Prahaladbhai Arjunbhai Vanzara
Ph.d Research scholer, Shri Govind Guru University, Vinzol, Godhra.
Abstract:
The religious landscape of modern India is characterized by dynamic transformations influenced by historical legacies, political developments, and socio-economic changes. This paper explores the multifaceted nature of religious change in India since its independence in 1947. The study begins by examining the impact of the Partition on religious demographics and the subsequent challenges of nation-building in a religiously diverse society. It delves into the rise of Hindutva as a political and social movement, which has significantly influenced the national discourse on religious identity and secularism. The paper also investigates the implications of Hindu nationalism for religious minorities, highlighting the tensions between India’s constitutional commitment to secularism and the realities of religious politics.
Further, the research addresses the phenomenon of religious conversions, both voluntary and coerced, focusing on the Dalit and tribal communities’ shift towards Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, and the state’s response through anti-conversion laws. The role of globalization, urbanization, and the Indian diaspora in shaping contemporary religious practices and interfaith relations is also analyzed, alongside the growing secularization trend among urban populations.
The paper also examines contemporary religious conflicts, including communal riots and the state’s role in managing such tensions. Additionally, it considers the influence of media and popular culture in shaping religious perceptions and identities. Finally, the study reflects on future trends, including projected changes in religious demographics and the ongoing debate between secularism and religious nationalism.
Through a comprehensive analysis, this paper seeks to provide insights into the ongoing evolution of religion in India, offering policy recommendations for fostering interfaith harmony and suggesting directions for future research in understanding the complexities of religious change in a rapidly modernizing society.
Key words :
Religious Change, Hindu Nationalism, Secularism, Partition of India, Hindutva, Religious Pluralism, Communal Tensions, Conversion Movements, Anti-Conversion Laws, Religious Identity, Globalization, Religious Conflicts, Dalit Conversion, Urbanization, Religious Demographics, Social Media, Religious Minorities, Secularization, Interfaith Relations.
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