Secularism – Class 11 Political Science notes, important questions and MCQs

Chapter overview

Secularism is the principle that the state should not be controlled by any religion and should treat all religions with equal respect, while protecting freedom of religion and preventing domination by one religious group over another. The Western model emphasises strict separation of state and religion, while Indian secularism follows principled distance, allowing the state to intervene to promote equality and reform.

Meaning of secularism

• Secularism opposes inter-religious domination (one religion dominating others) and intra-religious domination (domination within a religion, such as caste or gender discrimination).
• A secular state is not run by religious leaders, does not have an official religion, and does not discriminate on the basis of religion.
• It protects freedom of religion, including the right to profess, practise and propagate one's faith.

Western and Indian models

• The Western (mainly American) model follows mutual exclusion: the state does not interfere in religion and religion does not interfere in the state.
• The Indian model, described as principled distance (Rajeev Bhargava), keeps a distance from all religions but allows the state to intervene to promote equality and reform, such as abolishing untouchability or regulating religious institutions.
• Indian secularism also supports minority rights, such as the right of minorities to run educational institutions.

Constitutional provisions and criticisms

• Articles 25–28 guarantee freedom of religion; the word 'secular' was added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment (1976).
• Criticisms include that it is anti-religious, Western import, minoritism, interventionist, or vote-bank politics.
• Supporters respond that it is the best way to ensure equality and peace in a deeply diverse society.

Key terms

Secularism

the principle that the state does not favour any religion and treats all equally

Inter-religious domination

domination of one religious community over others

Intra-religious domination

domination within a religious community, such as caste or gender oppression

Principled distance

the Indian approach of keeping distance from religions while intervening for equality and reform

Mutual exclusion

the Western model in which state and religion stay completely separate

Important questions with answers

Quick revision

• Opposes inter- and intra-religious domination.
• Western: mutual exclusion; Indian: principled distance.
• Articles 25–28; 'secular' added in 1976.
• Criticisms and responses.

Exam tips

• Compare Western and Indian secularism in a table.
• For each criticism of Indian secularism, write a short response.

Practice MCQs

1. A secular state

   1. does not favour any religion
   2. has an official religion
   3. bans all religions
   4. is ruled by priests
   Show answer

   Answer: (a) does not favour any religion. It treats all religions equally.

2. The word 'secular' was added to the Preamble by the

   1. 42nd Amendment
   2. 44th Amendment
   3. 73rd Amendment
   4. 86th Amendment
   Show answer

   Answer: (a) 42nd Amendment. It was passed in 1976.

3. Freedom of religion is guaranteed in Articles

   1. 14–18
   2. 25–28
   3. 32–35
   4. 51A
   Show answer

   Answer: (b) 25–28. It is a Fundamental Right.

4. Domination within a religious community, such as caste discrimination, is

   1. inter-religious domination
   2. pluralism
   3. intra-religious domination
   4. secularism
   Show answer

   Answer: (c) intra-religious domination. Secularism opposes it.

5. The model in which state and religion remain completely separate is

   1. principled distance
   2. pluralism only
   3. theocracy
   4. mutual exclusion
   Show answer

   Answer: (d) mutual exclusion. It is followed in the USA.

6. The term 'principled distance' for Indian secularism is associated with

   1. J.S. Mill
   2. Rajeev Bhargava
   3. John Locke
   4. Tagore
   Show answer

   Answer: (b) Rajeev Bhargava. He is a political theorist.

7. The Indian state banning untouchability in temples shows that Indian secularism

   1. is anti-religious
   2. favours one religion
   3. allows intervention to promote equality and reform
   4. follows strict separation
   Show answer

   Answer: (c) allows intervention to promote equality and reform. This is principled distance.

8. Which is a common criticism of Indian secularism

   1. it is too religious
   2. it has no constitutional basis
   3. it bans all religions
   4. it practises minoritism or vote-bank politics
   Show answer

   Answer: (d) it practises minoritism or vote-bank politics. Supporters argue it protects equality.