The Construction of Communalism in Colonial North India Book

Tejani has reconstructed historical events that define the boundary conditions of 'Indian Secularism' at the time when the constitutional framework was in the process to be established'an event when it was to be decided that who will be called 'citizens' and who will be benefitted from the reservation and why, under a liberal, democratic and secular nation'India. This book addresses the preconditions of the 'unique definition of secularism' that emerged in the Indian setting broadly at the nexus of nationalism and communalism, & caste and community.

Tejani through her detailed research argues that secularism at the time of constitutional building was invoked to suppress the challenges being posed by Muslims and untouchables. What were those challenges and how such challenges evolved throughout time have been shown by analysing six historical moments during 1890-1950. During this period, the political language of the community, patriotism, nationalism, communal, communalism, majority, minority and secular citizenship was condensed.

Although the book is well researched and addressed the problem in its entirety, I feel some excessive and detailed information could be omitted that was not adding much to the arguments.

Overall, it was a good read. If you are interested in why India has failed as a 'secular' nation, you should read this academically driven monograph by Tejani.