Q19. Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has transformed into the latter in independent India.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The concepts of religiousness (or religiosity) and communalism are pivotal in understanding the socio-political landscape of India, particularly in the context of its diverse religious identities. While both terms relate to religion, they embody fundamentally different attitudes and implications within society. This distinction is crucial for recognizing how religious sentiments can be manipulated, leading to societal fragmentation.

Body

Distinction Between Religiousness and Communalism

• Definition:
  • Religiousness/Religiosity: This refers to an individual's or group's commitment to their faith, characterised by spiritual practices, beliefs, rituals, and ethical values. It fosters a sense of community, moral guidance, and personal devotion.
  • Communalism: This involves an exaggerated allegiance to one’s religious identity, often at the expense of national unity or social harmony. It typically results in tensions or conflicts between different religious communities, prioritising communal over collective interests.
• Focus:
  • Religiousness emphasises spiritual growth, moral conduct, and community welfare. It encourages tolerance and mutual respect among different faiths.
  • Communalism, conversely, emphasises division and hostility, fostering an "us versus them" mentality, which can lead to violence and discrimination.

Transformation Example: Hindu Nationalism

A significant example of how religiosity has transformed into communalism in independent India is the rise of Hindu nationalism. Initially, Hindu religiosity focused on spiritual practices and cultural traditions. However, political movements, such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), began to politicise Hindu identity, especially in the late 20th century.

• Ayodhya Dispute: The demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 epitomised this transformation. What began as a cultural assertion of Hindu identity escalated into a communal movement, leading to widespread riots and violence against the Muslim community.
• Impact: This shift transformed religious devotion into a communal agenda, emphasising Hindu identity over the secular ethos of India, deepening societal divides and conflicts.

‍Conclusion

‍The distinction between religiousness and communalism is vital for understanding the complexities of India’s social fabric. While religiousness promotes harmony and spiritual growth, communalism fosters division and conflict. Recognizing and addressing these dynamics is essential for fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society in India.

‍

Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam

✅ Now that you have gone through the model answer, try practicing and writing it in your own words and evaluate it instantly with SuperKalam here - Evaluate Mains Answer instantly