Communal Voilence in India
COMMUNAL VIOLENCE IN INDIA AFTER INDEPENDENCE
Contents
i. Acknowledgement ii. Religious violence in post-modern India iii. Instances of religious terror in India iv. The Babri Masjid Demolition v. The 1992-1993 Bombay Riots vi. The 1993 Bombay Bombings vii. Anti-Christian violence in India viii. March 2001 Kanpur Riots ix. 2001 Godhra Riots x. Sikh related violence xi. National Liberation Front of Tripura xii. 1984-1990 Ethnic Cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits
COMMUNALISM IN POST-MODERN INDIA
Communalism has always been a problem in India due to the presence of many religious communities. During many periods throughout history, especially after the Delhi Sultanate, there have been clashes between members of different communities. Some have looked upon the failure of the Indian National Congress to form coalition ministries in 1937 as the turning point in relations between Hindus and Muslims in India. Others claim it was 1928, when the all parties’ conference rejected separate electorates whereas still others believe it was the formation of the Muslim league in 1906. However, major communal issues began with the advent of the British Raj in India and the British policy of divide and rule. Also, the uneven economic and cultural development of the different communities was an important factor in the rise of communalism. The foundation of the Muslim league and reactions of Hindu political organizations to their foundation forever cemented communal politics in India. The demand for Pakistan and collapse of the non-cooperation movement etched communalism in India.
Important factors contributing to growth of communalism 1) Socio-economic causes
This way Muslims legged far behind their Hindus brethren in Jobs and Education which rendered middle and lower class Muslims economically backward. 2) British policy of ‘Divide and rule’
Recognizing the role of Muslims in the revolt of 1857, British rulers tilted their
Contents
i. Acknowledgement ii. Religious violence in post-modern India iii. Instances of religious terror in India iv. The Babri Masjid Demolition v. The 1992-1993 Bombay Riots vi. The 1993 Bombay Bombings vii. Anti-Christian violence in India viii. March 2001 Kanpur Riots ix. 2001 Godhra Riots x. Sikh related violence xi. National Liberation Front of Tripura xii. 1984-1990 Ethnic Cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits
COMMUNALISM IN POST-MODERN INDIA
Communalism has always been a problem in India due to the presence of many religious communities. During many periods throughout history, especially after the Delhi Sultanate, there have been clashes between members of different communities. Some have looked upon the failure of the Indian National Congress to form coalition ministries in 1937 as the turning point in relations between Hindus and Muslims in India. Others claim it was 1928, when the all parties’ conference rejected separate electorates whereas still others believe it was the formation of the Muslim league in 1906. However, major communal issues began with the advent of the British Raj in India and the British policy of divide and rule. Also, the uneven economic and cultural development of the different communities was an important factor in the rise of communalism. The foundation of the Muslim league and reactions of Hindu political organizations to their foundation forever cemented communal politics in India. The demand for Pakistan and collapse of the non-cooperation movement etched communalism in India.
Important factors contributing to growth of communalism 1) Socio-economic causes
This way Muslims legged far behind their Hindus brethren in Jobs and Education which rendered middle and lower class Muslims economically backward. 2) British policy of ‘Divide and rule’
Recognizing the role of Muslims in the revolt of 1857, British rulers tilted their