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Caste and Discrimination: Historical and Contemporary

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the historical and contemporary aspects of caste and discrimination in India. It covers topics such as the origins of the caste system, its impact on society, and the ongoing efforts to combat discrimination.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: caste system discrimination indian sociology
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the primary basis for determining an individual's caste in the traditional Indian caste system?

  1. Occupation

  2. Wealth

  3. Birth

  4. Education


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

In the traditional Indian caste system, an individual's caste is primarily determined by their birth into a particular caste group.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the caste system?

  1. Endogamy

  2. Social stratification

  3. Occupational specialization

  4. Social mobility


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Social mobility, or the ability to move between different castes, is not a characteristic of the traditional caste system, which is characterized by rigid social stratification.

What is the term used to describe the practice of excluding lower-caste individuals from social and religious activities?

  1. Untouchability

  2. Caste discrimination

  3. Social ostracism

  4. Segregation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Untouchability refers to the practice of excluding lower-caste individuals from social and religious activities, often involving physical segregation and denial of basic rights.

Which article of the Indian Constitution abolished the practice of untouchability?

  1. Article 15

  2. Article 17

  3. Article 21

  4. Article 25


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolished the practice of untouchability and prohibited its enforcement in any form.

What is the name of the Indian government policy that aims to provide reservations in education and employment for historically disadvantaged castes?

  1. Reservation Policy

  2. Affirmative Action

  3. Positive Discrimination

  4. Preferential Treatment


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Reservation Policy in India aims to provide reservations in education and employment for historically disadvantaged castes, such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, to promote social justice and equality.

Which of the following is NOT an example of contemporary discrimination based on caste?

  1. Denial of access to public spaces

  2. Segregation in housing and neighborhoods

  3. Caste-based violence

  4. Inter-caste marriages


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Inter-caste marriages, which involve individuals from different caste groups, are not considered a form of contemporary discrimination based on caste, as they challenge traditional caste norms and promote social integration.

What is the term used to describe the process of challenging and dismantling the caste system and its associated forms of discrimination?

  1. Caste Abolition

  2. Caste Reform

  3. Caste Annihilation

  4. Caste Eradication


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Caste Annihilation refers to the process of challenging and dismantling the caste system and its associated forms of discrimination, aiming to create a society free from caste-based hierarchies and prejudices.

Which social reformer is widely regarded as the pioneer of the anti-caste movement in India?

  1. B.R. Ambedkar

  2. Mahatma Gandhi

  3. Jyotiba Phule

  4. Periyar E.V. Ramasamy


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Jyotiba Phule is widely regarded as the pioneer of the anti-caste movement in India, known for his efforts to challenge caste-based discrimination and promote social equality.

What is the name of the Indian law that prohibits discrimination based on caste in employment and education?

  1. The Caste Disabilities Removal Act, 1850

  2. The Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955

  3. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955

  4. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is an Indian law that prohibits discrimination based on caste in employment and education, and provides protection against caste-based atrocities.

Which of the following is NOT a challenge faced in combating caste discrimination in contemporary India?

  1. Continued social prejudices and stereotypes

  2. Lack of political will to enforce anti-discrimination laws

  3. Limited access to education and employment opportunities for lower-caste individuals

  4. Increasing inter-caste marriages and social integration


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Increasing inter-caste marriages and social integration are positive developments that challenge caste discrimination, rather than being a challenge faced in combating it.

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon of individuals from lower castes adopting the customs and practices of upper castes in an attempt to improve their social status?

  1. Sanskritization

  2. Westernization

  3. Modernization

  4. Urbanization


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sanskritization refers to the process by which individuals from lower castes adopt the customs and practices of upper castes in an attempt to improve their social status and gain acceptance within the caste hierarchy.

Which of the following is NOT an example of a positive development in the fight against caste discrimination in India?

  1. Increased representation of lower-caste individuals in politics and government

  2. Growing awareness of caste-based discrimination and its harmful effects

  3. Legal protections against caste discrimination

  4. Continued inter-caste violence and atrocities


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Continued inter-caste violence and atrocities are negative developments that hinder the fight against caste discrimination, rather than being a positive development.

What is the term used to describe the process of challenging and dismantling the caste system and its associated forms of discrimination through political and social action?

  1. Caste Abolitionism

  2. Caste Reformism

  3. Caste Annihilationism

  4. Caste Eradicationism


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Caste Abolitionism refers to the process of challenging and dismantling the caste system and its associated forms of discrimination through political and social action, aiming to create a society free from caste-based hierarchies and prejudices.

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to the persistence of caste discrimination in contemporary India?

  1. Lack of economic opportunities for lower-caste individuals

  2. Continued social prejudices and stereotypes

  3. Inadequate implementation of anti-discrimination laws

  4. Increasing social mobility and inter-caste marriages


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Increasing social mobility and inter-caste marriages are positive developments that challenge caste discrimination, rather than being a factor that contributes to its persistence.

What is the term used to describe the practice of assigning social status and privileges based on an individual's caste?

  1. Casteism

  2. Discrimination

  3. Segregation

  4. Untouchability


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Casteism refers to the practice of assigning social status and privileges based on an individual's caste, often leading to discrimination and social inequality.

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