Understanding Secularism
Class 8 | Social Science — Civics | Unit 3
Class 8 Unit 3 Civics
Unit 3 Understanding Secularism
Learning Objectives
1. To understand the meaning of secularism
2. To know the importance of secularism
3. To develop the appreciation of the rights guaranteed in the Constitution
4. To analyse the importance of secular education
5. To discuss the constitutional provisions related to secularism
India will be a land of many faiths, equally honoured and respected, but of one national outlook. - Jawaharlal Nehru
Introduction
India is a land of multi-religious faith and multi-cultural beliefs. It is the birth place of four major religions; Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. In our country people of diverse religions and beliefs have been living peacefully for a long time. Modern nationstates are multi-religious states, hence there is a need for tolerance of all religions. The concept of secularism is aimed at creating a society in which people of religious beliefs or people who do not belong to any religion can live together in harmony and peace. Rajaram Mohan Roy, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar were some of the noted individuals held high in public regards who contributed towards the spread of secularism in the various spheres of Indian society. Secularism is invaluable for a society like India which is characterised by religious diversity.
Do You Know?
The term secularism is derived from the Latin word 'saeculum' meaning 'an age' or 'the spirit of an age'. George Jacob Holyoake a British newspaper editor coined the term secularism.
What does Secularism mean?
Secularism means an attitude of tolerance towards other religions and peaceful co-existence of citizens belonging to different faiths. It is a policy of neutrality and equality by the states towards all religious communities. Secularism is the principle of separation of state and religion or more broadly no interference of the state in the matters of religion and vice-versa. This means that every citizen is free to propagate, practice, and profess their faith, change it or not have one, according to their conscience.
Atheism - is a lack of belief in god and gods.
Secularism - is non – interference of the state in religious affairs and vice-versa.
Objectives of Secularism
1. One religious group does not dominate another.
2. Some members don't dominate other members of the same religious community.
3. The state does not enforce any specific religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals.
A simple statement by poet Iqbal illustrates the secular view "Religion does not teach us animosity; We are Indians and India is our home!"
12th Rock Edict, Ashoka
Emperor Ashoka was the first great emperor to announce as early as 3rd century BC (BCE) that the state would not prosecute any religious sect. In his 12th Rock Edict, Ashoka made an appeal not only for the tolerance of all religious sects but also to develop a spirit of great respect towards them.
The Characteristic Features of a Secular State
Principle of Liberty – the state permits the practice of any religion.
Principle of Equality – the state does not give preference to any religion over another.
Principle of Neutrality – the state remains neutral in religious matter.
A secular state is the one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the country's official religion and every religion is treated equally. It gives to every citizen not only the equal right to freedom of conscience but also the right to profess, practice and propagate any faith of their own choice. The state observes an attitude of neutrally and impartiality towards all religions. In a secular state no one is given preferential treatment and the State does not discriminate any person on the basis of their religious practices and beliefs. All citizens are eligible to enter government service irrespective of their faith. There should be absolutely no religious instructions in educational institutions and no taxes to support any particular religion.
Importance of Secularism
The concept of secularism evolved in India as equal treatment of all religions. We need secular state to maintain peace and harmony between people of various religious ideologies. It is a part of democracy, which grants equal rights.
The Mughal emperor Akbar followed the policy of religious toleration. His propagation of Din-i-Illahi (Divine Faith) and Sulh-e-Kul (Peace and harmony among religions) were advocated for religious toleration.
Constitution and Secularism
Secularism is the part of Indian Constitution. The makers of the Indian Constitution were aware that a strong and united nation could be built only when all sections of people had the freedom to practice their religion. So secularism was accepted as one of the fundamental tenets for the development of democracy in India. The word secularism was not mentioned in our Constitution when it was adopted in 1950. Later on in 1976, the word secular was incorporated in the Preamble through the 42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution. (India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic) The basic aim of our Constitution is to promote unity and integrity of the nation along with individual dignity. There is no state religion in India. The state will neither establish a religion of its own nor confer any special patronage upon any particular religion. The freedom of religion guaranteed under the Indian Constitution is not confined to its citizen alone but extends to aliens also. This was pointed out by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case Ratilal Panchand V State of Bombay in 1954.
A 19th century Hindu temple in Khajuraho, India incorporates a Hindu spire, a Jain cupola, a Buddhist stupa and Muslim style dome in place of usual shikara.
The Constitution of India has the following distinguishing features
a. The state will not identify itself with or be controlled by any religion
b. The state guarantees to everyone the right to profess any religion of their own.
c. The state will not accord any preferential treatment any of them.
d. No discrimination will be shown by the state against any person on account of his religious faith.
e. It creates fraternity of the Indian people and gives assurance the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation.
The secular Indian state declares public holidays to mark the festivals of all religions.
Mosaic of Constitutional Provisions
Article 15 prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, caste, sex or place of birth etc.,
Article 16 equality of opportunity in public employment.
Article 25(1) guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice and propagate religion individually.
Article 26 Freedom to manage religious affairs
Article 27 The state shall not compel any citizen to pay any taxes for the promotion of any particular religion.
Article 28 on religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institution.
Article 29(2) A ban on discrimination in state-aided educational institution
Why do we need secular education?
Secularism in education means making public education free from any religious dominance. Children as future citizens must get education which should aim at their development of character and moral behavior irrespective of religious affiliation.
Secular education is needed
1. to remove narrow mindedness and makes dynamic and enlightened view;
2. to develop moral and humanistic outlook
3. to train the youth to be good citizen;
4. to strengthen democratic values like liberty, equality, and fraternity and co-operative living;
5. to give wider vision towards life;
6. to develop an attitude of appreciation and understanding of others point of view;
7. to develop the spirit of love, tolerance, co-operation, equality and sympathy;
8. to synthesis materialism and spiritualism.
Conclusion
The Indian State is secular and works in various ways to prevent religious domination. Secularism undoubtedly helps and aspires to enable every citizen to enjoy fully blessings of life, liberty and happiness. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights that are based on secular principles. It is one of the glowing achievement on Indian democracy. Secularism allows us to live in civility. It compels people to respect other religion. It grants equal rights to the people in respect of their religious faith. It is desirable for a country like India.
Akbar's instruction for his mausoleum was that it would incorporate elements from different religions including Islam and Hinduism
Recap
1. India is the land of multi – religious country. Hence there is a need for tolerance of all religions.
2. Secularism is the belief that no one should be discriminated on the basis of religion.
3. Secularism is very essential for the smooth functioning of a democratic country.
4. A secular state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as state religion.
5. The Indian Constitution allows individuals the freedom to live by their religious beliefs and practices.
6. The Indian state works in various ways to prevent religious domination.
Glossary
diversity the state of being diverse பன்முகத்தன்மை propagate spread and promote widely பரவச்செய் liberty freedom சுதந்திரம் equality fairness சமத்துவம் neutrality impartially நடுநிலைமை ideology doctrine சித்தாந்தம்
Evaluation
Exercise 1. Choose the correct answer
1. Secularism means
a) State is against to all religions b) State accepts only one religion c) An attitude of tolerance and peaceful co-existence on the part of citizen belonging any religion d) None of these
2. India is a land of
a) multi - religious faith b) multi - cultural beliefs c) Both (1) and (2) d) None of these
3. The Preamble of the Constitution was amended in
a) 1951 b) 1976 c) 1974 d) 1967
4. Which one of the following describes India as a secular state?
a) Fundamental Rights b) Fundamental Duty c) Directive Principles of State Policy d) Preamble of the Constitution
5. Right to freedom of religion is related to
a) Judiciary b) Parliament c) Directive principles of State Policy d) Fundamental rights
6. According to Article 28, which type of education is restricted in state aided educational institutions?
a) Religious instruction b) Moral education c) Physical education d) None above these
7. The country will be considered as a secular country, if it
a) gives importance to a particular religion b) bans religious instructions in the state – aided educational institutions. c) does not give importance to a particular religion d) bans the propagation of any religious belief. Exercise 2. Fill in the blanks
1. Religion does not teach us .
2. Secularism is a part of democracy which grants .
3. is a lack of belief in god and gods.
4. The basic aim of our constitution is to promote and .
5. Article 15 prohibits on the grounds of religion, caste, sex or place of birth.
Exercise 3. Match the following
| 1. Atheism | |
| 2. Children | |
| 3. Din-i-Illahi | |
| 4. Constitution | |
| 5. Holyoake | |
| 6. Rajaram Mohan Roy | |
Options: coined the word secularism, social reformer, lack of belief in god, future citizen, Divine faith, 1950
Exercise 4. State true or false 1. There is state religion in India 2. The term secularism has been derived from the Greek word. 3. The Mughal emperor Akbar followed the policy of religious toleration. 4. Jainism originated in China. 5. Government of India declares holidays for all religious festivals. Exercise 5. Consider the following statements and tick (✓) the appropriate answer
1. 1) Secularism is invaluable for a society like India which is characterized by religious diversity.
2) The word secularism was not mentioned in the Constitution when it was adopted in 1950.
3) Article 26 deals with payment of taxes for the promotion of any particular religion.
4) Akbar's tomb situated at Sikandara near Agra.
a) 1, 2 only b) 2, 3 only c) 4 only d) 1, 2 and 4 only
2. Assertion (A): A foreigner can practice his own religious faith in India.
Reason (R): The freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution not only for Indians but also for the aliens also.
a) A is true but R is false. b) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. c) A is false but R is true. d) Both A and R are true. R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. Assertion (A): Secularism is invaluable in India.
Reason (R): India is a multi- religious and multi- cultural country.
a) A is correct and R is the correct explanation of A. b) A is correct and R is not the correct explanation of A. c) A is wrong and R is correct. d) Both are wrong.
4. Find out the wrong pair.
a) Din-i-Illahi - A book b) Khajuraho - Hindu temple c) Ashoka - Rock Edict d) Iqbal - Poet Exercise 6. Answer the following in one or two sentences
1. Name some of the Indians who contributed to spread of secularism.
2. What does secularism mean?
3. State the objectives of secularism.
4. Why is it important to separate religion from the state?
5. What are the characteristic features of a secular state?
6. Mention any three Constitutional provisions related to secularism.
Exercise 7. Answer the following in detail
1. Why we need secular education?
2. Secularism is necessary for a country like India. Justify.
Exercise 8. HOTS
1. Will the Government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practice human sacrifice?
Exercise 9. Project and Activity
1. Look at the holidays of your school calendar. How many of them pertain to different religions? List them based on religions. What does it indicate?
2. How can you develop religious tolerance?
At home
At school
In your locality
At national level
Reference Books
1. The Constitution of India, Government of India, Ministry of Law and Justice, New Delhi.
2. Sekhar Bandyopadhyay., and Aloka Parasher Sen., Religion and Modernity in India, Oxford Publication, 2017
Internet Resources
http://legislative.gov.in constitution-of-india
http://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/part1.pdf
Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers
Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.
1. Choose the correct answer
1. Secularism means
a) State is against to all religions b) State accepts only one religion c) An attitude of tolerance and peaceful co-existence on the part of citizen belonging any religion d) None of these
Answer: c) An attitude of tolerance and peaceful co-existence on the part of citizen belonging any religion
Explanation: According to the chapter, secularism means an attitude of tolerance towards other religions and peaceful co-existence of citizens belonging to different faiths.
2. India is a land of
a) multi - religious faith b) multi - cultural beliefs c) Both (1) and (2) d) None of these
Answer: c) Both (1) and (2)
Explanation: The chapter states that India is a land of multi-religious faith and multi-cultural beliefs.
3. The Preamble of the Constitution was amended in
a) 1951 b) 1976 c) 1974 d) 1967
Answer: b) 1976
Explanation: The chapter mentions that in 1976, the word secular was incorporated in the Preamble through the 42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution.
4. Which one of the following describes India as a secular state?
a) Fundamental Rights b) Fundamental Duty c) Directive Principles of State Policy d) Preamble of the Constitution
Answer: d) Preamble of the Constitution
Explanation: The chapter states that the Preamble declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic through the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
5. Right to freedom of religion is related to
a) Judiciary b) Parliament c) Directive principles of State Policy d) Fundamental rights
Answer: d) Fundamental rights
Explanation: The chapter explains that the Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights that are based on secular principles, including freedom of religion under Articles 25 and 26.
6. According to Article 28, which type of education is restricted in state aided educational institutions?
a) Religious instruction b) Moral education c) Physical education d) None above these
Answer: a) Religious instruction
Explanation: According to the chapter, Article 28 deals with religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions.
7. The country will be considered as a secular country, if it
a) gives importance to a particular religion b) bans religious instructions in the state – aided educational institutions. c) does not give importance to a particular religion d) bans the propagation of any religious belief.
Answer: c) does not give importance to a particular religion
Explanation: The chapter explains that a secular state is one in which the state does not officially promote any one religion as the country's official religion and every religion is treated equally.
2. Fill in the blanks
1. Religion does not teach us _____.
Answer: animosity
2. Secularism is a part of democracy which grants _____.
Answer: equal rights
3. _____ is a lack of belief in god and gods.
Answer: Atheism
4. The basic aim of our constitution is to promote _____ and _____.
Answer: unity and integrity
5. Article 15 prohibits _____ on the grounds of religion, caste, sex or place of birth.
Answer: discrimination
3. Match the following
1. Match the following
| Column A | Column B |
|---|
| 1. Atheism | a. coined the word secularism |
| 2. Children | b. social reformer |
| 3. Din-i-Illahi | c. lack of belief in god |
| 4. Constitution | d. future citizen |
| 5. Holyoake | e. Divine faith |
| 6. Rajaram Mohan Roy | f. 1950 |
Answers: 1-c, 2-d, 3-e, 4-f, 5-a, 6-b
4. State true or false
1. There is state religion in India
Answer: False
2. The term secularism has been derived from the Greek word.
Answer: False
3. The Mughal emperor Akbar followed the policy of religious toleration.
Answer: True
4. Jainism originated in China.
Answer: False
5. Government of India declares holidays for all religious festivals.
Answer: True
5. Consider the following statements and tick (✓) the appropriate answer
1. 1) Secularism is invaluable for a society like India which is characterized by religious diversity. 2) The word secularism was not mentioned in the Constitution when it was adopted in 1950. 3) Article 26 deals with payment of taxes for the promotion of any particular religion. 4) Akbar's tomb situated at Sikandara near Agra.
a) 1, 2 only b) 2, 3 only c) 4 only d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect as Article 26 deals with freedom to manage religious affairs, while Article 27 deals with taxes for religion promotion.
2. Assertion (A): A foreigner can practice his own religious faith in India. Reason (R): The freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution not only for Indians but also for the aliens also.
a) A is true but R is false. b) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. c) A is false but R is true. d) Both A and R are true. R is not the correct explanation of A.
Answer: b) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The chapter mentions that freedom of religion guaranteed under the Indian Constitution extends to aliens also, as pointed out by the Supreme Court in Ratilal Panchand V State of Bombay case.
3. Assertion (A): Secularism is invaluable in India. Reason (R): India is a multi- religious and multi- cultural country.
a) A is correct and R is the correct explanation of A. b) A is correct and R is not the correct explanation of A. c) A is wrong and R is correct. d) Both are wrong.
Answer: a) A is correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The chapter states that secularism is invaluable for a society like India which is characterized by religious diversity and multi-religious faith and multi-cultural beliefs.
4. Find out the wrong pair.
a) Din-i-Illahi - A book b) Khajuraho - Hindu temple c) Ashoka - Rock Edict d) Iqbal - Poet
Answer: a) Din-i-Illahi - A book
Explanation: Din-i-Illahi refers to Divine Faith propagated by Akbar for religious toleration, not a book.
6. Answer the following in one or two sentences
1. Name some of the Indians who contributed to spread of secularism.
Answer: Rajaram Mohan Roy, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar were some of the noted individuals who contributed towards the spread of secularism in the various spheres of Indian society.
2. What does secularism mean?
Answer: Secularism means an attitude of tolerance towards other religions and peaceful co-existence of citizens belonging to different faiths. It is a policy of neutrality and equality by the states towards all religious communities.
3. State the objectives of secularism.
Answer: The objectives of secularism are: 1) One religious group does not dominate another 2) Some members don't dominate other members of the same religious community 3) The state does not enforce any specific religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals.
4. Why is it important to separate religion from the state?
Answer: Separation of religion from state ensures that every citizen is free to propagate, practice, and profess their faith, change it or not have one, according to their conscience. It prevents religious domination and maintains equality among all religious communities.
5. What are the characteristic features of a secular state?
Answer: The characteristic features of a secular state are: Principle of Liberty - the state permits the practice of any religion, Principle of Equality - the state does not give preference to any religion over another, and Principle of Neutrality - the state remains neutral in religious matters.
6. Mention any three Constitutional provisions related to secularism.
Answer: Three constitutional provisions related to secularism are: Article 25 guarantees freedom of conscience and right to profess, practice and propagate religion, Article 26 provides freedom to manage religious affairs, and Article 27 states that the state shall not compel any citizen to pay taxes for promotion of any particular religion.
7. Answer the following in detail
1. Why we need secular education?
Answer: Secular education is needed to remove narrow mindedness and make dynamic and enlightened views, to develop moral and humanistic outlook, to train the youth to be good citizens, to strengthen democratic values like liberty, equality, and fraternity and co-operative living, to give wider vision towards life, to develop an attitude of appreciation and understanding of others point of view, to develop the spirit of love, tolerance, co-operation, equality and sympathy, and to synthesis materialism and spiritualism. Secularism in education means making public education free from any religious dominance so that children as future citizens get education which aims at their development of character and moral behavior irrespective of religious affiliation.
2. Secularism is necessary for a country like India. Justify.
Answer: Secularism is necessary for India because it is a land of multi-religious faith and multi-cultural beliefs where people of diverse religions have been living peacefully. India is the birthplace of four major religions - Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Secularism is invaluable for a society like India which is characterized by religious diversity. We need a secular state to maintain peace and harmony between people of various religious ideologies. It is part of democracy which grants equal rights. The concept of secularism creates a society where people of religious beliefs or people who do not belong to any religion can live together in harmony and peace. Secularism allows us to live in civility and compels people to respect other religions while granting equal rights to people in respect of their religious faith.
8. HOTS
1. Will the Government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practice human sacrifice?
Answer: Yes, the government will intervene because while the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, it also ensures that one religious group does not dominate another and protects individual dignity. Human sacrifice violates fundamental rights and human dignity, which the Constitution aims to protect along with unity and integrity of the nation.
📝 Summary
- Secularism means an attitude of tolerance towards other religions and peaceful co-existence of citizens belonging to different faiths, with the principle of separation of state and religion.
- India is a multi-religious land that is the birthplace of four major religions: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism, making secularism invaluable for religious diversity.
- The objectives of secularism include ensuring one religious group does not dominate another, preventing domination within religious communities, and ensuring the state does not enforce any specific religion.
- Emperor Ashoka was the first great emperor to announce in the 3rd century BC that the state would not prosecute any religious sect, as mentioned in his 12th Rock Edict.
- A secular state operates on three principles: Liberty (permits practice of any religion), Equality (no preference to any religion), and Neutrality (remains neutral in religious matters).