Most states in India are created on linguistic basis except Chattisgarh, Uttaranchal and Jharkhand. On what basis are these states created?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Ethnicity
Option (1) Administrative — Incorrect. These states came out of intense regionalism rooted in identity and a sense of deprivation, not out of a plan to divide large states for easier administration.
Option (2) Linguistic — Incorrect. Language had been the basis of the states formed after 1956, but for these three language did not play a prominent role.
Option (3) Ethnicity — Correct. Ethnicity is a group identity based on shared culture and descent. For these three states a combination of ethnicity based on tribal identity, together with language, regional deprivation and ecology, provided the basis for the intense regionalism that resulted in statehood.
Option (4) Special status — Incorrect. Special status is a constitutional arrangement giving some existing states certain extra powers or protections; it is not a basis on which new states are created.
Note: The concept in Option (4), ‘special status’, is not in NCERT (2025-26); explained here for the benefit of the students.
NCERT (2025-26): “6.2 Regionalism in the Indian Context … 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.…” |