Emergence of Communalism in India

Communalism in India emerged as a divisive ideology during British colonial rule, primarily through policies like “divide and rule” and separate electorates. Though post-independence India initially saw harmony, communal tensions resurged from the late 1960s. Scholars like Bipan Chandra describe communalism as false consciousness, exploiting religious identity for political and economic gain. Events like the Babri Masjid demolition and Gujarat riots reflect deep-rooted conflicts. Communalism persists due to political manipulation, underdevelopment and lack of secular understanding. Countering it requires ideological struggle, civic engagement and promoting unity in diversity to uphold India’s secular and democratic ideals.