Secularism and the Postcolonial Indian State - Reform, Religion, and Principled Distance

Explore how the postcolonial Indian state developed a unique form of selective secularism that differed significantly from Western models in this 28-minute lecture. Examine the state's approach of reforming Hindu practices while deliberately avoiding similar interventions in other religions, operating under the concept of "principled distance" that permitted government involvement in religious matters. Analyze how this distinctive secular framework shaped India's national identity formation and consider the complex questions it raised regarding equality and inclusion across different religious communities. Understand the implications of this selective approach to secularism and its impact on the relationship between religion and state in postcolonial India.