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Difference between Indian Secularism and Western Secularism
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The key difference between Western Secularism and Indian Secularism is that, in Indian society, secularism refers to treating all religions equally and without bias among its members. On the other hand, Western Secularism refers to Western civilization’s separation of state and religion and worldwide religious freedom. While the historical legacy of Western civilization has resulted in the establishment of a style of secularism that stresses the separation of church and state, India’s past has generated a different conclusion. India has no discernible divide between state and religion, with the government investing equally in all religions.
In Western society, laws are made in isolation from religious principles. However, in India, the law seeks to accommodate the multiple religious principles that followers of different religions adhere to. This topic is important to cover the Indian society notes for the UPSC Prelims syllabus and GS Paper 2 under UPSC Mains Syllabus, considering the significant impact on vulnerable sections in India.
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Difference between Indian Secularism and Western Secularism
Following table talks about major Differences between Indian Secularism and Western Secularism
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Difference between Indian Secularism and Western Secularism |
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Western Secularism |
Indian Secularism |
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Secularism in Western society refers to the complete separation of state and religion, as well as universal religious freedom. |
Secularism in Indian society refers to the treatment of all religions equally and without prejudice between its adherents. |
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While western civilization’s historical inheritance has led to the development of a brand of secularism that emphasizes the separation of church and state, India’s past has produced a different result. |
In India, there is no clear line between state and religion, and government involvement in religious activities is not prohibited. Both the state and religion in India can, and frequently do, engage and intervene in each other’s affairs within legally mandated and judicially established bounds. |
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Religion has been consigned to the private domain and has no place in public life. |
All forms of religious expression are equally supported by the state. |
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In addition, legislation in Western civilization is made apart from religious considerations. |
However, in India, the law strives to accommodate the various religious precepts to which adherents of various religions subscribe. |
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According to the Western paradigm, the state cannot provide financial support to religiously run educational institutions. |
In India, all religious minorities have the right to build and run their own educational institutions, which may receive government funding. |
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The concept of Western secularism opposes the open expression of religion outside of places of worship. |
In India, the state supports every kind of religious expression equally. |
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In the Western paradigm, the state does not intervene in religious matters until religion is operating within the legal framework. |
On the other side, in Indian secularism, the state must intervene in religion to eliminate evils. |
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There is clear distinction between state and religion. |
There is no clever distinction between state and religion in India. |
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Due to the State’s religious homogeneity, the focus is more on intra religion dominance than interreligious dominance. |
Because Indian civilization is multi-religious, with multiple religious denominations and castes beneath each, it is important to focus on both interreligious and intra-religious denominations. |
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What is Secularism?
Secularism is a concept that refers to the separation of religion from state affairs, where the state is neutral and does not promote any particular religion or belief system. The phrase “secular” refers to being “agnostic” to religion or lacking a religious foundation. In a secular society, individuals are free to practice their religion or belief system without interference or discrimination from the state, and the state is responsible for protecting the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Secularism is often associated with religious freedom and pluralism, where individuals can believe, practice and express their religious or non-religious beliefs without coercion or persecution.
Study Important Articles of the Constitution of India here.
The Western model
- Mutual exclusion of state and religion, a fundamental distance of state from religion, and no illegitimate incursion of religion into the state are all examples of separate spheres with autonomous jurisdiction.
- The state is unable to assist religious organizations. The state cannot obstruct religious communities’ activities as long as they remain within the broad parameters established by the law of the territory.
Attempt the Multiple Choice Questions on Indian Polity here!
The Indian model
- Within Hinduism, Indian secularism was equally opposed to the oppression of Dalits and women. It also condemns discrimination against women in Indian Islam or Christianity and any dangers to minority religious communities’ rights that a majority community might pose.
- “Equal protection by the state for all religions,” Nehru believed. He envisioned a secular society that “protects all religions, but does not favour one over others, and does not establish any religion as the state religion.”
- Secularism in India is significantly different from secularism in the West. It is not solely concerned with Church-State separation, and inter-religious equality is central to the Indian vision.
- In India, there was already a culture of inter-religious ‘tolerance.’ Tolerance and religious dominance are mutually exclusive. It may give everyone some space, but such independence is usually restricted.
Check the Other Notes of Polity for Competitive Exams here.
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Difference Between Western Secularism and Indian Secularism for UPSC Exams: FAQs
What is secularism in India?
In India, secularism refers to the separation of religion and state. For Muslim Indians, religious regulations in the personal domain exist, and the state currently partially funds specific religious schools, such as religious indoctrination schools.
What is Secularism in the West?
Religion is relegated entirely to the private sphere in the western concept of secularism, with no place in public life.
Is India a really secular nation?
The 42nd Amendment, ratified in 1976, added the adjective "secular" to the Preamble. It indicates that there will be no state religion and that all religions will be respected equally.
What does it mean to be non-secular? Give specific examples.
Non-secular states have an official state religion, and other religions are not always given equal weight. Saudi Arabia, for example, is an officially Muslim country.
Why do we require secularism?
Secularism permits members of different religions to coexist peacefully without fear of the majority. It protects democracy by limiting the majority's authority. It promotes national unity.