Question

Read the following passage carefully and answer the following questions:

Above all, the linguistic states underlined the acceptance of the principle of diversity. When we say that India adopted democracy, it does not simply mean that India embraced a democratic constitution, nor does it merely mean that India adopted the format of elections. The choice was larger than that. It was a choice in favour of recognising and accepting the existence of differences which could at times be oppositional. Democracy, in other words, was associated with plurality of ideas and ways of life.

1. What is meant by 'linguistic states'?
2. Why were linguistic states formed in India? Explain any two reasons.
3. How is democracy in India associated with plurality of ideas and ways of life?

Answer 1

1. It means that the states are divided on the basis of its regional languages. This is because India has many languages. So, for better and apt administration, the regions are divided on the basis of languages.
2. Initially the country was divided into administrative units of A, B and C categories. This was found unsatisfactory, and hence, another category 'D' was added. However, people believed that this division negated the principle of equal right guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution. The Government of India was compelled by public opinion for the division of states on linguistic basis. People of the same language demanded a separate state. Thus, to meet the demands of the public, states were reorganised on the basis of language.
3. In India, the defining principle has been and will always be ‘unity in diversity’. This is the idea of India. The core of democracy is choice. Democracy is incompatible to any form of idea. It entertains plurality of ideas and arrives at an agreed line of action by comparing them.