Mainland India

In a geographical context, Mainland India includes the entirety of India (including Northeast India) in continental Asia, excluding islands such as the union territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

Overall, Mainland India refers to the rest of India excluding Northeast India and the island union territories.

Geopolitical term

History

During the colonial era, British officials conceptualised of an "India proper" which was perceived as totally distinct from present-day Northeast India due primarily to racial differences.

Contemporary

Mainland India has been noted for having neglected Northeast India to a significant extent due to the Northeast's distinctness, with the Northeast having become somewhat alienated as a result, the term is used in Northeast India to refer to Indians and indian Cultures outside of Northeast region. The Northeast India and Mainland India are used by Locals in the region.

Autonomous Governance in Northeast India

The Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India provides measures of autonomy and self-governance to the Scheduled Tribes in the hill regions of Northeast India. This provision distinguishes the region from other parts of India in terms of governance.