Chapter 8: Regional Aspirations – Important Questions (1 Mark & 2 Mark)
1 Mark Questions
Q1. Name the three social and political regions of the northernmost state of India. (Delhi 2015)
OR
Jammu and Kashmir state comprises which three social and political regions? (Delhi 2011)
Ans. The three regions are Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Q2. Justify that ‘Regionalism is not as dangerous as communalism’. (All India 2015)
Ans. Regionalism affects a specific region, whereas communalism threatens the unity of the whole nation.
Q3. Why were the seven small states created in North-East India? (Delhi 2015)
Ans. Due to isolation, complex social structure, and backwardness compared to other regions of India.
Q4. Why do some people feel that Article 370 should be revoked? (All India 2015)
Ans. They believe that Article 370 prevents full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
Q5. Which student group led the anti-foreigner movement in Assam? (Delhi 2014)
OR
Which organisation led the movement against foreign nationals in 1979? (All India 2013)
Ans. All Assam Students’ Union (AASU).
Q6. When was the first democratic election to the Sikkim Assembly held, and which party won? (All India 2013)
Ans. In 1974, Sikkim Congress swept the elections.
Q7. The states of which region of India are called the ‘Seven Sisters’? (Delhi 2013)
Ans. The Northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
Q8. Mention any one point of agreement included in the Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord. (Delhi 2013)
Ans. It was agreed that Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.
Q9. Shetkari Sangathan and Rajya Sangha belong to which two states? (All India 2013)
Ans. Maharashtra and Karnataka, respectively.
Q10. Differentiate between regionalism and separatism. (All India 2011)
Ans.
Regionalism focuses on the interests of a region within a country.
Separatism seeks complete independence based on ethnicity, religion, or culture.
Q11. What is meant by the Punjab Accord of 1985? (All India 2011)
Ans. A peace agreement between the Indian government and Akali Dal leader Harchand Singh Longowal to resolve Punjab’s political crisis.
Q12. What was the main reason behind the secessionist movement in North-East India? (Delhi 2011)
Ans. The region’s isolation and economic backwardness compared to the rest of India.
Q13. Correct the statement: "Goa was not merged with Maharashtra because the Central Government did not want it." (Delhi 2008; All India 2008)
Ans. Goa was not merged with Maharashtra because the people of Goa rejected it.
Q14. What was ‘Operation Blue Star’? (All India (C) 2008)
Ans. A military operation in 1984 to remove militants from the Golden Temple, Amritsar.
2 Mark Questions
Q1. What will happen if regions are not given their due share in decision-making at the national level? (All India 2017)
Ans. It will cause tensions and conflicts, affecting political stability and national unity.
Q2. How far did the Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord succeed in bringing peace to Punjab? (All India 2017)
Ans. The accord was a step towards peace, but violence continued for nearly a decade.
Q3. Why and how did the Mizo movement for secession gain popular support? (All India 2016)
Ans.
Some Mizos believed they were never part of British India.
1959 famine and lack of government aid fueled anger.
Led to the formation of Mizo National Front (MNF) under Laldenga.
The 1986 Peace Accord granted statehood to Mizoram.
Q4. What was Operation Blue Star, and why did it hurt Sikh sentiments? (All India 2016)
Ans.
A military action in 1984 to remove Sikh militants from Golden Temple, Amritsar.
It damaged the temple, deeply hurting Sikh religious sentiments.
Q5. How was the reorganisation of North-East India completed, and by when? (Delhi 2016)
Ans. By 1972, when Meghalaya, Manipur, and Tripura became full-fledged states.
Q6. What does the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 mean? (All India 2014)
OR
Mention any two provisions reflecting J&K’s special status. (Delhi 2008)
Ans.
J&K had its own Constitution.
Indian laws applied only with the state’s approval.
Q7. Highlight any two issues dominating North-East India’s politics. (All India 2013)
Ans.
Demands for autonomy by ethnic groups.
Movements for secession and opposition to outsiders.
Q8. Name the original states from which the following states were carved out: (All India 2012)
Q9. Describe the outcome of the Assam Accord (1985). (All India 2010)
Ans.
Q10. ‘Regionalism does not imply separatism.’ Explain. (Delhi 2009)
Ans.
