Introduction Communalism refers to a social phenomenon in which religious identity becomes the primary basis for political mobilization, social conflict, and group loyalty. In plural societies like India, communalism poses a serious challenge to social harmony and democratic governance. While communal tensions are often portrayed as outcomes of religious differences, a deeper sociological analysis reveals…
Introduction The women’s movement in India has played a significant role in shaping debates on gender equality, legal rights, political representation, and social justice. From campaigns against dowry deaths to demands for equal pay and political empowerment, feminist activism has influenced public policy and social consciousness. However, a persistent critique remains: the mainstream women’s movement…
Introduction The caste system has been one of the most enduring social institutions in India. Rooted in ancient occupational divisions and later rigidified into hereditary hierarchies, caste has historically structured social relationships, economic opportunities, and political power. After Independence, the Indian Constitution sought to dismantle caste-based discrimination through legal safeguards, affirmative action, and the promotion…
Introduction India has historically been celebrated as a land of extraordinary diversity and pluralism. Its social fabric includes hundreds of languages, multiple religions, varied ethnic communities, and distinct regional cultures. Diversity in India is not merely demographic; it is deeply embedded in everyday social practices, festivals, food traditions, artistic expressions, and philosophical outlooks. Pluralism, meanwhile,…