An Overview of Secularism and its Adoption Journey in India

Abstract

The Constitution of India is very unique anddeclares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic and republic state. These words are written in none other than the preamble of the Constitution itself. Although the word „Secularism‟ has not been defined anywhere in the Constitution of India, secularism plays a very important role in the context of the historical development of Indian polity. In fact, it is of uppermost importance, particularly in the context of the political realities on the ground as they exist today.In a pluralistic society such as ours which has a multiplicity of religions, beliefs and cultures, the survival of democracy is itself on edge, let alone the prospering of it if it is not based on the principle of secularism.