How is Federalism Practised in India Class 10 Notes – In Part 2, we discussed how the Indian Constitution lays the foundation of federalism through a three-tier government structure and division of powers. Now in Part 3, we explore how federalism is practised in real life — through the creation of linguistic states, a thoughtful language policy, and changing Centre-State relations. These practical steps reveal how democratic politics has helped strengthen federalism in India.
Chapter – 2
Federalism – Part 3
How is Federalism Practised in India?
- Nature of democratic politics is the main reason for success of federalism
Steps Towards Federalism
1. Linguistic States
- People who speak the same language live in the same state
- Examples: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab
- States also created based on culture, ethnicity, or geography: Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand
Creation of Linguistic States:
- Made the country more united
- Made administration easier
2. Language Policy
- Constitution doesn’t recognise any language as a national language
- Official Language: Hindi
- Use of English for official purpose: Till 1965
- Non-Hindi states like Tamil Nadu demanded continuation of English
- Movement in favour of English took a violent form in Tamil Nadu
- Central govt agreed to continue English along with Hindi
- State governments permitted to use their own language
- 22 scheduled languages listed in the 8th Schedule
- Candidates in central govt exams can use any scheduled language
- Census 2011: 121 major languages in India
- Hindi is the mother tongue of 44% Indians
3. Centre-State Relations
a) Single Party Rule (After Independence)
- Same party ruled both Centre and State
- States had limited rights
- States had to follow Centre’s directives
b) Era of Rival Politics
- Different parties ruled at Centre and State
- Centre misused power to dismiss state govts using President’s Rule
- It undermined federalism
c) Era of Coalition After 1990
- Rise of regional political parties and coalition governments
- New culture of power sharing
- Respect for autonomy of state governments
Coalition Government:
- Formed by two or more political parties coming together
Judgement of Supreme Court:
- Made it difficult for the central govt to arbitrarily dismiss state governments
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Q1. What is the main reason for the success of federalism in India?
A1. The main reason is the nature of democratic politics.
Q2. Name any two linguistic states created in India.
A2. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Q3. Give one example of a state formed on the basis of culture or ethnicity.
A3. Nagaland.
Q4. How did the creation of linguistic states help the country?
A4. It has made the country more united and administration easier.
Q5. What is India’s official language?
A5. Hindi.
Q6. Till which year was English used for official purposes in India?
A6. Till 1965.
Q7. Which state demanded continuation of English for official use?
A7. Tamil Nadu.
Q8. What was the nature of the movement in Tamil Nadu regarding English?
A8. It took a violent form.
Q9. Are state governments allowed to use their own languages?
A9. Yes, within their respective states.
Q10. How many languages are listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution?
A10. 22 languages.
Q11. In how many languages can candidates appear for central government exams?
A11. In any of the scheduled languages.
Q12. According to the 2011 Census, how many major languages exist in India?
A12. 121 major languages.
Q13. What percentage of Indians speak Hindi as their mother tongue?
A13. About 44%.
Q14. What was a key feature of single-party rule after independence?
A14. States had limited rights and followed Centre’s directives.
Q15. What happened during the era of rival politics?
A15. Centre misused powers to dismiss state governments using President’s Rule.
Q16. What led to a new culture of power sharing in India?
A16. The era of coalition governments after 1990.
Q17. What is a coalition government?
A17. A government formed by two or more political parties coming together.
Q18. Which institution made it harder to dismiss state governments arbitrarily?
A18. The Supreme Court.
Let’s wind it up:
As we conclude this topic, remember that federalism in India is not just a constitutional arrangement — it’s a living system shaped by efforts like the creation of linguistic states, balanced language policies, and improving Centre-State relations. These developments show how democracy has strengthened federal principles over time. For more Class 10 Social Science chapters and quick revision notes, click here to explore our latest content.
