In post-independent India, the distinction between religiousness/religiosity and communalism is crucial in understanding how religious practices and beliefs can sometimes lead to social tensions and conflicts. Here’s a detailed distinction between the two concepts, along with an example of how religiousness has transformed into communalism:
Distinction between Religiousness/Religiosity and Communalism
Religiousness/Religiosity
- Definition:
- Religiousness or religiosity refers to the personal belief in and practice of religion. It involves devotion, worship, and adherence to religious principles and rituals.
- Characteristics:
- Personal and Spiritual: It is primarily an individual’s relationship with their faith, focusing on spiritual growth and moral values.
- Tolerance and Pluralism: Religiousness often coexists with a respect for other faiths, promoting harmony and understanding among diverse religious communities.
- Cultural Expression: It encompasses cultural and traditional expressions of faith, including festivals, rituals, and pilgrimages, contributing to the rich tapestry of India’s multicultural society.
Communalism
Definition:
- Communalism is a political and social ideology that emphasizes the division of society along religious lines. It involves mobilizing people based on their religious identity for political gain.
Characteristics:
- Political Instrumentalization: It involves using religion as a tool for political purposes, often inciting divisions and conflicts between different religious communities.
- Intolerance and Sectarianism: Communalism often breeds intolerance and antagonism towards other religious groups, leading to social tensions and violence.
- Identity Politics: It focuses on creating and perpetuating religious identities as primary political identities, overshadowing broader national or civic identities.
Transformation of Religiousness into Communalism: Example
Example: Ayodhya Dispute and Babri Masjid Demolition
Background:
- The Ayodhya dispute involves a piece of land in the town of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, which is claimed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, a revered deity in Hinduism. The site also housed the Babri Masjid, a mosque built in the 16th century.
Transformation:
- Religious Significance:
- For many Hindus, Ayodhya holds deep religious significance as the birthplace of Lord Rama. Pilgrimages and religious ceremonies at Ayodhya were expressions of religiousness and devotion.
- Shift to Communalism:
- Over the decades, particularly in the late 20th century, the site became a focal point for political mobilization. Religious sentiments were politicized by groups seeking to build a temple at the disputed site, leading to communal tensions.
- The issue was used by political parties to galvanize support along religious lines, escalating religious fervor into communal rhetoric and hostility.
Communal Conflict:
- The situation culminated in the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, by a large mob, leading to widespread communal riots and violence across the country.
- The incident marked a significant transformation of religious sentiments into a communal conflict, resulting in loss of lives and property, and leaving deep scars on India’s social fabric.
Conclusion
The distinction between religiousness and communalism lies in the personal and spiritual nature of the former and the divisive, political nature of the latter. While religiousness fosters individual devotion and cultural expression, communalism exploits religious identities for political purposes, leading to social discord. The transformation of religiousness into communalism, as exemplified by the Ayodhya dispute, underscores the challenges faced by post-independent India in maintaining secularism and social harmony. It highlights the need for promoting tolerance, understanding, and respect for all religious communities to prevent religious sentiments from being manipulated for divisive ends.
