Read the passage and answer the following questions:-
In terms of the nation-state's relationship with community identities, the Indian case fits neither the assimilationist nor the integrationist model described in Box 6.2. From its very beginning the independent Indian state has ruled out an assimilationist model. However, the demand for such a model has been expressed by some sections of the dominant Hindu community. Although 'nationalist' integration is a constant theme in state policy, India has not been integrationist in the way that Box 6.2 describes. The constitution declares the state to be a secular state, but religion, language and other such factors are not banished from the public sphere. In fact these communities have been explicitly recognised by the state. By international standards, very strong constitutional protection is offered to minority religions. In general India's problems have been more in the sphere of implementation and practice rather than laws or principles. But on the whole, India can be considered a good example of a state nation though it is not entirely free from the problems common to nation states.
Which of the following is not a feature of assimilationist model of state building?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → allow the flourishing of diverse identities
Option (1) assimilate linguistic diversity — A feature of the assimilationist model (Incorrect). Policies of assimilation try to erode the cultural differences between groups. One of their means is adopting the dominant group’s language as the only official ‘national’ language and making its use mandatory in all public institutions.
Option (2) Consolidate ethnic diversity — A feature of the assimilationist model (Incorrect). To consolidate the many ethnic groups is to pull them together into one single national identity, which is what assimilationist strategies try to establish.
Option (3) Suppress diverse identities — A feature of the assimilationist model (Incorrect). Policies of assimilation often involve the outright suppression of the identities of ethnic, religious or linguistic groups. Other groups are expected or required to give up their own cultural values and adopt the prescribed ones.
Option (4) allow the flourishing of diverse identities — Not a feature of the assimilationist model (Correct). Letting diverse identities flourish is the opposite of assimilation. It belongs to the ‘state-nation’, where ethnic, religious, linguistic or indigenous identities co-exist peacefully and cooperatively in a single state.
NCERT (2025-26): “Communities, Nations and Nation-States … Box 6.1 speaks of ‘assimilationist’ and ‘integrationist’ policies. Policies that promote assimilation are aimed at persuading, encouraging or forcing all citizens to adopt a uniform set of cultural values and norms. These values and norms are usually entirely or largely those of the dominant social group. Other, non-dominant or subordinated groups in society are expected or required to give up their own cultural values and adopt the prescribed ones.…”
Box 6.1 (NCERT 2025-26) |
