Class 12 Political Science - UP
Rise of Popular Movements
The chapter 'Rise of Popular Movements' in Class 12 Political Science explores how democratic politics in India goes beyond regular electoral participation through collective action. It examines major social movements that arose in the post-independence era to address grievances related to economic inequality, environmental degradation, and social injustice. Key movements covered include the Chipko Movement, Narmada Bachao Andolan, Dalit Panthers, Bharatiya Kisan Union, and the Right to Information (RTI) campaign. Studying this chapter is crucial for UPMSP board exams as it helps students understand the limitations of representative democracy and the vital role of grassroots activism in empowering marginalized sections and shaping public policy.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Chipko Movement
A forest conservation movement in Uttarakhand during the 1970s where villagers, especially women, hugged trees to prevent commercial felling, highlighting ecological issues and local community rights.
Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA)
A powerful social movement led by tribals, environmentalists, and human rights activists against the Sardar Sarovar Dam project on the Narmada River, focusing on displacement and environmental sustainability.
Dalit Panthers
A militant militant organization established in Maharashtra in the 1970s by Dalit youth that used literature and protests to fight against caste-based discrimination and assert Dalit rights.
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, waiver of electricity bills, and government support for agriculture.
Right to Information (RTI) Movement
A grassroots campaign originating in Rajasthan demanding transparency in governance, which eventually led to the enactment of the national RTI Act in 2005.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) Class 12 Political Science board examination, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions usually include very short answer questions (1 mark), short answer questions (4 marks), and long answer/essay-type questions (6 marks) analyzing the causes and impacts of specific popular movements like the Chipko Movement or the Narmada Bachao Andolan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are popular movements called 'new' social movements?
They are called new social movements because unlike traditional political parties focused on seizing state power, these movements focus on identity, environment, human rights, and quality of life issues using non-party political methods.
What was the main demand of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU)?
The BKU demanded higher government-guaranteed prices (MSP) for sugarcane and agricultural goods, waiver of agricultural loans, and subsidized electricity and water for farming.
How did the RTI movement start?
The RTI movement began in rural Rajasthan through the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), which demanded official information regarding development work expenditures and minimum wages to fight local corruption.
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