Question

source and development of multiculturalism in india

Answer 1

Multiplicity in patterns of ethnic identities and relations are today a hallmark of the

great majority of societies in all regions of the world. It has been estimated that

there are approximately about 3000 ethnic or tribal groups in the world that are

cognizant and confident of their particular identities. South Asia, as a distinctive

multi ethnic region, in terms of population accounts for about a fourth of the

human race. It comprises three densely populated large States of the world, namely

India (113 crores approx.), Pakistan (17 crores approx.) and Bangladesh (14 crores

approx). It has two island communities- Sri Lanka (2 crores approx) and

Maldives (3 lakhs approx.) and two land rocked Himalayan States----Nepal (2.58

crores approx) and Bhutan (8lakhs). In a way, South Asia represents a distinct subglobal entity in terms of its variant geographical conditions, diversity in ethnic and

inter-ethnic composition and orientations towards beliefs, values and culture.