NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 3 | Caste And Politics
Topic & sub-topics covered: “Caste And Politics” and MCQs Questions: Gender, Religion and Caste (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).
We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 10th about “Caste And Politics” from the NCERT Political Science (Civics) notes for class 10th chapter 3 “Gender, Religion and Caste“.
Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 10 Chapter 3 Gender, Religion and Caste PDF Notes
Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 10 Chapter 3 Gender, Religion and Caste PDF Notes to understand how social divisions impact politics in a democracy. These well-structured notes cover key concepts such as gender roles, religious differences, and caste-based inequalities. These notes are based on the latest CBSE syllabus, this notes are perfect for board exam and school exam preparation and concept understanding. Students can easily understand how democratic politics deals with diversity and promotes social justice. Get your free NCERT Civics Chapter 3 PDF notes today and start your Class 10 Political Science (Civics) preparation.
Caste And Politics
1. Social Divisions in Politics:
- Social divisions can be expressed in both positive and negative ways in politics.
- Two examples of social divisions in politics have already been studied—one positive and one negative.
2. Caste and Politics: A Mixed Impact:
- The role of caste in politics has both positive and negative consequences.
- Caste-based political mobilization can empower marginalized communities but may also lead to division and discrimination.
- It is important to study how caste influences democracy and governance.
Caste Inequalities
1. Caste as a Unique Social Division in India:
- Unlike gender and religion, caste division is specific to India.
- All societies have social inequalities and occupational divisions, but caste is an extreme form of hereditary occupation-based division.
- The caste system was ritually sanctioned, meaning occupation and social status were determined by birth.
2. Characteristics of the Caste System:
- Members of the same caste practised the same occupation.
- Marriage and dining were restricted within the same caste group.
- The caste system led to the exclusion and discrimination of ‘outcast’ groups.
- Untouchability was a result of caste-based discrimination (studied in Class 9).
3. Social Reform Movements Against Caste Discrimination:
- Many leaders worked towards abolishing caste inequalities, including:
a. Jotiba Phule
b. Mahatma Gandhi
c. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
d. Periyar Ramaswami Naicker - Their efforts, along with socio-economic changes, have transformed caste dynamics in India.
4. Changes in the Caste System in Modern India:
- Economic development, urbanization, literacy, education, and occupational mobility have weakened caste-based hierarchy.
- Landlord dominance has declined, further reducing caste-based discrimination.
- Indian Constitution prohibits caste-based discrimination and introduced policies to correct past injustices.
- Social interaction in urban areas is less caste-restrictive than in villages.
5. Persistence of Caste in Contemporary India:
- Caste-based endogamy (marriage within the caste) continues.
- Untouchability is not completely eradicated, despite legal prohibition.
- Historical advantages of upper castes in education still influence economic and social status.
- Caste and economic status remain closely linked, leading to unequal representation in middle-class professions.
Caste in Politics
1. Casteism and Its Beliefs:
- Casteism is based on the belief that caste is the sole basis of social identity and interests.
- It assumes that people of the same caste share common interests, distinct from those of other castes.
- This belief is incorrect as caste is just one aspect of a person’s identity, not the only or most important one.
2. Role of Caste in Politics:
- Political parties consider caste composition while selecting candidates for elections.
- Governments ensure caste representation by including members of different castes and tribes.
- Some political parties are known to favour certain castes and are seen as their representatives.
- Caste-based appeals are used by parties to mobilize support during elections.
- The principle of universal adult franchise brought awareness among lower castes, empowering them politically.
3. Misconceptions About Caste and Elections:
- Elections are not solely determined by caste; many other factors play a role.
- No parliamentary constituency has a single caste in the majority.
- Every candidate and party must gain support from multiple castes and communities to win elections.
- No caste votes entirely for one party; even if a caste is a party’s “vote bank,” not all members support it.
- Multiple candidates from the same caste often compete in elections, diluting caste-based voting patterns.
- Ruling parties and sitting MPs/MLAs frequently lose elections, proving that caste-based voting is not absolute.
4. Factors Beyond Caste in Electoral Politics:
- Voter loyalty to political parties is often stronger than caste-based voting.
- Economic status influences voting behaviour within the same caste.
- Gender differences exist in voting preferences even within the same caste.
- The performance of the government and leaders’ popularity significantly impact election outcomes.
Politics in Caste
1. Two-Way Relationship Between Caste and Politics:
- Politics does not become caste-ridden; instead, caste gets politicized through political processes.
- Caste identities are influenced by politics when brought into the political arena.
2. Forms of Caste Politicization:
- Caste groups expand by including neighbouring sub-castes that were previously excluded.
- Different caste groups form coalitions and engage in political dialogue and negotiations.
- New categories like ‘backward’ and ‘forward’ caste groups have emerged in politics.
3. Positive Impact of Caste in Politics:
- Empowers disadvantaged communities (Dalits and OBCs) by providing them access to decision-making.
- Helps in demanding rights, dignity, and resources through political and non-political movements.
- Reduces caste discrimination by ensuring representation in governance.
4. Negative Impact of Caste in Politics:
- Excessive focus on caste diverts attention from crucial issues like poverty, development, and corruption.
- Can lead to social tensions, conflicts, and even violence.
- Encourages vote bank politics, where caste identity overshadows merit and governance.
Extra:
Caste Inequality Today
1. Caste as a Source of Economic Inequality:
- Caste historically regulated access to resources, leading to economic disparity.
- In the past, ‘untouchables’ were denied land ownership, while only ‘twice-born castes’ had access to education.
- Though caste-based discrimination is now illegal, the impact of historical inequalities persists.
2. Changing Relationship Between Caste and Economic Status:
- Economic mobility has increased, and rich and poor people can now be found in all castes.
- This shift was rare 20-30 years ago when the lowest castes had almost no wealthy individuals.
- Despite progress, caste is still closely linked to economic status.
3. Findings from National Sample Survey (NSS) Data:
- Caste-based hierarchy in economic status still exists, with ‘upper castes’ being the wealthiest and Dalits & Adivasis the poorest.
- Extreme poverty is higher among lower castes and lower among upper castes.
- Upper castes are overrepresented among the rich, while lower castes remain underrepresented.
4. Caste-wise Poverty Distribution (1999-2000 NSS Data):
- Scheduled Tribes (STs) had the highest poverty rates (45.8% rural, 35.6% urban).
- Scheduled Castes (SCs) also had high poverty levels (35.9% rural, 38.3% urban).
- Other Backward Classes (OBCs) had moderate poverty levels (27.0% rural, 29.5% urban).
- Upper castes (Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Muslim) had the lowest poverty rates, with some groups below 10% poverty levels.
- Overall poverty rates were higher in rural areas (27.0%) than in urban areas (23.4%).
| Caste and Community groups | Rural | Urban |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Tribes | 45.8 | 35.6 |
| Scheduled Castes | 35.9 | 38.3 |
| Other Backward Classes | 27.0 | 29.5 |
| Muslim Upper Castes | 26.8 | 34.2 |
| Hindu Upper Castes | 11.7 | 9.9 |
| Christian Upper Castes | 9.6 | 5.4 |
| Sikh Upper Castes | 0.0 | 4.9 |
| Other Upper Castes | 16.0 | 2.7 |
| All Groups | 27.0 | 23.4 |
5. Key Observations on Caste and Economic Disparity:
- Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes suffer the most from economic deprivation.
- Upper-caste Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs have the lowest poverty rates.
- Caste-based economic inequality persists despite legal reforms.
Extra:
Social and Religious Diversity of India
1. Census of India and Religion Recording:
- The Census of India records the religion of every individual every ten years.
- Religion is recorded exactly as stated by the individual, including those who identify as atheists or have ‘no religion’.
- This data helps track changes in the religious composition of the country.
2. Population Trends of Religious Communities:
- Since Independence, the total population of all religious communities has increased.
- The proportion of Hindus, Jains, and Christians has declined marginally since 1961.
- The proportion of Muslims, Sikhs, and Buddhists has slightly increased.
- The belief that Muslims will overtake other communities is incorrect; estimates suggest only a 3-4% increase in the next 50 years.
3. Role of the Sachar Committee:
- The Sachar Committee (Prime Minister’s High-Level Committee) estimated minor changes in the proportion of different religious groups.
- It debunked the myth of drastic demographic shifts in religious composition.
4. Census and Social Groups in India:
- The Census of India counts two broad social groups:
a. Scheduled Castes (SCs) (16.6% of the population in 2011).
b. Scheduled Tribes (STs) (8.6% of the population in 2011). - SCs (Dalits) were historically regarded as ‘outcastes’ and faced untouchability.
- STs (Adivasis) lived in isolated regions (hills and forests) and had limited interaction with mainstream society.
- The Census does not record Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
5. Proportion of OBCs in Population:
- The National Sample Survey (2004-05) estimated OBCs to be around 41% of the total population.
- Together, SCs, STs, and OBCs form about two-thirds of the total population.
- Among Hindus, SCs, STs, and OBCs make up nearly three-fourths of the community.
6. Key Sociological Terms:
- Urbanisation: Migration of people from rural to urban areas.
- Occupational mobility: Changing jobs across generations, moving away from traditional family occupations.
- Caste hierarchy: Social ranking of caste groups from ‘highest’ to ‘lowest’.
Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 3: Gender, Religion and Caste
| Topics No. | Topics Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gender and Politics |
| 2 | Religion, Communalism And Politics |
| 3 | Caste and Politics |
MCQs on NCERT Civics Class 10 Chapter 3 Tpoic – Caste and Politics
Here are top exam oriented mcq’s type questions on “Caste and politics” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:
Question 1. What are the two aspects of caste in politics?
a) Only positive
b) Only negative
c) Both positive and negative
d) Neither positive nor negative
Answer: c) Both positive and negative
Question 2. Which social division is unique to India?
a) Gender
b) Religion
c) Caste
d) Economic
Answer: c) Caste
Question 3. What makes the caste system different from other forms of social inequality?
a) It is based on economic status
b) It is sanctioned by rituals
c) It allows mobility between castes
d) It does not influence occupations
Answer: b) It is sanctioned by rituals
Question 4. In the caste system, members of a caste group were expected to:
a) Marry within the caste
b) Eat only with members of other castes
c) Change their occupations frequently
d) Form political alliances outside their caste
Answer: a) Marry within the caste
Question 5. Which practice was used to discriminate against outcast groups?
a) Economic restrictions
b) Occupational mobility
c) Untouchability
d) Political representation
Answer: c) Untouchability
Question 6. Which of the following social reformers worked to abolish caste inequalities?
a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
b) B.R. Ambedkar
c) Jawaharlal Nehru
d) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: b) B.R. Ambedkar
Question 7. Which of the following factors contributed to the decline of caste hierarchy?
a) Economic development
b) Urbanisation
c) Growth of literacy and education
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Question 8. Which law prohibits caste-based discrimination in India?
a) Right to Education Act
b) Constitution of India
c) Indian Penal Code
d) Civil Rights Act
Answer: b) Constitution of India
Question 9. Which aspect of caste has persisted in modern India?
a) Most people marry within their caste
b) Caste has no relation to economic status
c) Upper castes are under-represented in urban areas
d) The caste system is completely abolished
Answer: a) Most people marry within their caste
Question 10. Despite the constitutional prohibition, which practice still exists in some places?
a) Economic reservation
b) Untouchability
c) Social mobility
d) Religious reforms
Answer: b) Untouchability
Question 11. Caste continues to be an important factor in which aspect of life?
a) Economic status
b) Political preferences
c) Social mobility
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Question 12. Which caste groups were historically denied the right to own land?
a) Upper castes
b) Middle castes
c) Untouchable castes
d) Backward castes
Answer: c) Untouchable castes
Question 13. What is one major change in caste-based economic inequality today?
a) Only upper castes are rich
b) Rich and poor people exist in all castes
c) Economic inequality has disappeared
d) Caste no longer affects occupation
Answer: b) Rich and poor people exist in all castes
Question 14. Which community has the lowest percentage of population below the poverty line in urban areas?
a) Hindu Upper Castes
b) Christian Upper Castes
c) Sikh Upper Castes
d) Other Upper Castes
Answer: c) Sikh Upper Castes
Question 15. Which caste group has the highest percentage of people living below the poverty line in rural areas?
a) Scheduled Castes
b) Scheduled Tribes
c) Hindu Upper Castes
d) Other Backward Classes
Answer: b) Scheduled Tribes
Question 16. Casteism is based on the belief that:
a) Caste is the only factor that defines social identity
b) Caste does not influence politics
c) Different castes have common interests
d) Elections are never influenced by caste
Answer: a) Caste is the only factor that defines social identity
Question 17. How do political parties use caste in elections?
a) By nominating candidates from dominant castes
b) By completely avoiding caste-based selection
c) By choosing candidates from only one caste
d) By ignoring the caste composition of voters
Answer: a) By nominating candidates from dominant castes
Question 18. How does the universal adult franchise affect caste politics?
a) It weakens caste consciousness
b) It strengthens caste divisions
c) It compels leaders to seek support from all castes
d) It eliminates caste-based voting
Answer: c) It compels leaders to seek support from all castes
Question 19. What is a common misconception about caste and elections?
a) Elections are determined only by caste
b) Economic status does not influence voting
c) All voters from a caste vote for the same party
d) Caste has no role in politics
Answer: a) Elections are determined only by caste
Question 20. How does politics influence caste?
a) By increasing caste-based discrimination
b) By bringing caste groups into political negotiations
c) By eliminating caste-based identity
d) By preventing caste-based reservations
Answer: b) By bringing caste groups into political negotiations
Question 21. What is one-way caste groups try to strengthen themselves in politics?
a) By excluding other sub-castes
b) By forming broader caste coalitions
c) By refusing to participate in elections
d) By promoting untouchability
Answer: b) By forming broader caste coalitions
Question 22. What role has caste-based politics played for disadvantaged communities?
a) It has helped them gain better access to power
b) It has reduced their political representation
c) It has eliminated caste-based discrimination
d) It has weakened their political influence
Answer: a) It has helped them gain better access to power
Question 23. Which negative effect can arise from excessive focus on caste in politics?
a) It can divert attention from poverty and development
b) It strengthens democracy
c) It ensures fair representation of all castes
d) It eliminates caste-based discrimination
Answer: a) It can divert attention from poverty and development
Question 24. What does caste-based politics sometimes lead to?
a) Greater social harmony
b) Increased caste discrimination
c) Elimination of economic inequality
d) Better national integration
Answer: b) Increased caste discrimination