Language Agitations & Identity Politics: Key Factors & Implications

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India is a country of unparalleled linguistic and cultural diversity, home to 22 scheduled languages, hundreds of dialects, and a complex interplay of ethnic, regional, and linguistic identities. The Indian Constitution celebrates this prevalent pluralism, yet recent years have seen a resurgence of language agitations and identity politics in various parts of the country.
From demands for regional language primacy in states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu to tensions over Hindi imposition and script-based conflicts in states like Manipur, language-based identity assertion is re-emerging as a powerful political and social phenomenon.

Understanding Language Agitations and Identity Politics

Language agitations refer to organised movements or protests that demand the recognition, promotion, or protection of a linguistic identity, generally tied to regional or ethnic claims.
Identity politics is a broader concept where ethnic, linguistic, caste, or religious identities become the basis of political mobilisation rather than ideology or class.
In India, such movements are deeply rooted in post-independence linguistic reorganisation, the language versus development debate, and the aspirations of marginalised or regional groups seeking visibility and power in a centralised system.

Major Language Agitations in Recent Times

Maharashtra: MNS-led (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) protests demanding compulsory use of Marathi in public services, banking, signage, etc.
Tamil Nadu: Opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) and alleged Hindi imposition.
Manipur: Ethnolinguistic tensions exacerbated by the Meitei-Kuki conflict, with language, script (Meitei Mayek versus Bengali script), and identity at the centre.
Karnataka: Push for Kannada in official communication and resistance to Hindi or English dominance.
Northeast India: Demands for the protection of tribal languages and mother tongues against Assamese and English encroachment.

Factors Contributing to the Resurgence

Demographic Changes and Internal Migration

Increased migration has altered the linguistic composition of urban centres like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, etc., sparking fears of cultural dilution.
Locals generally perceive that migrants refuse to assimilate, threatening the dominance of regional languages in public life.
- Example: The 2011 Census recorded a 35.57% rise in Hindi speakers in Maharashtra, prompting MNS to revive its linguistic campaign. As defined by the Census, the term ‘mother tongue’ reflects deep cultural identity.

Economic Insecurity and Job Competition

Unemployment and underemployment, especially among regional youth, make identity politics attractive and highly returnable.
Language becomes a proxy for economic reservation, with locals demanding job preference based on linguistic nativity.
- Example: Karnataka’s Namma Metro witnessed protests for Kannada-speaking candidates in local pilot job recruitment.

Political Marginalisation and Assertion

Regional parties, sidelined by the rise of national parties, resort to language-based mobilisation to remain relevant.
The linguistic movements are electoral strategies to galvanise local support, especially among youth and urban working classes.
- Example: MNS in Maharashtra and DMK’s historic use of Tamil identity politics.

Cultural Insecurity and Revivalism

With increasing globalisation and anglicisation, regional linguistic communities fear the loss of intangible cultural heritage.
Language is viewed not just as a communication tool, but as a symbol of pride, history, and identity.
Revivalist movements demand script reforms, mother tongue education, and cultural festivals promoting linguistic pride.

State-Central Power Imbalance

The unitary tilt in centre-state relations, especially in education and communication policies, triggers resentment among people in states.
Policies perceived as Hindi-dominant or centrally imposed are viewed as eroding the federal structure.
The Three-Language Formula and NEP 2020’s multilingual education goals have faced resistance in southern states.

Platforms like X, YouTube, WhatsApp, etc. have made linguistic mobilisation faster and broader.
Viral videos, hashtags, and meme culture are used to amplify linguistic pride or perceived slights.
- Example: X campaigns like #StopHindiImposition or #SaveKannada are a case in point.

Neglect of Regional Languages in Governance and Technology

Lack of regional language interface in government portals, AI platforms, and online education tools creates resentment amongst the large swathes of the population.
Citizens demand digitisation in native languages and better access to public services in their mother tongue.

Implications of Language Agitations and Identity Politics for India’s Socio-Political Landscape

Federalism Under Strain

Language agitations challenge and test the centralising tendencies of the Union government.
States demanding linguistic autonomy may resist national integration efforts, leading to tension between the Centre and regional governments.
In extreme cases, language issues can fuel sub-nationalist or secessionist sentiments, as seen historically in Tamil Nadu and parts of the Northeast.

‘Us versus Them’ narratives based on language can polarise communities, leading to xenophobia and targeted violence.
Migrants, especially from Hindi-speaking states, face discrimination or harassment, to some extent, in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc
It undermines the constitutional promise of freedom of movement, residence, and employment, enshrined under Article 19.

Impact on Governance and Public Services

Demands for linguistic primacy can complicate administrative functioning, especially in multilingual states across the country.
For example, pushing for local languages in courts, universities, and entrance exams (like UPSC CSE, NEET, etc.) may enhance inclusivity but also pose standardisation and translation challenges.

Electoral Politics and Populism

Identity-based politics distract from governance and development issues, focusing instead on symbolic gestures and emotive rhetoric.
It may yield short-term electoral gains, but it can hinder long-term economic planning and inclusive policymaking.

Language as a Tool for Empowerment

On the positive side, language-based movements can promote cultural revival, decentralisation, and greater access to governance.
Campaigns for mother-tongue education can enhance learning outcomes and early childhood development, as supported by UNESCO.

Case Studies

Anti-Hindi Agitation in Tamil Nadu

One of the earliest, starting in 1937 and onwards, and most impactful language agitations in the country.
Prevented the imposition of Hindi as a national language and led to a dual-language policy (Hindi-English) at the national level.
Gave rise to powerful Dravidian parties like DMK, AIADMK, etc.

Meitei Mayek versus Bengali Script in Manipur

The state witnessed ethnic clashes where language and script were at the core of deeper identity conflicts between different communities.
The push to replace Bengali script with indigenous Meitei Mayek symbolised a demand for cultural sovereignty and ethnic revival.

Kannada Language Protection Movements

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other groups have led protests to enforce Kannada in official use, signage, and education.
The movement reflects urban anxieties over linguistic dilution in tech hubs like Bengaluru.

Way Forward

Strengthen Multilingual Governance: All government services and portals should be accessible in regional languages alongside Hindi and English. E-governance tools should use Natural Language Processing (NLP) in Indian languages to enhance inclusivity.
Promote Mother Tongue Education: Encourage primary education in mother tongues, as recommended by NEP 2020. Invest in regional language textbooks, teacher training, digital learning materials, etc.
Decentralise Language Policy: Allow states greater autonomy in shaping their language policies, recruitment, and education systems. However, it must be done within the framework of constitutional unity and morality.
Build Cultural Bridges: Promote cultural exchanges, multilingual festivals, and interstate scholarships to foster empathy and appreciation of diversity. Encourage celebrities, media, and influencers to embrace multilingualism rather than promote linguistic superiority.
Regulate Hate Speech and Political Provocation: Curb the use of language-based rhetoric to incite violence or hatred, especially during elections. Political parties must be held accountable for divisive identity politics.

India’s linguistic diversity is a strength and a source of contention. The resurgence of language agitations and identity politics reflects deeper anxieties about culture, the economy, and representation. The assertion of linguistic pride is legitimate in a democracy, but it must be pursued through dialogue, inclusivity, and constitutional means. The challenge for India lies in balancing regional aspirations with national unity, ensuring that every Indian feels represented, respected, and rooted, regardless of their mother tongue.

Reference: Indian Express

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 144

Q. Analyse the factors contributing to the resurgence of language agitations and identity politics in India and their implications for the country’s socio-political landscape. (15 Marks) (250 Words)

Approach

Introduction: Begin by highlighting India’s rich linguistic diversity and the constitutional recognition of multiple languages. Mention the recent resurgence of language agitations and identity politics across various states.
Body: Give an account of factors contributing to the resurgence of the agitations and their implications for the country’s sociocultural landscape.
Conclusion: Reiterate that linguistic identity is essential to Indian federalism and democracy. End by stating that unity in diversity must remain the guiding principle for managing identity politics in India.