Secularisation in Sociology is defined as the transformation of a society from getting influenced by religion to an independent secular one. Derived from the Latin word, secular means ‘present age or generation’ it was first defined by Brian Wilson in 1966 as “the process by which religious thinking, practices, and institutions lose social significance.” Prior to secularisation, human activity including work, healing, social and jurisdictional procedures was regulated by supernatural preconceptions. The introduction of secularism made these preconceptions lose their power and economy, justice, health, morality, education, and family were operated with considerable autonomy. 

Elements/ Characteristics of secularisation 

The elements or characteristics of social change are determined by certain principles. 

1. Separation of state from affairs of religion thereby creates a distance between religion and society.
2. Related to work matters.
3. Personalising religious affairs.
4. Considering all rituals to be man-made or artificial.

Characteristics of secularisation are 

Secular meaning within religion.

• Modification of religious doctrines and practices to changing needs of members in response to the changing society
• Refraining religious institutions and individuals from getting involved with educational, philanthropic, and hospitals

Rational and reasonable 

• Man is free to choose what they want. Rationalisation is based on making choices according to reason rather than following them blindly
• Application of logic, intelligence, and wisdom over emotion and sentiments, thus speeding up secularisation in the society

Curiosity 

• Every secular man has the right to inquire about the causes and effects of the rituals performed
• They have freedom of choice and cannot be influenced to follow rituals blindly

Scientific temper and outlook

• Scientific influence forces man to question religion. This makes him a secular individual and an anti-fatalist who is not forced to follow doctrines and events that were initially made with the vision that humans were powerless to change them
• The scientific approach revolts against the religious outlook of man from the past

Modernization 

• While secularisation was brought mere 100 years ago, religious practices were conducted long before
• With people getting smarter and more intelligent every decade, modern society has kept itself away from the influence of religious faith and symbols while making everyday life decisions

Causes and effects of secularisation 

There are seven causes for secularisation in India 

Education 

• Education, western education to be specific, played an important role in diminishing Indian culture, and the practice of western culture became more prominent
• Modern education encouraged the generation to seek a scientific attitude in solving problems and the traditional religious beliefs
• Marriage is now based on a secular attitude rather than a sacred religious ceremony

Transportation and communication 

• With modern education came the invention of telephones and railways which gave the opportunity to mix around with people of different countries. This led to an exchange of ideas and the growth of liberal thoughts
• Caste system views regarding it changed

Reform movements 

• Religious and reform movements by leaders like Keshav Chandra Sen, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and Mahatma Gandhi played their roles in bringing about secularisation in the country 

Urbanisation 

• Developed and semi-developed parts (metro cities) are more secular by the influence of western culture, education, transport and communication, and economic problems
• Rural areas are yet to be totally secularised

Legislation 

• Widow Remarriage Act, 1856, Caste Disabilities Removal Act, 1850, Special Marriage Act, 1872 enacted by the British were against the orthodox believers of that time
• Adoption of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act, 1956, the Maintenance Act has also played their role in a secular country

Western culture 

• India has been greatly influenced by western culture which lays importance on materialism, individualism, sensualism, non-religionism, and licence
• Political parties and leads speak the language of secularism
• Western culture has brought about changes not only in religion but also in literature and art

Indian Constitution 

•  Articles 27-30 deal with rights to freedom of religion and make India a secular state
• India is declared a secular country according to the amended preamble where every citizen has equal rights without discrimination of age, sex, caste, and creed

Secular meaning in India 

The constitution of India enacted the 42nd amendment, where the Preamble stated that India is a secular country. As India is a country of multi religions, no particular religion will overpower the others but be tolerant of all religious practices. As of now, there were pleas made to the supreme court on the 28th of July 2020, to omit the words secular and socialist from the preamble.

Conclusion 

Secularism is practised in all modern states. This has greatly benefited people from all castes and creeds to get an equal opportunity with no discrimination on grounds of caste, creed, and culture. Indian culture has now been based on social movements and spiritual traditions.