Communalism as an ideology may be perceived as:

 

1. A total commitment to a set of beliefs
   
2. Far from rationality
   
3. Committing of self to the community alone
   
4. Unwillingness to accept other belief patterns and faiths
   
5. Closing of self and being highly emotional to it, to the extent of crossing the bounds of law at times

 

Characteristics of communalism

 

1. Communalism is an ideological concept.
   
2. It mostly rests on prejudices.
   
3. It has a broader base which encompasses social, economic and political aspects for its manifestations.
   
4. It causes rivalry and violence among masses.
   
5. It is used by the higher class people and elites as an instrument for division and exploitation.
   
6. It strikes at the roots of secularism and national integration.