REGIONALISM

UNIT 12
INTRODUCTION
Regionalism is a term used to describe the idea that people living in a particular region share a common
identity based on their distinct characteristics, such as language, culture, history, and food habits. This
shared identity creates a sense of togetherness among people inhabiting a region.
It is important to note that local patriotism and loyalty to one's locality, region, or state and its language
and culture do not necessarily constitute regionalism
However, regionalism can become problematic when the interests of one region or state
are asserted against the country as a whole or against another region or state in a hostile manner.
In the context of India, regionalism has been one of the biggest challenges for the consolidation of the
country as a nation since its independence.
Regionalism also known as sub-national s concept of political geography. It is a movement which seeks to
politicize the territorial predicaments of its regions with the aim of protecting or furthering its regional
interest. Generally, regionalism is on ethnicity, caste, creed, languge,colour or culture Regionalism also aims
at, achieving autonomy and local power. Despite industrialization, modernization and globalization, it is an
international phenomenon and maybe observed in almost all the developed and developing countries of
the world
DEFINITIONS
1. Marshall E. Dimcock considers regionalism as a clustering of environmental, economic, social
and governmental factors to such an extent that a distinct consciousness of separate identity
within the whole, a need for autonomous planning, a manifestation of cultural peculiarities and
a desire for administrative freedom are recognized and actually put into effect.
2. According to W. P. Scott, regionalism is an approach to the study of behaviour that
emphasizes the geographical region as the unit of analysis, stressing the relationship between
human beings and their immediate physical environment. Economic, social, cultural and political
organizations are analyzed in terms of their relationships and functions within the geographic
region.
Berry and Hankin have recognized three types of regions:
The region in general sense in which the region is given a priority.
A homogenous or uniform region—This is defined as an area within which the variations and co-
variations of one or more selected characteristics face within some specified range of variability
around a norm, in contrast with areas that fall outside the range. Such a region, unlike
previously described, but like the functional region, is the result, of the process of
regionalization and is not given ‘a priori.’
A region of “coherent organization’ or a ‘functional region.’ — This region is defined as one in
which one or more selected phenomena or movement connect the localities within it into a
functionally organized whole.”
CHARACTERISTICS OF
REGIONALISM
Regionalism arises from disparities in the economic, social, political, and cultural aspects
between regions.
Regionalism can be driven by emotional and psychological factors.
Regionalism is based on the expression of group identity and loyalty to a specific region.
Regionalism prioritises the development of one's own region without considering the interests
of other regions.
Regionalism restricts the benefits of a particular region to people from outside that region.
FEATURES OF REGIONALISM
Shared Culture: Regionalism is often based on a shared culture or identity that is distinct from other regions. This
can include shared history, language, religion, traditions, and values.
Economic Integration: Regionalism can also involve economic integration among the countries or regions in
question. This can take the form of free trade agreements, customs unions, or common markets, among other
arrangements.
Political Cooperation: Regionalism may involve political cooperation among member states or regions. This can
include joint decision-making, coordinated policies, and shared institutions.
Territorial Boundaries: Regionalism is based on geographical boundaries, which define the scope and
membership of the region. These boundaries can be determined by natural features such as rivers or mountains,
or by political factors such as state borders.
Autonomy: Regionalism often involves a desire for greater autonomy or self-determination for the region. This
can include demands for greater political representation, cultural recognition, or control over regional resources.
Opposition to centralization: Regionalism can be motivated by a desire to resist centralization or domination by a
larger entity, such as a nation-state or international organization. This can involve a sense of frustration or
alienation from the central government or a belief that the interests of the region are being ignored or
marginalized.
TYPES OF REGIONALISM
Supra-State Regionalism: Supra-state regionalism involves shared interests among people
residing in multiple states, working towards promoting regional autonomy and local agendas. It
suggests that a larger state with common interests has higher chances of success than smaller
states.
◦ g., North Eastern states in India.

Inter-State Regionalism: Inter-state regionalism creates divisions among two or more states,
often due to territorial and identity-related factors. It can undermine the interests of certain
groups within the states involved.
◦ g., Disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the distribution of Kaveri water.

Intra-State Regionalism: Intra-state regionalism emerges when a specific region or state seeks
autonomy, self-identity, and self-reliance. It can be seen as a positive form of regionalism as it
promotes self-dependence for the region.
◦ g., Saurashtra in Gujarat, East U.P. in Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra etc.
FACTORS THAT LED TO
REGIONALISM IN INDIA
Geographical factors:
◦ The geographical boundaries in India are closely linked to linguistic distribution, topography, and climate, leading to a territorial
orientation among the inhabitants of a particular region.
◦ This induces a sense of regionalism in people based on their symbolic attachment to their region.

Historical and cultural factors:

◦ In India, historical and cultural factors play a significant role in shaping regionalism. Cultural heritage, folklore, myths, symbolism,
and historical traditions contribute to regionalism by inspiring a sense of pride and identity among people of a particular cultural
group.
◦ Political and economic realities also influence regionalism under this factor.

Caste and religion:

◦ When caste is combined with language conflicts or religious fundamentalism, it leads to dogmatism, orthodoxy, and obscurantism,
further fueling regional feelings.

Economic factors:
◦ Uneven development across different parts of India is a primary cause of regionalism and separatism.
◦ This disparity has led to a feeling of relative deprivation among the inhabitants of economically neglected regions, resulting in
demands for separate states.

Politico-administrative factors:
◦ Political parties and regional leaders exploit regional sentiments and deprivation to solidify their support bases by highlighting
regional problems in their election manifestos and promising political and regional development to gain support.
 REGIONALISM IN INDEPENDENT
INDIA
After Independence, initially, the Indian state continued with the British Indian arrangement of dividing India into
large provinces, which are multi-ethnic and multi-lingual provincial states. These units of the colonial era had to be
reorganized into linguistic states within the Indian union in response to strong popular agitations.
At Independence, modern industrial development was concentrated in enclaves around Calcutta, Bombay, and
Madras, which accounted for around 60% of India's total industrial capital.
Also, the 1960s Green Revolution and the globalization and liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s
widened regional disparities leading to regional aspirations and demands for a more equitable distribution of
resources.
Ethnic regionalism was a significant phenomenon in India during the late 1970s, particularly in the Northeast, where
both the dominant and smaller tribal groups asserted their cultural rights and identities. This has led to escalated
regional tendencies in various pockets of the North Eastern region of India.
Cultural assertiveness and regionalism are closely linked, as many regional movements are driven by a desire to
protect and promote the unique cultural identities of their respective regions. Some examples include the Telangana
region of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, Bodoland in Assam, etc.
The rise of Regional parties in the present times play a crucial role in consolidating regionalism in India by
representing the interests of their respective regions, advocating for greater autonomy and rights, and challenging
the dominance of national political parties.
VARIOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF
REGIONALISM IN INDIA
Creation of new states
The case for linguistic states as administrative units is an idea since the national movement.
After Independence, the states strictly did not exist on a linguistic basis, and this led to agitations
across various states.
The creation of Andhra Pradesh in 1953 intensified the demand for the creation of states on a
linguistic basis. Accordingly, a 3- member states reorganization commission under Fazl Ali was
constituted, which accepted language as the basis for reorganization.
Accordingly, the State Reorganization Act of 1956 provided for 14 states and 6 Union Territories.
Later, the intra-state economic and developmental disparities led to the formation of new states
of Uttarakhand from Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand from Bihar, Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh
and Telangana from Andhra Pradesh.
 VARIOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF
REGIONALISM IN INDIA
State-specific Manifestations:
Sub-regional movements in certain states arose due to intra-state economic disparities. Example: Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Saurashtra in Gujarat, Bundelkhand in Uttar
Pradesh, Darjeeling in West Bengal.
Dravida Nadu demands: The movement was at its height till the 1960s, demanding the creation of a separate sovereign state comprising the non-Hindi-speaking
southern states of India. However, it failed to find any support outside Tamil Nadu. It serves as an example of regionalism, advocating for the rights and interests of a
specific region or community within a larger nation.
Regionalism in the North-East: North East India represents geographical isolation, ethnic peculiarity, independent history, and regional economic disparity making it the
hotbed of Identity-based conflicts. This has led to Sub-nationalism and Insurgency in states like Nagaland, which had Separatist demands. This also led to sub-regional
movements like Bodoland in Assam.
Khalistan Movement: It emerged in the 1980s with the aim of creating a separate Sikh homeland in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, which can be seen as one of
the manifestations of regionalism. However, the demand for Khalistan is often viewed more as communal in nature since it caters only to the interests of the Sikh
community.
Locals First policy: The recent acts passed by states such as Haryana and Andhra Pradesh, providing local youth with up to 100% reservations in private sector
employment, can be seen as a manifestation of regionalism and the ‘sons of the soil’ doctrine. These policies prioritize the interests of the local population and seek to
Inter-state border
protect dispute
their opportunities and livelihoods. Inter-state river water disputes
Inter-State Disputes
Karnataka and Maharashtra on Belgaum. ​Narmada River- Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

Kerala and Karnataka over Kasargod. Cauvery River -Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

12 border disputes between Assam and Meghalaya over 6 sectors.

Positive Aspects of Regionalism Negative Aspects of Regionalism

Encourages local economic development and growth Can lead to inter-regional conflict and competition

Fosters a sense of community and shared identity within a May result in greater political fragmentation and
region instability

Allows for more efficient decision-making and resource Can exacerbate social and economic inequalities between
allocation at the regional level regions

Promotes cultural diversity and heritage preservation Can hinder cooperation and coordination between regions

Provides opportunities for regional cooperation and Can lead to the neglect or marginalization of national
collaboration priorities and concerns

Can lead to the formation of beneficial regional trade Can fuel separatist movements and threats to national
agreements and partnerships unity

May promote sustainable development and environmental Can create barriers to trade and investment with other
conservation regions or countries
IS REGIONALISM A THREAT TO
NATIONAL INTEGRATION
Coexistence and Development: Regionalism and national integration can coexist, emphasising
development.
Federal and Democratic System: A federal and democratic political system reconciles regionalism and
national integration.
Preserving National Solidarity: Regionalism, when managed well, does not disrupt national solidarity.
Strengthening Federalism: Regionalism enhances federalism through equal regional partnership.
Decentralisation of Power: Regionalism reduces centralization, empowering states.
Inevitability in a Diverse Nation: Regionalism is natural and inevitable in diverse countries like India.
Fundamental to Federalism: Regionalism is foundational to federalism, respecting regional identities
MEASURES TO MINIMIZE
NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF
REGIONALISM
Inclusive Governance Structures: Establish inclusive regional governance structures that ensure the
participation of all member states or regions regardless of size or economic power. This can help prevent
domination by a few powerful members and promote consensus-based decision-making.
Transparent Decision-Making Processes: Ensure transparency in decision-making processes within regional
organizations to build trust among member states and reduce suspicions of favoritism or unfair treatment.
Equitable Distribution of Benefits: Implement policies that promote the equitable distribution of benefits
from regional cooperation, such as infrastructure development, trade agreements, and investment
opportunities. This can help address disparities in development levels among member states and reduce
feelings of marginalization.
Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Establish effective mechanisms for resolving conflicts and disputes within
the region to prevent escalation into broader conflicts. This may include mediation, arbitration, and the use
of regional peacekeeping forces.
Cross-Border Infrastructure Development: Invest in cross-border infrastructure projects that promote
connectivity and economic integration among member states. This can help reduce trade barriers, stimulate
economic growth, and foster interdependence.
Social Cohesion Initiatives: Implement programs aimed at promoting social cohesion and cultural
exchange among diverse communities within the region. This can help foster a sense of common identity
and reduce tensions based on ethnicity, religion, or nationality.
Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: Provide support for capacity building and technical assistance
to help less developed member states or regions fully participate in regional initiatives. This can include
training programs, knowledge sharing, and financial assistance for priority projects.
Safeguards for Minority Rights: Ensure that regional integration initiatives include safeguards for the
rights of minority groups within member states. This can help protect vulnerable populations from
discrimination and ensure their full participation in regional affairs.
Environmental Sustainability: Integrate environmental considerations into regional development plans
and policies to minimize negative impacts on the environment and promote sustainable growth. This may
involve setting standards for resource management, pollution control, and conservation efforts.
External Engagement and Partnerships: Foster partnerships with external actors, such as neighboring
regions, international organizations, and donor agencies, to leverage additional resources and expertise
for addressing regional challenges and promoting stability.