1. In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint. (150 words, 10 marks) (UPSC 2017 GS Paper 1)
Ans.
(Introduction)
India is a country of diversity. It is home to 7 major human races. More than 1650 languages are spoken here as mother-tongue. Also, here live followers of more than 7 religions.
(Thesis)
Distinct geographical features and varying climatic conditions in combination with differential historical exposure divide India into distinct regions. These regions form the basis of its cultural diversity.
(Body)
In ancient era, the limited accessibility of India through mighty Himalayas allowed small immigration. The cultures that came could not dominate the local one but get amalgamated with it. Also, when India turned accessible through oceans with advent of water transport, the coastal regions get influenced by European cultures.
Geographical features do have direct impact on cultural diversity. Vast monotonous plains in north India are also regions of uniform culture. The large states of UP, Bihar and W Bengal are part of this region. Similarly, rugged terrain and wet tropical climatic regions of north-east India has produced highly diverse cultural units there. The states are small in size. Another example is the extent of cultural isolation of India south of Vindhyachal range. It is more pronounced there as compared to that in northern India.
(Conclusion)
The cultural units in India are based on the regional diversity spread across it. Carving of the states has followed this variations. This make them as representative of cultural units.