SECULARISM IN ANCIENT INDIA: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

AUTHOR – MS. SANDHRA M PILLAI, STUDENT AT MANIPAL UNIVERSITY, JAIPUR

Best Citation – MS. SANDHRA M PILLAI, SECULARISM IN ANCIENT INDIA: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, ILE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL STUDIES (ILE JSS), 1 (1) of 2023, Pg. 25-33, APIS – 3920 – 0055 | ISBN – 978-81-964391-3-2.

Abstract

This article explores the concept of secularism in ancient India, focusing on different periods and contexts. While secularism, as understood in its modern form with a strict separation of religion and state, did not exist in ancient India, the country had a rich tradition of religious tolerance, pluralism, and coexistence. The article examines various historical periods, including the ancient and Islamic periods, and highlights the presence of diverse religious and philosophical traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and indigenous belief systems. It discusses the role of influential figures like Emperor Ashoka in promoting religious tolerance and non-discrimination. Additionally, the article examines the syncretism and integration within Hinduism, the development of ancient texts and scriptures, and the religious coexistence showcased in the Ellora cave temples. Although secularism as a distinct principle was not explicitly formulated, the historical context of ancient India demonstrates a spirit of inclusivity, coexistence, and respect for diverse beliefs, which laid the foundation for the evolution of secular ideals in later periods.

Keywords: Ancient India, Religious Plurality, Secular Principles, Religious Coexistence, Religious Tolerance