Identity of a 'State'

How are states formed?

Look at the map of USA and Australia. The boundaries of the states are at many places just straight lines. Even boundary between US and Canada has many straight line segments. These are examples of relatively new countries where administrative convenience dictated the decision regarding boundaries of the states. Of course, geography of the region had to be taken into account.

This cannot be the case with Asia, Europe and Africa. What constitutes a State and how do you draw its boundaries is a much more complex issue in India.

First and foremost factor is the geography. Look at the shape of Assam. It is totally dictated by Brahmputra river. Five rivers have shaped the state of Punjab. Geographical factors affect the development of civilization in that area. Dry and arid climate has created a different ethos for Rajasthan.

So topography and geography influence development of human habitation, its community, economy, language and ethos. These give rise to an identity.  And this identity is the basis of the state. 

Behind the current turmoil in Andhra Pradesh, the geography is the key factor. Let us see how the inter play of technology and geography caused economic disparity. Coastal Andhra is more fertile but was affected by the vagaries of weather. The distinct upward growth of the region started when mighty rivers Godavari and Krishna were tamed because of the new technology in the form of dams and canals and much better irrigation became available. Suddenly the farmers and large landowners of the area got much richer. To enjoy their riches they made a beeline to the 'City'.

Of course we are talking of Hyderabad. Rulers of Hyderabad (Nizams) had developed the art of enjoyment. Just for example in the area of culinary tastes, Hyderabadi biryani can only be matched by the biryanis from Lucknow patronized by the Nawabs. Older residents of Hyderabad were uncomfortable with the sudden influx of the rich brothers from the South-East.

Economic disparity between the two regions created a perception of injustice. These perceptions have become solid, very solid indeed. Fueled by the emotion and absence of reflection, there is no way one can dispassionately create a dialogue between different groups in Andhra. I am not against formation of Telengana. In fact I favour it. But I am under no illusion that the two new states will live peacefully here after.

Telengana will for a few years/decades continue to externalize the cause of their lack of fortune. It will be only after passage of time that realization will dawn upon them that the real key to the economic growth in this century is not from agriculture but from non-agriculture area. Unless Telengana quickly forms a powerful vision under an able leader the gains from the new statehood will never materialize.