Question

Which one of the following is the reason that led to the formation of Andhra state in 1952 ?

• A. Realising the need to reorganise the internal boundaries of Indian states at the end of colonial rule.
• B. Reorganisation of the Indian National Congress on the basis of linguistic principle after Nagpur session in 1920.
• C. Death of the Congress leader, Potti Sriramulu which caused great unrest and led to resignation of several legislators of Madras in protest.
• D. The Tamil speaking people of old Madras province demanding the reorganisation of state on the basis of language.

Hint:

Andhra State was the first Indian state formed on a linguistic basis (1952/1953). This event compelled the Central Government to appoint the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) in 1953 under Justice Fazal Ali.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The reorganisation of Indian states on a linguistic basis was one of the earliest political challenges faced by independent India. The Vishalandhra movement demanded a separate Telugu-speaking state carved out of the Madras Province.

Step 1: Background of the Vishalandhra Movement.
Telugu-speaking areas were part of the composite Madras Province during British rule. Telugu leaders demanded a separate state of Andhra for Telugu speakers.

Step 2: The catalyst event in late 1952.
Potti Sriramulu, a veteran Gandhian and Congress leader, went on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the immediate creation of Andhra state. His fast lasted for 56 days, culminating in his death on December 15, 1952.

Step 3: Impact of Potti Sriramulu's death.
His death triggered massive widespread protests, violent outbursts, and widespread unrest across the Andhra region. Demonstrators took to the streets, police firing caused casualties, and several legislators resigned from the Madras Assembly in protest.

Step 4: Government Response.
Faced with overwhelming political instability, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announced the creation of a separate Andhra state in December 1952, which officially came into existence in December 1953 as the first state created on a linguistic basis in independent India.