History of Secularism

The concept of secularism in India has undergone significant changes over the years, with various notable developments taking place throughout its evolution. From constitutional provisions to legal reconfigurations, distinct phases have contributed to the country’s secular outlook.

Secularism has deep roots in India and can take different forms in ancient, medieval, and modern periods. Hence, tracing the roots and modifications that evolved Indian secularism can signify an understanding of its current status. Here are some of the key development and changes in Indian secularism over the years:

Secularism in Ancient India

Indian religions are known to have coexisted and evolved together for many years prior to the entrance of Islam in the 12th century, followed by Mughal and colonial rule. In ancient India, the Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism) was essentially permitted to flourish as a holistic religion by accepting and attempting to merge various spiritual traditions into a single mainstream. Hinduism’s religious diversity is exemplified by the formation of four Vedas, as well as numerous interpretations of the Upanishads and Puranas. The Ellora cave temples, for example, exhibit the coexistence of religions and a spirit of acceptance of diverse faiths. They were built next to each other between the 5th and 10th centuries.

Ruler Ashoka was the first major emperor to vow that the state would not persecute any religious sect as early as the third century B.C. Ashoka recommended not only tolerance of all religious factions but also a deep respect for them in his 12th Rock Edict. Secularism in India dates back to the Indus Valley culture. In these urban civilizations, dance and music were secular. People in ancient India had religious freedom, and the state provided citizenship to anybody who practiced Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, or any other faith.

Secularism in Medieval India

The Sufi and Bhakti movements in medieval India helped to re-establish India’s secular nature. They promote secularism’s various facts in society, such as tolerance, brotherhood, universalism, harmony, and peace. Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti, Baba Farid, Saint Kabir Das, Guru Nanak Dev, Saint Tukaram, and Mira Bai were the forerunners of these movements. The state was known for religious tolerance and freedom of religion under the Mughal ruler Akbar. The Ibadat Khana (house of worship) in Fatehpur Sikri was built to promote religious unity by allowing different religious leaders to express their opinions in one area. This assembly included theologians from the Brahmins, Jains, and Zoroastrians.

Secularism in Modern India

Following Aurangzeb’s death, the East India Company and the British Raj seized control of India. Even though the British East India Company followed a policy of divide and rule, the Indian liberation movement deepened and expanded the spirit of secularism. To some extent, the divide-and-rule approach contributed to communal strife among distinct populations. Here are a few examples:

1. During the partition of Bengal in 1905, this policy was implemented.
2. The Indian Councils Act of 1909 established separate electorates for Muslims.
3. In certain places, the provision was enlarged by the Government of India Act 1919 to cover Sikhs, Indian Christians, Europeans, and Anglo-Indians.

Secularism refers to the separation of religion from the political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of life, and religion to be treated as a personal matter.