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.
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.
Hindu communal sentiments emerged in reaction to Muslim communalism, leading to organizations like the Punjab Hindu Sabha and RSS promoting anti-Muslim views.
1887: Government supported anti-Congress Muslim 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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