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Communalism

The document defines communalism as emphasizing distinct religious identities that undermine national unity in India. It discusses approaches to understanding communalism's origins, including cultural traditions, colonial manipulation, nationalism, and modernity. It also describes the partition of Bengal in 1905 and the widespread protests against the colonial policy.

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Khondker Zarif Akhter
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27 views1 page

Communalism

The document defines communalism as emphasizing distinct religious identities that undermine national unity in India. It discusses approaches to understanding communalism's origins, including cultural traditions, colonial manipulation, nationalism, and modernity. It also describes the partition of Bengal in 1905 and the widespread protests against the colonial policy.

Uploaded by

Khondker Zarif Akhter
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Communalism:

Definition and Manifestations of Communalism:

Communalism is an ideology emphasizing that religious communities, such as Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians,
have distinct identities with common social, political, and economic interests.

It suggests that these religious groups form separate communities, undermining the concept of a unified Indian nation.

Approaches to Understanding Communalism:

Cultural Atavism Approach:

Views communalism as an outgrowth of Indian tradition, akin to the caste system.

Attributes communalism to culturally specific elements within Indian society.

Colonial Manipulation Theory:

Suggests that colonial powers exacerbated communal tensions for their benefit through "divide and rule" tactics.

Views communalism as a distortion caused by colonial policies, particularly emphasizing India's unique colonial
experience.

Pathology of Nationalism:

Presents communalism as a distortion of nationalism, where early nationalist movements emphasized Hindu values to
counter British influence.

Proposes that this form of nationalism initially served progressive ends but later hindered the nationalist movement.

Modernity as the Root Cause:

Regards communalism as a byproduct of modernity under British rule.

Claims that communalism is a disease specific to the Indian subcontinent's historical and social context.

Partition Politics:

Partition of Bengal (1905):

Announced in 1903, executed in 1905, and aimed at administrative efficiency.

Reasons cited included the unwieldiness of Bengal as a single province and the neglect of outlying districts.

Protested widely in Bengal, particularly in Calcutta, as it was seen as a strategy of "Divide and Rule."

Objectives of Partition (1905):

Administrative Reorganization:

Intended to ease the administrative burden on Bengal and improve governance in remote regions.

Developmental Focus:

Aimed to promote the development of underdeveloped areas like Assam and East Bengal.

Protests against Partition:

Met with widespread opposition, including protests led by leaders like Surendranath Banerjea.

Congress condemned the partition, reflecting a sentiment of national unity against divisive colonial policies.

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