Communalism

CHALLENGES OF INDIAN DEMOCRACY

What is Communalism

Communalism refers to a social, political, and economic ideology or system based on the
organization of society around communities. In the context of this term, a "community"
typically refers to a group of people who share common cultural, religious, ethnic, or
regional characteristics. Communalism can be both positive and negative, depending on
how it is practiced and interpreted.
Positive aspects of communalism:
1.Community solidarity: Communalism fosters a sense of unity and belonging among
members of a particular community, leading to mutual support and cooperation.
2.Cultural preservation: It can help preserve and promote the unique cultural practices,
traditions, and values of a community.
3.Local governance: In some cases, communalism encourages decentralized decision-
making and local governance structures, allowing for more participation and representation
of community members in decision-making processes.
Negative aspects of communalism:
1.Division and conflict: Communalism can lead to divisions and conflicts between
different communities, especially when identities are emphasized over common
humanity.
2.Discrimination and exclusion: It may result in discrimination and exclusion of individuals
who do not belong to the dominant community within a particular area.
3.Political manipulation: Communalism can be exploited by politicians to garner support
from specific communities, leading to the politicization of identity and potentially
undermining social cohesion.
Types of Communalism
Religious Communalism:
•Based on religious identity.
•Promotes the interests of one religious community over others.
•Can lead to tensions and conflicts between religious groups.
Example: The Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya, India. The dispute centered
around the claim of Hindus that the Babri Masjid was built on the birthplace of Lord Rama, and
they demanded the construction of a Ram temple at the site. This led to communal tensions
between Hindus and Muslims and culminated in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.
Ethnic Communalism:
•Based on ethnic or cultural identity.
•Promotes the interests of a particular ethnic group.
•May lead to discrimination and conflicts with other ethnic communities.
Example: The Rwandan Genocide. The genocide in 1994 was primarily fueled by ethnic
tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi communities. The conflict resulted in the mass
killing of around 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus over a period of 100 days.
Regional Communalism:
•Asserts regional identity over national identity.
•Demands for more regional autonomy or resources.
•Can lead to tensions with the central government.
The Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan. The dispute over the region of Jammu
and Kashmir has led to regional tensions, with both countries asserting their claims on
the territory, resulting in armed conflicts and ongoing political tensions.
Caste-based Communalism:
•Prevalent in societies with caste divisions.
•Promotes the interests of a specific caste group.
•Leads to caste-based conflicts and discrimination.
Caste-based discrimination in India. Despite legal measures to address caste
discrimination, Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) continue to face social and
economic discrimination, limiting their access to education, jobs, and other opportunities.
Caste-based Communalism:
•Prevalent in societies with caste divisions.
•Promotes the interests of a specific caste group.
•Leads to caste-based conflicts and discrimination.
Caste-based discrimination in India. Despite legal measures to address caste
discrimination, Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) continue to face social and
economic discrimination, limiting their access to education, jobs, and other opportunities.
Political Communalism:
•Political parties use communal rhetoric for support.
•Manipulates communal sentiments for political advantage.
•Polarizes society along communal lines.
The rise of far-right political movements in Europe. Some political parties in Europe have
exploited anti-immigrant sentiments and xenophobia to gain support, leading to
polarization and the marginalization of minority communities.
Economic Communalism:
•Certain groups excluded from economic opportunities.
•Based on religious, ethnic, or caste identity.
•Perpetuates economic disparities.
Economic disparities between different racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
Studies have shown that certain racial and ethnic groups face higher poverty rates and
limited access to economic opportunities, perpetuating economic inequality.
Cultural Communalism:
•Promotes one culture as superior to others.
•Marginalizes and erases other cultural identities.
•Leads to cultural conflicts.
The destruction of cultural heritage by the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria and Iraq. ISIS
targeted historical and religious sites, including ancient temples and artifacts, based on
their interpretation of cultural superiority.
History of Communalism in India
COLONIAL ERA
•British "Divide and Rule" Policy
•Separate Electorates for Hindus and Muslims
•Communal Representation in Legislative Bodies
•Encouraging Communal Organizations
•Divide in Education and Land Revenue Policies
•Impact on Communal Identities
Partition of India – 1947

1.British Colonial Rule:

1. Long period of British colonial rule in India led to the growth of nationalist movements seeking
independence.
2. The demand for separate Muslim-majority regions gained momentum due to perceived fears of Hindu-
majority domination.

2.Two-Nation Theory:
1. The All-India Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, propagated the Two-Nation Theory.
2. The theory asserted that Hindus and Muslims were distinct nations with separate identities, and
therefore, they needed separate states.

3.Communal Tensions:
1. Inter-communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims increased over the years, fueled by religious
differences and socio-economic disparities.
2. The "divide and rule" policy of the British exacerbated these tensions.

4.Demand for Pakistan:

1. The All-India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution in 1940, formally demanding the creation
of an independent Muslim state, Pakistan.
1.Mountbatten Plan:
1. Lord Mountbatten proposed the partition of India into two separate dominions, India and
Pakistan, to pave the way for independence.
2. The plan aimed to create separate Muslim-majority and Hindu-majority regions.

2.Communal Violence:
1. The partition led to widespread communal violence between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs.
2. Riots, mass killings, and forced migrations resulted in a humanitarian crisis.

3.Geographical Considerations:
1. India and Pakistan were geographically separated, with West Pakistan and East Pakistan
located on either side of India.
2. This geographical distance played a significant role in shaping the boundaries of the new
nations.

4.Impact of World War II:

1. The aftermath of World War II weakened the British hold on India, making it increasingly difficult
to maintain colonial control.
2. The pressure for independence intensified, and the partition became a viable solution for the
British.
Major Riots After Independence
•1969 Gujarat Riots: In 1969, communal violence erupted in Gujarat, particularly in the city
of Ahmedabad. The riots were triggered by a dispute over the relocation of a mosque. The
violence resulted in hundreds of deaths and widespread destruction.
•1983 Nellie Massacre (Assam): In 1983, a horrific incident of communal violence occurred
in Nellie, Assam. The riot took place between indigenous tribal groups and Bengali-
speaking Muslim settlers, resulting in an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 people being killed
within a few hours.
•1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: As mentioned earlier, the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 took place in the
aftermath of the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Sikh communities were
targeted, and thousands of Sikhs were killed in Delhi and other parts of India.
•1989 Bhagalpur Riots (Bihar): The Bhagalpur riots in 1989 occurred in Bhagalpur district,
Bihar. The violence was primarily between Hindu and Muslim communities, leading to
hundreds of deaths and widespread displacement.
•1992 Bombay Riots: After the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992,
communal violence erupted in Mumbai (then Bombay) and other parts of Maharashtra.
The riots resulted in over a thousand deaths and significant property damage.
•2002 Gujarat Riots: In 2002, Gujarat witnessed one of the most devastating incidents of
communal violence. The riots were triggered by an incident on a train in Godhra, where
Hindu pilgrims were killed. Subsequent riots targeted Muslim communities, leading to
thousands of deaths and displacement.
•2013 Muzaffarnagar Riots (Uttar Pradesh): The Muzaffarnagar riots occurred in 2013 in
Uttar Pradesh, primarily between Hindu and Muslim communities. The violence resulted in
hundreds of deaths and massive displacement of people.
•2020 Delhi Riots: In February 2020, communal violence erupted in parts of Delhi,
particularly in the northeast region. The riots between Hindu and Muslim communities
resulted in over 50 deaths and widespread destruction of property.
 Ethnic Communalism in India
• Historical Divisions: India's history is marked by various regional kingdoms, princely states, and
colonial rule, which have contributed to the development of distinct ethnic identities and regional
consciousness. These historical divisions can sometimes lead to tensions between different ethnic
groups, especially when territorial claims or cultural heritage are involved.
• Identity Politics: Identity-based politics, where politicians exploit ethnic identities for electoral gains,
can exacerbate communal tensions. In some cases, political leaders may prioritize the interests of
certain ethnic communities to secure their support, leading to marginalization and perceived neglect
of other groups.
• Resource Competition: Competition over resources, such as land, water, and jobs, can trigger ethnic
conflicts, particularly in regions with diverse ethnic populations. When resources are scarce, there
may be a sense of competition and perceived discrimination, leading to communal tensions.
• Language and Cultural Differences: India is a linguistically and culturally diverse country. Differences
in language and cultural practices can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, especially
when communities feel that their language or culture is being marginalized or suppressed.
•Economic Disparities: Economic disparities between different ethnic communities can
create a sense of deprivation and lead to communal tensions. Unequal access to
education, jobs, and economic opportunities can fuel feelings of marginalization and
discrimination.
•Land and Identity Issues: Issues related to land ownership and identity can be significant
triggers of ethnic communalism. Disputes over land rights or territorial claims can lead to
conflicts between different ethnic communities.
•Colonial Legacy: The British colonial rule in India employed a policy of divide and rule,
which exacerbated existing ethnic and communal divisions. This policy created separate
administrative units based on ethnic and religious lines, further deepening communal
identities.
•Lack of Inter-Ethnic Dialogue: A lack of meaningful dialogue and understanding between
different ethnic communities can contribute to misunderstandings and mistrust.
Promoting inter-ethnic dialogue and cultural exchanges can help foster unity and
cooperation.
•Social and Cultural Norms: Traditional social and cultural norms in some regions may
perpetuate divisions between different ethnic groups. Challenging discriminatory
practices and promoting social integration is essential to address ethnic communalism.
Examples of Ethnic Communalism
•North-Eastern States: The North-Eastern states of India are home to a wide array of
ethnic communities with distinct cultures and languages. Tensions have arisen between
some of these communities, leading to clashes and conflicts over issues like resource
sharing, territorial rights, and cultural preservation.
•Assam Riots: Assam has witnessed communal tensions between the indigenous
Assamese population and Bengali-speaking Muslim settlers, primarily attributed to
issues of identity, language, and perceived economic competition.
•Nagaland-Non-Naga Conflicts: Nagaland has experienced tensions between the Naga
ethnic community and non-Naga communities living in the state. These conflicts have
arisen due to identity-based issues and demands for separate territorial autonomy.
•Tribal Conflicts: Several states with a significant tribal population, such as Jharkhand,
Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, have witnessed tribal conflicts over land rights, access to
resources, and cultural preservation.
•North-South Divide: India's North-South divide often relates to cultural and linguistic
differences between regions. While there is a rich exchange of ideas and cultural
practices, occasional tensions arise due to perceived disparities in development and
representation.
•Ethnic Identity Politics: In some regions, politicians exploit ethnic identities to gain
support from specific ethnic groups. This can lead to the marginalization of other
communities and perpetuate divisions along ethnic lines.
Impact of Communalism
•Social Division and Tensions:
• Deep divisions and tensions between religious, ethnic, and cultural communities.
• Hinders social cohesion and unity.

•Communal Violence:
• Riots, conflicts, and pogroms result in loss of lives and property destruction.
• Leads to humanitarian crises and mass displacement.

•Erosion of Trust:
• Mistrust and fear between communities.
• Undermines efforts to foster a shared national identity.
• Political Exploitation:
• Communal rhetoric used for political gains.
• Polarizes society and impedes constructive policymaking.

• Weakening of National Unity:

• Weakens the sense of national unity.
• Diverts attention from common national goals.

• Economic Impact:
• Disrupts economic activities and investments.
• Hinders economic development in affected regions.

• Undermining Democracy:
• Poses a threat to India's democratic values.
• Weakens democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Addressing Religious Communalism
•Strengthening Secularism:
• Uphold the secular principles of the Indian Constitution.
• Ensure equal treatment and protection of all religious communities.

•Effective Law Enforcement:

• Act swiftly and impartially to prevent and respond to religious violence.
• Hold perpetrators of communal violence accountable regardless of religious affiliations.

•Promoting Interfaith Dialogue:

• Encourage dialogue and engagement between religious communities.
• Foster understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect.
Addressing Ethnic Communalism
•Implementing policies that protect the rights and cultural heritage of ethnic communities.
•Encouraging inter-ethnic dialogue and understanding to foster a sense of unity amidst
diversity.
•Ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities to prevent feelings of
marginalization.
•Promoting education and awareness about the rich cultural diversity of India.
•Strengthening law enforcement and the judicial system to prevent and address conflicts
impartially.
•Supporting grassroots initiatives that foster integration and cooperation between
different ethnic communities.
•Education for Communal Harmony:
• Integrate communal harmony and secular values into school curricula.
• Teach the importance of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

•Religious Leadership and Messages:

• Engage religious leaders to promote messages of peace and unity.
• Encourage influential voices to denounce communalism.

•Media Responsibility:
• Avoid sensationalism and biased reporting of communal incidents.
• Promote responsible journalism that fosters harmony.
•Community Policing:
• Facilitate community policing initiatives for better local engagement.
• Build trust between law enforcement and communities.

•Public Awareness Campaigns:

• Launch campaigns to promote communal harmony and religious tolerance.
• Utilize various media platforms to spread unity messages.

•Legal Reforms:
• Evaluate and update laws to combat hate speech and hate crimes.
• Ensure clear and stringent legislation against communalism.
•Civil Society Initiatives:
• Support organizations working towards communal harmony.
• Encourage interfaith dialogue and peace-building initiatives.

•Grassroots Engagement:
• Engage with local communities to address root causes of communalism.
• Promote community-led initiatives for unity and cooperation.