2. Definition of Communalism

Communalism, in the Indian context, is most commonly perceived-form as the phenomenon of religious differences between groups that often leads to tension, and even rioting between them. In its not so violent manifestation, communalism amounts to discrimination against a religious group in matters such as employment or education

The causes of communal clashes as such are rarely religious in its fundamental character. In India, communalism arises when religion is used as a marker to highlight socio-economic disequilibrium between communities and as a force multiplier to demand concessions.

A man of religion is not communal, but a man who practice politics by linking it with religion is

communal. Hence we can define communalism as “political trade in religion”.