An Analytical Study of Communalism and its Impact in Indian Politics During Post Independence Era

The term ‘communalism’ is a very complex and complicated phenomenon. It has ethnic, caste, regional, linguistic and religious dimensions. The germs of communalism have been extended and nurtured by British Since 1906 in India. From the beginning of Independent India, communalism has been an integral part of the nation; as India was divided on the basis of religious line. Communal conflicts between religious communities in India, especially Hindus and Muslims have occurred since British colonial rule.
 After Independence the Government of India adopted the concept of secular state but the Virus of communalism is not ended from the society. There are some major causes and factors, which are responsible for this being. These are economic backwardness and poverty among Muslim, the critical role of Pakistan in fostering communal feeling, Hindu chauvinism, religious orthodox and obscurantism among Muslim and so-on. In this way, in India, there have been communal riots from time to time between two major communities i.e Hindus and Muslims. The examples of riots in the city of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh in February, 1961, riots at Aligarh Muslim University in October, 1961, riots in Srinagar in 1967, Delhi riots in 1984, in Bhagalpur, Bihar in 1968, riots on Ram Janmabhoomi Babri Masjid in Ajodhya in 1992, communal riots in Gujrat in 2002, etc. have broke out basically between Hindu and Muslim communities.
 Obviously, communalism said to be the worst kind of virus which has vehemently destroyed the unity and integrity of the country. It needs to be prevented by any means. Therefore, the present study is conducted to suggest for some remedial measures to this regard. This paper attempts to focus on the basic causes and factors that play destructive role in communal riot specially its impact in Indian Politics and way to eradicate the virus of communalism for preserving the unity and integrity of the nation.