Question

On what basis were states reorganized in 1956 in India?

• A. Population density
• B. Geographical proximity
• C. Language
• D. Economic potential

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Language

Linguistic Reorganization of States

• After independence, people agitated for the formation of states along linguistic lines.

• Potti Sriramalu, a freedom fighter, started satyagraha for the formation of Andhra Pradesh for Telugu-speaking people

• After 58 days of fasting, his martyedom and it intensified the mass agitation

• Following this, in 1953, the Government of India formed the state of Andhra Pradesh for Telugu speaking people.

• The Government of India formed a Commission to reorganise Indian states on the basis of languages, with Fazl Ali as Chairman and H.N.Kunzru and K.M.Panikkar, a Keralite, as members.

• As per the recommendations of the Commission, the Parliament passed the States Reorganisation Act in 1956.

• Thus, 14 states and 6 union territories came into effect.

• Afterwards, new states were formed in various phases.