Sub-nationalism
Also called: Sub-national identity · Topic: Nationalism and National Self-determination · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Sub-nationalism is a strong political identity based on a region, language or ethnic group inside a larger nation-state. People feel loyal to their region or language and to the wider nation at the same time. Such movements usually seek autonomy (self-rule), statehood or cultural protection within the country, and only occasionally secession. India's approach is to grant statehood and autonomy, but not to negotiate on secession.
Example
The Tamil Dravidian movement and the 1965 anti-Hindi agitation are examples of sub-nationalism. In the North-East, the Mizo Accord (1986) settled an insurgency by giving Mizoram statehood. India also has the States Reorganisation Act (1956), which created linguistic states, as well as the Sixth Schedule and Arts. 371-371J to accommodate such identities.
Don't confuse with
- Separatism: sub-nationalism mainly wants more space inside the nation. Separatism wants a separate, independent state.
- Regionalism: regionalism is about a region's interests, such as funds or jobs. Sub-nationalism is a deeper sense of being a distinct people.