What do you understand by the term ‘Communalism’ ? Discuss its emergence and growth.

1. Introduction:

Communalism Defined:
Communalism refers to the promotion of a narrow, exclusivist identity based on religious or ethnic lines. It involves the prioritization of one's religious or ethnic group over broader national or social identities. In the context of South Asia, particularly India, communalism often manifests as religiously driven conflicts or tensions between different religious communities.

2. Emergence of Communalism:

Colonial Legacy and Divide-and-Rule Policy:
The roots of communalism in India can be traced back to the colonial period. The British employed a divide-and-rule policy, exploiting existing religious and cultural differences to maintain control. They institutionalized separate electorates based on religious communities, fostering a sense of distinct identities and interests among Hindus and Muslims.

Religious Reform Movements:
The 19th-century witnessed religious reform movements within different communities. While movements like the Arya Samaj sought to reform Hinduism, the Aligarh Movement and the Deoband Movement emerged among Muslims. These movements, while addressing genuine socio-religious concerns, unintentionally contributed to the crystallization of communal identities.

3. Growth of Communalism:

Partition of Bengal (1905):
The controversial partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon, ostensibly for administrative reasons, was perceived by many as an attempt to create religious divisions. The decision led to widespread protests, and the subsequent annulment of the partition in 1911 did little to assuage communal tensions. The episode deepened suspicions and sowed the seeds for future communal conflicts.

First World War and Khilafat Movement:
The First World War and the Khilafat Movement during the post-war period saw collaboration between the Indian National Congress and the Khilafat Movement, led by Muslim leaders. While intended as a united front against British colonialism, it inadvertently heightened religious identities. The failure of the Khilafat Movement and the subsequent Moplah Rebellion in Kerala added to communal tensions.

Simla Conference and Communal Award:
The Simla Conference of 1945, which aimed at resolving Hindu-Muslim political differences, ended in failure, leading to the Communal Award. The award, proposed by the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, institutionalized separate electorates for various religious communities, further entrenching communal divisions and reinforcing the idea that political rights should be based on religious identity.

Partition of India (1947):
The most significant and tragic outcome of communalism in India was the partition in 1947. The demand for a separate Muslim state, culminating in the creation of Pakistan, resulted in widespread communal violence, mass migrations, and the loss of millions of lives. The traumatic events of partition left a lasting impact on the communal landscape of the Indian subcontinent.

Post-Independence Communal Challenges:
While India gained independence in 1947, communal tensions persisted. The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 by a Hindu nationalist who opposed his conciliatory approach toward Muslims exemplified the depth of the communal divide. Subsequent decades witnessed communal violence in various parts of the country, including the anti-Sikh riots in 1984 and the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992.

4. Factors Contributing to Communalism:

Political Instrumentalization:
Communalism often serves as a tool for political mobilization. Politicians exploit religious sentiments to consolidate support from particular communities, leading to the polarization of voters along religious lines.

Economic Factors:
Socio-economic disparities can contribute to communal tensions. The competition for resources, jobs, and opportunities may be framed in religious terms, exacerbating existing divisions.

Educational System:
A biased educational system that fails to promote secular values and a shared national identity can contribute to the perpetuation of communalism. Historical narratives that emphasize religious differences rather than shared histories can reinforce communal identities.

Media Influence:
Media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions. Biased reporting, sensationalism, and the propagation of stereotypes can contribute to the reinforcement of communal attitudes.

5. Government Policies and Communal Harmony:

Secularism as a Constitutional Principle:
India's Constitution enshrines the principles of secularism, emphasizing equality and non-discrimination based on religion. However, the effective implementation of these principles remains a challenge.

Role of Law and Order:
Effective law enforcement and a justice system that ensures swift and fair punishment for those inciting communal violence are crucial for maintaining communal harmony.

Promotion of Interfaith Dialogue:
Government initiatives promoting interfaith dialogue, cultural exchanges, and educational programs that emphasize shared values can contribute to fostering communal harmony.

6. Conclusion:

In conclusion, communalism in India has deep historical roots, evolving through the colonial period, independence, and post-independence eras. The interplay of historical events, political decisions, socio-economic factors, and communal violence has shaped the complex fabric of communal relations in the country. Addressing communalism requires a multi-faceted approach, including political will, educational reforms, and societal initiatives that promote a shared national identity and emphasize the values of pluralism and coexistence. Only through these efforts can India aspire to move beyond the shadows of communalism and build a more harmonious and inclusive society.