The word “Secular” was added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. However, the idea of secularism existed in India’s constitutional philosophy even before this formal addition.
To properly understand Indian secularism, it is important to first look at the Western origin of the concept and then compare it with the Indian model of secularism, which is distinct and more accommodative.
Western Origin of Secularism (Negative Secularism)
The term secularism originated in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom and other Western countries. During that period, the Church had strong control over political and state affairs. Religious institutions interfered in governance, laws, and public policy.
As a reaction to this domination, Western secularism developed as a separation between religion and state. This meant:
- The Church (religion) would not interfere in state matters, and
- The State would not interfere in religious matters.
This is why Western secularism is often described as a “negative concept” — it primarily focused on excluding religion from public and political life.
Why the Word ‘Secular’ Was Not Initially Included in the Preamble
Initially, the framers of the Indian Constitution did not include the word “secular” in the Preamble. There were two major reasons behind this:
(1) Fear of Non-Interference in Social Evils
Many harmful social practices in India were linked to religious traditions, such as:
- Child marriage
- Dowry
- Untouchability
- Caste discrimination
If India had adopted a strict Western model of secularism, the State might have been restricted from interfering in religious practices, even if they were unjust or harmful. The framers did not want such a limitation on the government’s power.
(2) Religion as an Integral Part of Indian Society
Unlike Europe, religion has always been deeply embedded in Indian culture, identity, and daily life. The framers believed that an “anti-religious state” (as in strict Western secularism) would not be accepted by Indian society.
Therefore, India needed a different model of secularism, suitable to its pluralistic and religiously diverse society.
Indian Model of Secularism (Positive Secularism)
Indian secularism is described as “positive secularism” because it does not reject religion but rather treats all religions equally.
In the Indian context, a secular state means that:
(1) Equal Respect for All Religions
The State:
- Can support and promote all religions equally,
- Cannot favor one religion over another, and
- Cannot discriminate against any religion.
(2) No State Religion
India does not have an official religion like some countries (e.g., Islam in Pakistan, Buddhism in Sri Lanka). All religions enjoy equal status before the law.
(3) Protection from Religious Domination
The Indian state can take measures to prevent:
- Inter-religious domination (one religion dominating another), and
- Intra-religious domination (within a religion, for example, upper castes dominating lower castes).
This is why India can reform harmful religious practices while still respecting religious freedom.
India: Salad Bowl, Not Melting Pot
India is often compared to a “salad bowl” rather than a “melting pot.”
- In a melting pot, different cultures and religions lose their separate identities and merge into one.
- In a salad bowl, different religions coexist, keeping their distinct identities while still being part of one nation.
This reflects the spirit of Indian secularism.
Philosophical Basis: Sarva Dharma Sambhava
Indian secularism is inspired by the ancient Indian principle of “Sarva Dharma Sambhava”, which means:
“Equal respect for all religions.”
This philosophy has been part of India’s cultural heritage long before modern constitutional secularism.
Conclusion
Indian secularism is neither anti-religious nor blind to religion. It is a balanced, inclusive, and positive model that ensures religious freedom, equality, and social reform. The addition of the word “Secular” in the Preamble through the 42nd Amendment (1976) only formally strengthened what was already inherent in the Constitution.
FAQ
What model of secularism does the word “Secular” in the Preamble represent?
Western secularism is based on strict separation, while Indian secularism is a positive model where the state maintains principled distance from religion and treats all religions equally.
Why is Indian secularism described as ‘positive’ rather than ‘negative’?
Because the Indian state does not exclude religion from public life but engages with all religions in a neutral and equal manner while enabling social reform.
Why did the framers initially avoid including the word ‘secular’ in the Preamble?
They feared that strict Western-style secularism could prevent the state from reforming harmful religious practices and believed an anti-religious state would not suit India’s deeply religious society.
How does Indian secularism balance religious freedom and social reform?
Through Articles 25–28, where religious freedom is protected but subject to public order, morality, health, and social reform.
In what sense is India a ‘salad bowl’ rather than a ‘melting pot’?
Different religions and cultures retain their distinct identities while coexisting within one nation under constitutional protection.
How does ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhava’ influence Indian secularism?
It provides a philosophical foundation of equal respect for all religions, aligning cultural tradition with constitutional values.
What is meant by inter-religious and intra-religious domination in the context of secularism?
Inter-religious domination refers to one religion overpowering another, while intra-religious domination refers to inequalities within a religion; Indian secularism seeks to prevent both.
Does Indian secularism mean the absence of religion in public life?
No, it means equal respect and fair treatment of all religions rather than exclusion of religion.
What is the constitutional basis of Indian secularism?
The Preamble, Fundamental Rights (Articles 14–15, 25–28), and Directive Principles collectively reflect India’s secular character.
When was the word ‘Secular’ formally added to the Preamble and why does it matter?
It was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976, to explicitly affirm India’s existing secular character.
