Final answer:
According to Rushdie, Hindu attitudes about caste have become more rigid with the rise of communalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Rushdie, the Hindu attitudes about caste have become more rigid with the rise of communalism. Communalism refers to the division of a society into communal groups based on religion, ethnicity, or caste, and it often leads to a reinforcement of social boundaries and hierarchies. Rushdie's observation suggests that the increase in communal tensions has resulted in a strengthening of traditional caste-based attitudes.