Question

What were the causes for the eruption of communal riots in several parts of India post-independence?

• A. The divide-and-rule policy of the British in the pre-independence era
• B. The partition of Bengal and the Swadeshi Movement
• C. The partition of India
• D. The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The partition of India

Multiple factors led to the violent communal riots in India post-independence. The history of Hindu-Muslim antagonism is the result of ‘divide and rule’ policy adopted by the British rulers. The division of Bengal in 1905, based on religion was the unique example of fomenting communalism. Nawab Salimullah of the Eastern Bengal actively helped the government in fighting the Swadeshi movement. The partition of the country also created a great deal of bitterness and communalized political processes in post-Independent India. The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi helped the government make progress towards communal reconciliation and resettlement of refugees.