<P> Although India is an 80% Hindu country, India is a secular state without any state religions . </P> <P> Many scholars and intellectuals believe that India's predominant religion, Hinduism, has long been a most tolerant religion . Rajni Kothari, founder of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies has written, "(India) is a country built on the foundations of a civilisation that is fundamentally non-religious ." </P> <P> The Dalai Lama, the Tibetan leader in exile, said that religious tolerance of' Aryabhoomi,' a reference to India found in the Mahabharata, has been in existence in this country from thousands of years . "Not only Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism which are the native religions but also Christianity and Islam have flourished here . Religious tolerance is inherent in Indian tradition," the Dalai Lama said . </P> <P> Freedom of religion in the Indian subcontinent is exemplified by the reign of King Piyadasi (304--232 BC) (Ashoka). One of King Ashoka's main concerns was to reform governmental institutes and exercise moral principles in his attempt to create a just and humane society . Later he promoted the principles of Buddhism, and the creation of a just, understanding and fair society was held as an important principle for many ancient rulers of this time in the East . </P>

In addition to the church an element of this painting that is thought to represent religon is the