Answer 1

Regionalism can be simply put as the feeling of affinity among people of a particular region, unified with a common language. It’s an identity consciousness associated with language, literature, traditions and cultural movements and gave rise to the development of linguistic identities in modern India. Over the years, regionalism has become problematic vis-� -vis development of a region and the feeling that only people belonging to that particular region have the sole claim resources and employment opportunities. In such a divided political environment, many regional political parties have mushroomed in various parts of the country to voice the concerns of the people in their region.

E.g. Shiv Sena (Maharastra), Shiromani Akali Dal (Punjab), Assam Gan Parishad (Assam) etc.

Answer 2

1. Regionalism arises when the feeling of affinity develops for a language and region which gradually turns into an identity consciousness.
2. Here, people mainly think about the interest and development of their own region and believe that they should have claim over resources and employment opportunities of their region.
3. Due to this, they feel proud about their language, literature, traditions, history of social reforms, educational and cultural movements. This leads to the development of a ‘linguistic identity’.
4. When such linguistic, regional, cultural and other identities get connected, a strong feeling emerges; which is called ‘regional consciousness’.
5. This sometimes gives rise to independent political parties or pressure groups or movements.