Secularism Flashcards
What are the three main examples of inter-religious domination?
- More than 2700 Sikhs killed in Delhi and other parts of the country.
- Thousands of Hindu Kashmiri Pandit is forced to leave their homes in Kashmir Valley.
- More than 1000 Muslim killed during post-Godhra riots
When were the post Godhra riots?
2022 Gujarat
In the examples above of sikhs , Hindus and Muslims what is observed?
The basic freedom of a set of citizens is denied
What reflects inter-religious domination?
When the members of one community are TARGETED and VICTIMISED on account of their religious identity
Give examples of inter-religious domination in Hinduism
- Dalits have been barred from entering temples.
- In some parts of the country, women cannot enter Hindu temples.
Many religions fragment into sects what does this lead to?
Sectarian violence, and persecution of minorities
So in simple terms, what is a secular society?
One free from inter-religious or intra religious domination. A secular society promotes freedom and equality WITHIN and BETWEEN religions
What is the number one step to prevent domination by any other religious group in a state?
A state must not be run by heads of any particular religion
When a state is run by heads of particular religion, what is it called?
Theocratic
What do theocratic states lack?
The lack separation between religious and political institutions
What are theocratic states known for?
- Their hierarchies.
- Oppressions.
- Reluctance to allow freedom of religion to members of other religious groups
Many non-theocratic states also have close alliance with particular region. Give two examples of this.
- In 16th century, England was not a theocratic state, but it clearly favoured Anglican church. Anglican religion was even the official religion.
- In Pakistan, the official religion is Sunni Islam.
What is the number two point of a state to prevent domination by any religious group?
A state must not only refuse to be theocratic, but also have no formal, legal alliance with any religion.
What does the western model of secularism follow?
Mutual exclusion
what does mutual exclusion say?
State will not intervene in affairs of religion and religion will not interfere in affairs of state
State and religion, both have ________
Independent jurisdiction
A state cannot aid any religious institution, true or false?
True
State cannot give __________ to educational institutions run by religious communities
Financial support
State cannot hinder the _________ as long as they are ___________
Activities of religious communities. Within the limits set by the law of the land.
Religion is a ______ matter, it is not a matter of ________
Private. State policy or law.
Indian secularism opposed the oppression of ______ and _______ within Hinduism
Dalits and Women
Indian secularism deals not only with religious freedom of _______ but also the religious freedom of __________
Individuals. Minority Communities.
In Indian model of secularism, what rights does the individuals and religious minorities have?
Individuals have right to profess the religion of his or her choice. Religious minorities have right to EXIST and MAINTAIN their own culture and educational institutions
What laws does the Indian secularism actively support?
It actively supports laws to eliminate discriminatory practises like:
1. Abolishing untouchability.
2. Banning child marriage.
3. Promotion of Inter-caste marriage.
Secularism in India means that the state is _____ to all religious groups, but not necessarily _____
Neutral. Separate.
What rights does the Indian Constitution grant all religious minorities?
The right to establish and maintain their own educational institutions, and they may receive assistance from the state.
What are the criticism of Indian secularism?
- Anti-religious.
- Western import.
- Minoritism.
- Interventionist.
- Vote bank politics.
- Impossible project.
Explain the anti-religious criticism of Indian secularism.
Secularism is against religious domination. It is not anti-religious.
Secularism promotes religious freedom and equality
Secularism in the west is focused on separating _____ and _____
Religion and government
India has developed its own version of secularism. Unlike western model, Indian secularism emphasises on what?
Indian secularism emphasises peaceful coexistence, and protecting rights of various communities
Minority rights are justified as long as these rights _______
Protect their fundamental interests
What are minority rights for?
Minority rights are to treat the minorities with the same respect and dignity with which others are treated
Minority rights should be viewed as special privileges, true or false
False
The fourth criticism interventionist, what does it claim?
It claims that secularism interferes EXCESSIVELY with religious freedom of communities
When is it a success in the case of vote bank politics?
If a politician is seeking votes because they genuinely want to help a minority group, then it is success. This is because interests of minority are being protected.
What is the criticism of Indian secularism being an impossible project?
The criticism is that people believe that secularism can’t work because people with strong religious differences will always fight.
What are the two examples that the critics have given for the impossible project criticism?
- India.
- Ottoman Empire.
In both these places, different groups live, but it was often unequal
What is the hopeful view of the Impossible project criticism?
The hopeful view is that people also believe that India’s way of practising secularism is being watched by the world. With globalisation and migration, Europe and America becoming as diverse as India. So they want to see if the Indian secularism is a success as it might give them ideas for solving their own challenges.
