Federalism

INTRODUCTION

The chapter opens by drawing attention to the dramatic changes in the political maps of India between 1947 and 2017. At the time of independence in 1947, India was divided into provinces created by the British primarily for administrative convenience. Alongside these provinces, there were numerous princely states which had their own rulers. After independence, these princely states merged with the Indian Union, joining the existing provinces. Over the years, the boundaries and names of states have changed multiple times to reflect the aspirations and identities of their people. For example, Mysore was renamed Karnataka, and Madras became Tamil Nadu. The number of states also increased due to reorganisation, often on linguistic or cultural grounds. These changes in political boundaries and state identities illustrate the dynamic nature of federalism in India. The maps of India from 1947 and 2017 visually narrate the story of how federalism has functioned and evolved in the country. Through this chapter, students will understand the concept of federalism, how it is embedded in the Indian Constitution, the nature of centre-state relations, and the special provisions made for certain states with unique historical and social contexts.

• India's political map has changed significantly from 1947 to 2017.
• British provinces and princely states merged post-independence.
• State boundaries and names have been reorganised multiple times.
• Federalism in India accommodates diversity and unity.
• The chapter aims to explain federalism, constitutional provisions, centre-state relations, and special state provisions.
• 📌 Federalism: A system of government with multiple autonomous levels.
• 📌 Princely States: Semi-autonomous regions ruled by local monarchs under British suzerainty.
• 📌 Provinces: Administrative units created by the British.

WHAT IS FEDERALISM?

Federalism is a system of government designed to accommodate multiple levels of government within a single political entity, each with autonomy in its own sphere. The chapter discusses the breakup of federations like the USSR, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Pakistan to highlight that federalism alone does not guarantee unity. Excessive centralisation or domination by one region can cause disintegration. Canada nearly broke up due to tensions between English and French-speaking regions, but India has remained united despite its diversity, partly due to its federal structure. The West Indies federation is used as an example where a weak central government and independent economies of units led to its dissolution, but later cooperation was established through a common legislature, supreme court, currency, and market. Federalism involves two sets of governments — regional and national — each autonomous in their spheres, often with dual citizenship (though India has single citizenship). People have dual identities — regional and national. Powers and responsibilities are constitutionally divided, with the judiciary resolving conflicts. The chapter emphasizes that federalism is shaped by political culture, trust, cooperation, and respect among units. Dominance by one group or ideology can lead to resentment and conflict, including demands for secession or civil wars.

• Federalism accommodates multiple autonomous governments within one nation.
• Breakup of USSR and others shows federalism alone doesn't ensure unity.
• West Indies federation failed due to weak centre and independent economies.
• Federalism involves dual identities and powers divided constitutionally.
• Independent judiciary resolves centre-state disputes.
• Political culture and mutual respect are crucial for federal success.
• 📌 Federalism: Institutional mechanism for dual government structures.
• 📌 Dual Citizenship: Citizenship in both regional and national entities (not in India).
• 📌 Judiciary: Independent body resolving federal disputes.