Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the factors that act as obstacles or hindrances to the process of nation-building in India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Nation-building involves fostering a sense of common identity, unity, and integration among the citizens of a country. Let's analyze the options as potential hindrances:
- (A) Regionalism: This refers to an excessive loyalty to one's own region over the nation. When it promotes separatism or creates inter-regional conflicts, it becomes a major hindrance to national unity.
- (B) Diversity of languages: While linguistic diversity is a rich heritage, it can become a hindrance if it leads to conflicts over official language status, linguistic chauvinism, or demands for states on a linguistic basis that undermine national unity.
- (C) Casteism: The caste system creates deep-rooted social hierarchies, discrimination, and division. It works against the principles of equality, fraternity, and social justice, which are essential for a strong nation.
All three factors can, in their extreme forms, pose serious challenges to the process of nation-building.
Step 3: Final Answer
Regionalism, linguistic conflicts, and casteism are all significant hindrances to nation-building. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) All of these.