States Reorganization and Accommodation of Ethno-Territorial Cleavages in India

This chapter examines how the so-called “states reorganization” during the 1950s and 1960s and its accommodation of ethno-territorial cleavages has made ethnic peace and political stability possible in multi-ethnic India. It first sketches the political context that led to state reorganization before discussing the process of constitutional engagement and the constitutional changes associated with the various reorganizations. In particular, it analyzes the nature of the state’s institutional responses to ethno-linguistic cleavages, taking into account the role played by the States Reorganization Commission. It also describes the outcome of these exercises and shows how “subnational autonomy” emerged as major incentives for the regional political elites. Finally, it outlines the comparative lessons that can be learned from India’s approach to progressive staging of state creation, focusing on the effects of ongoing neo-liberal reforms (post-1991) in the country that have posed newer challenges for state autonomy and future territorial changes.