Short questions with answers (suitable for 2-3 marks) on the topic "Introducing Indian Society - Periods, Composition, Unity & Diversity" for Class 12 students:

 

Introducing Indian Society - Periods

 

1-Question: Name the major historical periods generally used to study Indian society.

Answer: The major historical periods are generally categorized as the Ancient Period, Medieval Period, Colonial Period, and Post-Independence Period.

 

2-Question: Briefly mention one significant development that occurred during the Colonial Period in India.

Answer: A significant development during the Colonial Period was the introduction of modern education and infrastructure like railways, although primarily to serve colonial interests.

 

3.Question: What marks the beginning of the Post-Independence Period in India?

Answer: The beginning of the Post-Independence Period is marked by India gaining independence in 1947 and the subsequent adoption of the Indian Constitution.

 

Composition of Indian Society

 

4.Question: What are the main demographic features of Indian society?

Answer: Main demographic features include a large and growing population, a significant rural population, and increasing urbanization.

 

5.Question: Name the four major language families found in India.

Answer: The four major language families in India are Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, and Tibeto-Burman.

 

Question: What does the term "racial diversity" signify in the context of Indian society?

Answer: "Racial diversity" in India refers to the presence of various physical and ancestral groups, broadly classified as Mongoloid, Negroid, and Caucasoid, though these classifications are complex and debated.

 

Question: Who are generally referred to as "Adivasis" in India?

Answer: "Adivasis" is a collective term used for the various tribal or indigenous populations of India, who often reside in hilly and forested regions.

 

Unity & Diversity

 

Question: Explain the concept of "unity in diversity" with reference to India.

Answer: "Unity in diversity" in India signifies the coexistence of various cultural, linguistic, religious, and regional differences alongside a strong sense of national identity and togetherness.

 

Question: Mention two factors that contribute to the unity of Indian society.

Answer: Two factors contributing to the unity of Indian society are a shared history and cultural heritage, and the unifying principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

 

Question: Give two examples of how diversity is manifested in Indian society.

Answer: Diversity in India is manifested in the wide array of languages spoken across different states and the diverse religious practices followed by various communities.

 

Question: How can socio-economic inequalities act as a challenge to national unity?

Answer: Socio-economic inequalities can create divisions and tensions within society, potentially undermining the sense of shared identity and national unity.

 

Question: How does the Indian Constitution promote unity among its diverse population?

Answer: The Indian Constitution promotes unity by guaranteeing equality to all citizens, ensuring fundamental rights, and emphasizing principles of fraternity and secularism.