NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

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Which of the following statements best captures the core philosophy of Secularism?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe elimination of all forms of inter-religious and intra-religious domination.
BThe complete removal of religion from the public sphere.
CThe active promotion of all religions by the State.
DThe governance of the State based on the principles of the majority religion.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

The elimination of all forms of inter-religious and intra-religious domination.

Explanation

Secularism is a normative doctrine that seeks to realize a society free from religious discrimination. In political theory and the Indian constitutional context, the core philosophy of secularism is not merely the separation of religion and state, but the preservation of freedom and equality by preventing institutionalized religious domination.

Analysis of Options

The active promotion of all religions by the State. is incorrect: While Indian secularism implies Sarva Dharma Sambhava (equal respect for all religions), the State does not actively "promote" all religions. It maintains a principled distance, intervening only to protect fundamental rights or ensure equality.
The elimination of all forms of inter-religious and intra-religious domination. is correct: The essence of secularism is the elimination of inter-religious domination (domination of one religion over another) and intra-religious domination (domination of members within the same religious community, such as caste hierarchies or gender discrimination). This dual focus distinguishes Indian secularism from Western models.
The complete removal of religion from the public sphere. is incorrect: This definition aligns with the Western (specifically French or American) model of secularism, which mandates a strict "wall of separation" between the state and religion. Indian secularism allows for the presence of religion in the public sphere and permits state intervention for social reform.
The governance of the State based on the principles of the majority religion. is incorrect: Governance based on the principles of the majority religion characterizes a theocratic or majoritarian state, which is the direct opposite of a secular state.

Key Takeaway

Indian secularism is defined by the strategy of principled distance. Its primary goal is to prevent both inter-religious and intra-religious domination to ensure religious liberty and equality for all citizens.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism

With reference to the concept of secularism as discussed in political theory, consider the following statements regarding the "essence of secularism": 1. It rests on the assumption that all forms of domination related to religion should end. 2. It mandates that religious groups must not have any contact with State authorities. 3. It implies that the majority community must always yield to the demands of the minority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the relationship between the State and religion: 1. Acts of religious discrimination are more likely to occur when one religion is accorded official recognition by the State. 2. The separation of State and religion is the sole mechanism required to prevent the tyranny of the majority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In the context of the "tyranny of the majority" in democratic societies, consider the following 1. It can refer to the physical coercion or killing of religious minorities by the majority group. 2. It ensures that the State provides equal financial resources to all religious communities. 3. It is one of the primary reasons why separating religion from the State is considered essential in democracies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the "Strategy of Distancing" employed by the Indian State, consider the following: 1. Government spaces like law courts are legally mandated to display religious symbols of the majority. 2. Government schools are prohibited from celebrating any religious festival. 3. This strategy implies that the State is not ruled by any religious group. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statement regarding the practice of secularism in the United States of America: "The legislature cannot declare any religion as the official religion. Nor can they give preference to one religion." This provision is primarily derived from which of the following?

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The correct option is

The elimination of all forms of inter-religious and intra-religious domination.

Explanation

Analysis of Options

The active promotion of all religions by the State. is incorrect: While Indian secularism implies Sarva Dharma Sambhava (equal respect for all religions), the State does not actively "promote" all religions. It maintains a principled distance, intervening only to protect fundamental rights or ensure equality.
The elimination of all forms of inter-religious and intra-religious domination. is correct: The essence of secularism is the elimination of inter-religious domination (domination of one religion over another) and intra-religious domination (domination of members within the same religious community, such as caste hierarchies or gender discrimination). This dual focus distinguishes Indian secularism from Western models.
The complete removal of religion from the public sphere. is incorrect: This definition aligns with the Western (specifically French or American) model of secularism, which mandates a strict "wall of separation" between the state and religion. Indian secularism allows for the presence of religion in the public sphere and permits state intervention for social reform.
The governance of the State based on the principles of the majority religion. is incorrect: Governance based on the principles of the majority religion characterizes a theocratic or majoritarian state, which is the direct opposite of a secular state.

Key Takeaway