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Question 1: Choose the appropriate option.

a) There are no Scheduled tribes in ______.

• i) Haryana
• ii) Maharashtra
• iii) Odisha
• iv) Gujarat
• Answer: i) Haryana

b) ______ have been categorised as Scheduled Tribes in the Indian Constitution.

• i) Women
• ii) Social reformers
• iii) Adivasis
• iv) Government
• Answer: iii) Adivasis

c) The ______ created social divisions among the people.

• i) caste system
• ii) activities of the reformers
• iii) constitutional provisions
• iv) government policies
• Answer: i) caste system

Question 2: The following questions contain a statement of assertion (A) and a statement of reason (R). Choose the correct answer.

a)

• Assertion (A): The caste system ensured that people lived in harmony.
• Reason (R): It is an age-old practice in Indian society.
• Answer: iv) A is false but R is true

b)

• Assertion (A): The Constitution of India allows for positive discrimination in favour of Scheduled Castes.
• Reason (R): The Scheduled Castes have faced exclusion for centuries.
• Answer: i) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Question 3: Match the columns.

Column A	Column B
a) Article 16 of the Indian Constitution	i) A marginalised group
b) Article 17 of the Indian Constitution	ii) A social reformer
c) Minorities	iii) Guarantees equal opportunity employment in the government
d) Swami Dayanand Saraswati	iv) Abolishes untouchability

Column A	Column B
a) Article 16 of the Indian Constitution	iii) Guarantees equal opportunity employment in the government
b) Article 17 of the Indian Constitution	iv) Abolishes untouchability
c) Minorities	i) A marginalised group
d) Swami Dayanand Saraswati	ii) A social reformer

Question 4: Answer the following questions in 10 to 20 words.

a) What is marginalisation?

Marginalisation is the social process of pushing specific groups of people to the edges or margins of society. It involves systematically denying them access to resources, power, and opportunities that are freely available to the majority. This exclusion is often based on caste, religion, ethnicity, or gender, leading to their political, social, and economic disadvantage and preventing them from fully participating in community life.

b) Which groups have historically faced marginalisation?
In India, several groups have historically faced severe marginalisation. The primary groups include the Scheduled Castes (Dalits), who suffered from the practice of untouchability; Scheduled Tribes (Adivasis), who have been displaced from their ancestral lands; and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), who are educationally and socially disadvantaged. Religious minorities, such as Muslims and Christians, have also experienced social and economic exclusion in various forms.

c) Who are the other backward classes?

The Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are a large and diverse collection of castes in India that are identified as socially and educationally disadvantaged. They are not part of the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes but still face significant social and economic backwardness. The government includes them in its list to provide them with specific benefits, like reservations in educational institutions and government jobs, to help improve their status.

d) Explain the term ‘minority’.

In a sociological context, a ‘minority’ refers to a group of people who are differentiated from the dominant social group and often have less power or representation. This can be based on distinct characteristics like religion, language, ethnicity, or culture. Despite the name, a minority group is not necessarily smaller in number, but is primarily defined by its subordinate position in society and its lack of control over major institutions.

Question 5: Answer the following questions in 50 to 70 words.

a) Who are the ‘Scheduled Tribes’?

Scheduled Tribes, often referred to as Adivasis, are indigenous communities in India who are among the country’s most marginalized groups. They are officially listed in the Constitution’s schedules for special protection and support. These communities have distinct social, cultural, and economic practices and often reside in specific forested and hilly regions. The Constitution provides them with specific rights and reservations to help overcome historical disadvantages and promote their integration into mainstream society.

b) What are the effects of marginalisation on the people?
Marginalisation has severe and lasting effects on communities. It leads to poverty and limited access to education, healthcare, and adequate housing. Marginalised groups often face social discrimination and exclusion, which prevents them from participating fully in society. This lack of opportunity and constant struggle for basic rights can also lead to a loss of cultural identity and a deep sense of powerlessness, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage across generations.

c) What efforts have been made for the upliftment of the marginalised groups?

The Indian government has made several efforts to uplift marginalised groups. The Constitution itself abolishes untouchability and prohibits discrimination. Key measures include the reservation policy, which provides quotas in education, government jobs, and legislatures for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. Additionally, various welfare schemes focus on providing scholarships, subsidised housing, and healthcare. Laws like the Prevention of Atrocities Act also work to protect these communities from violence and discrimination.

d.  How can laws ensure social Justice?

Laws are powerful tools to ensure social justice by establishing a formal framework of rights and responsibilities. They can actively prohibit discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or ethnicity, creating a baseline for equal treatment. Furthermore, laws can mandate positive action, such as reservation policies in education and government jobs, to level the playing field for historically marginalized communities.

By setting minimum wages, ensuring safe working conditions, and protecting the right to form unions, laws safeguard economic dignity. They also provide legal channels, like the Right to Information Act or Public Interest Litigation (PIL), for citizens to challenge injustice and hold authorities accountable, translating the ideal of justice into actionable and enforceable rights for all.