Diversity in India India is an extremely diverse country in Asia. It has many different religions and languages that lead to many problems for the government. In terms of population, it is the world’s largest democracy, according to Masci (2001). The country is relatively new only gaining independence in 1947 from the United Kingdom. India has adopted many of the colonial forms from their previous masters, such as a common law system, a parliament, as well as the English language. The country continues to evolve and find its identity. It has been experiencing massive growth and development since economic reforms in 1991. According to the Daily Mail (2011) India will overtake China by 2030 if it maintains the same rate of population growth.
…show more content…
With only 40% of the population speaking the “official” language Hindi (CIA.Gov, 2014). It drops off drastically to the next language Bengali only having 8.1% of the population (CIA.Gov, 2014). According to Masci: “(Indians) speak 32 major languages and thousands of dialects”. The majority of the languages are centered on regions and states. This allows the groups to maintain the language but also gives them political power in the area they are located. English has the distinction of being an official language for government, commercial, and state business (CIA.Gov, 2014)
Economic
Caste
India has a unique caste system that affects its diversity in another way. Castes go between religions and languages they are part of India but not part of it at the same time. According to Ratnam and Chandra (1996):
There are about 3,000 castes in India and each one is a social unit in itself, its structures and strictures differing in each case. So strong is networking that even a change in religion does not alter an individual 's position in the caste structure.
This caste system has led to many problems and issues for India throughout its history as it was put into place well before the modern country was founded. The caste system was formally abolished in the constitution in 1950, but is still prevalent today (HRW.org,
With only 40% of the population speaking the “official” language Hindi (CIA.Gov, 2014). It drops off drastically to the next language Bengali only having 8.1% of the population (CIA.Gov, 2014). According to Masci: “(Indians) speak 32 major languages and thousands of dialects”. The majority of the languages are centered on regions and states. This allows the groups to maintain the language but also gives them political power in the area they are located. English has the distinction of being an official language for government, commercial, and state business (CIA.Gov, 2014)
Economic
Caste
India has a unique caste system that affects its diversity in another way. Castes go between religions and languages they are part of India but not part of it at the same time. According to Ratnam and Chandra (1996):
There are about 3,000 castes in India and each one is a social unit in itself, its structures and strictures differing in each case. So strong is networking that even a change in religion does not alter an individual 's position in the caste structure.
This caste system has led to many problems and issues for India throughout its history as it was put into place well before the modern country was founded. The caste system was formally abolished in the constitution in 1950, but is still prevalent today (HRW.org,