Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 140

The Tamil speaking people in Sri Lanka had a feeling of .....

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical tensions and political conflicts between the Tamil and Sinhalese

Correct Answer: B) Alienation

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Tamil-speaking people in Sri Lanka have a complex and often troubled relationship with the majority Sinhalese population. This relationship is rooted in historical, political, and social factors that have led to a sense of alienation among the Tamil community.

Historically, the Tamil-speaking people in Sri Lanka have faced significant challenges and conflicts with the Sinhalese majority. The Sinhalese, who form the majority of the population, have often implemented policies that have marginalized the Tamil-speaking minority. For example, the Sinhala Only Act of 1956, which made Sinhala the only official language of Sri Lanka, was seen as a direct attack on the Tamil-speaking community, as it limited their access to government jobs and services.

Furthermore, the Tamil-speaking people have also faced discrimination in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and political representation. This has led to a sense of alienation, where the Tamil community feels excluded and separated from the larger Sri Lankan society. The Tamil Eelam movement, which sought to establish a separate state for the Tamil-speaking people, is a direct result of this sense of alienation and the desire for self-determination.

It is important to understand that the feeling of alienation among the Tamil-speaking people is not a recent phenomenon but has deep historical roots. The political and social tensions between the Tamil and Sinhalese communities have been a significant factor in shaping the socio-political landscape of Sri Lanka. The Tamil-speaking people have often felt that their rights and interests are not adequately represented or protected within the Sri Lankan state, leading to a sense of alienation and a desire for greater autonomy or even separation.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Alienation," as it accurately captures the historical and ongoing sense of exclusion and separation felt by the Tamil-speaking people in Sri Lanka.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. Majoritarianism refers to the dominance of a majority group, which does not accurately describe the feelings of Tamil-speaking people in Sri Lanka. The Tamil community has often felt marginalized and discriminated against by the Sinhalese majority.
  • Option B: This option is correct. Alienation refers to the feeling of being excluded or separated from the larger society. Tamil-speaking people in Sri Lanka have historically felt alienated due to political and social tensions with the Sinhalese majority.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Accommodation implies a sense of acceptance and integration, which does not reflect the historical experiences of Tamil-speaking people in Sri Lanka. They have faced significant challenges and conflicts with the Sinhalese majority.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Love towards Sinhalese is not a sentiment that accurately describes the feelings of Tamil-speaking people in Sri Lanka. The historical context of ethnic conflicts and discrimination makes this option implausible.

Mnemonic: TAS: Tamil Alienation in Sri Lanka

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