About the book
An original analysis of the religionization versus secularization of state and society in India.
What is unique about Indian secularism? In this book, Rajeev Bhargava argues that secularism in India, as opposed to in the West, did not arise in a society that had already been religiously homogenized, where the need of the hour was to break the political nexus between church and state. In India, secularism does not demand that the state is against or indifferent to religion, but rather that it combat institutionalized religious domination, both between and within religions. Apathy or antipathy to religion, Bhargava points out, would foment inter-religious rivalries that intensify anti-reformist tendencies, fueling further division.
As secularism receives daily ridicule in India, Bhargava provides an account of how this \"principled distance\" from religion has been a victim of misunderstandings by its proponents, abuse by its practitioners, and deliberate distortion by its opponents. Reimagining Indian Secularism offers a proposal of how we might one day be able to rehabilitate secularism.
Editions of Reimagining Indian Secularism
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781803092898
Read an Excerpt
An original analysis of the religionization versus secularization of state and society in India.
What is unique about Indian secularism? In this book, Rajeev Bhargava argues that secularism in India, as opposed to in the West, did not arise in a society that had already been religiously homogenized, where the need of the hour was to break the political nexus between church and state. In India, secularism does not demand that the state is against or indifferent to religion, but rather that it combat institutionalized religious domination, both between and within religions. Apathy or antipathy to religion, Bhargava points out, would foment inter-religious rivalries that intensify anti-reformist tendencies, fueling further division.
As secularism receives daily ridicule in India, Bhargava provides an account of how this \"principled distance\" from religion has been a victim of misunderstandings by its proponents, abuse by its practitioners, and deliberate distortion by its opponents. Reimagining Indian Secularism offers a proposal of how we might one day be able to rehabilitate secularism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reimagining Indian Secularism about?
An original analysis of the religionization versus secularization of state and society in India.
What is unique about Indian secularism? In this book, Rajeev Bhargava argues that secularism in India, as opposed to in the West, did not arise in a society that had already been religiously homogenized, where the need of the hour was to break the political nexus between church and state. In India, secularism does not demand that the state is against or indifferent to religion, but rather that it combat institutionalized religious domination, both between and within religions. Apathy or antipathy to religion, Bhargava points out, would foment inter-religious rivalries that intensify anti-reformist tendencies, fueling further division.
As secularism receives daily ridicule in India, Bhargava provides an account of how this \"principled distance\" from religion has been a victim of misunderstandings by its proponents, abuse by its practitioners, and deliberate distortion by its opponents. Reimagining Indian Secularism offers a proposal of how we might one day be able to rehabilitate secularism.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Reimagining Indian Secularism?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government
Where can I read a sample of Reimagining Indian Secularism?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781803092898
Is Reimagining Indian Secularism part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series History for Peace Tracts
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Reimagining Indian Secularism?
Rajeev Bhargava
Who is the Publisher of the book Reimagining Indian Secularism?
Seagull Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Reimagining Indian Secularism is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781803092898)
Where can I buy Reimagining Indian Secularism online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Reimagining Indian Secularism from below
Where can I buy Reimagining Indian Secularism?