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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2025/Paper II/Ethnicity, Tribal Movements & Social Change
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2025 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Regionalism and Autonomy — 2025 Paper II

Question · 2025 · Paper II · 10 Marks

Regionalism and Autonomy

Model Answer

VAID ICS

A region is not merely a geographical area but a historically constructed cultural space associated with language, ethnicity, shared memories and resources. Regionalism is the political mobilisation of this territorial identity, while autonomy means constitutionally recognised self-government over specified affairs without necessarily leaving the nation-state.

Thus, regionalism may demand recognition, autonomy, statehood or, in its extreme form, secession.

Bases of Regionalism

Regional consciousness commonly develops from:

  • linguistic and cultural distinctiveness;
  • tribal or ethnic identity;
  • geographical isolation;
  • unequal development and relative deprivation;
  • alienation from land and natural resources;
  • political mobilisation by regional elites.

Fredrik Barth’s theory of ethnic boundaries explains how identities become stronger through differentiation from outsiders. Paul Brass further showed that political elites select and mobilise linguistic and cultural symbols to convert identity into political claims.

Regionalism, Ethnicity and Nationalism

Regionalism challenges the idea that nation-building requires cultural uniformity. Linguistic reorganisation of States demonstrated that strong regional identities can coexist with Indian nationalism.

However, regional identity may also produce “sons of the soil” politics, ethnocentrism and exclusion of migrants. Hence, regionalism can operate both as resistance to domination and as domination over internal minorities.

Autonomy as Accommodation

India accommodates regional and tribal diversity through asymmetrical federalism:

  • linguistic States and creation of new States;
  • Fifth Schedule administration of Scheduled Areas;
  • Sixth Schedule Autonomous District and Regional Councils;
  • special provisions under Articles 371–371J;
  • PESA-based recognition of tribal self-governance.

The Sixth Schedule grants councils powers relating to land, forests, customary law and local administration in specified areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. Articles 371A and 371G provide protection to customary practices, laws and control over land in Nagaland and Mizoram.

Illustrations

The Jharkhand movement combined tribal identity, resource alienation and regional neglect. The Telangana movement arose despite linguistic similarity with Andhra Pradesh, showing that uneven distribution of water, employment and development may produce sub-regionalism. Naga, Bodo and Gorkha movements demonstrate demands ranging from autonomy to separate statehood.

Critical Evaluation

Autonomy can protect culture, recognise customary institutions, improve participation and reduce alienation. However:

  • regional elites may capture institutions and resources;
  • dominant ethnic groups may marginalise “minorities within minorities”;
  • insufficient financial powers can make autonomy symbolic;
  • territorial demands may generate inter-community conflict;
  • statehood does not automatically remove poverty or displacement;
  • women often participate in regional movements but remain excluded from leadership and post-movement benefits.

Therefore, autonomy must include internal democracy, financial devolution, gender representation and safeguards for smaller communities.

Conclusion

Regionalism is neither inherently anti-national nor automatically democratic. When addressed through meaningful autonomy, equitable development and cultural recognition, it strengthens plural nationalism. Autonomy should therefore function as a mechanism of negotiated integration rather than forced assimilation or territorial separation.

2026 Kumar Suresh Singh's contribution in studying tribal movements. 2026 Discuss the impact of Christianity on the tribal population of Jharkhand. 2026 Tana Bhagat movement. 2025 Evaluate the impact of Christianity on Scheduled Tribe societies of North-East India.

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