Mainland India is a geo-political term sometimes used to refer to India excluding the region of Northeast India and the disputed territory of Kashmir,[1] with the north-east connected by the Siliguri Corridor.
[2][3][4][5][6] 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.
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.
[7] Mainland India has been noted for having neglected Northeast India to a significant extent due to the Northeast's distinctness,[8] with the Northeast having become somewhat alienated as a result,[4][9] and ending up trending towards East Asian cultural influences as a result.
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