1. Explain at least three different reasons why groups may be marginalised.
Answer:
Groups may be marginalised for several reasons:
- Different Language or Customs: If a group speaks a different language or follows customs that are not like the majority, they may be excluded.
- Religion: Belonging to a different religious group from the majority can lead to marginalisation.
- Poverty or Low Social Status: Groups that are poor or considered to be of a lower social status may not have the same opportunities and can be marginalised.
2. Why was Dadu forced to leave his village in Odisha?
Answer:
Dadu was forced to leave his village because a company wanted to mine iron ore under their land. The villagers were pressured to sell their land. When they resisted, they were beaten and threatened. Eventually, they were forced to sell their land and abandon their homes.
3. In your own city or village, who would you think are the marginalised groups? Discuss.
Answer:
In our city, marginalised groups might include:
- People who are very poor and live in slums.
- Certain caste groups who face discrimination.
- Migrant workers who come from other regions and struggle to find good jobs.
These groups may not have access to good education, healthcare, or employment opportunities.
4. Can you name some Adivasi communities that live in your state?
Answer:
Yes, in our state, some Adivasi communities are the Santhal, Munda, and Ho tribes.
5. What languages do they speak?
Answer:
They speak languages like Santhali, Mundari, and Ho, which are their traditional languages.
6. Do they live close to the forest?
Answer:
Yes, many Adivasi communities live close to forests because they depend on the forest for their livelihood and cultural practices.
7. Do they migrate to other regions looking for work?
Answer:
Yes, sometimes they migrate to cities or other regions to find work, especially if they lose their land or can’t make a living in their villages.
8. What do you think this poem is trying to convey?
Answer:
The poem shows the hopes of Adivasis who moved to Assam for a better life. However, it also highlights the harsh realities they faced, like hard work, mistreatment, and deception. It expresses their suffering and disappointment.
9. What metals are important in present-day India? Why?
Answer:
Important metals in India today include:
- Iron: Used for making steel, which is essential for construction, vehicles, and machinery.
- Copper: Used in electrical equipment and wiring because it conducts electricity well.
- Aluminum: Used in making airplanes, utensils, and packaging.
These metals are important because they are needed for development and everyday products.
10. Where do they come from? Are there Adivasi populations there?
Answer:
These metals are often mined from areas like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Yes, these regions have significant Adivasi populations who live there and are affected by mining activities.
11. List five products that you use at home that come from the forest.
Answer:
- Wooden furniture (tables, chairs)
- Paper and pencils
- Honey
- Spices like cinnamon and cloves
- Herbal medicines
12. By whom were the following demands being made on forest land?
- Timber for construction of houses and railways: By the British during colonial times and by modern industries.
- Forest land for mining: By mining companies.
- Forest land for agriculture by non-tribal people: By settlers and farmers expanding their land.
- Reserved by government as wildlife parks: By the government for conservation.
In what ways would this affect tribal people?
Answer:
These demands led to tribal people losing their land and access to the forest. It affected their homes, livelihoods, and way of life. They were displaced and often not given proper compensation or a say in the decisions.
13. In your opinion, why is it important that Adivasis should have a say in how their forests and forest lands are used?
Answer:
Because the forests are their home and source of livelihood. Adivasis have lived there for generations and have a deep understanding of the forest. They can help in preserving it. It is important to respect their rights and include them in decisions that affect their lives.
14. Why do we need safeguards for minorities?
Answer:
Safeguards are needed to protect minorities from discrimination and domination by the majority. They help ensure that minorities can preserve their culture, language, and religion. Safeguards promote equality and justice for all citizens.
15. Which of these communities have the most and the least access to basic amenities?
Answer:
According to the data:
- Most Access: Sikh community has the highest access to pucca houses, electricity, and tap water.
- Least Access: Muslim community has the least access to these basic amenities among the listed groups.
16. Which of these communities have the highest and the lowest literacy rate?
Answer:
- Highest Literacy Rate: Jain community with 86%.
- Lowest Literacy Rate: Muslim community with 57%.
17. What do these figures convey?
Answer:
These figures show that Muslims are underrepresented in public employment sectors like IAS, IPS, IFS, and in public sector jobs. This indicates that they face challenges in accessing government jobs and opportunities.
18. Read the data related to schooling provided by the Sachar Committee Report:
25 percent of Muslim children in the 6-14 year age group have either never been enrolled in school or have dropped out. This percentage is much higher than that of any other socio-religious community.
Do you think special measures are required to address this situation?
Answer:
Yes, special measures are needed. This could include:
- Providing scholarships and financial aid.
- Improving schools in areas where Muslims live.
- Creating awareness about the importance of education.
These steps can help reduce dropout rates and improve education among Muslim children.
19. What do you think these tables tell us about the socio-economic status of the Muslim community?
Answer:
The tables show that the Muslim community has:
- Lower access to basic amenities like pucca houses, electricity, and tap water.
- Lower literacy rates.
- Fewer people in government and public sector jobs.
This suggests that they are socially and economically disadvantaged compared to other communities.
20. Do you think special measures are required to address this situation?
Answer:
Yes, special measures are necessary to improve the socio-economic status of the Muslim community. This can include:
- Policies to increase employment opportunities.
- Better access to education and training.
- Programs to improve living conditions and access to basic amenities.
Exercises
1. Write in your own words two or more sentences of what you understand by the word ‘marginalisation’.
Answer:
Marginalisation means pushing a group of people to the edge of society, where they have less importance and fewer opportunities. They may not have equal access to education, jobs, and resources like others.
2. List two reasons why Adivasis are becoming increasingly marginalised.
Answer:
- Loss of Land and Forests: Their lands are taken away for mining, dams, and industries, leaving them without homes and livelihoods.
- Discrimination and Lack of Opportunities: They face prejudice and are not given the same chances in education and employment.
3. Write one reason why you think the Constitution’s safeguards to protect minority communities are very important?
Answer:
Safeguards are important because they protect minority communities from being overpowered by the majority. They ensure that minorities can maintain their culture and have equal rights and opportunities.
4. Re-read the section on Minorities and Marginalisation. What do you understand by the term minority?
Answer:
A minority is a group of people who are smaller in number compared to the majority population. They may have different religions, languages, or cultural practices and may need protection to ensure they are treated equally.
5. You are participating in a debate where you have to provide reasons to support the following statement: ‘Muslims are a marginalised community’. Using the data provided in this chapter, list two reasons that you would give.
Answer:
- Lower Literacy Rates: Muslims have a lower literacy rate (57%) compared to other communities, indicating less access to education.
- Underrepresentation in Public Jobs: Muslims have fewer people in government jobs like IAS and IPS, showing limited opportunities in public employment.
6. Imagine that you are watching the Republic Day parade on TV with a friend and she remarks, “Look at these tribals. They look so exotic. And they seem to be dancing all the time”. List three things that you would tell her about the lives of Adivasis in India.
Answer:
- Rich Culture Beyond Dancing: Adivasis have a rich culture that includes unique languages, traditions, and knowledge, not just dancing.
- Challenges They Face: They often face hardships like loss of land, poverty, and lack of access to education and healthcare.
- Connection with Nature: They have a deep understanding of forests and nature, which is important for environmental conservation.
7. In the storyboard you read about how Helen hopes to make a movie on the Adivasi story. Can you help her by developing a short story on Adivasis?
Answer:
Title: “The Lost Village”
Once upon a time, in a lush forest, there was an Adivasi village named Sundargram. The villagers lived happily, farming and gathering from the forest. They respected nature and it provided everything they needed.
One day, a big company discovered minerals under their village. They wanted to mine the land. The villagers were told to leave. They tried to protest but were forced out.
The villagers moved to the city, where life was difficult. They missed their forest home. But they didn’t give up. They worked hard and taught others about the importance of protecting nature. Their story spread, and many people joined them to support the rights of Adivasis.
In the end, their efforts led to better laws protecting forests and tribal people. Sundargram became a symbol of hope and courage.
8. Would you agree with the statement that economic marginalisation and social marginalisation are interlinked? Why?
Answer:
Yes, I agree. When people are economically marginalised (poor), they often lack access to good education and jobs. This leads to social marginalisation, where they are excluded from society and face discrimination. Both affect each other and make it harder for the people to improve their situation.