Answer: 

Introduction:

Sects are a smaller group of faith that follows a traditional religion but with exception to certain tenets of the traditional religion. It can also refer to religious groups that have separated themselves from an established religion and now follow their own rules. E.g., Brahmo Samaj, ISKCON, etc are sects within Hinduism.

Sects often arise in moments of uncertainty and they attract the marginalized sections of the society.

Body:

Salience of ‘sect’ vis-a-vis Caste:

Caste is a system of social stratification in India that influences various aspects of the life of an individual.

• Sect as unifying factor: Several sects form just so that the caste-based discrimination is not faced by the people. The marginalized sections of society are mostly lower castes and are thus more attracted towards sects.
  • g., Buddhism and Jainism started off against the ill-effects of the caste system in India.
• Sect as divisive factor: Even within same castes, there may be several sects that may even be opposing in their basic features.
  • Brahmins as a caste are sub-divided into sects of Brahmins of Northern India & Southern India.

Salience of ‘sect’ vis-a-vis Region:

• Geographically selected culture: Sect reflects both the geography & culture of the region in which it develops. It is a way of accommodating local needs and aspirations within the mainstream religion.
  • Example: The Shaikh are a Muslim community found in the north Indian states. They have further sub-sects like siddiqui, farooqi, usmani, abbasi.
• Political identity: Owing to rising socio-economic status, various sub-castes in India are asserting their dominance in regional political and social sectors.
  • Example: Lingayats in Karnataka control the regional politics heavily.

Salience of ‘sect’ vis-a-vis Religion:

• Adherence to norms: Both require their followers to adhere to certain ways of living.
  • Shias and Sunnis are sects within Islam and they have different mosques, festivals and way of living too.
• Religion can be accommodative with various sects but, sect is always different & specific to a single value & culture.
  • ISKCON is a sect that focuses on only worshiping Lord Krishna.
• Sect may become a new religion: Over a period of time, sects may become institutionalized as separate religions.
  • For instance, Buddhism and Jainism started off as sects within Hinduism but gradually became established as separate religions.

 Conclusion:

Too much sectarianism may lead to increased fragmentation within society that may be harmful for the growth of society and national integration. Thus, it must be moderated. India is a land of diversity. Sects are one way through which diversity is enriched by keeping the local needs and aspirations in mind within the larger umbrella of one religion.