In the Indian context, communalism refers to a political ideology that uses religious identity to mobilize groups for secular ends. As per T.K. Oommen, it is the “politicization of religious identity.”
Power Struggle Leading to Communalism
Colonial Legacy of “Divide and Rule”- The British used communalism to prevent the rise of a united nationalist front. Eg- separate electorates under Morley-Minto Reforms.
Partition of India due to power struggle between Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha.
Electoral Mobilization- “communal polarization” for vote bank politics. Eg- Ram Janmabhoomi movement
The Institutionalized Riot System – Paul Brass argues that riots are produced through three stages- Preparation (constant tension), Activation, and Explanation for electoral benefits. Eg- hate speech-riots-blame game.
Instrumentalist school- as per Asghar Ali Engineer, it is a tool used by the elites to safeguard their leadership and prevent class-based mobilization of the poor.
Administrative Partisanship- If the state machinery appears biased, it emboldens communal actors. Eg- administrative paralysis during 1984 Anti-Sikh riots.
Politicization of history – Eg- Conflicts over Gyanvapi Mosque or Shahi Idgah serve as sites for asserting cultural and political hegemony.
Separatist movements like Khalistan and insurgency in North-East highlights struggle for political autonomy
Political underrepresentation – Lack of voice in governance intensifies alienation. Eg- only 24 muslim MPs in 18th LS
Relative Deprivation Leading to Communalism
As per Ted Robert Gurr, relative deprivation occurs when there is a perceived gap between a group’s “value expectations” and their “value capabilities”.
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan advised Muslims not to join congress to increase their representation in government jobs. (Loyal Muhammadans of India – book)
Socio-Economic Backwardness –
Sachar Committee Report (2006) highlighted the lack of Muslims in government jobs, fueling a sense of systemic deprivation.
Ghettoization and poverty in cities foster “us vs. them” mentalities.
Economic Competition and conflict
1961 Jabalpur Riots due to competition between Hindu and Muslim bidi entrepreneurs
Conflicts over resources are given a communal color to mobilize support quickly. Eg- Moplah revolt of 1921 by Mapilla muslims against muslim landlords
Majoritarianism- fear among minorities of suppression of their language or traditions by a secular or majority culture. Eg- portest against triple talaq.
Educational Mismatch- illiteracy and unemployment among youth makes them susceptible to communal outfits that offer a sense of identity and purpose. Eg- Burhan Vani
Migration and fear of demographic change- Native populations feel deprived of jobs by “outsiders.” Eg- Communal tensions in Assam due to migration of Bangladeshi muslims
Way Forward
Implementing the Prakash Singh Directives to ensure the police act as an impartial force during tensions
Implementing recommendations of the Amitabh Kundu Committee to ensure development reaches the “bottom-most” layers of all communities.
Civic Integration (Ashutosh Varshney) through mixed-religion residential societies and business associations to act as a buffer against riots.
Regulating Hate Speech- Strict enforcement of MCC during elections.
Community Policing- Scaling models like Mohalla Committees (Mumbai).
Establishing Fast Track Courts to ensure timely persecution of perpetrators of riot
Inclusive development policies and ethical political leadership are needed to ensure that power competition does not fracture social cohesion and deprivation does not become a communal grievance.
