Regionalism is political, social, or cultural mobilization around a specific region, rooted in language, culture, history, economy, or perceived neglect, seeking greater autonomy, recognition, or resources.
Regionalism as a Consequence of Rising Cultural Assertiveness
Linguistic assertiveness against cultural centralization– Eg- Anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu or the recent Kannada-first signage mandates in Karnataka.
Ethno-cultural nationalism – Region imagined as a cultural nation.
Tamil cultural nationalism emphasizing classical language and Dravidian heritage.
Demand for Greater Nagalim rooted in the assertion of a unique Naga identity.
Religious identity also acts as a base for regional assertiveness. Eg- demand for Khalistan
Preservation of Folk Traditions- Eg- protests against Jallikattu Ban (2017) were framed as an assertion of Tamil “Veeru” (bravery) against “outsider” legal impositions.
Cultural symbolism is used for political mobilization. Eg- renaming Bombay to Mumbai and Calcutta to Kolkata.
Sons of the Soil Doctrine- Movements like the Shiv Sena’s initial “Marathi Manoos” campaign assert that locals must have the first right over the state’s resources.
Sub-Regional Assertion- Eg- demand for Tulu Nadu based on the distinct Tulu language and culture.
Resistance to “Mainstreaming”- Tribal regionalism in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh began as an assertion of Adivasi culture against the “Diku” (outsiders).
Other Factors Driving Regionalism in India
Inter-State Disparities- widening economic gap between the prosperous South/West and the lagging East/North creates friction. Eg- violence against Bihari migrants in Gujarat
Relative Deprivation
Vidarbha in Maharashtra.
Demand for Telangana before 2014
Paul Brass argues that regionalism is politically constructed, where cultural markers are activated by elites for political benefits. Eg- invoking “bengal pride” by TMC
Inter-state disputes over resources fuels regionalism. Eg- Krishna-Godavari water disputes between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Administrative Neglect- Large states become too big to govern, leading to the demand for smaller states. Eg- demand for the division of UP into Harit Pradesh, Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, and Awadh Pradesh
Way Forward
Cooperative Federalism- Strengthening the Inter-State Council (Article 263)
Balanced Regional Development- Eg- aspirational district program
Scaling the “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” program for promoting fraternity
Administrative Decentralization- empowering Local Bodies
A mature Indian federalism must promote inclusive development, autonomy with unity, and diversity with constitutional fraternity.