In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint.

Theme

T48 Diversity & national unity

What UPSC asks in this theme

UPSC asks about unity in diversity, whether regions form cultural units more than states, tolerance as a feature of Indian society, cultural elements of diversity, and links between diversity and marginality.

What to cover

• Forms of diversity: language, religion, caste, region, ethnicity
• Bonds of unity: geography, culture, constitution, economy
• Regions as cultural units
• Diversity overlapping with socio-economic marginality

Writing the answer

• Use examples from different regions; avoid generic statements

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 5 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.