Top 20 Multiple Choice Questions on Indian Society with Detailed Answers and Explanations

Boost your knowledge of Indian Society with these 20 well-crafted MCQs. Each question includes answers and explanations to help you understand the cultural, social, and historical aspects of India.

1. What is the primary unit of Indian society?

a) Caste
b) Family
c) Village
d) Religion
Answer: b) Family
Explanation: The family is considered the primary unit of Indian society, emphasizing close-knit relationships and social responsibility.

2. Which term best describes the hierarchical social structure in India?

a) Class system
b) Tribal system
c) Caste system
d) Federal system
Answer: c) Caste system
Explanation: The caste system, rooted in Hindu traditions, organizes society into rigid hierarchical groups based on occupation and social roles.

3. What is ‘Unity in Diversity’ in the context of Indian society?

a) Uniform culture across the country
b) Acceptance of diverse languages, religions, and traditions
c) Dominance of a single culture
d) Division of society by language
Answer: b) Acceptance of diverse languages, religions, and traditions
Explanation: "Unity in Diversity" reflects India’s ability to integrate various cultural, linguistic, and religious groups into a single national identity.

4. Which movement in India sought to eradicate caste discrimination?

a) Swadeshi Movement
b) Brahmo Samaj Movement
c) Dalit Movement
d) Non-Cooperation Movement
Answer: c) Dalit Movement
Explanation: The Dalit Movement, led by figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, aimed to fight against untouchability and caste-based discrimination.

5. What is the dominant religion in Indian society?

a) Islam
b) Christianity
c) Buddhism
d) Hinduism
Answer: d) Hinduism
Explanation: Hinduism is the predominant religion in India, followed by over 79% of the population, shaping much of its culture and traditions.

6. Which festival symbolizes communal harmony in India?

a) Diwali
b) Eid
c) Christmas
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Christmas are celebrated by diverse communities, fostering unity among people of different religions.

7. What is the term for the rural community-based governance system in India?

a) Panchayati Raj
b) Federal Governance
c) Bureaucracy
d) Zonal Council
Answer: a) Panchayati Raj
Explanation: Panchayati Raj is a decentralized governance system that empowers local self-governments in rural areas.

8. Which language is recognized as the official language of India?

a) English
b) Hindi
c) Sanskrit
d) Tamil
Answer: b) Hindi
Explanation: Hindi, in the Devanagari script, is the official language of India, along with English as an associate official language.

9. Which community in India primarily follows a matriarchal system?

a) Jats
b) Khasi
c) Marathas
d) Rajputs
Answer: b) Khasi
Explanation: The Khasi tribe in Meghalaya practices a matriarchal system, where inheritance and lineage are traced through the mother.

10. What is the primary aim of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?

a) Industrial growth
b) Women’s education
c) Cleanliness and sanitation
d) Economic reforms
Answer: c) Cleanliness and sanitation
Explanation: Launched in 2014, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan focuses on eliminating open defecation and improving hygiene across India.

11. What does the term 'secularism' mean in Indian society?

a) Dominance of one religion
b) Religious neutrality by the state
c) Ban on religious practices
d) Promotion of atheism
Answer: b) Religious neutrality by the state
Explanation: Secularism in India ensures that the state treats all religions equally and does not favor or discriminate against any faith.

12. Which is the largest tribal group in India?

a) Bhil
b) Gond
c) Santhal
d) Khasi
Answer: a) Bhil
Explanation: The Bhils are the largest tribal group in India, mainly residing in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

13. Which ancient text is considered the foundation of Indian social laws?

a) Bhagavad Gita
b) Arthashastra
c) Manusmriti
d) Upanishads
Answer: c) Manusmriti
Explanation: Manusmriti outlines the principles of Dharma, covering social, legal, and moral aspects of Indian life.

14. What is the literacy rate of India as per the 2011 Census?

a) 64.8%
b) 72.3%
c) 74.04%
d) 80.2%
Answer: c) 74.04%
Explanation: The 2011 Census recorded India’s literacy rate as 74.04%, reflecting gradual progress in education.

15. Who is known as the "Father of the Indian Renaissance"?

a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
b) Mahatma Gandhi
c) Swami Vivekananda
d) Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy spearheaded social reforms, including the abolition of Sati and promotion of women’s rights.

16. What is the staple food of South India?

a) Wheat
b) Rice
c) Barley
d) Maize
Answer: b) Rice
Explanation: Rice is the staple food of South India, commonly consumed in dishes like idli, dosa, and biryani.

17. What is the significance of the Chipko Movement?

a) Wildlife conservation
b) Tree protection
c) Tribal welfare
d) Anti-colonial resistance
Answer: b) Tree protection
Explanation: The Chipko Movement was an environmental initiative where villagers, particularly women, hugged trees to prevent their felling.

18. Which state in India has the highest population density?

a) Kerala
b) Bihar
c) Uttar Pradesh
d) West Bengal
Answer: b) Bihar
Explanation: Bihar has the highest population density in India, reflecting its high population in a relatively small geographic area.

19. What is the meaning of the term 'varna' in Indian society?

a) Wealth
b) Caste
c) Color
d) Language
Answer: c) Color
Explanation: Varna translates to 'color' and refers to the classification of society into four groups in ancient Hindu texts.

20. What does Article 44 of the Indian Constitution advocate?

a) Right to Equality
b) Uniform Civil Code
c) Abolition of Untouchability
d) Right to Freedom
Answer: b) Uniform Civil Code
Explanation: Article 44 encourages the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code to ensure consistent personal laws across all communities.