The origins of communalism can be traced back to history, particularly the British Raj. After the Revolt of 1857, the British started to follow the ‘divide and rule’ policy consciously and deliberately. The antagonistic feelings got strengthened during their rule and ultimately led to the partition of British India on the basis of religious identity. This did not steam out post- independence, and time and again we witness communal clashes in various parts of the country. For example, the 2020 Bangalore riots, Delhi riots.
Definition of Communalism
In English, the word “communal” means something related to a community or collectivity as different from an individual. In common parlance, the word ‘communalism’ refers to aggressive chauvinism based on religious identity.
Chauvinism is an attitude that sees one’s own group as the only legitimate or worthy group, with other groups seen as inferior, illegitimate and to be opposed.
- In South Asia, communalism refers to an aggressive political ideology tied to religion. While the English term is neutral, in this context, it carries strong emotional or charged connotations. This can be viewed positively by those supportive of communalism or negatively by those opposed to it.
- Therefore, communalism, in the Indian context, is most commonly perceived as a phenomenon of religious differences between groups that often lead to tension, and even rioting between them. In its not so violent manifestation, communalism amounts to discrimination against a religious group in matters such as employment or education.
- Communal conflicts usually don’t start solely because of religion. In India, communalism happens when religion becomes a way to show differences in social and economic status between communities. It’s used as a tool to demand special treatment or advantages.
Elements of Communalism
Communalism or communal ideology consists of three basic elements or stages-
- Mild Communalism
- Moderate Communalism
- Extreme Communalism
- Mild Communalism:
- It is the belief that people who follow the same religion have common secular interests i.e., common political, social and cultural interests.
- For example, nobles of different communities (Hindustani, Turani, Afghan, Irani etc.) co- existed (largely) peacefully in the courts of the Mughal kings.
- Moderate Communalism:
- In a multi-religious society like India, the secular interests of followers of one religion are dissimilar and divergent from the interests of the followers of another religion.
- For example, the Muslim League was initially founded upon the realization of such differences in interests.
- Extreme Communalism
- Interests of different religious communities are seen to be mutually incompatible, antagonistic and hostile.
- For example, groups advocating partition of the country as the only solution for safeguarding the interests of the religious communities.
Features of communalism
- Communalism is mostly about politics and not solely about religion. Even though communalists are very involved with religion, there isn’t always a direct connection between someone’s personal faith and their communal beliefs.
- A person who is communal may or may not be very religious, and someone who is deeply religious might or might not have communal beliefs.
- Communalists share a belief in a political identity tied to religion. The crucial thing is how they view people with different identities, particularly those based on other religions.
- Communalism holds that religious identity is more important than things like poverty, jobs, social class, or political opinions.
- It rules out the possibility that Hindus, Muslims and Christians who belong to Kerala, for example, may have as much or more in common with each other than with their co-religionists from Kashmir, Gujarat or Nagaland.
- It also denies the possibility that, for instance, landles agricultural labourers (or industrialists) may have a lot in common even if they belong to different religions and regions.
- Communalists actively promote a strong political identity and are willing to criticize or even confront anyone who does not align with their identity or beliefs.
Thus, some of the features of communalism are:-
- It is a multifaceted process based on orthodoxy and intolerance.
- It also propagates intense dislike for other religions
- It stands for the elimination of other religions and its values.
- It adopts extremist tactics including use of violence against other people.
- For example, the ISIS blasted and brought down the famous Bamiyan temple, the last remnant of the Gandhara style architecture
- It is exclusive in outlook. A communalist considers his own religion to be superior to other religions.
Types of Communalism
- Assimilationist Communalism
- Welfarist Communalism
- Retreatist Communalism
- Retaliatory Communalism
- Separatist Communalism
- Secessionist communalism
- Assimilationist Communalism:- When a larger religious community tries to assimilate the smaller ones such that the latter’s culture gets subdued.
- For example, the Hindu Code Bill is applicable to Sikh, Buddhists and Jains as well. Tribals were considered as backward Hindus by GS Ghure (Father of Indian Sociology)
- Welfarist Communalism:- Working for the welfare of one’s own community.
- Example- establishing hostels, scholarships, employment opportunities etc.
- Retreatist Communalism:- The members of the Bahai community (Bahaism religion) proscribe/ forbid their members from participating in political processes as it is based on the ideology of unity of God, religion, mankind etc.
- Retaliatory Communalism:- Communities have relatively hostile interests and often it is manifested in the form of communal violence.
- Separatist Communalism:-The demand for autonomy based on religion, however, within the Indian union.
- Example- the demand for Punjab state
- Secessionist communalism:- Demand for a separate nation based on religion.
- Example- the demands for Khalistan, Azad Kashmir.
FAQs
1. What is the Definition of Communalism?
Communalism refers to a socio-political ideology or practice that emphasizes the identity of a religious or ethnic group, often leading to the exclusion or hostility towards other groups within a society. It involves the prioritization of group interests over individual rights and the perpetuation of divisions based on religion, ethnicity, or other communal identities.
2. What are the Key Elements of Communalism?
a. Identity-based Loyalty: Communalism fosters strong allegiance and loyalty to one’s religious or ethnic community, often at the expense of broader societal unity. b. Group Solidarity: It emphasizes solidarity within the communal group, promoting the interests of the group above those of individuals or other communities. c. Exclusivity: Communalism tends to create boundaries between different religious or ethnic communities, leading to segregation and distrust. d. Conflict and Polarization: It often leads to conflicts between different communal groups, resulting in polarization and tension within society.
3. What are the Features of Communalism?
a. Religious or Ethnic Identity: Communalism revolves around religious or ethnic identities, with individuals identifying strongly with their respective communities. b. Political Instrumentation: Communalism is frequently exploited for political gain, with politicians and leaders manipulating communal sentiments to garner support or maintain power. c. Historical Grievances: Communalism often arises from historical grievances or perceived injustices, which are exploited to mobilize communities against perceived adversaries. d. Socio-Economic Factors: Communalism can be exacerbated by socio-economic disparities, with marginalized communities often being more susceptible to communal propaganda.
4. What are the Types of Communalism?
a. Religious Communalism: This type of communalism is based on religious identities, where tensions and conflicts arise between different religious communities. b. Ethnic Communalism: Ethnic communalism focuses on conflicts and tensions between different ethnic groups within a society. c. Political Communalism: Political communalism occurs when political parties or leaders exploit communal identities and sentiments for their own agendas. d. Regional Communalism: In some cases, communalism may manifest along regional lines, with tensions and conflicts arising between different regions within a country, often fueled by linguistic or cultural differences.
5. How Does Communalism Impact Society?
a. Social Division: Communalism leads to societal divisions along religious or ethnic lines, hindering social cohesion and unity. b. Violence and Conflict: Communal tensions often escalate into violence and conflict, leading to loss of life, displacement, and destruction of property. c. Undermining Democracy: Communalism can undermine democratic processes by polarizing societies and manipulating electoral outcomes through communal mobilization. d. Economic Disruption: Communal conflicts disrupt economic activities, leading to loss of livelihoods, investment, and development opportunities.
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