Unveiling the Impact of Communalism in Anees Salim’s Vanity Bagh

Abstract

Communalism is a strong attachment to one’s own religion that often leads to hatred toward people of other religions or ideologies. It creates violence and riots in society. It also harms a person’s identity and affects the peace of families. In India, minorities are greatly affected by communalism. They often lose their sense of identity because some people use religion to gain power and influence. The gradual abandonment and stereotyping of a minority group can significantly increase the risk of that group becoming involved in criminal activities. When minorities react with anger or revenge, it further disturbs the peace of the country and their families.  Anees Salim, a Keralite author from a minority community, writes about the effects of communalism on the lives of marginalised people. He explains how it damages a person’s identity and destroys the peaceful atmosphere of families. In his novel Vanity Bagh, he presents the character Imran Jabbari to show how communalism affects a person’s identity and place in society.