Q1.Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations.

Communalism, distinct from religious belief, exploits religious identity for political, economic, or social ends. The argument that it primarily stems from power struggles or relative deprivation is compelling, as these factors often serve as its root causes.

Communalism due to Power Struggle

• Political Power: Struggle for political representation (e.g., separate electorates pre-independence) directly caused polarization. Post-independence, vote-bank politics often involve leaders appealing to religious groups for electoral gains.
• Economic & Social Power: Competition over resources, jobs, or social dominance can be communalized, with one group perceiving another as a threat.
• Illustrations: Partition of India resulted from intense power struggles. Many post-independence riots link to local political rivalries or attempts to consolidate power.

Communalism due to Relative Deprivation

• Economic Backwardness: Persistent economic marginalization or unemployment within a community fosters injustice.
• Perceived Injustice: Feelings of being overlooked in government schemes, discrimination, or inadequate representation create fertile ground for grievances.
• Exploitation by Leaders: Leaders often exploit these feelings, channeling frustration into communal animosity against a perceived 'other' for mobilization.
• Illustrations: Inciting economically backward communities against more prosperous ones, or using perceived government apathy towards specific groups to fuel tensions, exemplifies this.

Interplay of Factors

These two factors are often intertwined. Leaders engaged in power struggles frequently exploit existing feelings of relative deprivation to gain support; power imbalances can also exacerbate deprivation.

Communalism is complex, rooted in both power pursuit and relative deprivation. Addressing it requires tackling political opportunism, ensuring equitable development, and fostering inclusive governance.