Look up the annual calendar of holidays of your school. How many of them pertain to different religions? What does this indicate?
There are several festivals on which holidays have been declared. 3 of them are national holidays whereas others are religious holidays such as Holi, Diwali, Janmashtami, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Zuha, Eid-e-Milad, Christmas, etc. This shows that in India all religions are respected and people live in communal harmony.
Find out some examples of different views within the same religion.
In the faith of Islam, there are Sunnis who keep fast on Muharram and there are Shias who mourn during this month. So, in the same festival, there are different views and reasons to fast and mourn within Islam.
The Indian State both keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion. This idea can be quite confusing. Discuss this once again in class using examples from the chapter as well as those that you might have come up with.
The Indian state keeps away from religion in certain matters such as the election of government, deployment of officials, etc. for administration. However, it has also given rights to the minorities to set up their own educational institutions and also provides funds to them.
The state also tries to create a reformed society by making laws against the outdated and cruel customs which are against human rights in the religions.
There are certain rules by which a particular religion is exempted from them. For example, the defence personnel in India cannot keep beards but the Sikhs can.
This poster highlights the need for ‘Peace’. It says, “Peace is a never-ending process.... It cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests.” Write in your own words what you think the above sentences are trying to convey? How does it relate to the need for religious tolerance?
The above sentences are trying to say that peace cannot be achieved as long as there is not a healthy environment for discussion and agreement on differences on common matters. One section of people might say that a particular action is wrong or a particular belief is irrational whereas there might be some sections who hold that belief to be true and the actions rational. This could be a cause of disruption of peace in the absence of a harmonious environment for discussion in society.
According to the Indian Constitution, which of the following is true?
One religious community can not harm another.
Sikhs can not wear turbans.
People of other religions than Hindus can not worship publicly.
Members of the same community can harm each other.
a. One religious community can not harm another.
According to American secularism, there is____
No separation between religion and State
Less separation between religion and the State
A strict separation between religion and the State
The mix of religious activities
c. A strict separation between religion and the State
In Saudi Arabia, which practice is followed? Mark the correct answer.
Non-muslims are not allowed to build temples, churches or any other religious place.
Muslims can harm non-muslims.
Non-muslims together follow their religious activities in public.
None of the above
a. Non-muslims are not allowed to build temples, churches or any other religious place.
Fill in the Blanks
The Indian Constitution mandates that the Indian State be ……….
The Indian state works in various ways to prevent the ………
The Indian Constitution grants the right to religious communities to set up their own ……
The Indian Constitution guarantees ………..
Indian constitution intervened in Hindureliguous practices to remove ………
a. Secular
b. Domination
c. Schools and colleges
d. Fundamental rights
e. untouchability
The NCERT solution for Class 8 Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism is important as it provides a structured approach to learning, ensuring that students develop a strong understanding of foundational concepts early in their academic journey. By mastering these basics, students can build confidence and readiness for tackling more difficult concepts in their further education.
Yes, the NCERT solution for Class 8 Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism is quite useful for students in preparing for their exams. The solutions are simple, clear, and concise allowing students to understand them better. They can solve the practice questions and exercises that allow them to get exam-ready in no time.
You can get all the NCERT solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 from the official website of the Orchids International School. These solutions are tailored by subject matter experts and are very easy to understand.
Yes, students must practice all the questions provided in the NCERT solution for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism as it will help them gain a comprehensive understanding of the concept, identify their weak areas, and strengthen their preparation.
Students can utilize the NCERT solution for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 effectively by practicing the solutions regularly. Solve the exercises and practice questions given in the solution.
