Elements, Causes and Consequences

• In the Indian context, communalism is often defined as a form of political mobilization that is based on religious or ethnic identity. Indian thinkers have noted that communalism often manifests as a divisive force that pits one religious or ethnic group against another, leading to tensions and conflicts within society. 
• The term communalism is often used in the Indian context to describe the growth of sectarianism, particularly between the Hindu and Muslim communities. In this sense, communalism is viewed as a form of identity politics that seeks to promote the interests of one religious community over others. 
• India is a country with multiple faiths and religions, which often leads to violence and hatred among its people 
• Those who incite religious violence in India use religion as a means to pursue their political ambitions 
• Communalism in India refers to a strong attachment to one's own community, and is often seen as an unhealthy fixation with one's own religion 
• Communalism is typically the result of religious differences between groups in India, which can lead to tension and violence 
• Discrimination against a particular religious group in areas such as education or employment is another form of communalism in India 
• Communalism is an ideology that forms the basis of communal politics, and communal violence is a predictable outcome of this ideology 
• Communalism is based on mutual religious hatred and leads to violence 
• Communal organizations are distinguished from religious organizations in India. 

The National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities, also known as the Ranganath Misra Commission, was a commission established by the Indian government in 2004. The purpose of the commission was to examine the social, economic, and educational status of religious and linguistic minorities in India, and to make recommendations for their welfare and development. 

The commission was headed by Justice Ranganath Misra, a former Chief Justice of India, and included several other members with expertise in areas such as law, education, and social welfare. The commission conducted extensive research and consultations with stakeholders, including minority communities, government officials, and civil society organizations. 

In 2006, the commission submitted its report to the Indian government, which included a range of recommendations aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of religious and linguistic minorities in India. These recommendations covered a wide range of areas, including education, employment, housing, and political representation. 

The report generated significant controversy and debate, with some critics arguing that the recommendations were biased towards minority communities and would undermine the secular fabric of Indian society. However, supporters of the commission argued that its findings and recommendations were important for addressing the socio-economic disparities faced by minority communities in India. 

Elements of Communalism 

Communalism is a complex phenomenon with several elements. Some of the key elements of communalism include: 

• Identity Politics: Communalism often arises when religious or ethnic identity is used as a political tool to mobilize support from a particular community. This can lead to the promotion of one community's interests over another, resulting in tensions and conflicts. 
• Stereotyping and Prejudice: Communalism can involve the stereotyping of religious or ethnic groups, and the promotion of negative attitudes and prejudices towards them. This can lead to discrimination, marginalization, and even violence. 
• Religious Nationalism: Communalism can also involve the promotion of religious nationalism, which emphasizes the cultural and religious identity of a particular community over others. This can lead to the exclusion of other communities and the imposition of cultural and religious norms on society as a whole. 
• Political Opportunism: Communalism can be fueled by politicians who use religious or ethnic identity to gain support from particular communities. This can result in the manipulation of communal tensions for political gain. 
• Economic Disparities: Communalism can also be driven by economic disparities between different communities, with religious or ethnic identity being used to highlight these differences and demand concessions. 

Causes of Communalism 

Communalism in India is a complex phenomenon that has been shaped by a combination of historical, political, economic, social, and media-related factors. Here is an expanded explanation of each of these causes: 

1. Historical factors: Communalism in India has been shaped by its complex history. The country has experienced various invasions and conquests over time, and these events have led to historical conflicts between different religious groups. The British colonial rule in India, which lasted for over two centuries, also played a significant role in the development of communalism. The colonial policies of divide and rule, along with the introduction of communal electorates, accentuated the divide between different communities. 

• The Mughal conquest of India led to tensions between Hindus and Muslims due to religious differences. 
• The British colonial rule in India led to the introduction of communal electorates, which further divided the country along religious lines. 
• The partition of India in 1947, which was based on religious lines, led to massive violence and the displacement of millions of people. 

2. Political factors: Political factors have also contributed to the development of communalism in India. The politics of identity and the use of religion as a tool for mobilization have played a significant role in this regard. Political leaders have often used religious identity to appeal to their core supporters, which has resulted in the creation of communal divides. This has also led to the marginalization of certain communities in the political process.

• The Ayodhya dispute, which centers around the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site, has been used by politicians to appeal to their core supporters and mobilize voters along religious lines. 
• The Gujarat riots of 2002, which were sparked by the burning of a train carrying Hindu pilgrims, were used by politicians to incite communal tensions and gain political power. 
• The rise of Hindutva politics, which seeks to establish India as a Hindu nation, has led to the marginalization of minority communities and the perpetuation of communal divides. 

3. Economic factors: Economic disparities between different communities have also contributed to the development of communalism in India. Certain communities have been privileged over others, and this has led to resentment and tension between different groups. Economic disparities have also led to the perception of certain communities as being more prosperous or successful than others, which has further contributed to the development of communalism

• The reservation system, which provides affirmative action for certain communities in education and employment, has led to tensions between different groups who feel that they are being unfairly treated. 
• The disproportionate representation of certain communities in positions of power and wealth has led to resentment and tension between different groups. 

• The perception of certain communities as being more successful or prosperous than others has led to the development of communal stereotypes and prejudices. 

4. Social factors: Communalism in India has been shaped by various social factors, such as caste, gender, and language. The caste system, which is deeply ingrained in Indian society, has contributed to the marginalization and discrimination of certain communities. Gender-based discrimination has also been a significant factor, with women from certain communities facing greater discrimination than others. Language has also been a divisive factor, with tensions arising between different linguistic groups. 

• The caste system, which has been deeply ingrained in Indian society for centuries, has led to the marginalization and discrimination of certain communities. 
• Gender-based discrimination, which is prevalent in many parts of India, has led to the oppression of women from certain communities. 
• Tensions between different linguistic groups have been exacerbated by the imposition of Hindi as a national language and the neglect of other regional languages. 

5. Role of media: The media has played a significant role in shaping communalism in India. The media has often perpetuated stereotypes and negative attitudes towards certain communities, which has further fueled communal tensions. The rise of social media has also contributed to the spread of fake news and hate speech, which has further intensified communal divides. 

• The coverage of the Delhi riots in 2020 by some media outlets was criticized for spreading hate speech and inciting communal tensions. 
• The portrayal of Muslims as terrorists in some Bollywood films has perpetuated negative stereotypes and contributed to the demonization of the community. 
• The spread of fake news and rumors on social media has contributed to the intensification of communal divides and the spread of misinformation. 

Consequences of Communal Violence 

• Communal voting is prevalent in India, where people tend to vote based on their community affiliation. 
• Elected representatives tend to prioritize the interests of their community, often at the expense of national interests. 
• This phenomenon poses a threat to the progress of democracy and the core constitutional values of secularism and religious tolerance. 
• Communal activities create division in society and promote feelings of hatred towards other communities. 
• This, in turn, harms the country's human resource and economy, acting as a barrier to national development. 
• Foreign investment is deterred by the high level of communalism, leading to caution and potential investment loss. 
• Unproductive activities divert labor from productive activities, and communal ideologies may lead to the destruction of public property. 
• Violence against any particular community can cause a mass exodus, stampede, and loss of life, as seen in the case of Bangalore in 2012. 
• The poor are the real sufferers in such situations, losing their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones, which violates their human rights. 
• Children are often left orphaned, further exacerbating the impact of communal violence.