Which of the following contributes towards the formation of ethno-national identities in India?
A. Language
B. Religion
C. Region
D. Tribe
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → A, C and D only
A. Language Correct. Language has been the strongest base of ethno-national identity; the linguistic states are its result.
B. Religion Incorrect. Language, region and tribe have formed ethno-national identity in India, and not religion.
C. Region Correct. Language works together with regional identity, as in the demand for states.
D. Tribe Correct. Tribal identity is the third base; ethnicity based on tribal identity lay behind states such as Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
NCERT (2025-26): “6.2 R egionalism in the I ndian C ontext … Language coupled with regional and tribal identity – and not religion – has therefore provided the most powerful instrument for the formation of ethno-national identity in India. However, this does not mean that all linguistic communities have got statehood. For instance, in the creation of three new states in 2000, namely Chhatisgarh, Uttaranchal and Jharkhand, language did not play a prominent role. Rather, a combination of ethnicity based on tribal identity, language, regional deprivation and ecology provided the basis for intense regionalism resulting in statehood.…” |