Question

Read the following question carefully and answer the questions given at the end in your own words : 5 Religions in India were generally not viewed as monolithic and especially not so in their practice. Religion was articulated more often in the form of a range of juxtaposed sects, some marginally linked with existing ones, others distant. In pre-modern times the religion of a person was identified more often by sect or caste, and less frequently by an over arching label of Hindu or Muslim. However, the colonial perceptions of Indian religions projected a different form. Religious sects that seemedsimilar were bonded together under a few distinctive lables. Thus the label of Hinduism included, apart from Vaishnavas, Shaivas and Shaktas, almost all others – such as Buddhists, Jains, Charvakas, Sikhs. These latter actually originated from an opposition to Hindu belief and worship.

Questions :

(i)What do you mean by the term ‘sect’ ?

Who were the Vaishnavas ?

(iii) How did the colonial masters view Indian religions ?

(iv) Explain the term ‘Monolithic’.

(v) How were the Indians identified religiously in pre-modern times ?
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Answer 1

Answer:

1. ans - sect:- a group of people with different religious beliefs from those of a larger group to which they belong.
2. ans :- Vaishnavas were a sect of people who accepts Lord maha vishnu as their only god and worship him.
3. ---
4. ans :- monolithic - an organization or a system which is large , powerful and indivisible
5. ans :- In pre-modern times the religion of a person was identified more often by sect or caste, and less frequently by an over arching label of Hindu or Muslim.