Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Communalism is harmful for the nation because:

1. It divides society by pitting followers of one religion against another, creating conflict and violence. Communal riots and massacres destroy social harmony.
2. In its extreme form, communalism leads to the belief that people of different religions cannot live together as equal citizens, threatening national unity.
3. It uses religion to seek political dominance of one group over others, undermining democracy and the constitutional principle of equality.

Source: Democratic Politics II, Chapter 3 — Communalism section

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The examiner expects two or three clear points drawn directly from the textbook's definition and effects of communalism. Key ideas to include: social conflict/violence, threat to national unity (different religions cannot coexist), and undermining democracy/equality. Avoid vague statements — use textbook language like "pitting one religion against another," "majoritarian dominance," and "communal violence."