SPPU Solved Question Papers
Society in India
Previous Year Question Paper with Solution
B.A. LL.B. (Five Years) · Sem 3
Apr 2025 Examination
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Mumbai
B.A. LL.B. (Five Years) Sem 3 Society in India Apr 2025 Question Paper with Solutions
First published on munotes.in on 6 November 2026.
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Contents
The questions below are the paper as Savitribai Phule Pune University set it at the Apr 2025 examination, in the order it was set.
MarksPage
The Paper as Set
The questions in this volume are the questions asked at the Apr 2025 examination, reproduced as Savitribai Phule Pune University set them, in the order it set them. Nothing has been reworded, added or left out. Only the answers are ours. See the original question paper.
Duration 3 hours · Total marks 70 · 13 questions answered
How to use this volume
Solve the paper first, under exam conditions and against the clock. Then read the answers here and mark your own. Reading a solution before attempting the question feels productive and teaches very little, because recognising an answer is not the same as being able to write one.
SECTION I
PART A
Answer any TWO · 30 Marks
Q1)Define Pluralism. Discuss the religious diversity in India.[15]
Answer
For full marks, cover: the meaning of pluralism; the religious diversity of India (the major religions and their shares in the 2011 Census, their spread across regions, sects within religions, syncretic traditions); how the Constitution accommodates it (secularism, freedom of religion, minority rights, personal laws); the challenges (communalism); and a conclusion.
1. Meaning of pluralism
A plural society is one in which many distinct groups, of religion, language, caste, tribe and region, live together within one political society. They keep their identities. Pluralism is more than mere diversity: the differences are organised and persist, and they are recognised, not dissolved by assimilation. India is one of the most plural societies in the world.
2. Religious diversity in India
India is the home of many religions. According to the 2011 Census:
| Religion | Share of population |
|---|---|
| Hinduism | 79.8 per cent |
| Islam | 14.2 per cent |
| Christianity | 2.3 per cent |
| Sikhism | 1.7 per cent |
| Buddhism | 0.7 per cent |
| Jainism | 0.4 per cent |
| Others (including Parsis, Jews and tribal religions) | about 0.9 per cent |
- Birthplace of religions. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism were born in India.
- Religions from outside. Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism (the Parsis) and Judaism came through trade, migration and conquest, and took deep roots.
- Regional spread. Sikhs are concentrated in Punjab, and Christians in parts of the North-East and Kerala. Muslims live across the country, with large numbers in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir. Buddhists are found in Maharashtra, Ladakh and Sikkim.
- Diversity within religions. Hinduism has many sects and traditions (Vaishnava, Shaiva, Shakta). Islam has Sunni and Shia communities. Christianity has Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox churches.
- Tribal religions based on nature and ancestors.
- Syncretic traditions. The Bhakti and Sufi movements, shared shrines and common festivals bridged religious lines.
3. How the Constitution accommodates religious diversity
- Secularism: the State has no religion of its own and treats all religions equally (the Preamble, after the 42nd Amendment).
- Freedom of religion: freedom of conscience and to profess, practise and propagate religion (Article 25), and freedom to manage religious affairs (Article 26).
- No discrimination on grounds of religion (Articles 15 and 16).
- Minority rights: the right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions (Article 30).
- Personal laws for marriage, divorce and succession, with a uniform civil code as a directive (Article 44).
4. Challenges
Communalism, riots, the use of religion in politics, and conversion disputes threaten harmony.
Conclusion. Pluralism means that many groups live together while keeping their identities. India's religious diversity, from Hindu and Muslim to Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and tribal faiths, is among the greatest in the world. Secularism, freedom of religion and minority rights help these communities live together, though communalism remains a challenge.
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