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The historical foundation of the secular state in India is a unique blend of ancient traditions of pluralism, reform movements, the anti-colonial freedom struggle, and specific constitutional decisions made by its founding fathers. Unlike the Western concept of a strict separation between church and state, the Indian model emphasizes equal respect for all religions and state neutrality. The roots of secularism in India are deeply embedded in its multi-religious history, which long predates the modern concept. Ancient Tolerance: In ancient India, diverse philosophies, including theistic and atheistic schools of thought, coexisted peacefully. Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE was one of the first rulers to advocate not only for the toleration of all religious sects but also for developing respect toward them, a principle articulated in his 12th Rock Edict and Medieval Pluralism: The medieval era saw the rise of the inclusive Bhakti and Sufi movements, led by saints like Kabir and Guru Nanak, which promoted unity and universal brotherhood across religious boundaries. The Mughal Emperor Akbar institutionalized religious tolerance through policies like abolishing the jizya (a discriminatory tax on non-Muslims), appointing Hindus to high offices, and sponsoring interfaith debates in his Ibadat Khana (House of Worship). The atmosphere throughout ancient India was more or less, one of toleration and religious liberty. In ancient India the promotion of Dharma (law, duty, morality, and religion) was regarded as the foremost aim of the state. The King was expected to encourage piety and virtue and to aid religious institutions. Government was not based on dogma and considerable impartiality was evidenced in the treatment accorded the various sects.