Nehru: A Study in Secularism

130 Pages·1980·2.495 MB·English

by  M. Balasubramanian

NEHRU: A STUDY IN SECULARISM
M. BalasubramanimD
M.A. (Hist), M.A. (Pol. & Pub. Adm.), M. Litt.
UPPAL PUBLISHING HOUSE
NEW DELHI
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3, Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi-110002
8, Yashwant Place, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021
© M. Balasubramanian
First Published 1980
PRINTED IN INDIA
Published by B.S. Uppal, Uppal Publishing House,
New Delhi-110002 and Printed at Sadhana Printers,
Navin Shahdara, Delhi-110032
Dedicated to the Loving Memory of
My Beloved Mother
Srimati (Late) Janakiammal Mariappa

INTRODUCTION
The concept of secularism has much relevance and great
significance in the contemporary political and social history of
India as it happens to be the guiding policy of the government
of India in dealing with religions and religious minorities and
therefore is fraught with far-reaching consequences. The
concept has been widely interpreted down the ages. So it is
vitally important to view the concept in its historical perspec­
tive and study its origin and growth. As the Prime Minister
of India, Nehru’s political philosophy of which secularism is
one of the important constituents, has influenced to a great
extent the structure and function of political, social and
religious institutions involving sometimes a thorough and
fundamental change in the time-honoured laws, customs and
conventions that had governed the Indian society. Therefore,
a close analysis of Nehru’s approach and exposition of
secularism has been undertaken in this present thesis.
%
In the first chapter, I have discussed the various interpreta­
tions of the concept of secularism and traced the roots of the
concept in human history. Then I have divided my subject of
study on Nehru into three major aspects constituting his
concept of secularism, i.e., religion, minorities and secular
state, in chapters II, III and IV and discussed the various
points of view expressed by Nehru on these subjects and have
analysed the problems in India.
In Chapter II, ‘Nehru on Religion,’ I have analysed what
aspect of religion did he attack and examined it closely in
(viii)
the context of his concept of secularism. It is evident from my
analysis that Nehru had no attraction for the external form of
religion but he was for a deeper verity. So, when he included
in the objective resolution right to freedom of religion, he had
meant the deeper and greater religion of humanity. In Chaper
III, ‘Nehru on Minorities/ I have discussed Nehru’s views and
his guarantee to protect the minority rights regarding their
culture, language and other social and political interests, as
these aspects conform to his concept of secularism. Next in
Chapter IV, ‘Nehru on Secular State,’ I have discussed the two
types of secular states, the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R.—the
former is studied on the principles of wall of separation and
the latter in its materialistic conception. I have examined
Nehru’s concept of secular state in this above-said context.
I have analysed the secular provisions of the Indian Constitu­
tion and Nehru’s contribution thereto.
In the final Chapter, entitled ‘Estimate/ I have examined
carefully the various discrepancies in the Indian secularism
and Nehru's responsibility as Prime Minister of India. I have
drawn the conclusion that Nehru’s concept of secularism is
‘minority-oriented’ than adhering strictly, either to the wall of
separation or the process of secularization. At the end of each
chapter, in the concluding para, I have summed up the main
findings of the chapter. My observations and conclusions are
set forth in the last.
M. Balasubram anian
Nbw D elhi
14 November 1979
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The book, Nehru—A Study in Secularism, is the result of my
study and research during the years 1965-68 in the Department
of Politics and Public Administration, University of Madras.
I thank the authorities of Madras University in general and in
particular (late) Dr. A.L. Mudaliar for the award of ‘Sri
Baktavatchalam Studentship’ in politics and all the facilities
providded for my research. I am most grateful to Dr. C.A.
Perumal, Professor and Head of the Department of Politics
and Public Administration, University of Madras for his able
guidance and supervision. My thanks are due to Dr. P.K.
Sundaram, Department of Philosophy, Madras University,
Dr. K.P. Krishna Shetty, Department of Constitutional and
International Law, University of Madras and Dr. U.
Shanmugasundaram, Professor and Head of Department of
Economics, University of Madras for their willing guidance and
advice in my study and research work.
M. Balasubram anian
iI
CONTENTS
Chapters Pages
Introduction vii
Acknowledgements ix
I. The Roots of Secularism ... 1
II. Nehru on Religion ••. 13
III. Nehru on Minority Problem ... 40
IV. Nehru on Secular State ... 66
V. Estimate ... 86
Select Bibliography ... 103
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