Are tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15M

While western nations follow a negative form of secularism where the state is separate from religion, in India, a positive form of secularism is followed where the state gives equal respect to all religions. Citizens are allowed to publicly wear their religious signs and symbols, and there is no official religion of India.

The Indian Constitution places great importance on secularism, reflecting the secular values of Indian society from ancient times. The Indian form of secularism is built on principles of tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism.

Tolerance as the key element of Indian form of Secularism

This implies that people from various religions and sects show respect and acceptance towards each other’s beliefs.

• India is the birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism, religions that spread a message of peace and acceptance.
• The founder of Sikhism, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, preached about universal brotherhood and acceptance.
• With a few exceptions, almost no native king coerced their subjects to convert to another religion.
• The religious tolerance policies of Mughal King Akbar and Buddhist King Ashoka are well-known examples.
• “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” a phrase from the Hindu religious text Maha Upanishad, means “the world is one family.”
• The fundamental rights enshrined in Articles 25 to 28 of the Indian Constitution guarantee every inhabitant the right to practice any religion, reflecting the state’s acceptance of all faiths. The state does not have an official religion.

Assimilation as the key element of Indian form of Secularism

Assimilation refers to the process of individuals or groups with different ethnic backgrounds being absorbed into the dominant culture of a society.

• India is a land where people of all major religions live together harmoniously. It is the birthplace of several religions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Islam arrived in India through invaders from Persia and Afghanistan, yet the new religions introduced by invaders managed to maintain their distinct identities while coexisting with the rest of society.
• When multiple religious communities coexist, they gradually begin to adopt elements of each other’s art, architecture, culture, and religion over time. For example, the fusion of Persian Islamic architecture and Indian design during the Mughal period created a unique Mughal style, which in turn influenced the Rajput paintings of Jaipur and Amber.

Pluralism as the key element of Indian form of Secularism

It signifies peaceful coexistence of people from different religions, sects, and cultures.

• India has a rich history of religious diversity and pluralism, with followers of all major religions living in harmony. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, and Jainism are all practiced in India.
• Each religion also has various sects and subgroups, such as Shaivism and Vaishnavism in Hinduism and Sunni and Shia Muslims. This diversity is reflected in the various communities living in India.
• Buddhism emerged in India in the 6th century BC, while Jainism gained popularity after the 6th century BC. Islam became prominent in India after the 10th century AD, and Sikhism was founded in the 15th century. Zoroastrianism arrived in India in the 8th century AD, and India has since become a melting pot of various religious traditions.
• Except for a few exceptions, rulers in India did not interfere with people’s religious practices, instead providing support and resources for religious purposes. This long-standing tradition of secularism has been an integral part of Indian society and culture.

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