Causes:

1. Policy of the British India: The discriminatory policies of the East India Company regarding divide and rule, destroyed the unity between Hindus and Muslims. It manifested in the Sepoy Mutiny (1857). During the period of Viceroy Lord Curzon, Bengal was divided (1905) on the basis of religion. Communal electorate for Muslims was introduced during the period of Lord Minto. All these intensified the cause of communalism.

2. Hind-Muslim Nationalism: Communal organizations were formed by separatists. In 1906, Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha came into existence. Mohammad Ali Jinnah who was called as ‘Muslim Gokhale’ of India was brainwashed by the Britishers. He became the champion of the two nation theory based on religion. Extremists of the Indian National Congress began to assert their demands. These developments created suspicion and distrust between Hindus and Muslims before Independence.

3. Communal Riots: Large scale communal riots took place in India after Independence. Religious minorities both in India and Pakistan became victims during this situation and were attacked and tortured. Later communal riots occurred in Bhagalpur, Meerut, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Ahmadabad, Mumbai and in many other places.

The demolition of Babri Masjid at Ayodhya by a mob on 6^th December 1992, largely contributed for the animosity between Hindus and Muslims and the successive events intensified the mistrust between these communities.

4. Politically manipulated: In India many issues are politically manipulated by leaders for their selfish gain. This leads to hatred among the communities.

5. Communality in organization: Different communities in India have established their own organizations based on communality, to support particular political parties in their own interest.