Summary of the Rise and Spread of Communalism in India: Historical Context, Socio-Economic Factors, and Key Events | Studento
Rise and Spread of Communalism in India
Historical Context and Evolution of Communalism in India
Emergence: Communalism emerged around the end of the 19th century, posing a threat to Indian unity and the national movement. Its legacy persists.
Characteristics:
Communal Nationalism: Belief that members of a religious community share uniform secular interests.
Liberal Communalism: Idea that different religious communities have distinct interests in secular areas like economics and politics.
Extreme Communalism: Belief that the interests of different religious communities are incompatible and cannot coexist.
Comparative Phenomena: Indian communalism is comparable to other ideologies such as Fascism and anti-Semitism seen in other societies.
Modern Roots: Communalism arose from the modern political, economic, and social structures, influenced by colonial policies and the spread of mass politics. It often involved religious consciousness becoming communal consciousness.
Socio-Economic Factors Contributing to Communalism in India
Communalism was driven by rising middle classes that propagated communal interests to serve their economic benefits.
Colonial administration supported communal elements to expand their social base.
Socio-economic distinctions often aligned with religious distinctions, exacerbating communal tensions.
Educational and Economic Disparities and Their Impact on Communalism
Muslims lagged behind Hindus in education and industrial participation, leading to heightened communal tensions.
The lack of opportunities for educated Muslims led to demands for special treatment and further communal division.
British Divide and Rule Policy and Its Role in Communalism
Initially, Muslims faced repression, but post-1870s, the British government began using concessions and favours to gain Muslim support and counter nationalist movements.
Leaders like Syed Ahmed Khan initially promoted loyalty to the British and emphasized separate Muslim interests.
Communalism in History Writing in India
Imperialist and chauvinist historians portrayed Indian history as divided into Hindu and Muslim phases, distorting the conflicts as purely religious.
Reform Movements and Their Influence on Communalism
Reform movements like Wahabi and Shuddhi had militant aspects that heightened communal tensions.
Militant Nationalism and Its Relation to Communalism
Early nationalists tried to avoid religious issues, but later, militant nationalism incorporated communal elements, affecting Hindu-Muslim relations.
Reactionary Elements and Their Role in Communalism
Hindu communal sentiments emerged in reaction to Muslim communalism, leading to organizations like the Punjab Hindu Sabha and RSS promoting anti-Muslim views.
Two-Nation Theory Development and the Partition of India
1887: Government supported anti-CongressMuslim leaders.
1906: The Muslim League was founded to promote loyalty to the British and demand separate electorates.
1916: Congress accepted Muslim League demands for separate electorates.
1920-22: Communal elements appeared in the Khilafat agitation and civil disobedience.
1930-34: Muslim participation in nationalist movements was limited, and communal tendencies increased.
1932: The Communal Award granted Muslim demands, further entrenching communal divisions.
1937-39: Jinnah made extreme demands, blocking conciliation efforts.
March 24, 1940: The Pakistan Resolution called for independent states for Muslims in majority areas.
Post-War: The British supported the Muslim League's demand for Pakistan, leading to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
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