Final answer:
Muslim-Hindu relations concern the Indian Government due to historical tensions, the impact of British colonial practices, and the socio-political outcomes of the partition that created Pakistan. With a significant Muslim minority in India, ensuring peace and communal harmony is vital for the country's stability. The rise of political ideologies advocating for a homogenously Hindu state adds to the complexities of managing these relations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Muslim-Hindu relations are of concern to the India Government because of the historical and continuing socio-political dynamics between these two major religious communities in India. After independence from British rule, the partition of India into two separate nations, India and Pakistan, was largely based on religious identity, with Pakistan having a Muslim majority and India a Hindu majority. Muslim-Hindu conflicts such as the one over the region of Kashmir are not just religious but also deeply political, reflecting historical tensions and contemporary challenges surrounding national identity, political power, and resource distribution.
The socio-political landscape of India has been shaped by a history where Muslims held significant positions of authority, but British colonial practices and educational opportunities led to a shift towards Hindu dominance in governance and business. The concern over governance and representation led to the formation of the Muslim League, which would later advocate for a separate Muslim state that manifested as Pakistan. This polity division based on religion was a critical event that continues to influence Muslim-Hindu relations in India.
Furthermore, the Indian population consists of a large number of Muslims (approximately 13%), making it imperative for the government to manage interreligious dynamics to maintain domestic peace and prevent communal violence. Additionally, the emergence of political factions, such as those subscribing to the ideology of Hindutva, seeking a homogenously Hindu state, contributes to the urgency of managing Muslim-Hindu relations in a manner that promotes inclusivity, secularism, and protection of minority rights as mandated by the Indian Constitution.