Examine the role of historical and socio-political factors in driving communalism in Indian politics.

Communalism is the feeling of religious antagonism to secure secular benefits. (2nd ARC)

Growth of communalism has been driven by:

(A) Historical factors:

1. Colonial policies

(B) Mcdonald Award (1932)

2. Partition cess exacerbated the feeling of communalism

3. Ideas of Muslim league and Secular ideologues clashed

4. Allegations of 'appeasement' in independent India's policies

5. Nurturing cult values of radicalization by religious doctrines

(B) Social factors:

1. Antagonistic cultural practices

(B) Beef issue

2. Uneven development of communities

(B) Sachkar Committee

3. Social cohesion weakened due to riots

(B) Muzaffarnagar riots(1943)

4. Economic development was not uniform

(B) Delli riots (2020)

5. (B) Political factors:

1. Rise of vote bank politics

2. Growth of sectarian tendencies

3. Regional parties overshadowed agenda of national unity

5. Radicalization of youth

Thus, various factors contributed to the growth of communalism, being facilitated by Inter-faith Dialogues by Government.