Small-scale Hindu-Muslim violence and politics: understanding the instrumental use of violence in Dakshina Kannada

Research on Hindu-Muslim rioting has underscored how political elites and parties use violence for their instrumental benefits. Building on this observation, recent studies have argued that similar instrumental interests are also present in small-scale violence. Importantly, they draw links between small-scale violence and pan-Indian Hindu majoritarianism. This paper builds upon this observation and argues that instrumental interests are also shaped by region specific realities and local leaders. The argument is developed using a case study analysis of Dakshina Kannada district in Coastal Karnataka. One part of the argument demonstrates how political parties use violence to shape their election narratives. The other part demonstrates how aspiring local leaders use violence to build their political careers. Ultimately, the instrumental use of small-scale violence requires careful attention to be given to local regional specific realities.