Communalism is a political ideology that promotes allegiance to a religious community. It asserts that followers of a specific religion share common interests that are distinct from those of other religions. This ideology encourages division and often leads to hostility. In contrast, the Western interpretation of communalism, as proposed by Murray Bookchin, advocates for a system where independent communities form a federation, emphasising communal ownership over market-driven economies.
Historical Context
Communalism has roots in the ethnic and cultural diversity of various regions, particularly in Africa. It emerged as a modern phenomenon during the processes of nation-building and social change. In South Asia, communalism has become a pressing socio-political issue, evident in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Manifestations of Communalism
One of the most visible manifestations of communalism is communal riots. These violent outbreaks often occur in multi-religious societies. In India, the presence of diverse religions can lead to conflict and violence. Individuals who instigate such violence frequently disregard the moral teachings of their religions.
Different Perspectives on Communalism
Several scholars have defined communalism in various ways:
- Bipan Chandra: Describes communalism as a belief that groups sharing a religion have common interests that override other distinctions.
- Harbans Mukhia: Views communalism as a source of tension and conflict among religious groups, particularly when resources are scarce.
- D.E. Smith: Considers communalism detrimental to national interests.
- Gopal Krishnan: Identifies communalism as a destructive intertwining of religion and politics.
- Ram Ahuja: Defines it as antagonism between communities, often leading to violence.
- Zenab Banu: Highlights the unequal treatment of minorities based on religion and culture.
- Wilfred Cantwell Smith: Emphasises the antagonism between different communal groups.
- Prabha Dixit: Sees communalism as a political doctrine exploiting religious differences for gains.
Dimensions of Communalism
T.K. Oomen identifies six dimensions of communalism:
- Assimilationist Communalism: Smaller religious groups are absorbed into larger ones, often losing their distinct identities.
- Welfarist Communalism: Focuses on community welfare, providing services like education and financial aid.
- Retreatist Communalism: Communities withdraw from political activities, avoiding engagement in governance.
- Retaliatory Communalism: Involves aggression towards other religious communities, often resulting in violence.
- Separatist Communalism: Demands for cultural specificity, often leading to calls for separate territorial states.
- Secessionist Communalism: Seeks complete political independence for a religious community.
Characteristics of Communalism
Communalism exhibits several key characteristics:
- It is ideologically driven.
- It is rooted in orthodox beliefs.
- It promotes intolerance towards other religions.
- It encourages a belief in the superiority of one’s own religion.
- It can lead to violence against other religious groups.
- It assumes that followers of the same religion have shared social, political, and economic interests.
- It views other religions as incompatible and hostile.
- It promotes the idea that communal interests supersede national interests.
- It treats citizens as members of religious communities rather than as individuals.
- In extreme forms, it advocates for separate nations for specific communities.
- It often results in the abuse of power and exploitation of communal identities.
Impact on Society
The rise of communalism has implications for social cohesion and national integration. It can lead to:
- Increased social fragmentation.
- Heightened tensions between different religious communities.
- A decline in democratic values and secularism.
- Violence and civil unrest.
- Manipulation of communal identities for political gain.
Communalism in South Asia
In South Asia, communalism has been a major factor in shaping political landscapes. The region’s history of religious diversity has often led to conflict. Events such as the partition of India in 1947 were deeply influenced by communal tensions.
Communalism vs. Secularism
Communalism stands in stark contrast to secularism. Secularism advocates for the separation of religion from political affairs. Communalism, however, intertwines religion with politics, often leading to the marginalisation of minority groups.
Responses to Communalism
Efforts to combat communalism include:
- Promoting interfaith dialogue.
- Implementing policies that ensure equal treatment for all communities.
- Encouraging education that encourages understanding and respect for diversity.
- Strengthening laws against hate speech and communal violence.
Global Perspectives on Communalism
While communalism is prominently discussed in the context of South Asia, similar phenomena exist worldwide. In Africa, ethnic conflicts often mirror communal tensions. In Europe and the Americas, religious and cultural divisions can lead to social unrest.
