Summary

Summary - Communalism in Nationalist Politics

Communalism in British India is traced to the religious reform movements, Arya Samaj and Theosophical Society representing Hinduism and Wahabi and Khilafat movements representing Islam.

Cow Protection Associations and their attempt to prevent killing of cows led to riots and spread of communalism.

Use of religion in politics and its fallout in north India created estrangement between Hindus and Muslims.

Jinnah’s obstinacy in arriving at a settlement based on Cabinet Mission Plan and his call for Direct Action Day in 1946 led to a civil war like situation in Calcutta, ending in the partition of the country into India and Pakistan.