Secularisation

2.1 Definition and Theories

Secularisation is the historical process in which religion progressively loses its public authority and social functions. The term was popularised by Peter Berger (The Sacred Canopy, 1967) and Bryan Wilson (1966).

Key dimensions of secularisation:

1. Institutional differentiation: Religion separated from politics, law, education, science.
2. Decline of religious practice: Falling church/temple attendance in industrialised countries.
3. Privatisation of faith: Religion becomes a personal, private matter rather than a public authority.
4. Rationalisation (Max Weber): Science and rational thought replace magical/religious worldview (Entzauberung — disenchantment of the world).

The Indian paradox: India is simultaneously modernising and experiencing a religious revival. The 2011 Census showed ~80% of Indians actively practise religion. However, institutional secularisation has occurred — courts operate on rational-legal authority, not divine law; elections are conducted on the basis of citizenship, not religious status.

2.2 Indian Secularism — A Distinct Model

Unlike the French laïcité (complete separation of state and religion) or the American wall of separation, India's secularism involves:

• State non-interference in personal religious practice (Art. 25–26).
• State intervention to reform regressive religious practices (Hindu Code Bills, abolition of untouchability).
• Equal respect for all religions rather than strict neutrality.

Western Secularism	Indian Secularism
Complete church-state separation	Equal respect + selective intervention
Religion = private matter	Religion = respected but constitutionally regulated
State neutrality	State can reform religion (e.g., Hindu Succession Act 1956)
Laïcité (France)	Sarva Dharma Sambhav

Counter-secularisation: The Hindutva movement (RSS founded 1925, BJP founded 1980), Islamism, Khalistan — all represent attempts to re-inject religion into the political sphere. Communalism — where religion becomes the basis of political identity and conflict — is India's primary challenge to secularism.

2.3 Secularisation — Constitutional Provisions

• Article 25: Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion.
• Article 26: Freedom to manage religious affairs (including establishing/maintaining institutions for religious/charitable purposes).
• Article 27: No person can be compelled to pay taxes for promotion of any religion.
• Article 28: No religious instruction in state-funded educational institutions.
• Article 44 (DPSP): Uniform Civil Code — not yet enacted (Goa has a common civil code; others follow personal laws).

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