The construction of communalism in colonial North India emerged as a complex interplay of social, political, and economic factors during British rule. The British colonial administration often employed a "divide and rule" strategy, exacerbating existing religious and ethnic divisions between Hindus and Muslims. This led to the formation of distinct communal identities, as both communities began to view each other with suspicion and hostility. Political movements, such as the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League, further solidified these identities by emphasizing religious differences in their agendas. The communal tensions were intensified by events like the Partition of Bengal in 1905, which aimed to weaken nationalist sentiments but instead fueled communal strife. This period laid the groundwork for future conflicts in the region.