Topic– Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
2) What do you understand by communalism, in the Indian context. Discuss its evolution in Indian society. (250 words)
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the meaning of the term communalism, in the Indian historical, social and political context. It then wants us to write in detail about the evolution of communalism in India.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- define communalism in a simple way- e.g Communalism is a political philosophy, which proposes that market and money be abolished and that land and enterprises to be placed in the custody of community. But in the Indian sub-continent context, communalism has come to be associated with tensions and clashes between different religious communities in various regions.
Body-
- Discuss about communalism in India in detail. E.g It is basically an ideology which consists of three elements. Discuss each element briefly.
- Discuss the evolution of communalism in India. E.g ancient India was united and no such communal feelings were there. People lived peacefully together, there was acceptance for each other’s culture and tradition. For example, Ashoka followed religious tolerance and focussed mainly on Dhamma; In Medieval period, we have examples such as- Akbar, who was epitome of secular practises and believed in propagating such values; Communalism in India is result of the emergence of modern politics, which has its roots in British policy of divide and rule and the partition of Bengal in 1905 and feature of separate electorate under Government of India Act, 1909; Such acts were done by the British government to appease Muslims and other communities, and dividing the Indian public opinion for their own political needs. This feeling of communalism has deepened since then, fragmenting the Indian society and being a cause of unrest etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
