Q.19) Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness. Argue.(UPSC CSE 2020)(Answer in 150 words,10-marks)

Regionalism in India is a historical reality. It has existed in India since 7^th century when because of the use of regional languages, different language zones developed a regional identity.

1. Regions in India have strong identities; they compete with each other. Some communities claim superiority like Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra etc. Ethnicity is the basis of regionalism. In India regional identity is old and national identity is a new phenomenon. India has a civilizational identity and existence for long.

2. In 1927 Congress passed a resolution, in the event of national independence, states will be organized on the basis of language. This was reiterated in 1937.

3. After independence Patel and Nehru in the background of disputes on integration with India and the tragedy of partition, felt states should be organized on geographical basis. The subsequent dispute witnessed the incident of immolation and a committee and reorganization of states on the basis of language.

4. Since then from 14 states of 1956, to day there are 29 states. This doubling of states is not only because of regionalism but administrative convenience like the north eastern states, economic disparities and a situation of internal colonialism like Jharkhand and Telangana and also questions of political aspirations of leaders.

5. In all such cases the cultural identity was the basis and vary often the feeling cultural affirmation and assertion was also important. Many scholars have said in the case of Jharkhand; tribal assertion was an important factor.

The creation of new states and the assertion of cultural identity has kept the demands for new states still alive. Cultural assertion is not the only cause of rising regionalism rathe political apathy for certain regions within the state and economic backwardness are also reasons for regionalism.