Question

State any six causes of Communalism in India.

Answer 1

Causes of Communalism in India.

1. Communalism as a Bad Legacy of History: British colonial policies like “Divide and Rule” and the communal electorate system fostered deep religious divisions that continued post-independence.
2. Communalisation of History: Historians often present Indian history in religious terms (Hindu rulers, Muslim rulers, etc.), which perpetuates communal distinctions and biases.
3. Communalised Leadership: Religious and sectarian affiliations influence political leadership and voting patterns, with leaders aligning themselves to specific communities for political gain.
4. Presence of Communalist Political Parties and Groups: Several political parties and religious organisations promote communalism to secure political support, often intensifying religious divides.
5. Religious Orthodoxy: Fundamentalist groups resist modernisation and reforms, especially in religious laws and practices, fostering an atmosphere of distrust and hostility.
6. Communalisation of Political Struggle: Political parties use communal appeals and alliances to win elections, turning religious identities into tools for political advancement.