Question

what is the role of communalism in politics

Answer 1

Communalism implies a strong sense of belonging to a particular religious community to the exclusion of others. Communalism as evident from the rise of politics based on religious identity has been an important factor in the Indian political system.
  The relationship between communalism and Indian politics was institutionalized in 1909 by the Minto - Morley Reforms and subsequently through the Montagu – Chermsford Reforms of 1919 which led to separate electorates. Though the system was abolished in 1947 the germs of communalism remained in independent India as well.