Gender religion caste mcq

🧠 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Chapter 4: Gender, Religion and Caste

Test your understanding of how gender, religion, and caste shape politics in India. This set of 30 questions includes standard, assertion-reasoning, and case-based questions as per the CBSE syllabus.

Standard MCQs (1 Mark Each)

Choose the single correct option for questions 1 to 15.

What is the literacy rate among women in India according to the 2011 census?

(a) 54%

(b) 65%

(c) 75%

(d) 82%

Answer: (b) 65%
Explanation: As per the 2011 census, the female literacy rate in India was 65.46%, showing an improvement but still lagging behind the male literacy rate of 82.14%.
In India, the proportion of women in the Lok Sabha has:

(a) Always been more than men

(b) Reached 50%

(c) Never reached even 15%

(d) Been steadily increasing

Answer: (c) Never reached even 15%
Explanation: The proportion of women in the Lok Sabha has remained very low. As of recent elections, it is still below 15%, far from adequate representation.
Which of these is a form of communalism?

(a) Beliefs of one religion are presented as superior to others

(b) State power is used to establish domination of one religious group

(c) Demands of one religious group are formed in opposition to another

(d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: Communalism can take various forms: religious prejudices, political mobilization on religious lines, and seeking state dominance for one's own religious community.
The ‘Feminist movement’ aims at:

(a) Enhancing patriarchal values

(b) Promoting male dominance

(c) Equal rights and opportunities for women

(d) Establishing religious states

Answer: (c) Equal rights and opportunities for women
Explanation: The feminist movement is aimed at achieving equality for women in personal, social, economic, and political life, challenging patriarchal structures.
Which of these is correct about the situation of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?

(a) Half the population are women, so half the seats are reserved for them.

(b) The percentage of women in state assemblies is very high.

(c) Women’s representation in panchayats and municipalities is at least one-third.

(d) There is no need for more women in Parliament.

Answer: (c) Women’s representation in panchayats and municipalities is at least one-third.
Explanation: The 73rd and 74th Amendments reserve at least one-third of seats for women in local government bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities).
Which of the following statements about caste in politics is correct?

(a) Caste is the only factor in electoral politics.

(b) There is no relationship between caste and politics.

(c) Politics too influences the caste system.

(d) Caste has disappeared from politics.

Answer: (c) Politics too influences the caste system.
Explanation: Politics is not just influenced by caste; it also influences caste identities. Political mobilization brings castes together into larger coalitions, sometimes giving rise to new caste-based groups.
What is meant by the term ‘feminist’?

(a) A man or woman who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women

(b) A woman who believes in female superiority

(c) A person who studies about feminine genes

(d) A person who hates men

Answer: (a) A man or woman who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women
Explanation: A feminist is a person (irrespective of gender) who advocates for and supports the equality of women in social, political, and economic spheres.
What is the ‘sexual division of labour’?

(a) Work divided equally between men and women

(b) Work divided on the basis of caste

(c) A system where all work inside the home is done by women, and men do all work outside

(d) A system where men and women can choose any work

Answer: (c) A system where all work inside the home is done by women, and men do all work outside
Explanation: Sexual division of labour is a system that assigns household and caregiving roles to women (unpaid) and productive, public roles to men, reinforcing gender stereotypes.
Which among the following statements about India’s Constitution is wrong?

(a) Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion

(b) Gives official status to one religion

(c) Provides all individuals freedom to profess any religion

(d) Ensures equality of citizens within religious communities

Answer: (b) Gives official status to one religion
Explanation: India is a secular state. The Constitution does not give official status to any religion. All religions are treated equally by the state.
What is the basis of the ‘Occupational Mobility’?

(a) Shift from one occupation to another, usually when a son takes up a profession other than his father

(b) Shift from urban to rural areas

(c) Shift from one country to another

(d) Shift from one caste to another

Answer: (a) Shift from one occupation to another, usually when a son takes up a profession other than his father
Explanation: Occupational mobility refers to the change in one's occupation, breaking away from the traditional caste-based hereditary occupations.
In India, seats are reserved for women in:

(a) Lok Sabha

(b) State Legislative Assemblies

(c) Panchayats and Municipalities

(d) Cabinet

Answer: (c) Panchayats and Municipalities
Explanation: Constitutionally mandated reservation for women exists only in local government bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities) as per the 73rd and 74th Amendments. Reservation in Parliament and State Assemblies is a pending bill.
What is a ‘communal mind’?

(a) A mind which is always thinking about the welfare of all communities

(b) A mind which is constantly thinking about one’s own religious community as superior to others

(c) A mind full of scientific thoughts

(d) A mind which is free from all prejudices

Answer: (b) A mind which is constantly thinking about one’s own religious community as superior to others
Explanation: A communal mind is characterized by a strong bias in favor of one's own religious community and often harbors prejudices and stereotypes against other communities.
Which of these is true about the relationship between caste and politics?

(a) Caste is the sole determinant of electoral outcomes.

(b) There is no role of caste in today's politics.

(c) Caste is one of the many factors in politics; parties consider caste composition of voters.

(d) Only lower castes vote on caste lines.

Answer: (c) Caste is one of the many factors in politics; parties consider caste composition of voters.
Explanation: While caste is a significant factor, especially in candidate selection and voter mobilization, it is not the only one. Issues like development, leadership, and ideology also matter.
‘Patriarchy’ literally means:

(a) Rule by Mother

(b) Rule by Father

(c) Rule by the Elderly

(d) Rule by the King

Answer: (b) Rule by Father
Explanation: The term 'patriarchy' is derived from the Greek words meaning 'rule of the father'. It refers to a social system that values men more and gives them power over women.
Secularism means:

(a) State has its own religion

(b) State is against all religions

(c) State does not promote any religion and treats all religions equally

(d) State encourages conversion

Answer: (c) State does not promote any religion and treats all religions equally
Explanation: In a secular state, the government does not favor or discriminate against any religion. It maintains a principle of separation between state and religion.

Assertion-Reasoning Questions (1 Mark Each)

Directions: For questions 16 to 25, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose the correct option:

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A

(d) A is false but R is true

Assertion (A): Family laws in India are different for different religious communities.
Reason (R): India is a secular state that respects the freedom of religions to manage their own affairs in personal matters.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: In matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance, Muslims, Christians, and Hindus have different personal laws. This is a feature of Indian secularism that allows religious communities to govern certain personal matters, as per R.
Assertion (A): Caste system in India is undergoing change.
Reason (R): Urbanization and occupational mobility have weakened caste hierarchies.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: The assertion is true; the caste system is not as rigid as before. The reason correctly identifies key factors like migration to cities and taking up new jobs that reduce caste-based restrictions.
Assertion (A): Women in India still face discrimination in various ways.
Reason (R): The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 ensures that women get paid less than men for the same work.
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false
Explanation: Discrimination against women (in education, jobs, safety) is a reality. However, the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 was enacted to prevent wage discrimination and ensure equal pay for equal work. The reason is false.
Assertion (A): Communal politics is based on the idea that religion is the principal basis of social community.
Reason (R): It involves the use of sacred symbols and emotional appeals to bring followers of one religion together.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Communal politics operates on the assumption that followers of a religion belong to one community with identical interests. The reason describes the typical method (using symbols, appeals) to mobilize that community, explaining how the assertion works in practice.
Assertion (A): The constitution prohibits discrimination based on caste.
Reason (R): The practice of untouchability has been abolished by law.
Answer: (b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Both statements are correct facts. However, the reason (abolition of untouchability) is a specific instance of the broader constitutional prohibition against caste discrimination (A). It is an example, not the complete explanation.
Assertion (A): The caste system has not completely disappeared from contemporary India.
Reason (R): Effects of centuries of advantages and disadvantages continue to be felt today, and caste continues to be linked to economic status.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Despite legal prohibitions, caste persists. The reason explains why: historical inequalities have created cumulative advantages/disadvantages, making caste a marker of social and economic status even today.
Assertion (A): The state does not interfere in religious matters in India.
Reason (R): The Indian state is strictly separated from religion like the USA.
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false
Explanation: The assertion is broadly true; the state respects religious freedom. However, the reason is false. Indian secularism is not a strict wall of separation. The state can intervene to reform religious practices (e.g., banning sati, allowing temple entry).
Assertion (A): Political mobilization on caste lines is not always unhealthy.
Reason (R): It has helped marginalized castes gain access to decision-making and challenge historical injustices.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: When caste mobilization is about social justice and inclusion (like the Dalit movement), it can be a positive force in democracy, giving voice to the oppressed, as explained in R.
Assertion (A): The sex ratio in India is unfavourable to women.
Reason (R): Parents prefer male children and may abort female foetuses, leading to a decline in the child sex ratio.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: India's overall sex ratio (females per 1000 males) has improved but the child sex ratio remains low. The reason (son preference leading to sex-selective abortion) is a direct cause of this unfavourable ratio.
Assertion (A): India has a uniform civil code for all its citizens.
Reason (R): A uniform civil code is essential for national integration.
Answer: (d) A is false but R is true
Explanation: The assertion is false. India does NOT have a Uniform Civil Code; different religious communities follow different personal laws. The reason is a normative argument in favor of a UCC, which is a matter of debate.

Case-Based Questions (1 Mark Each)

For questions 26 to 30, read the case/source carefully and answer.

Case: "The 73rd Amendment to the Constitution has not only reserved one-third of seats in local bodies for women but also one-third of the positions of chairpersons. This has led to over 10 lakh elected women representatives in rural India."
What has been a significant positive outcome of this reservation?

(a) It has completely eliminated gender discrimination.

(b) It has empowered women at the grassroots level and changed traditional perceptions about their leadership capabilities.

(c) It has reduced the total number of people participating in elections.

(d) It has made local governments all-female.

Answer: (b) It has empowered women at the grassroots level and changed traditional perceptions about their leadership capabilities.
Explanation: The key achievement is that it has brought a critical mass of women into public life, giving them practical experience in governance and challenging patriarchal norms at the village level.
Case: Study the data on Women's Work Participation and Earnings:

Aspect Finding

Average Female Income About 65% of average male income

Work Participation Rate (Female) Significantly lower than male rate

Unpaid Care Work Primarily done by women

What do these figures collectively indicate?

(a) Gender equality has been fully achieved in the economic sphere.

(b) There is a persistent gender gap in economic opportunities, recognition, and rewards.

(c) Women earn more than men.

(d) Men do most of the unpaid work at home.

Answer: (b) There is a persistent gender gap in economic opportunities, recognition, and rewards.
Explanation: The data shows women are less likely to be in paid work, earn less when they are, and bear the disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic labor, indicating systemic economic inequality.
Case: "In many parts of India, access to places of worship was historically denied to people belonging to 'lower' castes. Social reformers and political movements fought against this. The Constitution also prohibits such discrimination."
Which constitutional provision directly addresses this form of caste-based discrimination?

(a) Right to Equality (Article 14-18)

(b) Abolition of Untouchability (Article 17)

(c) Right to Freedom of Religion (Article 25-28)

(d) Cultural and Educational Rights (Article 29-30)

Answer: (b) Abolition of Untouchability (Article 17)
Explanation: Article 17 of the Constitution explicitly abolishes 'untouchability' and forbids its practice in any form. Denying entry to temples was a classic practice of untouchability.
Case: Read the following on caste and elections: "Political parties carefully select candidates considering the caste composition of constituencies. They also make appeals to caste sentiment and nominate candidates from dominant castes."
What is a major negative consequence of this kind of politics?

(a) It diverts attention from pressing issues like poverty, development, and corruption.

(b) It ensures that every caste gets representation.

(c) It strengthens national unity.

(d) It eliminates caste identities.

Answer: (a) It diverts attention from pressing issues like poverty, development, and corruption.
Explanation: When politics revolves around caste arithmetic and identity, it often overshadows substantive debates on governance, economic policies, and universal issues that affect all citizens.
Case: "Secularism in India does not mean the separation of religion from state. It means that the state must maintain a 'principled distance' from all religions—it can intervene to oppose untouchability but also grant aid to religious schools."
What does this description highlight about Indian secularism?

(a) It is anti-religious.

(b) It follows a policy of strict non-interference.

(c) It is context-sensitive and can both intervene in and support religious communities for the goals of equality and freedom.

(d) It promotes one religion over others.

Answer: (c) It is context-sensitive and can both intervene in and support religious communities for the goals of equality and freedom.
Explanation: Indian secularism is distinct. It allows the state to intervene to reform religions (for social justice) and also to offer support (for minority rights). This 'principled distance' aims to manage religious diversity fairly.

Aspect	Finding
Average Female Income	About 65% of average male income
Work Participation Rate (Female)	Significantly lower than male rate
Unpaid Care Work	Primarily done by women

📝 Effective Revision Strategy

Diagnostic test: Attempt the entire set without any aids to identify your baseline understanding.

Learn from explanations: Don't just note the correct answer; understand the rationale behind it for each question.

Topic mapping: Categorize your mistakes by sub-topic (Gender, Religion, Caste) to target revision efficiently.

Simulate exam conditions: Practice the set with a 30-minute timer to build stamina and time-management skills.

Consolidate with intervals: Revisit the chapter's MCQs after 3 days and then again after a week to ensure mastery.

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