Full Description:
Communalism refers to the politicization of religious identity. In the context of the Raj, it was not an ancient hatred re-emerging, but a modern political phenomenon nurtured by the colonial state. By creating separate electorates and recognizing communities rather than individuals, the British administration institutionalized religious division.
Critical Perspective:
The rise of communalism distracted from the anti-colonial struggle against the British. It allowed political leaders to mobilize support through fear and exclusion, transforming religious difference into a zero-sum game for political power. This toxic dynamic culminated in the horrific inter-religious violence that accompanied Partition.
