Religious ideology, particularly that expressed by the Hindutva movement, has
strongly influenced Indian politics in the last quarter of the 20th century.
Many of the elements underlying India's casteism and communalism originated
during the rule of the British Raj, particularly after the late 19th century;
the authorities and others often politicised religion. The Indian Councils Act
of 1909 (widely known as the Morley-Minto Reforms Act), which established
separate Hindu and Muslim electorates for the Imperial Legislature and
provincial councils, was particularly divisive. It was blamed for increasing
tensions between the two communities.