1.Ideological Basis: Communalism is primarily an ideology that segregates people based on their religious identities, asserting that these identities inherently determine one’s secular, social, political, and economic interests.
2.Beyond Religious Discord: While often associated with communal riots, communalism extends beyond mere religious conflict; it encompasses a broader ideological framework that impacts social cohesion and political dynamics.
1.Group Interests: Communalism posits that individuals belonging to a particular religious group have common secular interests that align with their religious beliefs.
2.Distinct Communities: It claims that major religious groups in India, such as Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, constitute distinct and separate communities, each with unique interests.
3.Absence of a Unified Nation: According to communal ideology, there is no collective Indian identity but only fragmented religious nations within the country.
4.Divergent Interests: Communalism suggests that the secular interests of different religious groups are not just distinct but fundamentally divergent and conflicting.