Mention any three forms in which communalism is expressed in politics. Describe the solution
provided by the Constitution framers of India to meet this challenge?
Answers
(i) Communalism is a situation when beliefs of one religion are presented as superior to those of other religions.
When the demands of one religious group are formed in opposition to another and when state power is used to establish domination of one religious group over the rest.
(ii) Various forms of communalism in politics :
(a) The most common expression of communalism is in every day beliefs.
(b) A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious community.
(c) Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism. This involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeals and plan fear.
Communalism can take various forms in politics:
i. The routinely beliefs involve religious prejudices, stereotypes of religious communities
and belief in the superiority of one’s religion over other religions.
ii. A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious
community.
iii. For those belonging to majority community, this takes the form of majoritarian
dominance. For those belonging to the minority community, it can take the form of a desire
to form a separate political unit.
iv. Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism. This
involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeal and plain fear in
order to bring the followers of one religion together in the political arena.
v. Sometimes communalism takes its most ugly form of communal violence, riots and
massacre.
(Any three to be explained)
The makers of our Constitution were aware of this challenge. That is why they chose
the model of a secular state. This choice was reflected in several constitutional
provisions like-
i. There is no official religion for the Indian state.
ii. The Constitution provides to all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice
and propagate any religion, or not to follow any.
iii. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
iv. At the same time, the Constitution allows the state to intervene in the matters of religion
in order to ensure equality within religious communities.
(Any two to be explained