AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
Casteism is the belief that caste is the sole basis of social community, treating caste interests as more important than all others. It is harmful as it diverts attention from development, causes tensions and conflict.
Example: Voting for a candidate only because he belongs to one's own caste.
Healthy political expression of caste identity means using caste as a platform to demand rights, dignity, and justice for disadvantaged groups without undermining democracy.
Example: Dalit and OBC organisations demanding an end to discrimination and greater access to land and resources.
Examiners look for a clear contrast between the two concepts plus one valid example each. The textbook explicitly states: "casteism is rooted in the belief that caste is the sole basis of social community" (negative), while caste politics can give "disadvantaged communities the space to demand their share of power" (positive). Keep examples concrete and distinct — one clearly negative, one clearly positive.