Regional Aspirations

Lesson

Part 1 — how India approaches regional diversity, and the experiences of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

In this lesson you will

Explain India's approach to accommodating regional diversity
Explain the roots and phases of the Kashmir issue, including its external and internal dimensions
Trace the Punjab crisis from 1973 to the elections of 1992
Write factual, neutral answers on sensitive regional issues

Part 1 at a glance

Concept

Region and the nation

India chose to accept diversity and to settle regional demands through democratic politics, within one nation.

Table of four possible approaches to regions; India chose to accept diversity and settle demands democratically within one nation, and rejected treating demands as threats, imposing uniformity or allowing secession
Possible approach to regions	Did India choose it?
Treat every regional demand as a threat	No
Impose one language and culture	No
Accept diversity; settle demands democratically within one nation	Yes
Allow regions to leave the Union	No

Check your understanding

Which statement best describes India's approach to regional diversity?

Multiple choice1 mark

Which statement best describes the approach the Indian state adopted towards regional diversity after independence?