Mangaluru : Conversion to Hinduism is invented recently and the phenomenon was problematic because of the caste system said, Prof Romila Thapar, noted historian and Professor Emeritus of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi.

Speaking in a seminar on Indian society and secularism here on Wednesday January 21, she referred to the Ghar Vapsi programme of the Vishwa Hindu Parishat and said that those converting into Hinduism are put through “purification”, thereby suggesting that they were from lower castes.

She said conversions were not a problem in Christianity or Islam for which it was not modern phenomenon. Pointing at the practice of untouchability, she said Islam and Christianity too had similar practices.

She demanded personal laws regarding inheritance and property should be scrapped.

She said a fresh civil code which is common to all irrespective of religion should be put in place. “Civil society needs to demand secular laws,” she said.

The laws should rise above religion and claims of these hurting sentiments (of a section of society) were not viable, she felt. All religions should have equal status before the law.

Historian Romila Thapar on Wednesday demanded personal laws regarding inheritance and property should be scrapped.

Delivering a talk, she said fresh civil code should be put in place which is common to all irrespective of religion. “Civil society needs to demand secular laws,” she said.

The laws should rise above religion and claims of these hurting sentiments (of a section of society) were not viable, she felt. All religions should have equal status before the law.

Prof. B Surendra Rao, former professor of History in Mangalore University presided over the function. Dr Srinivas Kakkillaya, eminent physician was also present.