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Religiosity and Communalism in India

Religiosity and Communalism in India: From Personal Faith to Political Identity

Introduction Religion has always occupied an important place in Indian society. From ancient spiritual traditions to everyday social practices, faith has shaped values, identities, and community life. However, religion can manifest in different ways. While religiosity reflects personal faith and spiritual engagement, communalism represents the politicization of religious identity, often leading to social division and…

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Regionalism in India

Regionalism in India: A Consequence of Rising Cultural Assertiveness?

Introduction India is a civilization marked by extraordinary diversity. Its social fabric is woven from multiple languages, religions, ethnic traditions, and historical experiences. This diversity has given rise to rich cultural identities at regional levels. Alongside national consciousness, strong regional loyalties have developed over time. These loyalties sometimes express themselves as regionalism—a sentiment where people…

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Multicultural Indian Society

Has Caste Lost Its Relevance? Understanding Its Role in Multicultural Indian Society

Introduction India is globally recognized for its extraordinary cultural diversity, marked by variations in language, religion, region, ethnicity, and social customs. Among these dimensions, caste has historically been one of the most influential organizing principles of Indian society. Originating in ancient social stratification systems, caste structured occupation, social interaction, marriage, and access to resources. With…

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pcs magazine

The Politics of Secularism: Analyzing Religion, Ethnic Violence, and Political Strategy

Introduction The relationship between religion, ethnic violence, and secularism is complex and deeply interwoven in political discourse. The statement that “the politics of religion and ethnic violence is basically the politics of secularism and secularization” suggests that secularism, rather than being a neutral force, often plays an active role in shaping conflicts and political strategies….

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pcs magazine

Nation and Citizenship in the Age of Communalism: A Critical Examination

Introduction The concepts of nation and citizenship have been integral to political and social discourses across the world. A nation is often defined as a group of people sharing common cultural, historical, linguistic, and sometimes religious attributes, bound together by a collective identity. Citizenship, on the other hand, refers to the legal and political status…

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uppcs magazine

Caste Alliances in India: The Role of Secular and Political Factors Beyond Primordial Identities

Caste in India is a complex social construct that has evolved over millennia, influencing not just social hierarchies but also political, economic, and cultural dynamics. In contemporary India, caste continues to play a critical role in politics, social interactions, and community mobilization. Historically, caste identities were seen as “primordial” – innate, unchangeable, and rooted in…

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uppcs

Increasing Regionalism: A Threat to National Unity or a Path to Inclusivity?

Introduction Regionalism and national unity are two contrasting forces that influence the political, social, and economic landscape of any nation. While regionalism focuses on the interests, identity, and aspirations of specific regions, national unity emphasizes the collective identity and integrity of the entire country. In India, a diverse nation with multiple languages, cultures, and traditions,…

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Nature and Importance of Regional Parties in Uttar Pradesh Politics

Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, has long been a microcosm of the nation’s political diversity. While national parties such as the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have historically dominated the state’s political landscape, the emergence and consolidation of regional parties over the past few decades have significantly transformed the…

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