Secularism and State Institutions in India

Indian Secularism set out to be different from its western variant. As opposed to highly homogenous societies of the West, co-existing multitude of social groups made sure that state in India is not a mere bystander but an active interlocutor. A large number of religious minorities had to be reassured that their interests will be taken care of. While with the backdrop of a bloody partition, minorities gave up their claims for political rights in favour of cultural rights, th…