This book explores the ascent and trajectory of communal ideology in pre-Partition Bengal-from the famine of 1943 to the Noakhali riots of 1946-47. The first major work to analyse communalism as an ideology located in a concrete historical plane, this book argues that the period after 1943 witnessed a clash between nationalism and communalism, where communal ideologies embarked on a new phase, determined to replace nationalism. Among the distinguishing features of this important study are that it:. - Critically evaluates the historiography of communalism in India. - Relates the occurrence of t.