Regionalism

Q1. Explain regionalism, enumerate its forms, and various factors affecting it.

Regionalism is a political ideology rooted in diversity of languages, cultures, tribes,

and religions.

Regionalism is a feeling of loyalty to a particular region and the expression of a

common sense of identity and purpose that shapes collective action within a
geographical region.

It encourages loyalty to a particular region over the country or state.

It is often fueled by a sense of relative deprivation and concentration of identity

markers in specific regions.

It is rooted in India’s diversity with respect to caste, religion, language, class etc.
When all these factors get geographically concentrated along with the feeling of
relative deprivation, it manifests as regionalism.

Various Forms of Regionalism in India:

1. Demand for Autonomy:

● Prominent demands for secession from the Indian Union after independence.

● Examples: Plebiscite Front in Kashmir, Mizo National Front in Lushai Hills of Assam,
Nagaland Socialist Conference in Naga Hills District of Assam.

2. Supra-state Regionalism:

● Identity expression by multiple states on specific issues.

● No complete merger of identities.

● Instances of rivalries and conflicts.

● Ex: Agitation against discontinuation of English as an official language in certain

states in the 1960s.
● Ex: Karnataka Rajyotsava, Karnataka Flag usage issue, Telangana Formation day
celebrations.

3. Inter-state Regionalism:

● Emerges due to disputes over state boundaries or overlapping identities.

● Issues like inter-state river water disputes and territorial disputes.

● Ex: Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute leading to tensions between states,

Andhra Pradesh-Telangana dispute

4. Intra-state Regional Politics or Sub-regionalism:

● Desire for identity and self-development within a specific part of a state.

● Reflects a notion of deprivation or exploitation compared to other regions.

● Examples: Vidarbha in Maharashtra, East U.P.(Purvanchal) in Uttar Pradesh,

Bodoland in Assam, Mithila region in Bihar, Coorg(Kodagu) in Karnataka, Saurasthra
in Gujarat, Vindhya Pradesh in Madhya Pradesh, Tulunadu in Kerala-Karnataka
borders, Gorkhaland in West Bengal, Kosal in Odisha, Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir,
Garoland in Mehgalaya.

5. Sons of the Soil Theory:

● Ties people's rights and benefits to their place of birth.

● Driven by competition for resources, jobs, and economic disparities.

● Examples: Campaigns for safeguarding the interests of Maharashtrians, clashes

among Bodos and Bengali speaking Muslims in Assam.

Various factors affecting Regionalism in India:

1. Geographical Factors:

● Regionally bound identities based on specific geographical boundaries.

● Protection of resources within these boundaries.

● Examples: Cauvery river water dispute, Mizoram-Assam border dispute.

2. Cultural Phenomenon:
● Language as a key marker of group identification.

● Linguistic demands leading to state reorganisation (e.g., Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh).

● Creation of new states driven by language demands (e.g., Gorkhaland for Nepali-
speaking population).

● Protection of tribal identity against outsiders (e.g., Tripura, Nagaland).

3. Historical Factors:

● Influence of cultural heritage, folklore, and symbolism.

● DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu rooted in Dravidian identity.

4. Political Phenomenon:

● Regional political parties accentuating and leveraging regional sentiments.

● Examples: DMK (Tamil Nadu), Akali Dal (Punjab), Shiv Sena (Maharashtra),
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (Bihar/Jharkhand).

5. Economic Phenomenon:

● Acute competition among regions due to scarce resources and growing demands.

● Creation of states like Telangana, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh due to unequal

distribution of developmental benefits.

6. Psychological Phenomenon:

● Loyalty towards one's region over others.

● "Us versus them" mentality leading to demands for exclusive benefits.

● Examples: Shiv Sena's campaign for safeguarding Maharashtrians' interests, Local

quota reservation in all states.

7. Territorial Integration:

● Challenges of citizen loyalty during the integration of princely states into larger
ones.

● Tension between old territorial boundaries and new structures.

8. Religious Influence:

● Religion combined with factors like linguistic homogeneity impacting regionalism.

● Religion as a significant factor in the development of regional identities.

Conclusion:

● Emphasise the development of each region in India.

● Devolution of power to local governments to empower people in decision-making.

● Explore alternative sources of employment for local communities.

● Utilise technology for governance, planning, and agricultural development.

● Strive for faster, sustainable, and more inclusive growth across regions.

Accommodating Regional Sentiments:

● The Indian Constitution's federal structure allows for accommodating regional

aspirations. Balancing national unity and regional identities remains a challenge.

Q2. Regionalism often expresses itself as heightened cultural consciousness.

Elaborate various reasons which fuel Regionalism. How is regionalism a double
edged sword for national integration?

Regionalism often expresses itself as heightened cultural consciousness:

1. Threat to culture: Sense of threat to one’s culture, practices and traditions can
quickly turn into regionalism. E.g.; Separatist movements in NE.
2. Language: Language provides an emotional bond to one’s culture, but
sometimes it can be the basis of regionalism. Eg.; Anti-Hindi agitations in 1950’s
and 60’s in Southern India.
3. Religion: Creation of Pakistan, demand for independent Khalistan etc. are rooted
in geographical concentration of religious/cultural groups.
4. Caste: Caste system can also promote sectarian and regional aspirations. Eg.;
Vanniyars of Northern Tamil Nadu are demanding a separate state based on
caste identity.
5. History and traditions: Different traditions, festivals and histories associated
with a region can create specific cultural sensitivities. E.g.; Reverence of historical
leaders - Shivaji in Maharashtra, Maha-Rana Pratap in Rajasthan, Lachit
Borphukan of Assam.

Reasons which fuel Regionalism:

1. Relative deprivation- Undeveloped and under-developed areas lying close to

developed areas create a sense of neglect and deprivation leading to
regionalism. E.g. - Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Saurashtra in Gujarat, Bundelkhand
in UP.
2. Unequal distribution of cost and benefits creates a feeling of injustice where
other areas grow at the cost of resource rich regions. E.g., Jharkhand,
Chhattisgarh, etc.
3. Sons of soil: Limited economic opportunities lead to ‘sons of soil’ doctrine where
natives see non-natives as competitors who try to usurp limited opportunities.
Ex: Haryana reservation policy for locals, later followed by similar policies from
UP, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and discussions in Karnataka.
4. Scarcity of shared resources: Competition for control over scarce resources,
which is shared by two or more regions, can fuel regionalism. E.g.; Cauvery water
dispute.
5. Regional aspiration of political autonomy to manage own resources and chart
own developmental path is associated with unfulfilled developmental
aspirations.

Regionalism as a double edged sword for National Unity:

Positive Implications for National Unity:

1. Unity with Regional Diversity:

● Emphasising the importance of unity in diversity.

● Recognition of the unique contributions of different regions.

● Experiencing national unity through recruitment in the army and other shared
endeavours.
2. Empowered Regional Development:

● Devolution of power to states enables them to protect their interests.

● Promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility among states.

● Fosters a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship between the central

government and states.

3. Cultural Pride and National Identity:

● Recognizing cultural pride does not necessarily contradict national identity.

● State flags and cultural symbols complement the national flag and constitution.

● Celebrating diversity while upholding the common thread of national identity.

Challenges to National Unity:

1. Secessionism:

● Dangerous when regionalism turns into separatism.

● Threatens the integrity of the nation.

● Requires a balanced approach to address grievances while preserving national

unity.

2. Separate Ideals and National Symbols:

● Regional demands should not undermine national symbols and ideals.

● Respecting the national flag and constitution as unifying symbols.

● Balancing regional identities while upholding national identity.

3. Communal Threat:

● Regional demands should not lead to discrimination against migrants or outsiders.

● Rejecting the doctrine of "sons of the soil" that excludes people from other
regions.

● Promoting inclusivity and harmony among diverse ethnic groups.

Way Forward to Address Regionalism and Promote National Unity:

1. NITI Aayog and Cooperative Federalism:

● NITI Aayog enhances cooperative federalism.

● Involves State Governments in economic policy-making using a bottom-up

approach.

2. "Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat" Scheme:

● Launched to celebrate India's unity in diversity.

● Strengthens the sentiment of National Unity among citizens from different states.

3. National Education through NEP:

● Introducing a system of national education through the National Education Policy

(NEP).

● Aims to overcome regional feelings and foster attachment towards the nation.

● Offers a long-term solution to sub-nationalism.

Conclusion:

Balancing regionalism and national unity is a delicate task for India. Embracing the
positive implications of regional diversity while addressing challenges that threaten
national unity is crucial. A reasonable approach that accommodates genuine
demands while firmly acting against militant tendencies will contribute to a stronger
and more cohesive nation.

Q3. States in the NorthEast region, as they stand today, are a result of multiple
phases of reorganisation. Elaborate.

The Regional Composition and Statehood Evolution of North-East India:

1. Pre-Independence Regional Composition:

● Assam plains of the old Assam Province.

● Hill districts and North-Eastern Frontier Tracts (NEFT) in the North-Eastern
borderland.

● Princely states of Manipur and Tripura.

2. Demands for Hill Statehood:

● Tribal leaders from Khasi, Jaintia, Garo, and Lushai hills (part of Assam) sought the
creation of a hill state.

● Tura Conference in 1954 reiterated the demand for a separate hill state.

● Imposition of Assamese language on non-Assamese communities fueled the

demand.

3. Formation of Nagaland:

● Leaders in Naga areas demanded a sovereign state.

● Naga Hills area declared a "Disturbed Area" in 1956, leading to a separatist course.

● The Indian Government conceded to the demand for self-government.

● Naga Hills District separated from Assam in 1957, and Nagaland established as a
new state in December 1963.

4. Mizoram's Separatist Movement:

● Mizo Hills District of Assam was renamed in 1954.

● Famine-related discontent in 1959-1961 fueled the separatist movement.

● Government suppressed the movement initially but later reached an accord with
the moderates.

● Mizoram became a Union Territory in 1972 and attained statehood in 1987.

5. Peaceful Formation of Meghalaya:

● Majority of the population in Meghalaya belonged to Khasis and Garos

communities.

● The movement was conducted within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
● Meghalaya Autonomous State established in 1970 and became a full-fledged state
in 1972.

6. Tripura and Manipur's Transformation:

● Princely states of Tripura and Manipur became Central Government Administrative

Agencies in 1949.

● Later, they became Union Territories and eventually became states in 1972.

7. Evolution of Arunachal Pradesh:

● Integrated into Assam at the time of independence.

● Shifted to Union Territory status due to military importance and border concerns.

● Upgraded to a state in 1982.

8. Sikkim's Transition to Statehood:

● Sikkim was a kingdom during British arrival.

● Became a protectorate of India under a treaty in 1947.

● Sikkim declared a constituent unit of India and became a state in May 1975.

Present Composition of North-East India: North-East India comprises eight states:

Assam and seven sister states.

Conclusion: The evolution of North-East India's states is characterised by demands

for regional autonomy and the peaceful transition to statehood for most regions. The
formation of states has been a crucial step in empowering regional identities while
maintaining their integration into the larger Indian nation.

Q4. Can language be a binding factor for a nation? Examine. Do you think not
having a common national language can hurt national unity? Critically comment.

Language’s function can be classified into four categories: Cognitive (related to

learners’ intellectual development), instrumental (related to the use of language for
material purposes), integrative (related to group membership) and cultural (related
to cultural appreciation and understanding).
Importance of Language as a Binding Factor for National Unity:

1. Classification of Language Functions:

● Language functions are categorised as cognitive, instrumental, integrative, and

cultural.

● Language's role in intellectual development, material purposes, group

membership, and cultural appreciation.

2. Language as a Binding Factor:

● Language's significance in building, unifying, and maintaining a nation.

● Essential element of national identity that fosters unity.

3. Cultural Tradition and Access to Other Traditions:

● Learners and users of a language connected to a nation's cultural tradition.

● Language facilitates access to other traditions of the nation.

4. Sanskrit as a Link Language in India:

● India's solution to the multiplicity of languages through Sanskrit.

● North and South Indians accept Sanskrit as a binding language.

Examples of Language as a binding force:

A. Choice of National Language in Indonesia:

● Indonesian government's adoption of a national language for nationhood.

● Javanese language discarded to avoid favouritism towards the largest ethnic group.

B. Hebrew as a Symbol of Jewish Identity:

● The Hebrew language symbolises Jewish identity in the Diasporas and Israel.

● Maintains and creates national identity among the Jewish community.

C. Polish Language and National Liberation:

● Polish language as a part of Polish culture and identity.

● Endures the endangered Polish national identity and becomes part of the struggle
for liberation.

Impact of Not Having a Common National Language:

A. Importance of a Common National Language:

● National language fosters unity among the nation's people.

● Differentiates the nation from other countries.

B. Tensions in India's Language Policy:

● Question of whether national integration can override cultural and linguistic

identities.

C. Balancing Language and Cultural Identity:

● Language's role in political and social discourse.

● Imposition of a common language may threaten individual cultural identity.

Conclusion:

● Language plays a crucial role in shaping national identity.

● Learning a language links to various aspects like the economy, history, politics, and
social issues.

● Common language fosters unity and unites the inhabitants of a nation.

● Balancing language policies is essential to preserve cultural diversity while

promoting national unity.

PYQ’S

1Q. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising

cultural assertiveness? Argue. (150 words, 10 marks) [2020,GS 1]

2Q. Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with
examples (Answer in 250 words) [2019, GS 1].

3Q. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for
the economy of India.
(Answer in 250 words) (2018) 15

4Q. Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?
(2016) 12.5

5Q. What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of

development on a regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate
your answer. (2016) 12.5

6Q. Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of

demand for a separate state. Discuss. (200 words) (2013) 10

Keywords:

1. Demand for Autonomy

2. Supra-state Regionalism
3. Inter-state Regionalism
4. Sub-regionalism
5. Sons of the Soil Theory
6. Identity Politics
7. Unequal distribution of development
8. Us versus them
9. Sons of soil
10. Regional aspirations
11. Secessionism