Religious Identity, Demography, and Social Tension in India

Ram B. Bhagat, Maharshi Dayanand University

The purpose of religious classification of population is not always clear. The religious classification as perceived and defined by census could jeopardize the existing social and political equilibrium. Census-taking was secular from its beginning. For example, neither the British nor the American census took interest in the question of religion until very recently. On the other hand, the question of religion was introduced in the colonies at the first instance. This led to new demographic and political consciousness among the ethnic and religious groups. It was an opportunity for colonialists to divide and rule. Later it aided in political mobilization after independence. This article presents the emerging demographic and political consciousness and the resultant conflict in the wake of census taking on religion in India during the colonial period as well as after independence. It also examines its implication for nation building in India.