A researcher studies how religion has fared as societies changed over…

The correct answer is Option (4) → View that modern ways must bring religious decline - Not entirely true

Option (1) Indicators of secularisation - Share of rituals performed for secular ends — Incorrect. The indicators of secularisation are levels of involvement with religious organisations, their social and material influence, and how far people hold religious beliefs. Rituals done for secular ends are a separate point about Indian ritual.

Option (2) Secularisation of caste - Fall of caste in the choice of marriage partners — Incorrect. Secularisation of caste names a changed role of caste. Caste now often works through caste associations and caste based parties that press demands on the state; the pair links it to marriage choices instead.

Option (3) Recent years world over - Steady decline in religious consciousness and conflict — Incorrect. Recent years have seen an unprecedented growth of religious consciousness and conflict across the world. The pair states the reverse.

Option (4) View that modern ways must bring religious decline - Not entirely true — Correct. The view that modern ways must lead to a decline in religion has not been entirely true, even in the past. New religious reform organisations grew out of modern forms of communication and organisation.