Class 12 Political Science - KERALA
Rise of Popular Movements
The chapter 'Rise of Popular Movements' in Class 12 Political Science (Kerala SCERT) explores how various social groups in post-independence India organized themselves outside traditional party politics to voice their grievances and demand democratic rights. It examines major grassroots movements such as the Chipko Movement, Narmada Bachao Andolan, Dalit Panthers, Bharatiya Kisan Union, and the Right to Information (RTI) campaign. Studying this chapter is crucial for board exams as it highlights the limitations of representative democracy, the power of collective action, and how ordinary citizens shape public policy and social justice in India.
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Chipko Movement
A forest conservation movement in the Himalayas where villagers, notably women, hugged trees to prevent them from being felled by contractors, emphasizing ecological survival and local rights.
Dalit Panthers
A militant militant organization established in Maharashtra in 1972 by Dalit youth to fight against caste oppression, untouchability, and societal discrimination through literature and direct action.
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU)
An organization of farmers in western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana that emerged in the late 1980s to demand better sugarcane prices, electricity waivers, and government support for agriculture.
Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA)
A prominent social movement led by Medha Patkar against the Sardar Sarovar Dam project, raising crucial questions about displacement, environmental degradation, and the definition of developmental models.
Right to Information (RTI) Act
A popular campaign originating from Rajasthan that successfully pressured the government to enact a law guaranteeing citizens access to public records, thereby promoting transparency and accountability.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala SCERT Class 12 Political Science board examination, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions usually include objective-type queries, short notes on specific movements like Chipko or NBA, and essay questions comparing party politics with popular movements or discussing the role of social movements in deepening Indian democracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often called new social movements because unlike traditional political parties or class-based labor unions, they focus on identity, environment, human rights, and quality of life rather than just capturing state power.
They focus on identity, environment, and quality of life issues rather than solely on capturing state power.
What was the main demand of the Narmada Bachao Andolan?
The NBA initially demanded a proper rehabilitation policy for the people displaced by the Sardar Sarovar Dam and later questioned the very model of mega-dam development.
How do popular movements strengthen democracy?
They give voice to marginalized sections, address issues neglected by political parties, demand accountability, and ensure that democracy remains participatory beyond mere periodic elections.
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