Rise of Communalism — Definition

Definition

Communalism in modern Indian history is an ideology that treats religious communities as political groups with essentially common interests, often assuming those interests conflict with those of other communities.

It is not identical to religious belief, worship or participation in a cultural association. Its growth must be explained through political institutions, representation, social competition and the ways leaders described collective interests under colonial conditions.

The formation of the Muslim League in 1906 and separate electorates introduced under the 1909 reforms are important institutional anchors, but neither a date nor a single organisation explains the whole process.

Avoid treating any religious population as politically uniform.