Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation’. Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-1: Indian Society]

Introduction:
Communalism refers to an ideology that emphasizes social and political identities based on religious affiliations. It has been a significant challenge in various societies, leading to communal violence and conflicts.

Body:

Power Struggle:

• Communalism often emerges from power struggles between religious groups, exacerbated by historical events and policies.
• Example: In India, during the British colonial period, the divide-and-rule policy was employed by the British to maintain control. This policy fostered communal identities and gave rise to religious-based political parties like the Hindu Mahasabha and the Muslim League.
• The struggle for power between these parties and communities led to communal violence and conflicts as they vied for dominance.

Relative Deprivation:

• Communalism can also be fuelled by feelings of relative deprivation, where one group perceives itself as marginalized compared to another.
• Example: In India, in the 1980s and 1990s, communal tensions escalated due to the perceived marginalization of the Hindu community by the Muslim community.
• The demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992 was a stark example of communal violence driven by the perceived deprivation of Hindus’ rights to a sacred site.

Economic Factors:

• Economic factors can play a role in fomenting communalism when one group fears their economic interests are under threat from another group.
• Example: In India, areas where there are religious differences in the ownership of land or businesses often experience communal tensions and conflicts due to economic competition between communities.
• These economic disparities create a perceived threat to one community’s economic interests, leading to communal divisions.

Conclusion:

• Communalism, driven by power struggles and relative deprivation, has been a prominent issue in India’s history, resulting in communal violence and conflicts.
• To address communalism, it is crucial to promote equality and justice for all religious communities, thereby mitigating power imbalances and reducing feelings of deprivation.
• By fostering an inclusive society that respects diverse religious identities and ensures equal opportunities for all, the potential for communalism can be diminished.