11 NCERT CBSE Political Science
Chapter 8. Secularism
Packiam AI Quiz Maker
Theme Analysis
Main ThemeSecularism and its application in India
Subject CategoryPolitical Theory
Key Concepts
Question FocusQuestions focus on defining secularism, differentiating between Western and Indian models, understanding the concept of 'principled distance,' justifying state intervention and minority rights in India, and addressing common criticisms of Indian secularism. Difficulty is mixed, covering recall, comprehension, application, and analysis.
What is the primary doctrine that secularism opposes?
Hint: Think about the main problems secularism aims to solve regarding religion and society.
Answer
Secularism is first and foremost a doctrine that opposes all forms of institutionalized religious domination, including both inter-religious and intra-religious domination.
Explanation
The text explicitly states that secularism is a doctrine opposing all forms of inter-religious domination and an equally important dimension is its opposition to intra-religious domination. It clarifies that secularism is not anti-religious but against domination.
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates 'inter-religious domination' as described in the text?
Hint: Consider the distinction between domination *between* different religious groups versus domination *within* a single religious group.
Answer
The forced displacement of Hindu Kashmiri Pandits by another community exemplifies inter-religious domination, where one religious group victimizes another.
Explanation
The text defines inter-religious domination as instances where 'members of one community are targeted and victimised on account of their religious identity.' The example of Kashmiri Pandits being forced to leave their homes falls under this category. Options A, B, and D describe forms of intra-religious domination or internal religious practices.
Which example from the text best represents 'intra-religious domination'?
Hint: Focus on discrimination or inequality that occurs *inside* a particular religious community.
Answer
The text explicitly uses the example of Dalits being barred from Hindu temples to illustrate intra-religious domination, which is discrimination within the same religion.
Explanation
The text states, 'For example dalits have been barred from entering Hindu temples' as an instance of intra-religious domination. Options A and B are examples of inter-religious domination, while D describes a theocratic state structure.
What type of state is governed directly by a priestly order and lacks separation between religious and political institutions?
Hint: Recall the term used for states where religious leaders hold direct political power.
Answer
A state governed directly by a priestly order is called a theocratic state.
Explanation
The text explicitly defines: 'A state governed directly by a priestly order is called theocratic.' Examples given are the Papal states and the Taliban-controlled state.
The text argues that secularism is not anti-religious because:
Hint: Consider the text's discussion on human suffering and the role of religion, art, and philosophy.
Answer
Secularism accepts that religion, art, and philosophy are responses to inherent human suffering, which is why it is not anti-religious.
Explanation
The text states, 'Religion, art and philosophy are responses to such sufferings. Secularism too accepts this and therefore it is not anti-religious.' It rejects the idea that religion is merely 'opium of the masses' and will disappear.
Beyond being non-theocratic, what is another necessary characteristic for a state to be truly secular, according to the text?
Hint: Think about examples like England in the 16th century or modern Pakistan, and how the text describes their relationship with religion.
Answer
To be truly secular, a state must not only refuse to be theocratic but also have no formal, legal alliance with any religion.
Explanation
The text clarifies that 'Many states which are non-theocratic continue to have a close alliance with a particular religion,' citing England and Pakistan. It then states, 'To be truly secular, a state must not only refuse to be theocratic but also have no formal, legal alliance with any religion.'
In the mainstream Western conception of secularism, as inspired by the American model, the separation of religion and state is primarily understood as:
Hint: Consider the term used to describe the relationship between state and religion in the American model.
Answer
In the mainstream Western conception, separation of religion and state is understood as mutual exclusion, meaning the state will not intervene in religious affairs, and religion will not interfere in state affairs.
Explanation
The text explicitly states regarding the Western model: 'separation of religion and state is understood as mutual exclusion: the state will not intervene in the affairs of religion and, in the same manner, religion will not interfere in the affairs of the state.'
According to the text, a limitation of the mainstream Western model of secularism is that it often neglects:
Hint: Think about the historical context of Western societies mentioned in the text and what kind of religious diversity they traditionally had.
Answer
Mainstream Western secularism, due to historical religious homogeneity, often neglects issues of inter-religious equality and minority rights, focusing more on individual freedom and intra-religious domination.
Explanation
The text explains, 'Except for the presence of the Jews, most western societies were marked by a great deal of religious homogeneity. Given this fact, they naturally focused on intra-religious domination... issues of inter-religious (and therefore of minority rights) equality are often neglected.'
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's secularism in Turkey, as described, differed significantly from Nehru's vision of Indian secularism primarily because Ataturk's model involved:
Hint: Recall the specific actions Ataturk took, such as banning traditional clothing or changing the calendar, and how Nehru viewed religion.
Answer
Ataturk's secularism involved aggressive modernization and secularization through active intervention and suppression of traditional religious expressions, a stark contrast to Nehru's belief that secularism did not mean hostility to religion.
Explanation
The text describes Ataturk's secularism as 'active intervention in and suppression of, religion,' banning traditional caps, encouraging Western clothing, and changing the calendar and alphabet. It contrasts this directly with Nehru, stating, 'But for him secularism did not mean hostility to religion. In that sense Nehru was very different from Ataturk in Turkey.'
How did Nehru respond when asked to define secularism in independent India?
Hint: Remember Nehru's concise phrase about the state's role concerning different religions.
Answer
Nehru responded that secularism meant 'Equal protection by the State to all religions,' adding that a secular state 'protects all religions, but does not favour one at the expense of others and does not itself adopt any religion as the state religion.'
Explanation
The text directly quotes Nehru: '‘Equal protection by the State to all religions’. This is how Nehru responded when a student asked him to spell out what secularism meant in independent India.'
What makes Indian secularism distinctive in its origin, compared to Western secularism?
Hint: Consider the historical context of religious diversity in India mentioned in the text.
Answer
Indian secularism arose in the context of deep religious diversity that predated the advent of Western modern ideas and nationalism, leading to a focus on inter-religious equality.
Explanation
The text states, 'For a start it arose in the context of deep religious diversity that predated the advent of Western modern ideas and nationalism.' This historical context shaped its distinct form, focusing on inter-religious equality.
A key difference between Indian and mainstream Western secularism is that Indian secularism:
Hint: Think about whose rights are protected in each model – just individuals, or also groups?
Answer
Indian secularism protects the religious freedom of individuals and also safeguards the rights of minority communities, allowing them to maintain their culture and institutions.
Explanation
The text highlights this as a second difference: 'Indian secularism deals not only with religious freedom of individuals but also with religious freedom of minority communities.' Western secularism, in contrast, has less scope for community-based or minority rights.
Which aspect is compatible with Indian secularism but typically absent in the mainstream Western model?
Hint: Recall the Indian laws mentioned that aimed to change religious practices or social norms.
Answer
Indian secularism makes room for and is compatible with the idea of state-supported religious reform, as exemplified by laws banning untouchability or child marriage.
Explanation
The text states, 'Since a secular state must be concerned equally with intra-religious domination, Indian secularism has made room for and is compatible with the idea of state-supported religious reform.' It contrasts this with the Western model which 'has no place for the idea of state-supported religious reform.'
The concept of 'principled distance' in Indian secularism implies that the state:
Hint: Think about the flexibility allowed to the Indian state in its interaction with religion.
Answer
Principled distance means the Indian state maintains a distance from religion but can engage with it, either negatively to oppose religious tyranny (like banning untouchability) or positively (like supporting minority educational institutions), to promote core values.
Explanation
The text describes Indian secularism's 'very sophisticated policy in pursuit of religious equality. This allows it either to disengage with religion in American style, or engage with it if required.' It elaborates that the state 'may engage with religion negatively to oppose religious tyranny' or 'may also choose a positive mode of engagement.'
A state that bans untouchability, despite it being a religiously sanctioned practice, is an example of the Indian model of secularism's:
Hint: Consider whether this action represents the state staying completely out of religious matters or actively intervening for a specific purpose.
Answer
Banning untouchability is an example of the Indian state's negative engagement with religion to oppose religious tyranny and promote equality, demonstrating its principled distance.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'The Indian state may engage with religion negatively to oppose religious tyranny. This is reflected in such actions as the ban on untouchability.' This is a direct application of the 'principled distance' concept.
One common criticism against secularism is that it is anti-religious. How does the text refute this claim?
Hint: Recall the distinction made between opposing 'domination' and opposing 'religion' itself.
Answer
The text refutes the 'anti-religious' criticism by explaining that secularism opposes institutionalized religious domination, not religion per se, and actually promotes and protects religious freedom and identity.
Explanation
The text addresses this directly: 'First, it is often argued that secularism is anti-religious. We hope to have shown that secularism is against institutionalised religious domination. This is not the same as being anti-religious... secularism promotes religious freedom and equality. Hence, it clearly protects religious identity rather than threatens it.'
The criticism that secularism is a 'Western import' unsuited for India is addressed by the text by arguing that:
Hint: Consider how the text describes the unique development of secularism in India.
Answer
The text argues that Indian secularism is not just a Western implant but evolved its own distinct variant, shaped by India's deep religious diversity and an interaction with Western ideas.
Explanation
The text states, 'India evolved a variant of secularism that is not just an implant from the west on Indian soil. The fact is that the secularism has both western and non-western origins.' It emphasizes India's interaction between existing diversity and Western ideas.
The analogy of providing a ramp or lift for physically challenged individuals to access a film auditorium is used to justify minority rights by demonstrating that:
Hint: Think about the core message of the analogy: what is the purpose of the 'separate arrangement'?
Answer
The analogy shows that providing a ramp is not a special privilege but a necessary measure to enable physically challenged individuals to achieve what others routinely do, ensuring equal access, respect, and dignity.
Explanation
The text concludes from the analogy: 'To make a separate arrangement for them is not to accord them any special treatment. It is to treat them with the same respect and dignity with which all others are being treated. The lesson is that minority rights need not be nor should be viewed as special privileges.'
The criticism that Indian secularism is 'interventionist' and 'coercive' is countered by the argument that:
Hint: Consider the nuance in the state's approach to intervention; is it always forced, or can it be supportive?
Answer
The text clarifies that while Indian secularism rejects non-interference, interference does not automatically imply coercion, and the state aims to facilitate reform by supporting liberal voices within religions.
Explanation
The text states, 'But it does not follow that it is excessively interventionist. Indian secularism follows the concept of principled distance which also allows for non-interference. Besides, interference need not automatically mean coercive intervention... The state must act as a facilitator by supporting liberal and democratic voices within every religion.'
The ongoing dilemma for the Indian state regarding personal laws (marriage, inheritance, etc.) is how to:
Hint: Think about the two conflicting principles at play when considering personal laws in a secular state.
Answer
The dilemma for the Indian state is to find a way to reform personal laws so they exemplify both minority rights (freedom from inter-religious domination) and equality within religions (especially for women, addressing intra-religious domination).
Explanation
The text poses this dilemma: 'A secularist might see the personal laws... as manifestations of community-specific rights... Or he might see these laws as an affront to the basic principles of secularism on the ground that they treat women unequally and therefore unjustly.' The challenge is to reconcile these two perspectives.
According to the text, 'vote bank politics' becomes problematic when:
Hint: Focus on how the text describes the negative consequences of vote bank politics, especially regarding group unity and electoral integrity.
Answer
Vote bank politics becomes problematic when it mobilizes a social group to vote en masse as a single, monolithic unit, disregarding internal diversity and distorting electoral politics by prioritizing short-term gains over long-term development.
Explanation
The text states, 'In theory, there may not be anything wrong with vote bank politics but only when vote bank politics leads to the mobilisation of a social group to vote en masse for a particular candidate or political party during elections, this distorts electoral politics.' It highlights the artificial construction of a single group interest.
The text suggests that Indian secularism mirrors the future of the world because:
Hint: Think about global demographic and cultural trends mentioned at the end of the text.
Answer
With increased globalization and migration, many societies, particularly in the West and Middle East, are becoming more culturally and religiously diverse, resembling India, making India's experiment with secularism a significant model.
Explanation
The text states, 'with the migration of people from the former colonies to the west, and the increased movement of people across the globe with the intensification of globalisation, Europe and America and some parts of the Middle-East are beginning to resemble India in the diversity of cultures and religions which are present in their societies.'
Why is 'equal respect for all religions' or 'peaceful coexistence' considered insufficient to capture the complexity of Indian secularism?
Hint: Consider the limitations of 'tolerance' and the state's active role in reform within Indian secularism.
Answer
The text argues that mere tolerance or peaceful coexistence is insufficient because tolerance can still exist alongside religious domination. Indian secularism, through principled intervention, might 'disrespect' or challenge certain religiously sanctioned practices (like caste hierarchies) in pursuit of equality.
Explanation
The text explains, 'If by this phrase is meant peaceful coexistence of all religions or inter-religious toleration, then this will not be enough because secularism is much more than mere peaceful coexistence or toleration. If this phrase means equal feeling of respect towards all established religions and their practices, then there is an ambiguity that needs clearing. Indian secularism allows for principled state intervention in all religions. Such intervention betrays disrespect to some aspects of every religion. For example, religiously sanctioned caste-hierarchies are not acceptable within Indian secularism.'
Based on the principles of Indian secularism, which of the following actions might be problematic?
Hint: Recall the 'Let's Think' section and the general principle of maintaining principled distance from organized religion by the state.
Answer
Performing religious rituals in government offices could be problematic because it blurs the line between state and religion and could imply state endorsement of a particular religion, violating the principle of state neutrality.
Explanation
The 'Let's Think' section directly asks if 'Performing religious rituals in government offices' is compatible with secularism. While not explicitly answered, the principles of a secular state (not being theocratic, no formal alliance with any religion, maintaining principled distance) suggest that state institutions should not endorse or participate in religious rituals, as this could compromise neutrality and equality.
The Western model of secularism interprets freedom and equality primarily in an individualist manner. This means:
Hint: Think about whether the Western model prioritizes the rights of single people or groups of people.
Answer
The Western model focuses on individualist interpretation, meaning liberty is for individuals and equality is between individuals, with less scope for community-based or minority rights.
Explanation
The text states, 'This common conception interprets freedom and equality in an individualist manner. Liberty is the liberty of individuals. Equality is equality between individuals. There is no scope for the idea that a community has the liberty to follow practices of its own choosing. There is little scope for community-based rights or minority rights.'
How does secularism, according to the text, relate to religious identity?
Hint: Recall the discussion about whether secularism is 'anti-religious' and its implications for individual beliefs.
Answer
Secularism promotes religious freedom and equality, thereby protecting religious identity. However, it does undermine forms of religious identity that are dogmatic, violent, fanatical, exclusivist, or foster hatred.
Explanation
The text says, 'However, as we noted earlier, secularism promotes religious freedom and equality. Hence, it clearly protects religious identity rather than threatens it. Of course, it does undermine some forms of religious identity: those, which are dogmatic, violent, fanatical, exclusivist and those, which foster hatred of other religions.'
The French government's decision to ban religious markers like turbans and veils in educational institutions, contrasted with India's approach, highlights a difference in how secularism interprets:
Hint: Consider the visible aspects of religious identity and how each country's secularism handles them in public institutions.
Answer
The contrast shows that while both are secular, France emphasizes a strict, visible neutrality in public spaces, potentially limiting individual religious expression, whereas India allows for the display of religious markers, reflecting a different balance of individual freedom and state interaction with religious diversity.
Explanation
The conversation box highlights this: 'Isn't it strange that both India and France are secular, but in India there is no prohibition on wearing or displaying such religious markers in public institutions.' This indicates a difference in how they interpret state neutrality and the scope of religious freedom in public life.
What positive goals does a normative doctrine of secularism seek to realize?
Hint: Think about the ideals that secularism actively supports, not just what it opposes.
Answer
Positively, secularism promotes freedom within religions and equality both between and within religions, aiming for a society devoid of inter-religious or intra-religious domination.
Explanation
The text states, 'Put positively, it promotes freedom within religions, and equality between, as well as within, religions.' This summarizes the aspirational goals of secularism.
Nehru played a key role in enacting laws abolishing caste discrimination, dowry, and sati, demonstrating his belief that a secular state:
Hint: Connect Nehru's actions to his broader philosophy regarding the state's role in society and religion.
Answer
Nehru's actions in enacting social reform laws show his belief that a secular state can and should intervene in religious matters to address social injustices and promote equality.
Explanation
The text notes, 'At the same time Nehru was not in favour of a complete separation between religion and state. A secular state can interfere in matters of religion to bring about social reform. Nehru himself played a key role in enacting laws abolishing caste discrimination, dowry and sati...' This clearly illustrates his stance.
Under the Indian Constitution, what right is granted to all religious minorities, which may also receive state assistance?
Hint: Think about the positive mode of engagement mentioned for the Indian state regarding minorities.
Answer
The Indian Constitution grants all religious minorities the right to establish and maintain their own educational institutions, which may receive assistance from the state.
Explanation
The text states, 'Thus, the Indian Constitution grants all religious minorities the right to establish and maintain their own educational institutions which may receive assistance from the state.' This is a key feature of Indian secularism's positive engagement.
Theocratic states are known for:
Hint: Recall the historical and contemporary examples of theocratic states given in the text.
Answer
Theocratic states, lacking separation between religious and political institutions, are characterized by hierarchies, oppressions, and a reluctance to allow freedom of religion to members of other religious groups.
Explanation
The text describes theocratic states as 'lacking separation between religious and political institutions, are known for their hierarchies, and oppressions, and reluctance to allow freedom of religion to members of other religious groups.'
Which of the following is NOT a defining feature of a state committed to the ideal of secularism?
Hint: Consider what a secular state *avoids* doing regarding state endorsement of religion.
Answer
A secular state does not actively promote one religion as the moral foundation of the state; instead, it aims for neutrality and equality among all religions.
Explanation
The text states that a truly secular state 'must not only refuse to be theocratic but also have no formal, legal alliance with any religion.' It also mentions, regarding the Western model, 'No policy of the state can have an exclusively religious rationale. No religious classification can be the basis of any public policy.' Actively promoting one religion contradicts these principles.
In the American model of secularism, if a religious institution forbids a woman from becoming a priest, what is the state's typical response?
Hint: Recall the strict separation principle in the Western model and how it limits state intervention in internal religious affairs.
Answer
In the American model, due to the principle of mutual exclusion and religion being a private matter, the state would typically do little about internal religious practices like forbidding women from priesthood.
Explanation
The text explains this specific scenario: 'For example, if a religious institution forbids a woman from becoming a priest, then the state can do little about it... On this view, religion is a private matter, not a matter of state policy or law.'
Indian secularism focuses equally on which two forms of domination?
Hint: Think about the two main types of religious domination that the document identifies as problems secularism addresses.
Answer
Indian secularism, as a result of its unique evolution, places equal focus on opposing both inter-religious and intra-religious domination.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'It resulted in equal focus on intra-religious and inter-religious domination.' This is a key distinguishing feature of Indian secularism.
What was Nehru's unwavering stance regarding communalism?
Hint: Recall the one aspect of secularism on which Nehru was 'firm and uncompromising'.
Answer
Nehru was always firm and uncompromising in his complete opposition to communalism of all kinds, seeing it as a threat to India's unity and integrity.
Explanation
The text states, 'While Nehru was prepared to be flexible on many counts, there was one thing on which he was always firm and uncompromising. Secularism for him meant a complete opposition to communalism of all kinds.'
The examples of discrimination against minorities in Israel, Europe, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, as well as incidents in India, are used to highlight:
Hint: Consider the overall message these examples convey about the need for secular principles.
Answer
These examples of religious discrimination and persecution serve to remind us of the continuing importance and relevance of secularism in protecting rights and ensuring equality in today’s world.
Explanation
The text introduces these examples by stating, 'Such examples remind us of the continuing importance of secularism for people and societies in today’s world.' They illustrate the problems that secularism aims to prevent.
Why does the text emphasize the crucial role of the state in preventing religious conflict and promoting religious harmony in modern societies?
Hint: Think about the unique power and influence that modern states hold.
Answer
The text argues that while education and individual goodness help, they are unlikely to eliminate discrimination. Modern states, with their enormous public power, play a crucial role in shaping outcomes related to inter-community conflict and religious discrimination.
Explanation
The text states, 'But it is unlikely that mere education or the goodness of some persons will eliminate religious discrimination. In modern societies, states have enormous public power. How they function is bound to make a crucial difference to the outcome of any struggle to create a society less ridden with inter-community conflict and religious discrimination.'
The text argues that the nature and extent of separation between state and religion:
Hint: Consider the variety of secular models discussed (Western, Indian) and what drives their differences.
Answer
The text posits that there is no single prescribed form for state-religion separation; its nature and extent can vary depending on the values it aims to promote and how those values are articulated.
Explanation
The text states, 'However, there is no reason to suggest that this separation should take a particular form. In fact the nature and extent of separation may take different forms, depending upon the specific values it is meant to promote and the way in which these values are spelt out.'
Under the mainstream Western model of secularism, what is the state's stance on aiding religious institutions?
Hint: Recall the 'mutual exclusion' principle in the Western model and its implications for state-religion interactions.
Answer
The Western model, based on mutual exclusion, dictates that the state cannot aid any religious institution, including providing financial support to educational institutions run by religious communities.
Explanation
The text states, 'Similarly, the state cannot aid any religious institution. It cannot give financial support to educational institutions run by religious communities.' This is a direct consequence of the mutual exclusion principle.
The 'minoritism' criticism against Indian secularism suggests that it:
Hint: Think about the common accusation made against secularism regarding its treatment of minority groups.
Answer
The 'minoritism' criticism alleges that Indian secularism 'pampers' minorities by advocating for their rights, which critics view as special privileges rather than necessary protections.
Explanation
The text states, 'A third accusation against secularism is the charge of minoritism. It is true that Indian secularism advocates minority rights so the question is: Is this justified?' This sets up the discussion on why minority rights are important and not 'special privileges.'
In the train compartment analogy, why is voting inappropriate when the non-smoker suffers from asthma?
Hint: Consider the severity of the non-smoker's condition and how it changes the nature of their 'preference'.
Answer
Voting is inappropriate because the non-smoker's asthma makes not smoking a fundamental and urgent interest, as it could be life-threatening. Fundamental interests should not be decided by simple majority vote.
Explanation
The text explains, 'His preference that the other person does not smoke expresses now his fundamental and very urgent interest. Would the procedure previously followed, of going with the decision of the majority, be fair in such a context? You will agree that when it comes to fundamental interests, voting as a democratic procedure is inappropriate.'
One negative consequence of competitive vote bank politics in India, as noted in the text, is that it:
Hint: Think about how this type of politics can affect relationships *between* different social groups.
Answer
Competitive vote bank politics can exacerbate social division by creating a perception that different groups are rivals competing for scarce resources, rather than fostering cooperation.
Explanation
The text states, 'Competitive vote bank politics has the potential to exacerbate social division by portraying different groups as rivals vying for limited resources.' It also mentions that it often focuses on emotive issues neglecting genuine problems.
The 'impossible project' criticism of secularism argues that:
Hint: Recall the core premise of this cynical criticism about human nature and religious differences.
Answer
The 'impossible project' criticism claims that people with profound religious differences cannot coexist peacefully, particularly in modern contexts where equality is a core value, contrasting with historical hierarchical coexistence.
Explanation
The text describes this criticism: 'Secularism cannot work because it tries to do too much, to find a solution to an intractable problem. What is this problem? People with deep religious differences will never live together in peace.' It further adds the nuance that coexistence under inequality was possible, but not now with equality as a dominant value.
A state that has an 'established Anglican religion' as its official religion, like England in the sixteenth century, is described as:
Hint: Distinguish between a 'theocratic' state and a state that merely favors a religion without being run by priests.
Answer
Such a state is non-theocratic because it is not run by a priestly class, but it is not truly secular because it clearly favors and has a formal alliance with a particular religion.
Explanation
The text explains, 'Many states which are non-theocratic continue to have a close alliance with a particular religion. For example, the state in England in the sixteenth century was not run by a priestly class but clearly favoured the Anglican Church and its members. England had an established Anglican religion, which was the official religion of the state.' It notes such regimes leave little scope for religious equality.
The text suggests that religion, art, and philosophy are responses to which aspect of the human condition?
Hint: Recall the discussion about the fundamental aspects of human existence that religion attempts to address.
Answer
The text posits that religion, art, and philosophy are responses to inherent human sufferings such as disease, separation, loss, and the inability to fully control the world or become immortal.
Explanation
The text states, 'Disease can never be entirely eliminated, nor can we get rid of an element of accident and luck from our lives. Separation and loss are endemic to the human condition... Religion, art and philosophy are responses to such sufferings.'
While secularism protects religious identity, it does undermine forms of identity that are:
Hint: Think about the *negative* characteristics of religious identity that secularism would challenge.
Answer
Secularism protects religious identity but undermines forms that are dogmatic, violent, fanatical, exclusivist, or that foster hatred towards other religions, as these are considered unworthy.
Explanation
The text clarifies: 'Of course, it does undermine some forms of religious identity: those, which are dogmatic, violent, fanatical, exclusivist and those, which foster hatred of other religions. The real question is not whether something is undermined but whether what is undermined is intrinsically worthy or unworthy.'
Which of the following actions aligns with the Indian model of secularism's commitment to equality between and within religions?
Hint: Consider which action directly addresses inequality within or between religious groups, consistent with India's interventionist approach to reform.
Answer
Enacting laws to extend legal rights and social freedom to women across communities reflects Indian secularism's commitment to intra-religious equality and state-supported social reform.
Explanation
The text states that Nehru 'played a key role in enacting laws abolishing caste discrimination, dowry and sati, and extending legal rights and social freedom to Indian women.' This directly demonstrates the Indian model's commitment to equality within religions (intra-religious domination) through state intervention.
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