Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: During colonial period, the state boundaries were drawn on the administrative convenience.
Statement II: After independence, redrawing of the boundaries of the states was based on different languages. In the light of the above given statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
• C. Statement I is true, but Statement II is false.
• D. Statement I is false, but Statement II is true.

Hint:

The first state in independent India to be created purely on a linguistic basis was Andhra State (for Telugu speakers) in October 1953, following the tragic demise of Potti Sriramulu.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Evaluating Statement I:
During the British Raj, provincial boundaries inside India were not drawn with any scientific or linguistic rationale. Instead, they were demarcated based on purely tactical administrative convenience or directly coincided with territories annexed by the British Empire or the borders of princely states. Therefore, Statement I is True.

Step 2: Evaluating Statement II:
Following independence, there was widespread demand for organizing states along linguistic lines to protect cultural diversity and ease regional administration. In response, the Government of India established the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) in 1953. The commission recommended that state boundaries should align with linguistic patterns. This was implemented via the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, leading to the creation of states based on languages. Therefore, Statement II is True.

Step 3: Conclusion:
Since both Statement I and Statement II are verified as historically accurate, Option (A) is the correct choice.