In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than states? Give reasons with examples for your view point.
Indian modal of cultural integration is based on the idea of ‘unity in diversity’. In contrast to the American ‘melting pot’ modal, India is a ‘mosaic or salad’ of different varying cultures coming together.
Even before Independence, there was consensus regarding linguistic reorganization of provinces. Language is one of major contributors to culture. Thus, the states reflect the cultural homogeneity in a particular region to a certain extent. But the vastness of Indian culture allows numerous sub-cultures and sub-divisions even within these units.
In states there are lots of Variations of the same language. We can find numerous dialects as well as local slangs. Moreover, the pluralistic orientation and reluctance to take any homogenization attempts has allowed numerous cultural variations to co-exist. Hence, the states reflect the cultural homogeneity of a region only to a certain extent.
There are often regions in the states which has the lingua franca of the neighboring state. The case of partition of Andhra Pradesh also reflects that regions with same culture can form different states. There are various complex socio-economic and developmental aspirations at play.
The rich Indian diversity allows for varying existences in every nook and corner. Rightly, India is called a “Nation of Nations.” Europe has been balkanized on far trivial factors than the Indian states.
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