Regionalism in India stems from diverse socio-cultural factors such as language, religion, caste, ethnicity, and cultural traditions that vary widely across Indian states. Linguistic differences in particular have led to the formation of states along linguistic lines and still threaten national unity by discouraging intermingling between regions. Historical colonial policies exacerbated regional differences in economic development and political treatment of states. While regional identities promote local development, excessive attachment to one's own region poses a threat to India's unity and integrity.

1. Element of Socio- cultural regionalism in India
PREETI DEVI
M.A. Silver Medalist
NET, NFSC
Govt. College for Girls Sector - 14, Gurugram

2. Meaning of Regionalism
• Regionalism is the expression of a common
sense of identity and purpose by people within
a specific geographical region, united by its
unique language, culture, language, etc.

3. Senses of Regionalism
Positive Negative

4. Positive sense
• It encourages people to develop a sense of
brotherhood and oneness which seeks to
protect the interests of a particular region and
promotes the welfare and development of the
state and its people.

5. Negative Sense
• It implies excessive attachment to one’s region
which is a great threat to the unity and
integrity of the country.
• In the Indian context generally, the term
'regionalism' has been used in the negative
sense.

6. Introduction: Regionalism in India
• India is a country with wide diversity and
plurality.
• No other country in the world had existed with
a broad unity, peace and tolerance as India
does.
• This unity in diversity of India is praised by
many countries around the world.
• Despite this unity there are sources of regional
conflict.

7. History of Regional Movements in India
• The roots of regional consciousness in India can be found in
the colonial policies.
• Differential attitudes and treatment by the British towards
princely states and those of the presidencies developed
regionalist tendencies among them.
• British exploitative economic policies completely neglected
some regions, giving way to economic disparities and
regional imbalances.
• On the other side, the Indian national movement furthered a
pluralistic idea of India.
• The history of regional movements in India can be traced
back to the 1940s Dravida Movement or the Non-Brahmin
movement that started in the present day Tamil Nadu.

8. Elements of Socio- cultural regionalism
• Socio- Cultural Differences
• Regional Caste
• Sub Caste
• Kinship differences
• Socio Linguistic
• Caste
• Religion, etc.

9. Linguistic Element
• India has 22 official languages that are recognized by the
Constitution. But there are around 1635 mother tongues as
per 2001 census. Further, there are 29 languages with more
than 10 Lakh native speakers.
• The mother tongue of a person creates a profound
attachment to one’s own language and hence the identity of
belonging also develops. The change of names of Bombay
to Mumbai, Bangalore to Bengaluru, Madras to Chennai
shows the affinity of people towards their language.
• This linguistic unity has been a major factor in the
formation of states during post independent India. Apart
from emotional attachment, it also created ease in
communication for day to day activities, administration and
establishment of a business.

10. INDIA
LANGUASTIC MAP
2021

11. Linguistic Element
• Hindi has been envisaged by the constitution to be promoted
as a Lingua Franca (connecting language or a common
language). Indian Government after independence has made
efforts to promote Hindi. But there has been widespread
agitation against this move from non-Hindi speaking states.
• In the present day, the unity of our country is threatened due to
differences in languages. Linguistic differences discourage
people to travel from one area to another. Residing and settling
in any part of India is a fundamental right enshrined in the
constitution but linguistic differences create discomfort and
confusion for taking up jobs and make a living. Thus people
prefer more to work and settle in their respective regions. This
prevents the intermingling of people from different states.

12. Religious Element:
• Regionalism in India also has a religious
dimension. India was united with Pakistan
before independence. The differences based on
religion have led to the creation of Pakistan.
Similarly, the violent demand for an
independent country of Khalistan in the 1980s
was raised by Sikhs.

13. Present India

16. Ethnic Elements
• India has many ethnic differences. This has been
proven by anthropological research.
• India is home to as many as 645 Scheduled tribes
as recognised by the constitution.
• These ethnic differences formed the base for
demands for political autonomy and secession.
For instance, the Nagas of Nagaland are
demanding a nation based on their ethnic identity.
• Some demands have taken the form of violent
armed struggle with established governments.
• All these factors pose a threat to India’s unity.

17. Cultural Element
• Culture of Indian population varies with
respect to region. When a citizen from another
cultural group offends these traditions or
shows cultural insensitivity, there arises
conflict.

18. Caste system
• Caste system attributed differing social status
to different sections of the population.
• It has also promoted sectarian and sometimes
regional aspirations.
– For example, the Vanniyars of North Tamil Nadu
are demanding a separate nation based on caste
identity.

19. Rituals and Festivals
• Festivals of both religious and secular nature are
celebrated in India.
• But they are numerous and vary according to the
region Hinduism is followed by a majority of
people in India.
• Even within Hinduism, festivals and rituals vary
widely based on region.
• There are numerous tribal festivals that showcase
the tribal way of life.
– For example, Hornbill festival in Nagaland.

20. Past Traditions
• Cultural unity of a group of people also
depends on noble deeds, myths and folklores
of local heroes.
– For example, Shivaji in Maharashtra, Maharana
Pratap in Rajasthan, Lachit Borphukan of Assam
are revered by the local people.

21. References:
• Social & Cultural Geography “Dr. B.N. Singh”
• Geography of India “Majid Husain”
• Indian and World Geography “Majid Husain”
• Geography of India “D.R. Khullar”

22. Thank You