2. Secularism is the principle of the
separation of government institutions and
persons mandated to represent the
state from religious
institutions and religious dignitaries. One
manifestation of secularism is asserting
the right to be free from religious rule and
teachings, or, in a state declared to be
neutral on matters of belief, from the
imposition by government of religion or
religious practices upon its people.
3. Secularism in India means equal treatment
of all religions by the state.
Unlike the Western concept
of secularism which envisions a separation of
religion and state, the concept of secularism in
India envisions acceptance of religious laws as
binding on the state, and equal participation of
state in different religions.
4. Indian religions are
known to have co-
existed and evolved
together for many
centuries before
the arrival of Islam in the
12th century, followed
by Mughal and colonial e
ra. Ashoka about 2200
years ago, Harsha about
1400 years ago accepted
and patronized different
religions.
Ellora Caves: The 35 caves were
carved into the vertical face of the
Charanandri hills between the 5th and
10th centuries. The 12 Buddhist caves,
17 Hindu caves and 5 Jain caves, built
in proximity, suggest religious co-
existence and secular sentiments for
diversity prevalent during pre-Islamic
period of Indian history.
5. Akbar's tomb at
Sikandra, near Agra
India. Akbar's
instruction for his
mausoleum was
that it incorporate
elements from
different religions
including Islam and
Hinduism.
6. A Hindu temple in
Jaipur, India merging
the traditional tiered
tower of Hinduism,
the pyramid stupa of
Buddhism and the
dome of Islam. The
marble sides are
carved with figures of
Hindu deities, as well
as Christian Saints
and Jesus Christ.
7. It has been almost 66 years; we celebrated
freedom from the British. But how bad things
still are, can be ascertained by this picture
showing breakage of secularism.
