Secularism - Concept and Historical Traces

Meaning and Concept 

Secularism is the principle of separating religion from the state, where the government does not promote or discriminate against any particular religion. In India, secularism is enshrined in the country's constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens and prohibits the state from interfering in religious practices. 

The concept of secularism in India has a unique dimension, as the country is known for its diverse religious and cultural heritage. The idea of secularism in India recognizes and respects the diversity of religions and ensures that no religion is given preferential treatment by the state. It also upholds the principle of religious tolerance, where individuals are free to practice their own religion and respect the beliefs of others. 

Secularism in India has been a fundamental part of the country's identity since its independence in 1947. The constitution of India mandates that the state will not discriminate against any citizen on the basis of religion, caste, or gender. India's secularism is a part of its "composite culture" that includes multiple religions, languages, and traditions. 

• The Constitution of India was amended in 1976 to declare India as a secular nation, through the 42nd Amendment. 
• This led to institutions recognizing and accepting all religions, enforcing parliamentary laws instead of religious laws, and respecting pluralism. 
• A secular person in India is one whose moral values are not based on any religion, but rather on rational and scientific thinking. 
• In India, secularism means giving equal status to all religions. 
• A secular state in India is one that guarantees freedom of religion for individuals and groups, treats individuals as citizens regardless of their religion, and is not constitutionally connected to any particular religion or seeks to promote or interfere with religion. 

Minorities in India 

• India is a country with a diverse population, consisting of various minority groups. 
• According to the 2011 census, minorities in India comprise approximately 19.3% of the total population. 
• The religious minorities in India include Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis. 
• Muslims are the largest religious minority in India, comprising around 14.2% of the total population. 
• Some of the linguistic minorities in India include speakers of languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Punjabi, and Marathi. 
• Many minority communities in India face various socio-economic challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, and discrimination. 
• Minority communities in India are protected under the Constitution of India, which guarantees them various fundamental rights, including the right to practice and propagate their religion, the right to equality, and the right to education. 
• The Indian government has also implemented various schemes and policies aimed at promoting the socio-economic development of minority communities in India. 

Historical Traces of Secularism 

Ancient India 

The concept of secularism is not a new concept in India and has been present in the country since ancient times. Here are some examples of secular traditions in ancient India: 

• The ancient Indian philosophy of Sankhya recognized the distinction between matter and spirit and did not associate any religious belief with it. It was a purely secular philosophy that dealt with the nature of existence and knowledge. 
• The ancient Indian emperor Ashoka (304 BCE - 232 BCE) was known for his promotion of religious tolerance and non-violence. He supported the teachings of Buddhism, but also respected other religions and did not force his beliefs on his subjects. 
• The Rigveda, which is one of the oldest texts in Indian literature, has hymns that praise different gods and goddesses, but also acknowledges the existence of a higher power beyond human comprehension. This indicates a secular approach to spirituality. 
• The ancient Indian education system, known as Gurukul, focused on imparting knowledge and skills to students, regardless of their caste, creed or religion. This was a secular approach to education. 
• The Mauryan Empire, which existed from 321 BCE to 185 BCE, had a secular administration that did not discriminate against its subjects on the basis of their religion. The emperor Chandragupta Maurya appointed officials based on their merit and not their religious affiliation. 
• These examples show that secularism has been an important part of India's ancient traditions and values, and have had a lasting impact on Indian society and culture. 

Medieval India 

During the medieval period, India was ruled by various empires and kingdoms, many of which followed secular traditions. Here are some examples of secular traditions in medieval India: 

1. Akbar the Great, who ruled the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1605, is known for his promotion of religious tolerance and syncretism. He abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims, opened up his court to scholars of different religions, and created the Din-i-Ilahi, a syncretic religion that drew from various religious traditions. 
2. The Bhakti movement, which emerged in South India in the 12th century and spread throughout the country, emphasized devotion to a personal god, rather than adherence to a particular religion or caste. It attracted people from different religious and social backgrounds, and promoted a spirit of secularism and inclusiveness. 
3. The Chola Empire, which existed from the 9th to the 13th century, had a secular administration that did not discriminate against people on the basis of their religion or caste. The Cholas built temples for different religions and supported the arts and sciences. 
4. The Vijayanagara Empire, which existed from the 14th to the 17th century, was known for its secular administration and patronage of art and culture. The empire's rulers supported various religions and cultures, and built temples, mosques, and other religious monuments. 

These examples show that secularism was an important part of medieval India's political and cultural landscape. The promotion of religious tolerance and inclusiveness, and the recognition of the value of different religious and cultural traditions, helped to shape India's diverse and pluralistic society. 

Modern India 

India's secular traditions have continued into the modern era and are reflected in various aspects of Indian society and governance. Here are some examples of secular traditions in modern India: 

During the British period in India, the concept of secularism was not well-defined or institutionalized, as the British colonial government largely followed a policy of divide-and-rule, pitting different religious and ethnic groups against each other. 

However, there were some efforts made towards promoting secular values and principles. Here are some examples: 

• The British government passed laws to abolish some discriminatory practices based on religion, such as sati, which was the practice of widows immolating themselves on their husband's funeral pyre. 
• British administrators often promoted Western education and modern values, which helped to challenge traditional religious and caste-based practices. 
• The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, was a secular organization that aimed to unite Indians of all religions and castes in their struggle for independence. 
• Some Indian leaders, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, advocated for a secular and inclusive India, where people of all religions and castes would be equal.
• The All India Muslim League, founded in 1906, was a political party that aimed to represent the interests of Muslims in India, but also espoused a vision of communal harmony and cooperation with other religious communities. 
• The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, declares India to be a secular country and guarantees the right to freedom of religion for all citizens. 
• The Indian government has established various institutions and bodies to promote religious harmony and communal peace, such as the National Commission for Minorities and the National Foundation for Communal Harmony. 
• The Indian judiciary has played a key role in upholding the secular principles of the Constitution. The Supreme Court of India has made several landmark rulings on issues such as religious conversions, uniform civil code, and communal violence. 
• India's political parties and leaders have espoused secular values and principles, and have often been critical of attempts to polarize society along religious lines. 
• Indian society is marked by its diversity and pluralism, with people from different religions, languages, and cultures living together. This diversity is celebrated through festivals, food, music, and art. 
• India has a vibrant civil society, with various non-governmental organizations working to promote social justice, human rights, and interfaith harmony.