Question

Write a short note.

Communalism

Explain the following concept with examples.

Communalism

Answer 1

i. Communalism refers mainly to loyalty to one’s own religion before the nation.

ii. In India, many religions co-exist side by side. Although it enriches our cultural heritage, it could also become a cause for separatism.

iii. Religious antagonism has posed a serious challenge to national integration in India. Our history is fraught with accounts of frequent conflicts due to religious differences.

iv. People belonging to different religions feel that their religion is superior. Moreover, religious fundamentalists try to impose their religious practices on others, which leads to situations of conflict.

v. Political manipulation often projects one religion against the other. It has resulted in communal riots, mutual distrust, and disintegration.

vi. Large-scale illiteracy and superstitions are also responsible for the rise of communal violence.

vii. Whatever may be the cause of conflict, the damage it does to the nation is very deep and far-reaching. This can be explained as follows:

1. Social effects: Communal conflict creates feelings of deep hatred, bitterness, and antagonism between members of different religions.
2. Economic effects: Communal conflicts retard economic growth and development. This is because resources may have to be diverted for the damage caused by communal riots and clashes.
3. Political effects: Communal conflict weakens democracy. On the international front, these conflicts India’s image adversely.

viii. In short, communal conflict is a displeasing factor that severely affects the unity of the nation.