NEW DELHI, Feb. 24 -- Throughout history, rulers have sought to exploit the religious sentiments of their people to consolidate and extend their power. Religion has long been an integral part of individual and social life, making it a potent tool for governance and control. Historical records indicate that kings and emperors often spent lavishly constructing places of worship-churches, temples, mosques, and other religious institutions-to appeal to the devout and secure their allegiance. Even in times of extreme poverty and suffering, vast amounts of resources were allocated to religious affairs. Despite their hardships, people seldom questioned these expenditures because they were, metaphorically speaking, under the "influence" of religi...