Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (UPSC IAS Mains 2020 General Studies Paper – 1)
Regionalism is a sense of identity and purpose among a section of population residing in a particular geographical space characterized by unique and common language, culture, history etc. In country like India, having vast diversity and culture, regionalism seems inevitable.
Often it has been argued that regionalism in India is a result of rising cultural assertiveness. To an extent, this is true because cultural components do interpret regionalism by way of cultural heritage, myths, folklore, symbolism and historical traditions. Nevertheless, apart from socio-cultural factors, there are other determinants as well.
- Historical factors: Colonial policies formed the foundation of regionalism in India. Differential attitudes and treatment by the British towards princely states and those of the presidencies encouraged regionalist tendencies among them.
- Geographical isolation: Sometimes geographical isolation and continuous neglect of a region give rise to the feelings of separatism and regionalism among the inhabitants of the region. The ‘insider-outsider complex’ in North- eastern states is the result of geographical isolation.
- Economic underdevelopment: Despite being rich in natural resources some regions remain economically underdeveloped. These types of regional imbalances in development also lead to the rise of regionalism in some regions. Creation of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh is an example.
- Political and administrative factors: Sometimes political parties, particularly regional parties and local leaders, fuel and exploit the regional sentiments to capture power.
- Linguistic aspirations: These have remained a formidable basis of regionalism in India. Post-Independence, widespread agitations against Hindi as national language in southern states, shows the crucial role of language in the emergence of Regionalism.
Although, socio-cultural factors motivate regionalism, other factors such as socio-economic and political also play a crucial role in it. The accommodation of multiple aspirations of a diverse population is necessary.
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