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Secularization in India and its Social Implications

In the context of modern India, secularization is a significant social change that is not only occurring within the country but also in Western nations. The term secularization was initially used in Europe in 1648, referring to the transfer of church properties to the control of princes. It denotes the gradual decrease of religious influence on various aspects of social life.
Secularization, as defined by Bryan Wilson (1966), is the process in which religious thinking, practice, and institutions lose their social significance. Peter Berger (1973:113) uses the term to describe the process by which sectors of society and culture are removed from the domination of religious institutions and symbols. O Dea (1966: 8186) identifies secularization as the process by which religion loses its influence within groups and societies. Srinivas (1995:126) states that secularization implies the transformation of previously religious aspects into non-religious ones, as well as the differentiation process that results in various aspects of socioeconomic, political, legal, and moral becoming increasingly distinct from each other. Y. Singh (1991: 115) views secularization as a sub-process of modernization.
Larry Shenner (1971) highlights that there is a lack of consensus on the definition of secularization. After reviewing contemporary literature, Shenner identifies five different ways in which the term has been defined:

• The tendency to conform to worldly ways.
• The process of separation between religion and state.
• The process of transposition of religious norms and orientation, wherein their content is preserved to some extent but is considered a purely human creation.
• The process of individualization of religion.
• The decline in the authority of the church or any centralized body managing the affairs of a religion.

In light of the aforementioned definitions, the key features of secularization can be summarized as follows:

• Decrease in religious influence: Secularization is marked by a decline in religiosity, as society transitions from sacred to secular. The term 'secular' itself signifies a lack of faith in religious beliefs and practices. There is a reduced influence of religious institutions over individuals' thoughts and actions. However, Bellah argues that this change does not necessarily imply a decline in personal religious beliefs and commitments. Instead, collective religious practices have given way to individualized religious pursuits, as religion becomes a personal search for meaning.
• Emphasis on rationalism: Rationalism is a crucial aspect of secularization. David Martin defines secularization as a predominantly rationalistic or empiricist framework of thought. Rationalism involves replacing traditional beliefs and ideas with modern knowledge, and it aims to regulate individual and social life according to principles of reason, eliminating irrational elements. In a secular society, individuals are guided not by faith or emotion, but by logical thinking, leading to a scientifically-based social life that dismisses religious influences. Faith is replaced by reason, and secular individuals seek to understand cause-and-effect relationships in various events.

• Adoption of a scientific outlook: Another significant characteristic of secularization is the development of a scientific worldview. Individuals analyze events based on cause and effect rather than fate or inevitability. Consequently, social occurrences are examined through a scientific lens. As science progresses, so does secularism, potentially rendering religious faith obsolete. What were once considered 'mysteries' can now be understood and managed through scientific methods rather than religious devotion.
• Increased differentiation in social life: Secularization leads to greater differentiation between various aspects of social life. While religion was traditionally interwoven with economic, political, legal, and ethical aspects of life, secularization has caused these areas to become increasingly separate from one another, independent of religious influence. This differentiation is evident in the distinction between church and state, as well as the Indian concept of a secular state.

As society becomes more secular, individuals are encouraged to adopt a secularized consciousness, viewing life without the influence of religious interpretations. The secular individual perceives nature as an object rather than a mysterious force and stops relying on divine intervention to achieve their goals. Instead, they strive to understand and control nature for their own benefit, focusing on human-centered values rather than divine-centered beliefs.

Process of Secularization in India

The process of secularization in India began primarily due to British influence during their rule. The deeply ingrained religious beliefs and traditions in Indian society started to transform as a result of factors such as urbanization, improved communication, increased mobility, and the spread of education, which facilitated the development of a secular outlook.

• In the 19^th century, there was a movement to reinterpret orthodox Hinduism and reduce its focus on pollution and ritualism. Efforts were made to emphasize the core principles of Hinduism, with the belief that addressing ritualism and pollution would contribute to the spread of secularism. Mahatma Gandhi played a crucial role in promoting secular ideals, which later formed the foundation of the Indian constitution. As a result, India has been declared a secular state, with all adult citizens granted equal voting rights regardless of their religion, sex, or caste. Additionally, various development programs have been implemented to benefit all sections of society.
• The Indian government has also played a significant role in promoting secularism within Hinduism through legislation. For instance, laws have been enacted to combat untouchability and regulate the administration of Hindu temples and monasteries. District Commissioners have been granted the authority to ensure that donations collected by religious institutions are not misused.

Causes of Secularization in India

• Impact of modern education: Western culture, literature, and thoughts have heavily influenced the outlook and philosophy of Indian youth through modern education. As a result, educated individuals are losing faith in religious rituals and ceremonies, leading to the gradual growth of secularization.
• Social reform movements: Organizations such as the Arya Samaj, the Brahmo Samaj, The Prarthana Samaj, the Ramakrishna Mission, the Theosophical Society of India, and Sarvodaya have worked towards eliminating untouchability, casteism, child marriages, and the sati system from Hindu society. In doing so, these movements have challenged religious faith and dogmas, promoting secularization in the country.
• Development of transport and communication: The expansion of social contact due to advancements in transport and communication has led to a more liberal Indian outlook, thereby accelerating secularization.
• Social laws for reform: Laws such as the Hindu Marriage Act, the Divorce Act, the Removal of Untouchability Act, the Prohibition of Dowry Act, and the Prohibition of Sati System have influenced religious beliefs and traditions, fostering secularization.
• Influence of popular media: Movies like PK and Oh My God! have questioned blind faith and criticized religious leaders, contributing to the growth of secularism.

• Industrialization and urbanization: In large-scale industries, workers of different religions come together, promoting cultural exchange and reducing religious narrowness. Urbanization leads to individuals losing contact with orthodox society and adopting modern, secular values.
• Western culture and materialism: The growing influence of western culture has encouraged materialism, individualism, logic, and liberalism, strengthening secularism.
• Lack of religious organization among Hindus: The diverse sects and faiths among Hindus, along with smaller religious groups, have contributed to the process of secularization.
• Shift in Indian culture: Indian culture is becoming less religion-oriented, with various cultural activities being organized on democratic, scientific, and worldly grounds, promoting secularization.
• Occupational freedom and government policies: Occupations are no longer based on birth, and economic aspects are prioritized, creating an atmosphere in favor of secularization. The secular government of India does not patronize any religion, reducing the influence and activities of religious organizations.

Obstacles to Secularization

Religion has significantly influenced the political sphere in India, with fundamentalists transforming into political groups aiming to promote their religion and community interests. Political parties such as the Hindu Mahasabha, RSS, and BJP champion Hinduism, while Muslim fundamentalists have parties like JamateIslami. Sikhs have several factions of the Akali Dal, which are fundamentally religious in nature. Although Buddhism and Jainism remain aloof from politics, religion continues to be a significant factor in India's political arena despite secular ideals and efforts to reduce traditional caste and religion-based groupings.

• Mass media has propagated secular values, but has also been used to popularize religious beliefs, such as TV serials on Zoroastrianism, The Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. There are constant attempts to reinterpret religion in terms of modern needs and issues, making it difficult to gauge the extent of secularization in Indian society.
• Ayyub maintains that in a country like India, where major religions like Hinduism and Islam permeate all aspects of life, segregation between religion and state is nearly impossible. The Indian constitution guarantees freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health. This clause allows the Indian state to interfere with existing religious practices, leading to significant modifications in Hinduism.
• Secularization has been more evident among Hindus than other religious groups in India. Srinivas highlights that Hinduism has undergone reforms to remove untouchability and other discriminatory practices. Additionally, Hindus lack a central, nationwide religious body, and the breakdown of traditional closed communities has contributed to the difficulty in collectively practicing Hindu religious beliefs and rituals.
• In pluralistic societies like India, religious fundamentalism often clashes with national interests, leading to religion becoming a disintegrating force rather than an integrating one. Several concessions have been given to religious minorities, such as allowing polygamy and traditional divorce laws for Muslims, and permitting religious organizations to run their own schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions. This has hindered the spread of secularization in India.
• Religious beliefs are often instilled in young minds before they can critically understand or appreciate their meaning. Children taught in religious institutions rarely enjoy the freedom to critically accept or reject beliefs as adults. By offering material rewards, these institutions manage to support a considerable clientele.
• However, there is a decline in religion's interference in public issues due to modern influences. Despite the revival of religious fundamentalism, many people educated in secular traditions believe religion should be an individual's personal matter. As long as it remains at the individual level as a matter of private faith, there is no danger of collision between religious and national interests.

Impact of Secularization on the Ideas of Purity and pollution

• The concepts of purity and pollution have played a significant role in shaping Hindu social life throughout history. Purity refers to cleanliness, while pollution denotes uncleanliness, defilement, impurity, and sinfulness. Traditionally, the caste system in Hindu society was based on the perceived ritual purity or impurity of various castes, with higher-ranked castes considered more ritually pure than lower ones.
• To maintain their superiority, higher castes would avoid contact with lower castes, adhering to strict rules related to occupations, food, drink, and other aspects of daily life. This led to the classification of occupations as pure or impure, with manual jobs involving handling of unclean materials considered impure. Additionally, certain food items such as meat, eggs, and alcohol were deemed ritually impure.
• In contemporary times, however, the significance of these ideas of purity and pollution in Hindu social life has considerably diminished. The practice of untouchability has largely disappeared, with people from different castes interacting freely in various spheres of life, including workplaces and social gatherings. Urbanization has compelled many individuals to abandon traditional caste norms and adopt more inclusive practices, fostering greater interaction and cooperation among different castes.
• Furthermore, the emergence of tea shops and coffee houses has contributed to breaking down caste barriers, as people from different castes mingle and share food and beverages without concern for ritual purity or pollution. Overall, the importance of purity and pollution in Hindu social life has significantly decreased, paving the way for a more inclusive and egalitarian society.

Impact of Secularization on Life Cycle Rituals

• The impact of secularization on life cycle rituals can be observed in the changes that have taken place in traditional practices among different communities, particularly among Hindus. Life cycle rituals, or sanskars, such as naming ceremonies, first tonsure, annual rituals, and changing of the sacred thread, which were once considered essential, are now either ignored or carried out in a less formal manner. For instance, puberty rituals for girls have been shortened and simplified.
• In South India, the custom of Brahmin widows shaving their heads has become obsolete. Furthermore, widow remarriage, which was once prohibited, is now accepted in society. Traditional wedding rituals have also been modified and condensed, making them less time-consuming and more practical for modern lifestyles.
• Many educated Brahmins have abandoned daily rituals such as prayer, fasting, and sacrifices, indicating a process known as de-Sanskritization. This reflects the influence of secularization on religious practices and beliefs, as more individuals prioritize practicality and personal beliefs over strict adherence to traditional customs.

Other Impacts of Secularization

• Impact of Secularization on Monasteries: Secularization has had a negative impact on monasteries by taking away their landed property through land reform measures. The authority of the abbot has been significantly diminished, resulting in a weakened economic foundation for the monasteries and a loss of religious autonomy. Nowadays, abbots often have to seek financial support from their followers for their sustenance. Furthermore, many monastic leaders have become allies with contemporary politicians.
• Impact of Secularization on the Motives behind Pilgrimage: In the past, devout Hindus believed that they should undertake a pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime to fulfill their religious aspirations. However, this religious motivation has largely diminished today. Although the frequency of pilgrimages has increased, the primary objective has shifted from earning spiritual merit to sightseeing, shopping, or enjoying a leisurely trip.
• Impact of Secularization on Caste: The rigid caste system that has existed for centuries has undergone significant changes due to secularization. The notion of untouchability is gradually fading, and caste is no longer considered the sole determinant of one's social position. Instead, factors such as education, wealth, efficiency, and ability have emerged as the determining factors. Restrictions related to food, drink, and lifestyle based on caste are also becoming less rigid, and people are not strictly adhering to traditional caste occupations.
• Impact of Secularization on Village Life: Secularization has influenced various aspects of village life. Some of the noticeable changes include the decline of power held by caste panchayats, which are now often used for political purposes rather than for social objectives. The significance of wealth has increased, leading to a decreased emphasis on religion. Villages are witnessing rapid changes in food habits, living standards, and lifestyles. Religious festivals have lost their spiritual essence, and villagers are more focused on education and political awareness. The grip of traditions and superstitions is gradually loosening.
• Impact of Secularization on Family and Marriage: Secularization has brought about significant changes in the Hindu family system. Many villagers are migrating to urban and industrial areas, establishing their families in social and cultural environments that are vastly different from their native places. Traditional knowledge of rituals and practices is becoming scarce, as there are fewer elders who are well-versed in these customs. The spread of education among women has led to a situation where young girls do not have time to learn traditional rituals from their mothers and grandmothers.

The impact of secularization on marriage customs is also becoming more apparent. The introduction of divorce provisions and civil contracts has transformed marriage from a religious bond to a personal affair. The practice of dowry has increased dramatically, turning marriage into an economic transaction. The phenomenon of giving and taking dowry has spread to scheduled castes as well. Overall, the impact of secularization in India has been significant, but this does not imply that religion will completely disappear from society.

Secularism in India

Secularism, a concept of Western origin, refers to the separation of religion from state affairs, ensuring equal treatment of all religions by the government. In India, secularism has a unique connotation, encompassing equal respect for all religions and accommodating religious sensibilities of all, particularly minorities. This concept is crucial for a multi-religious country like India, where the coexistence of diverse religious communities is essential for harmony and national integration.

• Historically, India has been a sanctuary for multiple religious communities. Even during Muslim rule, there was a policy of tolerance and coexistence, with Hindu and Muslim rulers maintaining a neutral stance towards religious life. The British, too, introduced concepts of state neutrality towards religion and equality before the law, which later served as the basis for the modern secular state in India.
• The Indian Constitution enshrines secularism as a fundamental principle, stating that the state shall not establish or practice any religion, public revenue will not be used to promote any religion, and the state has the power to regulate any secular activity associated with religious practices. The Supreme Court of India has emphasized that secularism ensures no discrimination on the grounds of religion, treating the devout, agnostic, and atheist alike.
• However, the implementation of secular ideals faces several challenges in India. Firstly, the problem of implementing a uniform civil code, which would integrate members of all religious communities into one common citizenship, remains unresolved. Secondly, politics in India is often mixed with religion, with religious divisiveness exploited for political gain, leading to communal riots and hindering the establishment of a truly secular state.
• Additionally, cultural practices of the majority Hindu community can create misunderstandings among minority groups, with Hindu cultural symbols sometimes equated with national culture. Furthermore, limited interpretation of secularism has allowed religious identities and subcultural differences to persist, distancing communities from one another. Psychological insecurity among minority groups also contributes to the perception of discrimination.
• Lastly, secularism faces a significant challenge from the rise of communalism and religious fundamentalism. Communal politics and demands for religion to be declared as a state religion threaten the foundations of secularism in India.

To overcome these challenges and promote secularism, education is emphasized as a means of fostering secular values and attitudes. However, education alone cannot counteract obscurantism, superstition, and fundamentalism. Voluntary agencies and social movements must mobilize public opinion for secularization, and political campaigns must be launched to fight the forces of communalism to establish a healthy, secular democracy in India.

Conclusion

Secularization in India has brought about significant social changes, transforming religious beliefs, practices, and institutions. The process has led to a decline in religious influence, an emphasis on rationalism and scientific thinking, and increased differentiation in various aspects of social life. However, challenges persist in the implementation of secular ideals, with politics and religion often intertwined, and the rise of communalism and religious fundamentalism posing a threat to secularism. Efforts must be made to foster secular values and attitudes through education and social movements, and to counteract obscurantism, superstition, and fundamentalism in order to establish a healthy, secular democracy in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Secularisation

What is secularization and how does it relate to modern India?

Secularization is the process in which religious thinking, practice, and institutions lose their social significance, leading to a decline in religiosity and the influence of religious institutions over individuals' thoughts and actions. In modern India, secularization has been influenced by factors such as urbanization, improved communication, increased mobility, and the spread of education, which facilitated the development of a secular outlook.

What are the key features of secularization?

The key features of secularization include a decrease in religious influence, an emphasis on rationalism, the adoption of a scientific outlook, and increased differentiation in social life.

How did the process of secularization in India begin?

The process of secularization in India began primarily due to British influence during their rule. The deeply ingrained religious beliefs and traditions in Indian society started to transform as a result of factors such as urbanization, improved communication, increased mobility, and the spread of education, which facilitated the development of a secular outlook.

What are some obstacles to secularization in India?

Obstacles to secularization in India include the influence of religion on politics, the persistence of traditional caste and religion-based groupings, religious fundamentalism, psychological insecurity among minority groups, and the rise of communalism.

How can secularism be promoted in India?

To promote secularism in India, education is emphasized as a means of fostering secular values and attitudes. However, education alone cannot counteract obscurantism, superstition, and fundamentalism. Voluntary agencies and social movements must mobilize public opinion for secularization, and political campaigns must be launched to fight the forces of communalism to establish a healthy, secular democracy in India.