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Abstract
The problem of minorities is a universal phenomenon. In the present day context there is no state in the world has free from some kind of minorities. Although the existence of minorities is universal, the nature of minority problem is not always and everywhere the same. It assumes different forms and intensity in various parts of the world at different times and has taxed the brains of statesman, thinkers and social scientists. A number of national and international treaties and agreements have been concluded for the protection of minorities at different intervals of history. Since the rise of democracy in the 18 century, the problem of minorities has become a serious political question and has played a great role in national and international affairs. The first criterion to solve the problem in a democratic country is the recognition of equal rights and duties for all, irrespective of religion, race, caste or language. So it is only democracy that recognizes different minorities and provides them equal treatment. It is also often stated that the efficiency of democracy lies in giving fair treatment to minorities. On the other hand, minorities have no place in a totalitarian regime, where everything exists for the state. So the minorities cannot keep their separate identities therein. They have submerged themselves in the state itself. So the problem of minorities as such is essentially a problem of democracy.