Communalism and Its Causes: Power Struggle vs. Relative Deprivation
Introduction
Communalism refers to politicization of religious identities, often leading to conflicts between different communities. It is fueled by competition for power and socio-economic disparities rather than mere religious differences.
1. Communalism as a Power Struggle
- Political Mobilization on Religious Lines
- Political parties use religious identities to consolidate votes.
- Example: Partition of India (1947) – Communal tensions escalated due to British divide-and-rule policies and elite political rivalry (Muslim League vs. Congress).
- Majoritarianism vs. Minority Identity Assertion
- Majority communities may assert dominance, leading to reactionary mobilization by minorities.
- Example: Hindutva vs. Minority Politics – Riots in Gujarat (2002) and anti-Sikh riots (1984) linked to political patronage.
- Communal Violence for Electoral Gains
- Politicians often engineer communal riots for electoral benefits (Paul Brass’s “Institutionalized Riot System” theory).
- Example: Muzaffarnagar Riots (2013) before Uttar Pradesh elections.
2. Communalism Due to Relative Deprivation
- Economic and Educational Disparities
- Unequal access to resources fosters communal resentment.
- Example: Sachar Committee Report (2006) – Found Muslims lagging behind in education, jobs, and wealth, fueling feelings of deprivation.
- Competition for Jobs and Resources
- Reservation policies and affirmative action create inter-group tensions.
- Example: Mandal Commission (1990s) backlash, leading to communal consolidation among upper castes.
- Perceived Discrimination by the State
- Perceived neglect of one community fosters communal polarization.
- Example: Kashmir Conflict – Perceived economic and political alienation of Kashmiri Muslims led to extremism.
Conclusion
Communalism in India is not a natural outcome of religious diversity but a consequence of socio-political and economic factors. Both power struggles and relative deprivation contribute to its rise, making inclusive policies, economic upliftment, and political neutrality essential to curb communalism.
