"Communalism is a political doctrine which makes use of religious and cultural differences to achieve political ends". Discuss along with adequate substantiation.

Communalism is an ideology where 2 communities (mostly religious) have conflicting interests and view these interests as antagonistic to each other, according to Bipin Chandra. This is then manifested in the form of violence, religious conflicts, religious deprivation and even religious fundamentalism. Communalism is a political agenda which is furthered by creating insecurity among citizens, particularly among minorities. Religious minorities are according to J-Pathy characterised by relative isolation, low numerical strength and mainstream participation, etc. In case of India, minorities include Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, etc. The Hindu-Muslim rivalry in India has been persistent since the days of Partition.

The creation of Pakistan itself was a political goal, more than a secular goal. After Indian independence, India's secular fabric continues to be marred with religious conflicts, riots etc. eg: recent riots in Muzaffarnagar, Godra riots, etc.

This can be clearly attributed to politicization of religion to develop vote banks, secure funding, etc. to further the interests of the political class and maintain their hegemony.

Majoritarian communalism is the most dangerous as indicated by B. Chandra. This involves deliberate creation of insecurity in the minds of the minorities as witnessed recently in the Beef ban controversy, Dadri lynching, etc. This is part of Hindu cultural revivalism (Hindutva) that is more political than religious.

It is due to persistence of communal tendencies & hatred that secessionist tendencies develop eg: Khalistan movement, Kashmir, etc.

On an international scale too communalism as a political doctrine has led to Israel-Palestine conflict, persecution of Rohingyas in Myanmar, Islamophobia in US, etc.

Moreover, communalism has today transcended into a more dangerous phenomena of religious fundamentalism which involves unleashing terror to achieve political ends in the name of religion. Eg: the goal of ISIS to create a caliphate is driven by political interests.

Thus, flaming of religious passions today has achieved massive proportions affecting India's secular fabric - from Kashmiri Pandit exodus

to 1984 Sikh riots / Khalistan movement to Babri Masjid Demolition & riots to persistent Anti-establishment movement in Kashmir, are all political creations.