Overview

In this lesson, students will have an opportunity to learn about the deep-rooted, historical conflict between Muslims and Hindus in India — particularly in the province of Gujarat. Using Religion & Ethics resources and a variety of other materials, including personal narratives of survivors and eyewitnesses, students will explore the violent nature of the animosity between the two groups. They will also consider larger issues: whether religious beliefs can ever legitimize violence; whether religious conflict is an inevitable human experience; and possible resolutions to situations of religious conflict.

Grade Level:

Grades 9-12

Time Allotment:

5-7 class periods

Note: The time needed for each learning activity is approximate. It will vary depending on the particular needs and skills of your students, as well as on course parameters and time constraints.

Subject Matter:

World History; Ethics; Culture and Society; Sociology; Religion.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Conduct research on important background information regarding the Muslim-Hindu conflict in India.
• Use analytical skills to explore and understand the ways in which India (and other nations) can resolve or address religious conflict.
• Develop interviewing skills.
• Work cooperatively in small groups.
• Synthesize the information they gather during the unit and through interviews in a class presentation.
• Understand the following vocabulary: secular, communalism/ communal violence, Gujarat, Ayodhya, Hindu nationalism, religious majority/ minority, mosque, temple.

Standards

• Click here to see the academic standards for this lesson plan.

This lesson was prepared by: Thandi Center