Question

Which of the following is a form of regionalism?

• A. Language movement
• B. Racial movement
• C. Movement based on territorial identity
• D. All of these

Hint:

Remember that regionalism is a broad concept and can manifest in various forms. It's essentially about prioritizing the interests of a specific region, and the basis for defining that 'region' can be linguistic, cultural, ethnic, economic, or geographical.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify which of the given options can be considered a manifestation or form of regionalism.
Step 2: Key Concept:
Regionalism is a political ideology that focuses on the interests of a particular region or group of regions, often leading to demands for greater autonomy or special status. It can be based on various factors like geography, language, culture, ethnicity, or economic interests.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the options:
- (A) Language movement: A movement based on linguistic identity, often demanding recognition for a language or the creation of a state based on language (e.g., the movement for states reorganization in India), is a classic form of regionalism.
- (B) Racial movement: While less common in India, a movement based on racial or ethnic identity asserting the interests of a particular group within a region is also a form of regionalism.
- (C) Movement based on territorial identity: A movement where people of a specific geographical area feel a strong sense of common identity and demand political recognition or economic benefits for their territory (e.g., demands for a separate state of Bodoland or Gorkhaland) is a direct form of regionalism.
Since all three options represent different bases upon which regional identities and movements can be formed, they are all forms of regionalism.
Step 4: Final Answer
Language movements, racial movements, and movements based on territorial identity are all forms of regionalism. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) All of these.