Language And the Construction of India: Constitutional Pluralism, Linguistic Identity and Nation-Building

Abstract

India’s democracy has taken place in a society where the country has multiple languages and cultural diversity. In India, language is not just a means of conversation, but it represents cultural traditions, collective memory and a sense of belonging. Hence, the makers of the Constitution had a difficult question before them: “How could they promote national unity without challenging the linguistic identities of different communities?” The constitutional response was not to establish language standardisation but to create a structure capable to considerate diversity within a common political structure. This approach was illustrated by the provisions of the official language of the Union, State languages, linguistic minorities, education and cultural rights. The reorganisation of States on linguistic lines further demonstrated that regional linguistic aspirations could be accommodated within the Indian Union. This paper deals with the constitutional treatment of language and its relationship with federalism, minority rights, education, democracy and social justice. This contends that India’s national integration doesn’t depend on linguistic standardisation; rather, it can contribute to an even stronger and more inclusive conception if India’s linguistic diversity is appreciated.