Regional aspirationsClass 12 Politics in India Since Independence NCERT Solutions
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Q1Questions
Match the following. A Nature of regional aspirations
(a)
Socio-religious identity leading to statehood
(b)
Linguistic identity and tensions with Centre
(c)
Regional imbalance leading to demand for Statehood
(d)
Secessionist demands on account of tribal identity
B
States
i. Nagaland /Mizoram
ii. Jharkhand/Chattisgarh
iii. Punjab
iv. Tamil Nadu
Solution
The correct matches are as follows:
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(a) Socio-religious identity leading to statehood matches with (iii) Punjab. The movement for a 'Punjabi suba' was led by the Akali Dal, representing the political aspirations of the Sikhs, which ultimately led to the creation of a Sikh-majority state of Punjab in 1966.
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(b) Linguistic identity and tensions with Centre matches with (iv) Tamil Nadu. The Dravidian movement was rooted in protecting the Dravidian linguistic and cultural identity, leading to strong protests against making Hindi the official national language.
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(c) Regional imbalance leading to demand for Statehood matches with (ii) Jharkhand/Chattisgarh. These states were created in the year 2000. The demand for their creation arose from a feeling of regional neglect and economic backwardness despite being rich in natural resources.
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(d) Secessionist demands on account of tribal identity matches with (i) Nagaland /Mizoram. Both states witnessed strong secessionist movements based on their unique tribal identities. The Naga National Council and the Mizo National Front led armed struggles for independence from India.
Q2Questions
Regional aspirations of the people of North-East get expressed in different ways. These include movements against outsiders, movement for greater autonomy and movement for separate national existence. On the map of the North-East, using different shades for these three, show the States where these expressions are prominently found.
Solution
As this is a map-based question, the answer describes the states corresponding to each type of regional aspiration, which can then be shaded on a map of the North-East.
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Movements against outsiders: This issue has been most prominent in Assam, where the Assam Movement (1979-1985) was directed against illegal migrants from Bangladesh. Similar sentiments against 'outsiders' are also found in Tripura, where the indigenous population has been reduced to a minority, and in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh regarding Chakma refugees.
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Movement for greater autonomy: Demands for autonomy have been a common feature in the region. Initially, tribal communities within Assam demanded autonomy, which led to the creation of Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. Within Assam today, communities like the Bodos, Karbis, and Dimasas continue to demand autonomy, with some having been granted Autonomous Councils.
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Movement for separate national existence (Secessionism): Secessionist movements demanding complete independence from India have been historically strong in Nagaland and Mizoram. The Naga movement, led by the Naga National Council, is one of the oldest. In Mizoram, the Mizo National Front led a two-decade-long armed struggle for independence before signing a peace accord in 1986.
Q3Questions
What were the main provisions of the Punjab accord? In what way can they be the basis for further tensions between the Punjab and its neighbouring States?
Solution
The Punjab Accord, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord, was signed in July 1985 to bring normalcy to Punjab. Its main provisions were:
- Transfer of Chandigarh: It was agreed that Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.
- Border Dispute: A separate commission would be appointed to resolve the border dispute between Punjab and Haryana.
- River Water Sharing: A tribunal would be set up to decide the sharing of Ravi-Beas river water among Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
- Compensation and Rehabilitation: The agreement provided for compensation to those affected by the militancy and better treatment for them.
- Withdrawal of AFSPA: It was agreed to withdraw the application of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Punjab.
Basis for Further Tensions:
The provisions of the accord could be a basis for further tensions because they directly involved the interests of neighbouring states, primarily Haryana and Rajasthan.
- The transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab has been a contentious issue, as Haryana also claims the city as its capital.
- The sharing of Ravi-Beas river waters is a highly sensitive issue. Any decision by a tribunal is likely to be contested by the states that feel their share has been unfairly reduced, leading to inter-state conflicts between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Q4Questions
Why did the Anandpur Sahib Resolution become controversial?
Solution
The Anandpur Sahib Resolution, passed by the Akali Dal in 1973, became controversial primarily due to its wording and the political climate in which it was interpreted.
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Ambiguous Language: The resolution asserted the need for regional autonomy and aimed to redefine centre-state relations to strengthen federalism. However, it also spoke of the aspirations of the Sikh qaum (community or nation) and declared its goal as attaining the bolbala (dominance or hegemony) of the Sikhs.
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Interpretation as a Separatist Demand: While the moderate Akalis saw it as a plea for greater powers to the state within the Indian Union, the language used was interpreted by the central government and others as a precursor to a demand for a separate Sikh nation (Khalistan). This interpretation gained ground when the leadership of the Punjab movement later passed from moderate Akalis to extremist, militant elements who did demand secession.
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Limited Appeal: Initially, the Resolution had a limited appeal among the Sikh masses. However, its revival during the Akali Dal's movement in the early 1980s, in a context of rising religious sentiment and militancy, amplified its controversial nature and made it a symbol of confrontational politics.
Q5Questions
Explain the internal divisions of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and describe how these lead to multiple regional aspirations in that State.
Solution
The state of Jammu and Kashmir comprises three distinct social and political regions, each with its own demographic and cultural composition. These divisions lead to multiple and often divergent regional aspirations.
Internal Divisions:
- Jammu: This region consists of foothills and plains. It has a diverse population, but it is predominantly inhabited by Hindus. Muslims, Sikhs, and people of other denominations also reside here.
- Kashmir: This region is mainly the Kashmir valley and is predominantly inhabited by Kashmiri Muslims. There is also a minority population of Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists.
- Ladakh: This is a mountainous region with a very sparse population, which is almost equally divided between Buddhists and Muslims.
Multiple Regional Aspirations:
These sharp demographic and geographical divisions result in different political and developmental aspirations.
- The aspirations in the Kashmir valley are often centered around the demand for the restoration of autonomy, or at times, secession from India. The issue of Kashmiriyat, a unique regional identity, is very strong here.
- The people of the Jammu region have different concerns. Their aspirations often align more closely with integration with the rest of India, and there have been demands for a separate state of Jammu to address what they perceive as neglect and domination by Kashmir-centric politics.
- In Ladakh, the aspirations have historically been different from both Jammu and Kashmir. The Buddhist-majority population, in particular, had long demanded that Ladakh be separated from J&K and be given the status of a Union Territory to preserve its unique cultural identity and promote its development. This demand was met in 2019 when Ladakh was constituted as a separate Union Territory.
Q6Questions
What are the various positions on the issue of regional autonomy for Kashmir? Which of these do you think are justifiable? Give reasons for your answer.
Solution
The issue of regional autonomy for Kashmir has various positions, reflecting the complex nature of the problem.
Various Positions:
- Full Integration with India: A section of people, particularly outside J&K, believed that the special status granted by Article 370 hindered the full integration of the state with India. They advocated for its revocation so that J&K could be treated like any other state. This position was realised in August 2019.
- Restoration of 'Greater State Autonomy': Many Kashmiris believe that the autonomy guaranteed by Article 370 has been eroded over the years. They demand the restoration of this autonomy to its original, pre-1953 position, which would give the state power over all subjects except defence, foreign affairs, and communication.
- Demand for a Plebiscite: A third position stems from the grievance that the promise of a plebiscite to decide the final accession of the state was never fulfilled. This has led to demands for self-determination.
- Secession: Militant groups and some political factions have demanded the complete separation of Kashmir from India, either as an independent country or to merge with Pakistan.
Justifiable Positions:
Within a democratic framework, positions that seek resolution through dialogue and constitutional means are generally considered justifiable. The Indian democratic approach, as described in the chapter, is to accommodate regional aspirations rather than suppress them.
From this perspective, the demand for 'Greater State Autonomy' can be seen as a justifiable political aspiration. It represents a desire for self-governance and preservation of a unique identity within the framework of the Indian Constitution. It aligns with the principle of federalism and India's approach of balancing unity with diversity. Democratic politics allows groups to address people based on their regional identity and aspirations. The Mizoram accord is an example where granting autonomy and statehood effectively resolved a long-standing separatist conflict.
While other positions are part of the political discourse, the demand for autonomy represents a middle path that seeks a solution within the democratic and constitutional structure of India, making it a basis for negotiation and reconciliation.
Q7Questions
The Assam movement was a combination of cultural pride and economic backwardness. Explain.
Solution
The Assam Movement (1979-1985) was a complex agitation driven by a combination of cultural anxieties and economic grievances.
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Cultural Pride and Fear of Marginalisation: The movement was led by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) against illegal migration, particularly of Bengali Muslims from Bangladesh. The Assamese people feared that this large-scale influx would change the demographic composition of the state, reducing the indigenous Assamese-speaking population to a minority in their own land. This was perceived as a direct threat to their unique culture, language, and identity. The movement was thus a powerful expression of cultural pride and an effort to preserve their cultural heritage against the perceived domination of 'outsiders'.
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Economic Backwardness and Competition for Resources: Alongside cultural fears, there were significant economic issues. Assam, despite being rich in natural resources like oil, tea, and coal, experienced widespread poverty and unemployment. The people felt that these resources were being extracted and sent to other parts of the country without any significant benefit to the local economy. The illegal migrants were seen as competitors for scarce resources, land, and employment opportunities. This economic grievance added fuel to the agitation, as the 'outsiders' were blamed for the economic hardships faced by the local population.
Thus, the Assam movement was not just about one issue; it was a powerful combination of the assertion of cultural identity and a protest against economic neglect and backwardness.
Q8Questions
All regional movements need not lead to separatist demands. Explain by giving examples from this chapter.
Solution
It is true that not all regional movements lead to separatist demands. Many such movements are an expression of regional aspirations seeking accommodation, not separation, within the framework of the nation. They often demand greater autonomy, statehood, or recognition of their unique cultural and linguistic identity. This chapter provides several examples:
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The Dravidian Movement in Tamil Nadu: While some sections initially toyed with the idea of a separate 'Dravida nation', the movement largely focused on asserting regional and linguistic pride within India. It used democratic means like public debates and elections to protest the imposition of Hindi and demand greater cultural recognition. Today, it is cited as a prime example of the compatibility of regionalism and nationalism.
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Movements for Linguistic States: In the 1950s and 1960s, mass agitations took place in many regions for the formation of states on a linguistic basis. The creation of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Punjab were outcomes of these movements. These agitations were not for separating from India, but for redrawing the internal boundaries of the country to better reflect its linguistic diversity.
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Movements for New States due to Economic Neglect: The demands for the creation of Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand were rooted in the feeling that these regions were economically backward and neglected within their larger parent states. The goal was to achieve faster development and have a government that was more responsive to their specific needs, not to secede from the Indian Union.
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Goa's Movement to Retain Separate Identity: After its liberation, a section in Goa wanted to merge with Maharashtra. However, a strong movement emerged to retain Goa's unique identity and Konkani language. This led to an opinion poll where the majority voted to remain a separate entity, eventually becoming a state. This was a demand for regional distinctiveness, not separatism.
Q9Questions
Regional demands from different parts of India exemplify the principle of unity with diversity. Do you agree? Give reasons.
Solution
Yes, I agree that regional demands from different parts of India exemplify the principle of 'unity with diversity'. India's democratic and constitutional framework has, for the most part, managed regional aspirations in a way that strengthens this principle rather than undermining it.
Reasons:
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Democratic Expression: India's democracy allows political expression of regional aspirations. Instead of being seen as 'anti-national', these demands are considered a normal part of democratic politics. This allows diverse groups to voice their concerns and seek accommodation, preventing alienation.
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Accommodation over Suppression: The Indian state has often responded to regional demands through negotiation and accommodation rather than suppression. The creation of linguistic states, the formation of new states like Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, and the granting of autonomy through District Councils in the North-East are all examples of accommodating diversity.
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Flexible Constitutional Framework: The Indian Constitution is flexible. It includes provisions like the Sixth Schedule, which grants autonomy to tribal areas to preserve their unique cultures and laws. This flexibility has been crucial in resolving complex political problems and ensuring that diverse communities feel secure within the Indian union.
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Strengthening National Unity: By addressing regional grievances, the nation becomes stronger. The Mizoram Accord is a key example where a two-decade-long insurgency ended after the demand for statehood and autonomy was met. Similarly, the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu, once seen as a threat, has become integrated into national politics. This shows that when regional aspirations are respected, it reinforces their faith in the national structure, thereby strengthening unity.
Therefore, the continuous process of negotiating and balancing regional demands with national concerns is the very essence of India's 'unity with diversity'.
Q10Questions
Read the passage and answer the questions below: One of Hazarika's songs.. ... dwells on the unity theme; the seven states of north-eastern India become seven sisters born of the same mother. .... 'Meghalaya went own way...., Arunachal too separated and Mizoram appeared in Assam's gateway as a groom to marry another daughter.' ..... .... .. The song ends with a determination to keep the unity of the Assamese with other smaller nationalities that are left in the present-day Assam - 'the Karbis and the Missing brothers and sisters are our dear ones.' - Sanjib Baruah
(a)
Which unity is the poet talking about?
(b)
Why were some States of North-East created separately out of the erstwhile State of Assam?
(c)
Do you think that the same theme of unity could apply to all the regions of India? Why?
Solution
(a) Which unity is the poet talking about?
The poet is talking about two levels of unity. First, the broader cultural unity of the North-East, where the different states are portrayed as 'seven sisters born of the same mother'. Second, and more specifically, the song calls for unity among the Assamese and the smaller nationalities like the Karbis and the Missings who remain within the present-day state of Assam after other regions separated.
(b) Why were some States of North-East created separately out of the erstwhile State of Assam?
According to the chapter, states like Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh were created separately out of Assam because the non-Assamese tribal communities felt that the Assam government was imposing the Assamese language on them. To protect their distinct cultures, languages, and identities, leaders of these tribal communities demanded separate states to be carved out of Assam.
(c) Do you think that the same theme of unity could apply to all the regions of India? Why?
Yes, the same theme of unity could apply to all the regions of India. The metaphor of a mother (India) and her children (the states) who may have their own distinct identities but are part of the same family beautifully captures the Indian principle of 'unity with diversity'.
Reason: India is a land of immense diversity in terms of language, culture, religion, and ethnicity. The Indian nation is not built on the idea of a single, uniform culture but on the accommodation of these multiple identities. The federal structure allows states to have autonomy and preserve their unique character, just as the 'sisters' in the song went their own way. However, they all remain bound by a common constitutional and political framework, sharing a national identity. The song's theme of familial bonds despite separation reflects the Indian experience of creating new states to satisfy regional aspirations while maintaining the integrity of the nation.