Chapter 17 – Regional Aspirations
Q1. What are regional aspirations?
Regional aspirations are demands by people in specific areas for autonomy, identity, development, or recognition due to perceived neglect or cultural distinctiveness.
Q2. Why do regional movements arise in India?
Due to economic underdevelopment, cultural identity, language, neglect by central government, and local political leadership demanding greater autonomy or statehood.
Q3. What is Article 370?
Article 370 granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing its own constitution and laws except in defense, foreign affairs, and communications.
Q4. What led to insurgency in Kashmir?
Disputed elections, alienation of youth, unemployment, and interference by Pakistan led to growing militancy and demand for independence or autonomy.
Q5. What is the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)?
AFSPA gives special powers to armed forces in ‘disturbed areas’ to maintain law and order but is controversial due to human rights concerns.
Q6. What was the Punjab crisis?
A period of violent conflict in the 1980s due to demands for Khalistan (a separate Sikh state) and political-religious tensions.
Q7. What was Operation Blue Star?
In 1984, the Indian Army stormed the Golden Temple to flush out militants, leading to casualties and deep Sikh resentment.
Q8. What happened after Operation Blue Star?
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, triggering nationwide anti-Sikh riots and political instability.
Q9. What was the Assam Movement?
A 1979–1985 student-led agitation against illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, demanding their detection, deletion, and deportation.
Q10. What was the Assam Accord (1985)?
An agreement between the central government and agitators to detect and deport illegal migrants who entered after March 25, 1971.
Q11. Why did Nagaland demand independence?
Naga tribes wanted to preserve their identity and claimed historical independence, leading to an insurgency that continues despite peace efforts.
Q12. What is the significance of the Shillong Accord (1975)?
It was a peace deal between the Indian government and Naga leaders, but some factions rejected it, leading to further conflict.
Q13. What was the demand of the Gorkhaland movement?
Ethnic Nepali-speaking people in Darjeeling demanded a separate state for cultural and linguistic recognition.
Q14. How did India address regional demands?
Through dialogue, special economic packages, autonomy, creation of new states, and sometimes security operations to curb violence.
Q15. What is regionalism?
Regionalism is the belief that a region’s interests must be prioritized; it can lead to legitimate demands or separatist tendencies.
Q16. What is the linguistic basis of regional identity?
Many regional movements are based on preserving local languages, which are tied closely to culture and heritage.
Q17. What was the Telangana movement?
A demand for a separate state due to underdevelopment and neglect in Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the creation of Telangana in 2014.
Q18. Why were Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand created?
To fulfill demands of regional autonomy, cultural identity, and better governance in neglected tribal or hilly areas.
Q19. What are regional parties?
Parties that represent specific regional interests and issues; they often play a vital role in coalition governments.
Q20. What is the importance of regional parties in Indian democracy?
They voice local concerns, check central dominance, promote federalism, and ensure more inclusive governance.
Q21. What is federalism?
A system where power is divided between central and state governments, allowing regional autonomy within a united nation.
Q22. How does India ensure national unity with diversity?
Through linguistic reorganisation, cultural recognition, economic packages, federalism, and democratic rights.
Q23. What is the role of the Election Commission in resolving regional tensions?
It ensures free and fair elections, enabling people to express regional concerns democratically.
Q24. What are economic reasons behind regional demands?
Underdevelopment, unequal resource distribution, unemployment, and poor infrastructure often fuel regional movements.
Q25. What are emotional reasons behind regionalism?
Feelings of neglect, loss of identity, cultural pride, and political exclusion can emotionally drive regional aspirations.
Q26. What are constitutional measures for regional autonomy?
Provisions like Article 371 (A–J) and Schedule VI provide special powers to some regions to manage their affairs.
Q27. How did India maintain unity despite regional challenges?
Through democracy, accommodation, cultural respect, creation of new states, and strong institutions.
Q28. What is the danger of aggressive regionalism?
It can turn violent, threaten national integration, and challenge constitutional authority if not addressed peacefully.
Q29. How does education reduce regional tensions?
It creates awareness, promotes tolerance, and helps youth engage constructively in resolving issues.
Q30. What is the future of regionalism in India?
If managed democratically, it can strengthen unity by addressing local needs; if ignored, it risks fragmentation and unrest.