The Question of National Language

2020-04-27 15:27:29

problem of national consolidation by linguistic diversity has taken 2 major forms ie
- dispute over official language of the union and
- linguistic reorganisation of the states.
JLN wanted to lay stress on provincial languages to carry on most work through them.
Gandhiji said that English occupied an unnatural place due to unequal relations w/ Englishmen. Called himself an inveterate opponent of English.
Hindi had played role of link/official language during nationalist struggle. Was accepted by leaders from non-Hindi speaking regions ex C Rajagopalachari, Subhash Bose.
Debate went as to the use of Hindi or Hindustani in the Constitution. Hindi was accepted as official not national language.
Zeal to enforce Hindi upon non-Hindi speakers -> counter movements.
Hindi speakers tried to Sanskritise the language making it difficult to for common people to understand.
Shastri wanted to make Hindi alternative language for Civil Services. DMK opposed this and organised anti Hindi protests in Tamil Nadu.