Class 12 Political Science Chapter 7 Regional Aspirations NCERT Solutions

1. Match the following.

A (Nature of regional aspirations)	B (States)	Answer
(a) Socio-religious identity leading to statehood	i. Nagaland / Mizoram	(a) - i
(b) Linguistic identity and tensions with Centre	iv. Tamil Nadu	(b) - iv
(c) Regional imbalance leading to demand for Statehood	ii. Jharkhand / Chhattisgarh	(c) - ii
(d) Secessionist demands on account of tribal identity	iii. Punjab	(d) - iii

2. Regional aspirations of the people of North-East get expressed in different ways. These include movements against outsiders, movement for greater autonomy and movement for separate national existence. On the map of the North-East, using different shades for these three, show the States where these expressions are prominently found.

Answer:

• Movements against outsiders were prominent in Assam and Tripura.
• Movements for greater autonomy were seen in Meghalaya, Manipur, and within Assam (Bodos, Karbis, Dimasas).
• Movements for separate national existence were most significant in Nagaland and Mizoram.

Students are required to use different shades to mark these states accordingly on the map of North-East India.

3. What were the main provisions of the Punjab accord? In what way can they be the basis for further tensions between the Punjab and its neighbouring States?

Answer: The main provisions of the Punjab Accord (Rajiv-Longowal Accord, 1985) included the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab, setting up a tribunal to settle river water disputes, compensation and better treatment for those affected during the militancy, and withdrawal of army from the Golden Temple. These provisions were potential sources of tension, especially concerning the sharing of waters of the Ravi-Beas rivers, transfer of Chandigarh, and issues of territory and language with neighbouring states like Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, as each state had competing claims and interests.

4. Why did the Anandpur Sahib Resolution become controversial?

Answer: The Anandpur Sahib Resolution, passed by the Akali Dal in 1973, sought greater autonomy for Punjab and a redefinition of Centre-State relations. Its call for regional autonomy and assertion of Sikh identity raised suspicions in other parts of India that it encouraged separatism. Some interpreted it as a demand for a separate Sikh nation, making it highly controversial.

5. Explain the internal divisions of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and describe how these lead to multiple regional aspirations in that State.

Answer: Jammu and Kashmir comprises three regions: Jammu (mainly inhabited by Hindus, with significant Muslim and Sikh population), Kashmir Valley (predominantly Muslim), and Ladakh (divided almost equally between Buddhists and Muslims). Each region has its own distinct identity, religious composition, and political aspirations. These differences have given rise to regional aspirations: demand for autonomy in the Valley, aspirations for closer integration with India in Jammu, and greater autonomy or Union Territory status (now attained) for Ladakh, often leading to conflicting demands.

6. What are the various positions on the issue of regional autonomy for Kashmir? Which of these do you think are justifiable? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer: There are different positions:

• Some outside Jammu & Kashmir believe Article 370's special status hindered full integration and should be removed (which happened in 2019).
• Some Kashmiris demand full restoration of autonomy as promised at accession.
• Some groups demand independence or join Pakistan.
• Others, especially in Jammu and Ladakh, have different aspirations.

A justifiable position is to ensure democratic rights, protection of diversity, and development, while maintaining national integrity—giving reasonable autonomy within India's framework meets aspirations without encouraging separatism.

7. The Assam movement was a combination of cultural pride and economic backwardness. Explain.

Answer: The Assam Movement (1979-1985) arose from the fear that the large-scale influx of outsiders was endangering Assamese cultural identity and threatening their majority. Economic backwardness and limited opportunities made competition for jobs and resources sharper. Thus, cultural pride and economic grievances together fueled the movement against outsiders and for protecting Assamese interests.

8. All regional movements need not lead to separatist demands. Explain by giving examples from this chapter.

Answer: Not all regional movements seek separation from India. Many demand greater autonomy or recognition of cultural and linguistic identity. For example, the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu and the autonomy movements in Assam led to reorganization of states, not secession. The Mizoram movement ended with full statehood within India. Only a few, like sections in Nagaland or Kashmir, demanded complete separation.

9. Regional demands from different parts of India exemplify the principle of unity with diversity. Do you agree? Give reasons.

Answer: Yes, regional demands illustrate unity in diversity. India accommodates various linguistic, cultural, and regional identities within its federal structure. The creation of new states, special provisions for autonomous regions, and political negotiations show how regional aspirations are addressed within the democratic and constitutional framework, strengthening national unity and diversity.

10. Read the passage and answer the questions below:

One of Hazarika’s songs .. ... dwells on the unity theme; the seven states of north-eastern India become seven sisters born of the same mother. .... ‘Meghalaya went own way...., Arunachal too separated and Mizoram appeared in Assam’s gateway as a groom to marry another daughter.’ .. The song ends with a determination to keep the unity of the Assamese with other smaller nationalities that are left in the present-day Assam – ‘the Karbis and the Missing brothers and sisters are our dear ones.’ — S. B.

1. Which unity is the poet talking about?
   Answer: The unity among the people of North-East India, especially between Assam and other regional communities, despite statehood and regional separations.
2. Why were some States of North-East created separately out of the erstwhile State of Assam?
   Answer: To accommodate the aspirations and demands of various ethnic and tribal groups who wanted separate identity, autonomy, or statehood, resulting in the creation of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, etc.
3. Do you think that the same theme of unity could apply to all the regions of India? Why?
   Answer: Yes. Despite multiple identities, languages, cultures, and regional aspirations, the concept of national unity applies to all regions. India’s strength lies in maintaining unity through recognizing and respecting such diversities.

Key Concepts of Regional Aspirations – Class 12 Political Science

Mastering Regional Aspirations Class 12 ensures a deeper understanding of how regional identity, autonomy, and national integration shape Indian democracy. Focusing on the chapter’s main themes and case studies is vital to score well in the board examination.

This chapter highlights the complexities of regionalism, covering regions like Punjab, North-East, Jammu and Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu. Reviewing events, negotiations, and lessons learned will help you answer both factual and analytical questions with higher accuracy.

Consistent review of NCERT exercise-based answers and real-life examples makes exam preparation effective. Practice map-based identification and match-the-following questions to reinforce your concept clarity and maximize marks in Political Science.