Religion, Science and Society

We, Indians, are proud of our glorious past. Since the time of Emperor Ashoka, around 2,300 years ago (3 BC), it has been a great nation affluent society, with a powerful king and highly pious people. In those days Takshila, Vikramshila, and Nalanda were great centers of learning, attracting students from all over the world in their bid to acquire knowledge.

India, as it exists today as a country, was very different in the earlier days. It was a conglomerate of multiple kingdoms, some of which used to wage wars against other kingdoms to expand their territories. Inter-kingdom fights created disturbances in society and were a source of misery for the people in parts of India. Sanatana Dharma ( religion) was practiced in India; it was based on the religious philosophy of the Vedas. Many religions, namely, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, etc., developed in different parts of the world in later years. Though Judaism was also growing in other parts of the world, its influence had not reached India.