Description

Communalism: India’s Struggle for Democracy and Pluralism explores the deeper political dynamics behind communalism in India. Through a series of essays, the book examines how religion has been used as a tool of political mobilization and power. It traces the historical roots of this political systems to pre-modern social structures shaped by kings and landed elites, whose values continue to influence contemporary narratives. The book discusses how communal politics often targets religious minorities, fostering hatred, polarization, and violence, while undermining democratic ideals of equality, liberty, and fraternity. It also highlights the impact of such politics on marginalized communities, including Dalits, workers, women, and Adivasis. The book offers a critical perspective on the rise of Hindutva nationalism and the evolving meaning of the term Hindu in Indian political discourse