Multiculturalism, Minority Rights and Democracy in India

Abstract

The question of Indian unity has never been settled beyond all differences and disputations. We have no culturally homogeneous, dominant and majority ethnic and religious group that could both dominate as well as effectively claim to represent all Indians. Group rights act as the regulatory devices for the accommodation of differences. From egalitarian view of justice minority groups have a moral justification for demanding cultural rights, which is the structure for belongingness. Many liberals call for greater tolerance of minority groups. Indian democracy is not consociational, but has adopted consociational devices for dealing with diverse conflicts within society. It has sometimes proved possible for various political parties (multiethnic) to co-operate, form coalitions after elections and even before that and reach agreements on controversial matters affecting the cultural and group rights.