Understanding Secularism Online Test 8th Social Science Lesson 15 Questions in English

India is a land of multi-religious and multi-cultural beliefs. It is the birth place of four major religions; Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. In India people of diverse religions and beliefs have been living peacefully for a long time.

India is a country of diverse religions and beliefs have been living peacefully for a long time. Modern nation states 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.Ambedkaŕ 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.

The term Secularism is derived from the Latin word ‘Saeculum' which means the spirit of an age.

The term Secularism is derived from the Latin word ‘Saeculum ‘ meaning an age or ‘the spirit of an age'. The word Secularism was coined by a British newspaper editor George Jacob Holyoake.

Secularism is an attitude of tolerance towards other religions and peaceful coexistence 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 no interference of the state in the matters of religion and vice versa. That means 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. Secularism is non-interference of the state in religious affairs and vice versa. Monotheism is the doctrine or belief that there is only one God.

The objectives of Secularism focuses on prohibition of domination of any particular religion or some members of the same community. The state does not enforce any specific religion or take away the religious freedom of individuals.

Emperor Ashoka was the first great emperor to announce that the state would not prosecute any religious sect. In his 12th Rock Edict , made an appeal not only for tolerance of all religious sects but also to develop a spirit of great respect towards them.

The Main characteristic features of a secular state are Principle of Liberty , Equality and Neutrality.

A Secular state is one which does not officially promote any one religion as the country's official religion and every religion is treated equally. It gives the citizen the right to profess, practice and propagate any faith to the freedom of their own conscience.

In a Secular state no. one is given any preferences in religious basis. The State does not discriminate based on the faith and religious practices. No Religious instructions in Educational Institutions and no tax support for any particular religion.

The Characteristic features of a Secular state describes the qualities like Principle of Liberty as permission to practice any religion. Principle of Equality as the state does not give preferences to any religion over another. Principle of Neutrality deals with the neutral policy in all religious matters.

The Secularism concept evolved in India as equal treatment of all religions. It is a part of Indian Democracy and this gives equal rights to every citizen.

The Mughal emperors were strictly following their Islamic traditions in India and they also imposed Jizya on non Muslims. Akbar was the great Emperor of Mughal who followed religious tolerance and removed the Jizya tax for non Muslims.

Akbar formed a new concept as Din-i-Ilahi, Divine Faith for discussing various religious concepts to promote religious tolerance among people. Sulh-e-Kul , peace and harmony among religions were advocated for religious toleration.

The word Secularism was not mentioned in Indian Constitution when it was adopted in 1950. Later in 1976 the word secular was incorporated in the Preamble of our Constitution.

India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic and Republic country.

The Indian Constitution provides various Fundamental Rights for all citizens. The basic aim of the constitution is to promote unity and integrity of the nation along with the individual dignity.

In 1976 the 42nd Amendment changed the description of India to Sovereign, Socialist, Secular , Democratic, Republic . It is also called as mini constitution.

According to the 1954 judgement of Ratilal panchand Gandhi vs Sate of Bombay, the court held that the freedom of conscience, the right to believe in ones faith is not merely meant for followers of one particular religion but extends to all.

A 19th century Hindu temple Khajuraho, India incorporates a Hindu spire , a Jain Cupola and a Buddhist Stupa also with a Muslim style dome in place of usual shikara.

Social equality and equal access to public areas is guaranteed by Article 15 of Indian Constitution. It states that no citizen of India shall be discriminated on the basis of religion, caste, race, sex and place of birth.

Article 16 of the Indian Constitution clause 1 states the general rule that there shall be equal opportunity for citizens in matters related to employment or appointment to any office under the state.

Freedom of religion in India is a Fundamental Right which is guaranteed by Article 25-28 of the constitution.

Article 29 of Indian Constitution clause (2) relates to admission into educational institutions which are maintained or aided by state funds. None of the citizen is prohibited for admissions in such institutions on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language or any of them. Article 26 of Indian Constitution gives every religious group a right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes, manage it’s affairs and properties as per the law.

Secular education is needed to train the youth to be good citizens. Kajuraho temple which is an example of Secularity concept belongs to 19th century.

Secularism is used to develop an attitude of appreciation and understanding others point of view and to develop the spirit of love, tolerance, co-operation, equality and sympathy.

Akbar’s tomb is situated near Agra, India. He instructed for his mausoleum to be incorporated elements from different religions including Islam and Hinduism.

Secularism in education means making public education free from any religious dominance. It gives wider vision towards life.

Akbar's Mausoleum is located at Sikandara near Agra, India.

Article 28 states that no religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution. It is adopted in Indian constitution in 1949.

In Indian Constitution Article 14 deals with equality and Article 15 discusses about discrimination cannot be done by the state. Article 16 about the equal opportunity in employment and Article 17 about the untouchability is forbidden in any form.

In Indian Constitution Right to Freedom of Religion is assured by Article 25 to Article 28. Cultural and Educational Rights deals with protection of interests of Minorities in Article 29 and 30.

The freedom as to payment of taxes for promoting any particular religion is discussed in Article 27 of Indian Constitution.