“A nation divided by religion or community can never reach its full potential. Communalism is the greatest barrier to national progress’’

– Subhas Chandra Bose

Communalism is an ideology that promotes the belief that a particular religious, ethnic or cultural group is superior to others, often leading to divisions and conflicts within a society.

It fosters the idea of exclusivity based on religious or communal identities, where loyalty to one’s community is prioritized over national unity and common citizenship. In many multi-religious and pluralistic societies, such as India, communalism has been a source of tension, causing significant social and political challenges.

Communalism often manifests in the form of prejudice, stereotyping, and even violence against other communities. It has its roots in historical, social, and political contexts, where power struggles and economic disparities have been exploited by vested interests using religion as a divisive tool. In this sense, communalism is considered a threat to secularism, democracy and social harmony.

Characteristics of Communalism

Identity-Based Division: Communalism prioritizes religious or communal identity over national unity, leading to societal divisions and weakening the fabric of national integration. For example, the partition of India in 1947 was a consequence of identity-based division, where religious identities were emphasized over a shared national identity.
Us vs. Them Mentality: Communalism fosters an “us vs. them” mentality, creating rivalry and hostility between different communities, often leading to mutual distrust and alienation. For example, In some regions, tensions between majority and minority communities have led to communal clashes fuelled by the perception of being “outsiders” or “oppressors.”
Religious Prejudice: It promotes stereotypes, biases, and intolerance towards people of other religions, resulting in discrimination and social exclusion. For example, The portrayal of certain religious groups as inherently violent or backward in media or public discourse reinforces prejudices and deepens divisions.
Political Manipulation: Politicians often exploit religious sentiments to gain power or electoral support, using communal narratives to polarize voters. For example, During elections, some political parties appeal to religious identities by promising benefits to a particular community while marginalizing others.
Historical Distortion: Communal elements selectively use historical events to incite conflicts and division by presenting a biased interpretation of past events. For example, The Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 was driven by historical narratives that were selectively interpreted to justify communal violence.
Violence and Provocation: Communalism often leads to communal riots, hate crimes, and societal unrest, disrupting peace and harmony. For example, The Gujarat riots of 2002 resulted in large-scale violence and destruction, causing deep-seated animosity between communities.
Economic Competition: It fuels resource and power struggles between different communities, leading to economic disparities and social tension. For example, Competition over employment opportunities and business dominance in certain sectors often results in communal hostility and resentment.
Opposition to Secularism: Communalism undermines the principles of equality and secularism by promoting the dominance of one community over others, often leading to discrimination in public policies. For example, Efforts to implement religious laws in a secular state can create tensions and divide society along religious lines.

Communalism to India

The Communalism in India has roots in colonial-era policies that emphasized religious divisions, ultimately leading to the Partition of 1947.

Historical Background of Communalism

The roots of communalism in India can be traced back to the colonial period, where British policies played a significant role in fostering religious divisions. Before colonial rule, Indian society was largely diverse but coexisted with religious tolerance. However, the British adopted a strategy of “divide and rule” to maintain control over the vast Indian population.

Partition of Bengal (1905) was the first instance when the roots of partition were sowed in India. Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal on communal lines and under him communal organisations like the Muslim League germinated in 1906.
Introduction of Separate Electorates (1909): Due to the demand from the parties like the Muslim League Morley-Minto Reforms were introduced, that allowed separate representation for Muslims, institutionalizing religious divisions in politics.

Devastating impact of communal electorate: Communal electorate refers to a voting system where different religious or communal groups elect their own separate representatives. In general electorate leaders aspire to get votes from the members of every community and therefore are less communal. But in the communal electorate, the leaders only need to cater to the demand of their own community, and therefore go to outrageous depths to fan religious feeling to get maximum votes from their community.

Formation of Communal Political Groups: In the reaction of such partial policies organisations like the Hindu Mahasabha (1915) were established that emphasized communal ideologies. Interestingly, the British allowed such ideologies in the spirit of divide and rule.
Communal Award (1932): The policy of communal electorate was further deepened through separate electorates for various other religious and social groups, such as the Sikhs and Anglo-Indians.
Partition of India (1947): The culmination of decades of communal politics led to the creation of India and Pakistan, accompanied by widespread violence and mass displacement.

These events laid the foundation for the communal tensions that persist in modern India.

In independent India, communalism continues to pose a serious threat to secularism and democratic values by challenging the constitutional principle of equal respect for all religions. The country has witnessed several instances of communal violence, such as the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the 2002 Gujarat riots, which have caused immense loss of life and property.

Major Riots after Indian Independence

1. Partition of India (1947)

The Partition of India in 1947 led to one of the largest communal massacres in modern history, as British India was divided into India and Pakistan. This was driven by the demand for a separate Muslim state, Pakistan, led by the Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The subcontinent witnessed mass killings, rapes, abductions, and forced migration of around 15 million people across the newly drawn borders. Entire villages were wiped out, and communal hatred flared in regions like Punjab, Bengal, and Delhi. The Noakhali riots in Bengal are a notable example of early partition-related violence. The atmosphere of hate and blame also contributed to Gandhi’s assassination in 1948.
The deep scars left by partition continue to influence Hindu-Muslim relations in the subcontinent, shaping socio-political dynamics to this day.

2. Anti-Sikh Riots (1984)

Following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, widespread anti-Sikh riots broke out, especially in Delhi. The assassination was a retaliation for Operation Blue Star, a military operation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar aimed at flushing out Sikh militants. In the days that followed, thousands of Sikhs were brutally killed, and their properties destroyed. Eyewitnesses and human rights groups accused Congress party leaders of inciting mobs. The state’s failure to act swiftly and protect citizens made the violence one of the darkest episodes of targeted communal brutality in Indian history.

3. Mass Exodus of Kashmiri Pandits (1989–1990)

In the late 1980s, a surge in Islamist militancy in the Kashmir Valley triggered an exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, a minority Hindu community. With the rise of separatist insurgents, threats, targeted killings, and intimidation of Pandits became widespread. This led to the mass migration of over 3.5 lakh Kashmiri Pandits, who fled their homes to seek refuge in other parts of India. The episode is viewed as ethnic cleansing, and even today, Pandits live as internally displaced persons, raising concerns about minority protection and cultural loss in conflict zones.

4. Babri Masjid Demolition and Riots (1992)

On 6 December 1992, the Babri Masjid, a 16th-century mosque in Ayodhya, was demolished by Hindu Kar Sewaks who believed it stood on the birthplace of Lord Ram. The demolition led to nationwide communal riots, most notably in Mumbai, where hundreds were killed, and public property was destroyed.
The incident intensified the Hindu-Muslim divide, radicalized both communities, and has had a long-standing political impact on secularism and communal harmony in India.

5. Gujarat Riots (2002)

The Gujarat riots of 2002 were triggered by the Godhra train burning incident, in which 59 Hindu pilgrims were killed. This tragic event led to widespread violence against the Muslim community across Gujarat. The riots resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people, the majority of whom were Muslims, and led to the displacement of thousands.
The violence raised serious concerns regarding state complicity and the failure of law enforcement agencies to control the situation effectively. The aftermath saw prolonged legal battles, leading to several convictions, including those of high-profile political figures, bringing some measure of justice to the victims.

6. Assam Violence (2012)

The Assam riots of 2012 involved ethnic clashes between indigenous Bodo tribes and Bengali-speaking Muslims in the Bodoland region. The violence was rooted in identity politics, land disputes, and perceptions of illegal immigration from Bangladesh.
The riots led to nearly 100 deaths and the displacement of over 4 lakh people. The conflict reflects ongoing ethno-religious tensions in the North-East, where identity, livelihood, and demographic concerns overlap with communal sentiments.

7. Muzaffarnagar Riots (2013)

In Western Uttar Pradesh, the Muzaffarnagar riots broke out between Hindu Jats and Muslims following an incident of alleged sexual harassment, which escalated into revenge killings.
The violence soon spread, leading to the deaths of more than 60 people and the displacement of thousands. The riots exposed the role of local political polarization, fake videos, and incitement by leaders in communal mobilization. It also had long-term effects on the electoral dynamics of the region.

8. Northeast Delhi Riots (2020)

In February 2020, parts of Northeast Delhi witnessed violent communal clashes amid nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). Tensions between pro- and anti-CAA groups escalated into communal violence, resulting in 53 deaths, hundreds injured, and widespread property damage.
The violence was marked by stone-pelting, arson, and religious targeting, especially of Muslim localities. Allegations emerged of hate speeches, police inaction, and politically motivated provocation, making it one of the worst communal incidents in Delhi in recent history.

Factors Responsible for Communalism in India

Communalism in India arises from a complex interplay of historical, socio-economic, political, and cultural factors, which have deepened divisions along religious lines. These factors continue to influence India’s social and political landscape.

1. Historical Factors

The historical legacy of communalism in India continues to influence contemporary social relations.

British policies, such as the divide-and-rule strategy, and the Partition of India has sowed deep divisions in Indian society.
Communal Interpretation of History: Certain historical events are manipulated to incite communal sentiments. For example, the history of India was interpreted by the colonisers in terms of the Hindu and Muslim rule in India, even when the reality is for more intertwined.

2. Political Factors

Vote Bank Politics: Political parties mobilize communities based on religious identity to secure electoral support. This creates Communal Polarization and even counter polarisation. For example, Political leaders making religious-based promises to gain votes during elections.
Weak Political Will: Inconsistent enforcement of secular policies and failure to take firm action against communal elements. For example, Delayed justice in communal riot cases.
Personality based Politics: We saw the biggest negative impact of personality based politics after the assassination of Indira Gandhi.

3. Social Factors

Social structures and attitudes often contribute to communal tensions and divisions within society.

Social Segregation: Communities living in isolated clusters with minimal interaction create a lack of understanding and trust. For example, segregated residential areas based on religious identity.

Ghettoisation

Ghettoisation refers to the social and spatial segregation of a particular community, often religious or ethnic, into isolated urban areas. For example, members from Muslim communities living only in certain localities, because:

Members from the other communities do not want to live in these areas.
Members of Mulsim communities do not want to live in other areas.

In India, it is commonly seen in the context of religious minorities, leading to limited access to resources, discrimination, and alienation, thereby reinforcing social divisions and communal tensions.

Religious Prejudices: Deep-rooted biases and stereotypes passed down generations create mistrust. For example, Labelling certain communities as extremists or backward.
Cultural Differences: Differences in religious practices, customs, and traditions can become points of friction. For example, Disputes over festivals or religious processions.

4. Economic Factors

Economic disparities and competition over resources contribute significantly to communal tensions.

Unequal Economic Development: Certain communities feeling economically marginalized fuels resentment. For example, Perceived economic dominance of one community over another leading to conflicts.

Remember, social exclusion can both be a cause as well as consequence of poverty.

Competition for Resources: Job opportunities, business dominance, and access to government benefits often create friction. For example, Tensions between local businesses and migrant entrepreneurs from different religious backgrounds.
Discriminatory Practices: Exclusion of certain communities from economic participation worsens communal divides. For example, Refusal to rent homes or offer jobs to people from specific communities.

5. Psychological Factors

Communalism is also fuelled by psychological and emotional triggers that create a sense of insecurity and fear.

Fear of the “Other”: The belief that one’s religious identity is under threat leads to defensive attitudes. For example, the belief that the “other community” would eventually overpower economically and politically.
Group Identity and Pride: A strong attachment to religious identity often leads to intolerance towards other communities. For example, Perceiving religious differences as an existential threat.
Propaganda and Misinformation: Spreading false narratives to create hostility between communities. For example, Fake social media messages leading to communal violence.

6. Media and Communication Factors

The role of media, especially social media, has become crucial in shaping communal narratives.

Sensationalism by Mainstream Media: Biased coverage of communal issues can escalate tensions. For example, Media focusing on religious identity rather than facts during conflicts.
Fake News: Social media platforms facilitate the rapid spread of communal propaganda. For example, Rumours about religious communities circulated via WhatsApp and Facebook.
Biased Representation and Stereotypical portrayal of certain communities in movies and television reinforces communal biases. For example, Portrayal of certain religious groups as villains in films.

7. Legal and Administrative Factors

The inability of legal and administrative systems to curb communalism effectively contributes to its persistence.

Delayed Justice: Failure to deliver timely justice in cases of communal violence creates a sense of impunity. For example, Prolonged legal proceedings in cases like the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Biased Law Enforcement: Sometimes, law enforcement agencies act in a biased manner, favouring one community over another. For example, Police inaction or selective action during communal riots.
Lack of Stringent Anti-Communalism Laws: Existing legal frameworks are often inadequate in addressing communal violence. For example, Absence of a dedicated law against hate speech targeting religious communities.

8. External and International Factors

Global influences and cross-border interventions also play a role in communal tensions within India.

Influence of Global Extremism: International extremist ideologies impact local communal sentiments. For example, Radicalization influenced by global terrorist organizations.
Foreign Funding: Financial support from abroad for religious organizations sometimes promotes divisive agendas. For example, Foreign-funded NGOs accused of promoting religious polarization.
Cross-Border Tensions: Political conflicts with neighbouring countries often exacerbate communal divisions domestically. For example, Increased communal polarization during Indo-Pakistan tensions.

To address communalism in India, a holistic approach involving political reforms, social integration, economic inclusion, and media responsibility is required. A strong commitment to secularism, education on pluralistic values, and proactive law enforcement can help mitigate communal tensions and foster national unity.

Impacts of Communalism in India

The impacts of communalism are deeply felt at both individual and societal levels, leading to divisions and conflicts that undermine the nation’s unity and the cultural fabric of the country.

1. Political Impacts

Communalism has significant consequences for the political landscape of India, affecting governance and democratic processes. Communal Riots

Communal Polarization: It divides the electorate along religious lines, leading to fragmented and polarized politics. For example, Elections often witness political parties using communal rhetoric to gain votes, which weakens secularism.
Policy Paralysis: Governments may prioritize appeasement of certain communities, leading to biased policymaking. For example, Implementation of policies favouring a particular community at the cost of others, hindering equitable development.
Erosion of Democratic Values: The focus on religious identity over merit and national interest undermines democratic principles. For example, Political candidates being chosen based on religious appeal rather than competence.

2. Social Impacts

Communalism deeply affects social harmony and inter-community relationships, fostering divisions and mistrust.

Social Fragmentation: It creates divisions within society, leading to the segregation of communities based on religion. For example, Residential areas and institutions becoming religiously homogeneous, limiting social interactions.
Increase in Prejudices and Stereotypes: Communities develop negative perceptions about each other, further entrenching divisions, seeing others as the troublemakers.
Erosion of National Integration: Frequent communal tensions weaken the sense of national unity and common identity. Every Riot leaves a long-term animosity between communities.

3. Economic Impacts

Communalism adversely affects economic growth by disrupting business activities and discouraging investments.

Loss of Business and Investments: Communal violence discourages investors and affects local businesses, leading to economic decline. For example, during riots, shops and properties are damaged, forcing businesses to shut down.
Employment Discrimination: Certain communities may face biases in employment opportunities, leading to economic marginalization. For example, Reluctance of employers to hire individuals from specific communities due to communal biases.
Disruption of Economic Activities: Frequent strikes, curfews, and shutdowns due to communal tensions result in productivity losses. For example, Cities experiencing communal unrest suffer significant economic slowdowns.

4. Psychological Impacts

Communalism leaves a lasting psychological impact on individuals and communities, creating an atmosphere of fear and anxiety.

Fear and Insecurity: People feel unsafe in regions dominated by other communities, leading to migration and demographic shifts. For example, Families relocating from riot-prone areas to avoid potential violence.
Trauma and Emotional Distress: Victims of communal violence, especially women and children, experience long-term psychological scars. For example, Survivors of communal violence facing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Distrust Among Communities: A persistent feeling of suspicion and apprehension develops among different religious groups. For example, Communities becoming reluctant to engage in joint social or business ventures.

5. Educational Impacts

Communalism also affects education by creating divisions in the learning environment and shaping biased perspectives.

Segregation in Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges may witness communal biases, limiting interfaith interactions. For example, Students from different communities preferring separate educational institutions.
Communal Distortion of History: Textbooks and educational curricula may present biased versions of historical events. For example, Selective emphasis on historical conflicts between religious communities rather than harmony.
Disruption of Education During Riots: Communal violence leads to the closure of schools, affecting students’ academic progress. For example, Prolonged curfews resulting in students missing exams and classes.

6. Cultural Impacts

The cultural diversity of India is adversely affected by communalism, which undermines the spirit of unity in diversity.

Erosion of Shared Heritage: Communal tensions reduce the appreciation for India’s syncretic culture and shared traditions. For example, Declining participation in festivals that were once celebrated by multiple communities together.
Decline of Artistic Expression: Fear of backlash from religious extremists limits cultural expressions such as films, literature, and art. For example, Filmmakers and authors facing threats for creating works with interfaith themes.
Polarization of Cultural Spaces: Cultural events and activities often become exclusive to specific communities, reducing inclusivity. For example, Cultural programs being organized separately based on religious affiliations.

7. Legal and Administrative Impacts

The legal system and administrative machinery face challenges in effectively addressing communalism.

Overburdening of Law Enforcement Agencies: Frequent communal disturbances strain law enforcement resources. For example, Deployment of large police forces during communal clashes, diverting resources from other duties.
Delayed Justice for Victims: Judicial delays in addressing communal violence cases erode trust in the legal system. For example, pending cases related to major communal riots taking decades for resolution.
Bias in Law Enforcement: Allegations of favouritism in handling communal cases create further grievances. For example, Police being accused of selectively targeting members of certain communities during communal unrest.

8. International Impacts

India’s global image and diplomatic relations are also affected by internal communal tensions.

Negative Global Image: Communal violence tarnishes India’s image as a secular and democratic nation. For example, International media highlighting incidents of communal violence as a sign of rising intolerance.
Impact on Foreign Relations: Communal tensions can affect diplomatic ties with countries that share religious affinities. For example, Strained relations with Middle Eastern countries over perceived mistreatment of a particular religious community.
Influence of Foreign Entities: External forces may exploit communal tensions to create instability and interfere in domestic affairs. For example, Funding of extremist groups by foreign organizations to incite violence.

The impacts of communalism in India are far-reaching and affect every aspect of life, from politics and economy to social harmony and global reputation. To mitigate these impacts, India needs a robust approach focused on strengthening secularism, promoting interfaith harmony, ensuring swift justice, and fostering inclusive economic and social development.

Measures to Counter Communalism in India

Communalism is a serious challenge that undermines social harmony, national integration, and democratic values. To mitigate its effects and foster unity, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, addressing social, political, economic, and educational dimensions:

1. Political Measures

The government must ensure strict adherence to the principles of secularism enshrined in the Constitution. This can be done in following manner:

Discouraging Communal Political Activities: Political parties should be prevented from using religion for electoral gains through strict electoral reforms. For example, Disqualification of candidates found guilty of promoting communal hatred.
Accountability for Leaders: Strict penalties for politicians and public figures who incite communal hatred. For example, Disqualification from public office for hate speech.

2. Social Measures

Promoting Social Harmony: Organizing interfaith dialogues and cultural exchange programs to foster mutual understanding. For example, Community events where people of different faiths celebrate each other’s festivals.
Encouraging local leadership and grassroots initiatives to resolve communal tensions. For example, Neighbourhood peace committees to mediate conflicts.
Eradicating Social Segregation: Encouraging mixed-community neighbourhoods and schools to promote coexistence. For example, Policies promoting diverse housing allocations.
Media Awareness Campaigns: Spreading messages of unity through films, TV, and social media. For example, Government-led initiatives promoting communal harmony advertisements.

3. Economic Measures

Economic Inclusion: Ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across all communities. For example, several schemes such as USTAAD scheme for minorities and focusing on underdeveloped minority-dominated areas.
Encouraging Intercommunity Businesses: Promoting joint ventures and partnerships between different religious communities. For example, Incentives for businesses that employ a diverse workforce.

4. Educational Measures

Value-Based Education: Incorporating lessons on secularism, diversity, and tolerance in school curriculums. For example, Teaching students about India’s pluralistic history and constitutional values.
Eliminating Communal Bias in Textbooks: Ensuring history and social science curricula present an unbiased and inclusive perspective. For example, Highlighting contributions of all communities in India’s freedom struggle.
Promoting Interfaith Education: Encouraging institutions to foster interfaith understanding through joint activities. There is a need to invest in public schools so that people are discouraged from joining Madrasas and temple schools.

5. Legal and Administrative Measures

Legal and Judicial Reforms: Establish fast-track courts for communal violence cases and enact comprehensive laws like the Communal Violence (Prevention) Bill for better prevention and control.
Police and Administrative Reforms: Train police forces in human rights, communal harmony, and riot control, while ensuring accountability for failures to prevent violence.
Strict Enforcement of Anti-Communal Laws: Implementing existing laws effectively to curb communal hate speech and violence. For example, enforcing laws such as the IPC sections related to inciting communal violence.
Strengthening Law Enforcement Agencies: Ensuring police forces are trained to handle communal conflicts impartially. For example, Special training for police officers on handling communal-sensitive situations.
Banning Extremist Organizations: Taking strict action against organizations that spread communal hatred. For example, banning groups involved in hate propaganda and violence.
Responsible Media: Regulate sensationalist media content and encourage ethical journalism, fact-checking, and responsible reporting to combat misinformation and hate speech.
Technology and Social Media Regulation: Implement strict frameworks to combat hate speech and fake news online, strengthening cyber laws to hold individuals accountable for promoting communalism.

Way forward:

Communalism remains a significant challenge to India’s unity and secular ethos.

Countering communalism requires a holistic approach involving government action, civil society participation, and individual responsibility. By promoting secularism, ensuring justice, fostering education, and encouraging harmony, India can build a society where diversity is celebrated, and communal divisions are minimized.

Related FAQs of Communalism

1. What exactly is communalism and why is it such a big concern in India?

Communalism is the belief that one’s religious or community identity is superior to others. In a diverse country like India, this mindset can be dangerous—it divides people, promotes hatred, and weakens national unity. As Subhas Chandra Bose rightly said, a nation divided by religion can never truly progress.

2. How does communalism show up in everyday life or politics?

It often surfaces as “us vs. them” thinking, biased news reporting, political speeches that favor one religion, or even community-specific voting promises. Sadly, it can also turn violent—like during the Gujarat riots or the Delhi violence in 2020.

3. Why did communalism become such a big issue in Indian history?

A lot of it dates back to British colonial rule. They pushed policies like separate electorates and divide-and-rule tactics to weaken Indian unity. These created deep divides that still impact us today—especially visible during events like the Partition of 1947.

4. What’s the impact of communalism on our society?

It’s damaging on multiple levels—socially, it breeds mistrust; politically, it divides votes and fuels hate speech; economically, it disrupts business and discourages investment; and psychologically, it creates fear, trauma, and long-lasting bitterness between communities.

5. How can we tackle communalism and build a more united India?

Combating communalism needs a team effort—strict laws against hate speech, unbiased education, inclusive economic policies, responsible media, and most importantly, a culture of respect and coexistence. Promoting values like secularism and interfaith dialogue from a young age can go a long way in healing divisions.