To analyse the salience of 'sect' in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion, we need to understand the meaning and characteristics of each concept.
Sect is a term that refers to a subgroup within a larger religious tradition that has its own distinct beliefs, practices, and rituals. Sects can be based on doctrinal, geographical, cultural, or historical factors. For example, within Hinduism, there are sects such as Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. Within Islam, there are sects such as Sunni, Shia, Sufi, and Ahmadiyya.
Caste is a term that refers to a social hierarchy based on birth that is closely linked to religion in India. Caste determines a person's social status, access to resources, and opportunities in life. Caste is also associated with certain occupations, rituals, and customs. For example, within Hinduism, there are four major castes: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (servants and laborers).
Region is a term that refers to a geographical area that has its own cultural and linguistic features. Region can also influence a person's identity, lifestyle, and preferences. For example, India has 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own regional languages, cuisines, festivals, and traditions.
Religion is a term that refers to a system of beliefs and practices that relate to the divine or the sacred. Religion can also shape a person's worldview, values, and morals. For example, India has various religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Baha'i Faith.
The salience of 'sect' in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion can be analysed from different perspectives:
From a sociological perspective, sect can be seen as a form of social differentiation that creates subgroups within a larger religious community. Sect can also be seen as a form of social identity that gives a sense of belonging and distinctiveness to its members. Sect can also be seen as a form of social conflict that can lead to tensions and violence between different sects over doctrinal or political issues.
From a historical perspective, sect can be seen as a result of religious diversity and religious reform in India. Sect can also be seen as a reflection of historical events and historical influences that shaped the development of different religious traditions in India. Sect can also be seen as a source of historical continuity and historical change that preserved or transformed the religious heritage of India.
From a cultural perspective, sect can be seen as an expression of cultural diversity and cultural creativity in India. Sect can also be seen as an indicator of cultural values and cultural practices that define the way of life of different religious communities in India. Sect can also be seen as an agent of cultural exchange and cultural adaptation that facilitated the interaction and integration of different religious cultures in India.
Thus, the salience of 'sect' in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion can be analysed from various angles. It can be argued that sect is less prominent than caste or region or religion in terms of its impact on the social structure and social relations of India. However, it can also be argued that sect is more prominent than caste or region or religion in terms of its influence on the religious diversity and religious dynamics of India.