Question

Why is India often called a "state-nation"?

• A. Since the political identity developed before a national identity.
• B. Since it is committed to the idea of pluralistic identities co-existing peacefully within a single state polity.
• C. Since it is developed in the model of assimilation to manage pluralism.
• D. Since it is committed to the idea of one nation-one state.

Hint:

State-nation means many identities in one state, not assimilation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks why India is called a state-nation. We need the reason that fits this idea.

Step 2: Key Idea:
A state-nation is a country where many cultural groups live together under one state. It respects the different identities and does not force all people into a single identity.
India follows this model of unity in diversity.

Step 3: Check Option 1:
Saying the political identity came before the national identity describes how some states formed, but it is not the main reason for the term. It also does not talk about handling diversity. This option is wrong.

Step 4: Check Option 2:
This says India is committed to many identities living peacefully in one state. That is the heart of a state-nation. This option is correct.

Step 5: Check Option 3:
Assimilation means pulling minority groups into one dominant culture. India does not follow this model. This option is wrong.

Step 6: Check Option 4:
One nation-one state is the idea of a nation-state, where the state is built around a single national culture. India is different from it. This option is wrong.

Final Answer:
India accepts many identities within one state, so option 2 is correct.
\[ \boxed{\text{Option 2}} \]