ncerts glossary 5

7/31/2019 NCERTs Glossary 5

1/10

1

NCERTs GLOSSARY

Ecosystem: It is a system formed by the interaction of all living organisms with each other and with thephysical and chemical factors of the environment in which they live, all linked by transfer of energy and

material.

Barter System: It is a trade in which goods are exchanged without the use of money. Fossils: The remains of the dead plants and animals trapped in the layers of rocks are called fossils. Lithospheric plates: The earths crust consists of several large and some small, rigid, irregularlyshaped

plates (slabs) which carry continents and the ocean floor.

Terrarium: It is an artificial enclosure for keeping small house plants. Transhumance: It is a seasonal movement of people. People who rear animals move in search of new

pastures according to changes in seasons.

Tributaries: These are small rivers that join the main river. The main river along with all its tributaries thatdrain an area form a river basin or the catchment area. The Amazon Basin is the largest river basin in the

world. Population density: It means the number of persons that live in one sq. km. of area e.g. the population

density of Uttaranchal is 159 while the density of West Bengal is 904 and that of Bihar is 880.

Combine: A machine which can sow, plough and work as thresher all by itself. Desert: It is an arid region characteriesed by extremely high or low temperatures and has scarce

vegetation.

Universal adult franchise: This is a very important aspect of democratic societies. It means that all adultthose who are 18 and above) citizens have the right to vote irrespective of their social or economic

backgrounds.

Dignity: This refers to thinking of oneself and other persons as worthy of respect. Constitution: This is a document that lays down the basic rules and regulations for people and the

government in the country to follow. Civil Rights Movement: A movement that began in USA in 1950s in which AfricanAmerican people

demanded equal rights and an end to racial discrimination.

Public: An activity or service that is meant for all people in the country and is mainly organised by thegovernment. This includes schools, hospitals, telephone services, etc. People can demand these services

and also raise questions about their non-functioning.

Private: An activity or service that is organised by an individual or company for their own profit. Medical tourists: This refers to foreigners who come to this country specifically for medical treatment at

hospitals that offer worldclass facilities at a lower cost than what they would have to pay in their own

countries.

Communicable diseases: These are diseases that are spread from one person to another in many ways suchas through water, food , air, etc.

OPD: This is the short form for Out Patient Department. This is where people are first brought in andtreated in a hospital without being admitted to any special ward.

Constituency: A particular area from which all the voters living there choose their representatives. Thiscould be, for example, a panchayat ward or an area that chooses an MLA.

Majority: This is a situation when more than half the number in a group supports a decision or an idea.This is also called a simple majority.

Opposition: This refers to elected representatives who are not members of the ruling party and who playthe role of questioning government decisions and actions as well as raise new issues for consideration in the

Assembly.

Press Conference: A gathering of journalists from the media who are invited to hear about and askquestions on a particular issue and are then expected to report on this to the larger public.

Identity: Identity is a sense of self-awareness of who one is. Typically, a person can have several identities.For example, a person can be a girl, a sister and a musician.


2/10

2

Double-burden: Literally means a double load. This term is commonly used to describe the womens worksituation. It has emerged from a recognition that women typically labour both inside the home (housework)

and outside.

Care-giving: Care-giving refers to a range of tasks related to looking after and nurturing. Besides physicaltasks, they also involve a strong emotional aspect.

De-valued: When someone is not given due recognition for a task or job they have done, they can feel de-valued. For example, if a boy has put in a lot of effort into making a special birthday gift for his friend and

this friend does not say anything about this, then the boy may feel de-valued.

Stereotype: When we believe that people belonging to particular groups based on religion, wealth,language are bound to have certain fixed characteristics or can only do a certain type of work, we create a

stereotype. For example, in this chapter, we saw how boys and girls are made to take certain subjects not

because he or she has an aptitude for it, but because they are either boys or girls. Stereotypes prevent us

from looking at people as unique individuals.

Discrimination: When we do not treat people equally or with respect we are indulging in discrimination. Ithappens when people or organisations act on their prejudices. Discrimination usually takes place when we

treat some one differently or make a distinction.

Violation: When someone forcefully breaks the law or a rule or openly shows disrespect, we can say thathe or she has committed a violation.

Sexual harassment: This refers to physical or verbal behaviour that is of a sexual nature and against thewishes of a woman.

Publish: This refers to newsreports, articles, interviews, stories, etc., that are printed in newspapers,magazines and books for a wide audience to read.

Censorship: This refers to the powers that government has to disallow media from publishing or showingcertain stories.

Broadcast: In this chapter this word is used to refer to a TV or radio programme that is widely transmitted. Public protest: When a large number of people come together and openly state their opposition to some

issue. Organising a rally, starting a signature campaign, blocking roads etc. are some of the ways in whichthis is done.

Product: This refers to a thing or service that has been made for being sold in the market. Consumer: This refers to the person for whom the goods or products have been made and who pays money

to buy and use them.

Brand: This refers to a special identification or name that is associated with a product. Such identificationis created through the process of advertising.

To influence: This refers to the power to change what someone believes or does. Lifestyle: In this chapter, this word refers to peoples lives being identified by the products they own, the

clothes they wear, the places they eat in, etc.

Weekly market: These markets are not daily markets but are to be found at a particular place on one ormaybe two days of the week. These markets most often sell everything that a household needs rangingfrom vegetables to clothes to utensils.

Mall: This is an enclosed shopping space. This is usually a large building with many floors that has shops,restaurants and, at times, even a cinema theatre. These shops most often sell branded products.

Wholesale: This refers to buying and selling in large quantities. Most products, including vegetables, fruitsand flowers have special wholesale markets.

Chain of markets: A series of markets that are connected like links in a chain because products pass fromone market to another.

Ginning mill: A factory where seeds are removed from cotton bolls. The cotton is pressed into bales to besent for spinning into thread.

Exporter: A person who sells goods abroad. Profit: The amount that is left or gained from earnings after deducting all the costs. If the costs are more

than the earnings, it would lead to a loss.

Patent: It means the exclusive right over any idea or invention. Technology: It is the application of latest knowledge and skill in doing or making things.


3/10

3

Stock of Resource: It is the amount of resources available for use. Sustainable Development Carefully utilizing resources so that besides meeting the requirements of the

present, also takes care of future generations.

Weathering The breaking up and decay of exposed rocks, by temperature changes, frost action, plants,animals and man.

National Park A natural area designated to protect the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems forpresent and future generations

Biosphere reserves Series of protected areas linked through a global network, intended to demonstrate therelationship between conservation and development.

Smelting It is the process in which metals are extracted from their ores by heating beyond the melting point Life expectancy It is the number of years that an average person can expect to live. Immigration When a person enters a new country. Emigration When a person leaves a country. Arbitrary: When nothing is fixed and is instead left to ones judgment or choice. Thiscan be used to refer

to rules that are not fixed, or decisions that have no basis etc.

Ideal: A goal or a principle in its most excellent or perfect form. Indian national movement: The Indian national movement emerged in nineteenth century India and saw

thousands of men and women coming together to fight British rule. This culminated in Indias

independence in 1947. You will learn about this in greater detail in your history textbook this year.

Polity: A society that has an organised political structure. India is a democratic polity. Sovereign: In the context of this chapter it refers to an independent people. Trafficking: The practice of the illegal buying and selling of different commodities across national

borders. In the context of Fundamental Rights discussed in this chapter, it refers to illegal trade in human

beings, particularly women and children.

Tyranny: The cruel and unjust use of power or authority. Coercion: To force someone to do something. In the context of this chapter, it refers to the force used by a

legal authority like the State.

Freedom to interpret: The independence that all persons shall have to understand things in their own way.In the context of this chapter, it refers to a persons liberty to develop their own understanding and meaning

of the religion they practice.

Intervene: In the context of this chapter, it refers to the States efforts to influence a particular matter inaccordance with the principles of the Constitution.

Approval: To give ones consent to and be favourable towards something. In the context of this chapter, itrefers both to the formal consent (through elected representatives) that Parliament has as well as the fact

that it needs to continue to enjoy the peoples trust.

Coalition: A temporary alliance of groups or parties. In this chapter, it refers to the alliance formed bypolitical parties after elections when no party has been able to get adequate seats to form a clear majority.

Unresolved: Situations in which there are no easy solutions to problems. Criticise: To find fault with or disapprove of a person or thing. In the context of this chapter, it refers to

citizens finding fault with the functioning of government.

Evolution: Process of development from a simple to a complex form and is often used to discuss thedevelopment of a species of plants or animals. In the context of this chapter it refers to the way in which

protecting women against domestic violence developed from an urgently-felt need to a new law that can be

enforced throughout the country.

Sedition: This applies to anything that the government might consider as stirring up resistance or rebellionagainst it. In such cases, the government does not need absolute evidence in order to arrest persons. Under

the Sedition Act of 1870, the British had a very broad interpretation of what constituted sedition, and what

this meant was that they could arrest and detain any person they wanted under this Act. The nationalists

considered this law arbitrary because persons were arrested for a variety of reasons that were seldomclarified beforehand as well as because those arrested were often kept in jail without a trial.


4/10

4

Repressive: To control severely in order to prevent free and natural development or xpression. In thecontext of this chapter it refers to laws that brutally control persons and often prevent them from exercising

their Fundamental Rights including Right to Speech and Assembly.

Acquit: This refers to the court declaring that a person is not guilty of the crime which he/she was tried forby the court.

To Appeal: In the context of this chapter this refers to a petition filed before a higher court to hear a casethat has already been decided by a lower court.

Compensation: In the context of this chapter this refers to money given to make amends for an injury or aloss.

Eviction: In the context of this chapter this refers to the removal of persons from land/ homes that they arecurrently living in.

Violation: In the context of this chapter it refers both to the act of breaking a law as well as to the breach orinfringement of Fundamental Rights.

Accused: In the context of this chapter this refers to the person who is tried by a court for a crime. Cognizable: In the context of this chapter this refers to an offence for which the police may arrest a person

without the permission of the court.

Cross-examine: In the context of this chapter this refers to the questioning of a witness who has alreadybeen examined by the opposing side in order to determine the veracity of his/her testimony.

Detention: In the context of this chapter this refers to the act of being kept in illegal custody by the police. Impartial: The act of being fair or just and not favouring one side over another. Offence: Any act that the law defines as a crime. To be charged of a crime: This refers to the trial judge informing the accused, in writing, of the offence

for which he/she will face trial.

Witness: In the context of this chapter this refers to the person who is called upon in court to provide afirst-hand account of what he/she has seen, heard or knows.

Hierarchy: A graded system or arrangement of persons or things. Usually persons at the bottom of thehierarchy are those who have the least power. The caste system is a hierarchical system and Dalits are

considered to be at the lowest end.

Ghettoisation: A ghetto is an area or locality that is populated largely by members of a particularcommunity. Ghettoisation refers to the process that leads to such a situation. This may occur due to various

social, cultural and economic reasons. Fear or hostility may also compel a community to group together as

they feel more secure living amongst their own. Often a ghettoised community has few options of moving

out, which may lead to them becoming alienated from the rest of the society.

Mainstream: Literally this refers to the main current of a river or stream. In this chapter it is used to referto a cultural context in which the customs and practices that are followed are those of the dominant

community. In connection with this, mainstream is also used to refer to those people or communities that

are considered to be at the centre of a society, i.e. often the powerful or dominant group.

Displaced: In the context of this chapter this refers to people who are forced or compelled to move fromtheir homes for big development projects including dams, mining etc. Militarised: An area where the presence of the armed forces is considerable. Malnourished: A person who does not get adequate nutrition or food. Assertive: An assertive person or group is one that can express themselves and their views strongly. Confront: To come face to face or to challenge someone or something. In the context of this chapter, this

refers to groups challenging their marginalisation.

Dispossessed: To possess is to own something and to be dispossessed is to have to give up ownership or togive up authority.

Ostracise: This means to exclude or banish an individual or a group. In the context of this chapter, it refersto a social boycott of an individual and his family.

Morally reprehensible: This refers to an act that violates all norms of decency and dignity that a societybelieves in. It usually refers to a hideous and repugnant act that goes against all the values that a society has

accepted.


5/10

5

Policy: A stated course of action that provides direction for the future, sets goals to be achieved or lays outprinciples or guidelines to be followed and acted upon. In this chapter, we have referred to government

policies. But other institutions like schools, companies, etc. also have policies.

Sanitation: Provision of facilities for the safe disposal of human urine and faeces. This is done byconstruction of toilets and pipes to carry the sewerage and treatment of waste water. This is necessary so as

to avoid contamination.

Company: A company is a form of business set up by people or by the government. Those that arepromoted and owned by individuals or groups are called private companies. For example, Tata Steel is a

private company whereas Indian Oil is a company run by the government.

Universal access: Universal access is achieved when everyone has physical access to a good and can alsoafford it. For instance, a tap connection at home will allow physical access to water, and if the price of

water is low or is provided free, everyone will be able to afford it.

Basic needs: Primary requirements of food, water, shelter, sanitation, healthcare and education necessaryfor survival.

Consumer: An individual who buys goods for personal use and not for resale. Producer: A person or organisation that produces goods for sale in the market. At times, the producer

keeps a part of the produce for his own use, like a farmer.

Investment: Money spent to purchase new machinery or buildings or training so as to be able to increase/modernise production in the future.

Workers unions: An association of workers. Workers unions are common in factories and offices, butmight be also found among other types of workers, say domestic workers unions. The leaders of the union

bargain and negotiate with the employer on behalf of its members. The issues include wages, work rules,

rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits and workplace safety.

Mercantile A business enterprise that makes profit primarily through trade, buying goods cheap andselling them at higher prices

Mahal In British revenue records mahal is a revenue estate which may be a village or a group of villages. Plantation A large farm operated by a planter employing various forms of forced labour. Plantations are

associated with the production of coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, tea and cotton.

Slave A person who is owned by someone else the slave owner. A slave has no freedom and iscompelled to work for the master.

Bigha A unit of measurement of land. Before British rule, the size of this area varied. In Bengal theBritish standardised it to about one-third of an acre.

Fallow A field left uncultivated for a while so that the soil recovers fertility Mutiny When soldiers as a group disobey their officers in the army Firangis Foreigners The term reflects an attitude of contempt. Presidency For administrative purposes, colonial India was divided into three Presidencies (Bombay,

Madras and Bengal), which developed from the East India Companys factories (trading posts) at Surat,

Madras and Calcutta. Urbanisation The process by which more and more people begin to reside in towns and cities Dargah The tomb of a Sufi saint Khanqah A sufi lodge, often used as a rest house for travellers and place where people come to discuss

spiritual matters, get the blessings of saints, and hear sufi music

Idgah An open prayer place of Muslims primarily meant for id prayers Cul-de-sac Street with a dead end Gulfaroshan A festival of flowers Renaissance Literally, rebirth of art and learning. It is a term often used to describe a time when there is

great creative activity.

Spinning Jenny A machine by which a single worker could operate several spindles on to which threadwas spun. When the wheel was turned all the spindles rotated.

Aurang A Persian term for a warehouse a place where goods are collected before being sold; alsorefers to a workshop


6/10

6

Smelting The process of obtaining a metal from rock (or soil) by heating it to a very high temperature, orof melting objects made from metal in order to use the metal to make something new

Bellows A device or equipment that can pump air Slag heaps The waste left when smelting metal Linguist Someone who knows and studies several languages Madrasa An Arabic word for a place of learning; any type of school or college Orientalists Those with a scholarly knowledge of the language and culture of Asia Munshi A person who can read, write and teach Persian Vernacular A term generally used to refer to a local language or dialect as distinct from what is seen as

the standard language. In colonial countries like India, the British used the term to mark the difference

between the local languages of everyday use and English the language of the imperial masters.

Convention An accepted norm or style Engraving A picture printed onto paper from a piece of wood or metal into which the design or drawing

has been cut

Portrait A picture of a person in which the face and its expression is prominent Portraiture The art of making portraits Commission To formally choose someone to do a special piece of work usually against payment Sovereign The capacityto act independently without outside interference Publicist Someonewho publicises an idea by circulating information, writing reports, speaking at

meetings

Repeal To undo law; to officially end the validity of something such as a law Revolutionary violence The use of violence to make a radical change within society Council An appointed or elected body of people with an administrative, advisory or representative

function

Knighthood An honour granted by the British Crown for exceptional personal achievement or publicservice

Picket People protesting outside a building or shop to prevent others from entering Mahants Religious functionaries of Sikh gurdwaras Illegal eviction Forcible and unlawful throwing out of tenants from the land they rent Provincial autonomy Capacity of the provinces to make relatively independent decisions while remaining

within a federation

Generalconstituencies Election districts with no reservations for any religious or other community Franchise The right to Vote Linguistic Relating to Language State Concerned with he government. (Note that used in this sense, the word does not refer to the

different states which are found in a country.)

Gondwanaland: It is the southern part of the ancient super continent Pangea with Angara Land in thenorthern part.

Adolescence : Adolescence is a period in which a person is no longer a child and not yet an adult. Suchpersons are grouped in the age group of 10 to 19 years.

Alluvial plain : A level tract of land made up of alluvium or fine rock material brought down by a river. Base population : The total population of an area at the beginning of a given time period. Biome : Plant communities occuring in distinct groups in areas having similar climatic conditions. Birth rate : The number of live births for every 1000 persons in a year. Climate : The average weathr conditions of a sizeable area of the Earths surface over a period of time. Depression : In meteorology; it denotes an area of relatively low atmospheric pressure, which is found

mainly in temperate regions. In geology, it refers to a hollow sunken area of the earths surface.

Death rate : The number of deaths per 1000 persons in year. Density of population : The average number of persons per unit area, such as a square kilometre. Dependency ratio : The ratio of people of dependent age (below 15 and above 60 years) to people of

economically active ages (15-59 years).


7/10

7

Ecosystem : A system which comprises the physical environment and the organisms living therein. Environment : Surroundings or the conditions under which a person or thing exists and develops his or its

character. It covers both physical and cultural elements.

Fault : A linear break in rocks of the earths crust along which there has been displacement in a horizontal,vertical or oblique direction.

Fauna : The animal life of a given area. Flora : The total vegetatin or plant cover of a region. Fold : A bend in the rock strata resulting from compression of an area of the earths crust. Geosyncline : A narrow, shallow, elongated basin with a sinking bottom in which a considerable thickness

of sediments was deposited by the rivers coming from Angara and Gondwanaland.

Glacier : A mass of snow and ice that moves slowly under the influence of gravity along a confined courseaway from its place of accumulation.

Growth rate of population : The growth rate of population indicates the rate at which the population isgrwing. In estimating the growth rate the increase in population is compared with the base population. It

can be measured annually or over a decade.

Indian Mainland : It refers to the contiguous stretch of landmass from Jammu and Kashmir toKanniyakumari and from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh.

Indian Standard Time : The local time along the Standard Meridian of India (8230'E). Inland drainage : A drainage system in which the waters of the rivers do not reach the oceans but fall into

an inland sea or lake.

Igneous rocks : Rocks formed as a result of solidification of magma either below the earths surface orabove it.

Lagoon : A salt-water lake separated from the sea by the sandbars and spits. Lake : A body of water that lies in a hollow in the earhts surface and is entirely surrounded by land. Lithospheric Plates : Large segments of the earths crust composed of continental and oceanic lithospheric

parts, floating above the asthenosphere.

Life expectancy : The average number of years one is expected to live. Local Time : The time of a place determined by the midday sun is called the local time. Metamorphic rocks : Deformation and alteration of pre-existing igneous and sedimentary rocks as a result

of changes in physical and chemical conditions due to intense heat or pressure.

Migration : Movement of people from one place to another. Internal migration means movement of peoplewithin a country and external migration means movement of people between countries. When people come

to a country from another country, it is called immigration and when they leave that contry, it is called

emigration.

Million Plus cities : Cities with a population of more than one million or 10 lakh. Monsson : A complete reversal of winds over a large area leading to a change of seasons. Mountain : An upward projected features of the earths surface that rises to high altitude and usually

possesses steep slopes. National park : A reserved area for preserving its natural vegetaion, wild life and the natural environment. Plain : An extensive area of flat or gently undulating land. Plateau : An extensive elevated area of relatively flat land. Plate Tectonics : The scientific concept that explains the movements of the crustal plates. Relief: The differences in elevation or the physical outline of the land surface or ocean floor. Subsidence : In meteorology, it is the downward movement of the air. In geology, it refers to the sinking of

a portion of the earths surface.

Sedimentary rocks : Rocks composed of sediments and generally having a layered structure. Sex-ratio : Sex-ratio is defined as the number of females per thousands males. Sub-Continent : A big landmass, which stands out as a distinct geographicl unit from the rest of the

continent. Tectonic : Forces originating within the earth and responsible for bringing widespread changes in the

landform features.


8/10

8

Young mountains : The fold mountains formed during the most recent major phase of folding in theearths curst.

Anticline: A fold in sedimentary strata that resembles an arch. Gross Domestic Product: It is a monetary measure of the value of goods and services produced within a

natural economy at a given period of time. Normally it is one year.

Geologist: A scientist who studies the composition, structure and history of the earth. Geothermal Gradient: The gradual increase in temperature with depth in the crust. The average is 30C

per kilometer in the upper crust.

Humus: Dead and decayed organic matter adds to the fertility of the top soil. Igneous Rocks: Rocks which have solidified from molten magma. Manganese Nodules: A type of sediment scattered on the ocean floor, consisting mainly of manganese and

iron, and usually containing small amounts of copper, nickel and cobalt.

Metamorphic Rocks: Rocks which were originally igneous or sedimentary, but have changed in characterand appearance.

Oil Trap: A geological structure that allows for significant amounts of oil and gas to accumulate. Rock: A consolidated mixture of minerals Sedimentary Rocks: Rocks which have been deposited as beds and layers of sediments. Censorship: A condition under which the freedom of expression is taken away. Citizens have to take prior

permission from the censor authorities of the government for making a speech or publishing news and

views. Anything that the government finds objectionable cannot be published.

Coalition: An alliance of people, associations, parties or nations. This alliance may be temporary or amatter of convenience.

Colony: Territory under the immediate political control of another state. Communist state: A state governed by a communist party without allowing other parties to compete for

power. The state controls all the big property and industry.

Coup: A coup dtat (pronounced ku deta), or simply a coup, is the sudden overthrow of a governmentillegally. It may or may not be violent in nature. The term is French for a sudden blow or strike to a state.

Martial law: A system of rules that takes effect when a military authority takes control of the normaladministration of justice.

Political prisoners: Persons held in prison or otherwise detained, perhaps under house arrest, because agovernment considers their ideas, image or activities as a threat to the authority of the state. Often

exaggerated or false cases are foisted on them and they are kept in detention without following normal law.

Referendum: A direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particularproposal. This may be adoption of a new constitution, a law or a specific governmental policy.

Strike: Mass refusal by workers or employees to perform work due to certain grievances or because ofdemands not met. In most democratic countries the right to strike is legal.

Trade Union: An association of workers for the purpose of maintaining or improving the conditions oftheir employment.

Veto: The right of a person, party or nation to stop a certain decision or law. The word comes from Latin,which means I forbid. A veto gives unlimited power to stop a decision, but not to adopt one.

Apartheid: The official policy of racial separation and ill treatment of blacks followed by the governmentof South Africa between 1948 and 1989.

Clause: A distinct section of a document. Constituent Assembly: An assembly of peoples representatives that writes a constitution for a country. Constitution: Supreme law of a country, containing fundamental rules governing the politics and society in

a country.

Constitutional amendment: A change in the constitution made by the supreme legislative body in acountry.

Draft: A preliminary version of a legal document. Philosophy: The most fundamental principles underlying ones thought and actions.


9/10

9

Preamble: An introductory statement in a constitution which states the reasons and guiding values of theconstitution.

Treason: The offence of attempting to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owesallegiance.

Tryst: A meeting or meeting place that has been agreed upon. Booth capturing: Supporters or hired musclemen of party or a candidate gain physical control of a polling

booth and cast false votes by threatening everyone or by preventing genuine voters from reaching the

polling booth.

Code of Conduct: A set of norms and guidelines to be followed by political parties and contestingcandidates during election time.

Constituency: Voters in a geographical area who elect a representative to the legislative bodies. Incumbent: The current holder of a political office. Usually the choice for the voters in elections is

between the incumbent party or candidate and those who oppose them.

Level playing field: Condition in which all parties and candidates contesting in an election have equalopportunities to appeal for votes and to carry out election campaign.

Rigging: Fraud and malpractices indulged by a party or candidate to increase its votes. It includes stuffingballot boxes by a few persons using the votes of others; recording multiple votes by the same person; and

bribing or coercing polling officers to favour a candidate.

Turnout: The percentage of eligible voters who cast their votes in an election. Coalition government: A government formed by an alliance of two or more political parties, usually when

no single party enjoys majority support of the members in a legislature.

Executive: A body of persons having authority to initiate major policies, make decisions and implementthem on the basis of the Constitution and laws of the country.

Government: A set of institutions that have the power to make, implement and interpret laws so as toensure an orderly life. In its broad sense, government administers and supervises over citicens and

resources of a country.

Judiciary: An institution empowered to administer justice and provide a mechanism for the resolution oflegal disputes. All the courts in the country are collectively referred to as judiciary.

Legislature: An assembly of peoples representatives with the power to enact laws for a country. Inaddition to enacting laws, legislatures have authority to raise taxes and adopt the budget and other money

bills.

Office Memorandum: A communication issued by an appropriate authority stating the policy or decisionof the government. Political Institution: A set of procedures for regulating the conduct of government and

political life in the country.

Reservations: A policy that declares some positions in government employment and educationalinstitutions reserved for people and communities who have been discriminated against, are disadvantaged

and backward.

State: Political association occupying a definite territory, having an organised government and possessingpower to make domestic and foreign Policies. Governments may change, but the state continues. In common speech, the terms country, nation

and state are used as synonyms.

Amnesty International: An international organisation of volunteers who campaign for human rights. Thisorganisation brings out independent reports on the violation of human rights all over the world.

Claim: Demand for legal or moral entitlements a person makes on fellow citizens, society or thegovernment.

Covenant: Promise made by individuals, groups or countries to uphold a rule or principle. It is legallybinding on the signatories to the agreement or statement.

Dalit: A person who belongs to the castes which were considered low and not touchable by others. Dalitsare also known by other names such as the Scheduled Castes, Depressed Classes etc.

Ethnic group: An ethnic group is a human population whose members usually identify with each other onthe basis of a common ancestry. People of an ethnic group are united by cultural practices, religious beliefs

and historical memories.


10/10

10

Traffic: Selling and buying of men, women or children for immoral purposes. Summon: An order issued by a court asking a person to appear before it. Writ: A formal document containing an order of the court to the government issued only by High Court or

the Supreme Court.

Ethnic: A social division based on shared culture. People belonging to the same ethnic group believe intheir common descent because of similarities of physical type or of culture or both. They need not always

have the same religion or nationality.

Majoritarianism: A belief that the majority community should be able to rule a country in whichever wayit wants, by disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority.

Civil war: A violent conflict between opposing groups within a country that becomes so intense that itappears like a war.

Prudential: Based on prudence, or on careful calculation of gains and losses. Prudential decisions areusually contrasted with those decisions based purely on moral considerations.

Jurisdiction: The area over which someone has legal authority. The area may be defined in terms ofgeographical boundaries or in terms of certain kinds of subjects

Coalition government: A government formed by the coming together of at least two political parties.Usually partners in a coalition form a political alliance and adopt a common programme.

Civil Rights Movement in the USA (1954-1968) refers to a set of events and reform movements aimed atabolishing legal racial discrimination against African-Americans. Led by Martin Luther King Jr., this

movement practiced non-violent methods of civil disobedience against racially discriminatory laws and

practices.

African-American, Afro-American, Black American, or Black are the terms used to refer mainly to thedescendants of Africans who were brought into America as slaves between the 17

thcentury and early 19

th

century.

The Black Power movement emerged in 1966 and lasted till 1975, which was a more militant anti-racistmovement, advocating even violence if necessary to end racism in the US.

Homeogenous society: A society that has similar kinds of people, especially where there are no significantethnic differences.

Migrant: Anybody who shifts from one region or country to another region within a country or to anothercountry, usually for work or other economic opportunities.

Sexual division of labour: A system in which all work inside the home is either done by the women of thefamily, or organised by them through the domestic helpers.

Feminist: A woman or a man who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men. Patriarchy: Literally, rule by father, this concept is used to refer to a system that values men more and

gives them power over women.

Urbanisation: Shift of population from rural areas to urban areas Occupational mobility: Shift from one occupation to another, usually when a new generation takes up occupations other

than those practiced by their ancestors. Caste hierarchy: A ladder like formation in which all the caste groups are placed from the highest to the

lowest castes.

Maoists: Those communists who believe in the ideology of Mao, the leader of the Chinese revolution.They seek to overthrow the government through an armed revolution so as to establish the rule of the

peasants and workers.

Partisan: A person who is strongly committed to a party, group or faction. Partisanship is marked by atendency to take a side and inability to take a balanced view on an issue.

Defection: Changing party allegiance from the party on which a person got elected (to a legislative body)to a different party.

Affidavit: A signed document submitted to an officer, where a person makes a sworn statement regardingher personal information.

ncerts glossary 5

Documents