Topic Details (Notes format)

Communalism and Secularism

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Examines how communalism, based on religious antagonism, challenges India’s secular ethos. The Constitution declares India secular, ensuring religious freedom while disallowing a state religion. However, communal tensions erupt periodically, driven by identity politics, historical grievances, and extremist factions. Supreme Court judgments clarify that secularism means equal respect for all faiths, with the state adopting a neutral stand. Constitutional provisions like freedom of religion, minority rights, and anti-discrimination laws combat communal divisions. Still, the political misuse of religious sentiments for vote banks remains a concern. Strengthening constitutional values—mutual tolerance and inclusive development—remains essential to curb communal flare-ups.

Practice Questions

Which of the following is NOT a power of the President of India?

Which of the following is a provision related to the financial powers of the Parliament?

Who was the first woman to become the President of India?

मौलिक अधिकारों के उल्लंघन पर तत्काल न्यायिक राहत किस अनुच्छेद में दी जाती है?

राजनीतिक दलों की स्वतंत्रता किस अनुच्छेद में सुनिश्चित की गई है?

आपातकाल की घोषणा के लिए केंद्रीय सरकार को अतिरिक्त शक्तियाँ किस अनुच्छेद द्वारा दी जाती हैं?

Who among the following was the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

संसद के अध्यक्ष को किस नाम से जाना जाता है?

संघीय ढांचे का विवरण किस अनुच्छेद में मिलता है?

कार्यपालिका के प्रमुख की नियुक्ति में किसका निर्णय अंतिम होता है?