Communalism is a closed-minded dedication to a religious group, which most of the time leads to social segregation and bloodshed. In India, there are historical foundations in the British strategy of divide and rule and it continues after Indian independence because of political exploitation, socio-economic imbalances, and propaganda. Its destructive effect can be pointed out in major events such as the partition, the Babri demolition, and recent riots. Legal and administrative mechanisms have been introduced by the government but communalism has been an issue. It needs to be put under control with a multi-pronged effort conducted in the form of legal, social, educational, and political reforms.

Key Points for RAS Mains

What is Communalism?

• According to communalism, society is separated into religious groups having different interests.
• It propagates the us-and-them way of thinking, which leads to inter-religious tension.
• It frequently causes inter-communal intolerance, hatred, and violence.
• It destroys national unity and creates sectarian religious identity as opposed to citizenship.
• Its effects can be best observed in the historical events such as the Babri Masjid demolition.

Dimensions of Communalism

Development of Communalism

• Pre-Independence:Maturing in the course of the struggle for freedom because of the British policies, demands of the Muslim league, and the socio-religious division.
• Partition of India (1947): Caused extensive violence and preconditioned the development of the subsequent communal tension.
• Post-Independence:
• There is an increase in political abuse (vote-bank politics).
• Remarkable events: Ahmedabad riots (1969), Punjab extremism (1984), Babri demolition (1992), Gujarat riots (2002).
• Its existence is evidenced by such problems as the Kashmir exodus, Delhi riots 2020.

Recent Trends

• Increase in:
  • Vigilance and mob lynching
  • Fake news and hate speech in the social media
  • Minor but violent local restrictions
  • Incidents such as the Muzaffarnagar (2013) riots, the Delhi riots (2020) and the Nuh violence (2023)

Factors that lead to Communalism

• 1. Historical Factors
  • Colonial policies of the British
  • Partition trauma
  • Religious reform movements that had communal overtures
• 2. Political Factors
  • Vote-bank politics
  • Election use of religious identity
  • Political appeasing and polarization
• 3. Socio-Cultural Factors
  • The difference in culture among the communities
  • Discriminatory school and religious instructions
  • Increase of intolerance and suspectness
• 4. Economic Factors
  • Poverty and unemployment
  • Relative deprivation of the minorities (e.g Muslims according to Sachar Committee Report)
• 5. Psychological and Media factors
  • Minorities fear and insecurity
  • Isolation and ghettoization
  • Place of biased media, religious extremism and hate on social media

Government Efforts

• Administerative and preventive measures can be dealt with under Communal Harmony Guidelines (2008).
• National foundation for communal harmony (NFCH): Provide financial and rehabilitative assistance to riot victims
• Legal Measures:
• The IPC Section 153A- Pardons deeds that propagate hostility.
• Capital punishment on mob lynching is now provided in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Suggested Measures

• Encourage religious freedom, moral values and secular education.
• Restrict the media and limit hate speech on and offline.
• Establish balanced progress and handle economic inequality.
• Empower the criminal justice to speed up trials and compensations on riots.
• Institutionalize the society in order to create law and order in religious events.

Conclusion for RPSC

Communalism endangers the pluralistic spirit and the national character of India. The nature of its causes demands an underpinning approach which is the package incorporating legal reform, social education and political responsibility. The theme of a harmonious society will be true secularism and inclusive development.

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