In positive sense regionalism means the love for one’s area of living. It is something natural. However, in the India its negative sense is prevailing which means love for one’s own region over and above the country as a whole. In India regionalism implies that regional and parochial demands are made on the political system, which are opposed to the country as a whole. Now regionalism poses a big strain upon nationalism and nation as a whole. It has been a big hindrance in the process of national integration and nation-building.

Some of the most important causes of regionalism in India are as follows : 

(i) geographical factors. 

(ii) historical and cultural factors. 

(iii) caste and region. 

(iv) economic factors. 

(v) politico-administrative factors.

(i) Geographical factors: Territorial orientation based on geographical boundaries relating to the inhabitants of a particular area which are symbolic at least in the Indian context. This is more due to the linguistic distribution along the geographical boundaries.

(ii) Historical and Cultural Factors: Historical or cultural factors can be considered as the major components of the occurrence of regionalism in the Indian landscape. Historical and cultural components explain regionalism through cultural heritage, folklore, myths, symbolism and historical traditions.

(iii) Caste and Region: The caste system and religion play only a minor role in creating regionalism in the Indian society. Only when caste is combined with linguistic predominance or religion can it create a regional feeling. Similarly religion is not so important unless it is associated with linguistic homogeneity or based on dogma and conservatism or economic deprivation.

(iv) Economic factors: In the present times uneven development in different parts of the country can be considered as the main reason for regionalism and separatism. There are few areas in the country where industries and factories are concentrated, educational and health facilities are adequately available, communication netw

ork has been developed, rapid agricultural development has been possible.

(v) Political-administrative factors: Political parties, especially regional political parties as well as local leaders exploit regional sentiments, regional deficits and convert them to strengthen their factional support base. They give place to regional problems in their election manifesto and promise political and regional development.

Unity in diversity means that all people live in peace and harmony with each other, even if there are many differences between them. Cultures, races etc. exist in our country like many religions but they live with each other. This unity in diversity cannot be seen anywhere which can be seen only in India.

Caste is a major determinant of political life in India. It has been a determinant of political participation, voting behavior and almost all other aspects of Indian politics. Caste determines the nature, organization and function of political parties and interest groups etc. Caste based voting, caste based candidature, caste based riots, caste conflict and the issue of reservation versus non-reservation are all factors in Indian politics.

But not only in geography, India is full of diversity in every sphere of life. Cultural diversity refers to the presence of many different types of cultural communities defined by language, religion, region, ethnicity, etc., in a particular larger national or regional context.

India is considered to be a very diverse country as it is home to a wide variety of social groups and communities.

We also look at diversity from the point of view of religion. About 80% of the population are Hindus, 13% are Muslims, 2.5% are Christians, 1.9% are Sikhs, while 0.8% are Buddhists and 0.4% are Jains. As far as language is concerned, there are mainly 22 languages ​​spoken in India. Thus, India is a country that is full of diversity.