The debate over linguistic reorganisation of state of Indias remains intense in 2025. Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi recently criticised the division, claiming it created second-class citizens. However, the linguistic reorganisation has been a mainstay in maintaining India’s unity and diversity. This article outlines the historical context, key developments, and the continuing relevance of linguistic states in India.
Pre-Independence Administrative Setup
Before 1947, British India was divided into provinces under direct rule and princely states under indirect control. The boundaries were shaped by colonial administrative needs rather than linguistic or cultural factors. At independence, India consisted of 28 states, divided into four categories – Part A provinces with elected legislatures, Part B princely states with rajpramukhs, Part C chief commissioner provinces, and Part D union territories.
Initial Resistance and Demand for Linguistic States
The Indian National Congress initially supported linguistic provinces but hesitated after Partition, fearing disintegration. The JVP committee, including Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel, warned against dividing states on linguistic lines. Despite this, popular movements for linguistic states grew. The hunger strike and death of Potti Sriramulu in 1952 demanding a Telugu-speaking Andhra state forced the government’s hand. Andhra Pradesh was formed in 1953, igniting demands elsewhere.
The States Reorganisation Commission and Its Recommendations
In response to rising demands, the government formed the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) in 1953 under Justice Fazl Ali. The SRC examined linguistic, cultural, economic, and administrative factors. Its 1955 report recommended redrawing state boundaries to reflect linguistic identities while balancing national unity and administrative efficiency. The report led to the 1956 States Reorganisation Act, creating 14 states and six union territories.
Language Not the Sole Criterion
The government clarified that language alone would not determine boundaries. Factors like security, economy, and administration were crucial. For example, the SRC suggested a bilingual Bombay state despite strong Marathi and Gujarati demands. Punjab was kept united to maintain border security post-Partition, despite linguistic differences. Subsequent protests led to Bombay’s split into Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960 and Punjab’s division into Punjab and Haryana.
Political and Social Impact of Linguistic States
Linguistic states helped accommodate India’s diversity and encourage regional identities within a united framework. Leaders like Nehru advocated cooperation across linguistic lines, warning against strict unilingualism. Historian Ramachandra Guha noted that linguistic pluralism reduced secessionist tendencies, unlike neighbouring countries where language imposition caused conflict. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2008) recognised linguistic reorganisation as a major post-independence achievement.
Contemporary Relevance and Criticism
Critics argue linguistic states create divisions and feelings of discrimination. Supporters point to India’s relative stability and unity despite vast diversity. Language remains a sensitive and potent marker of identity. The debate continues over how best to balance regional aspirations with national integration in a multilingual society.
Questions for UPSC:
- Taking example of the States Reorganisation Commission of 1953, critically discuss the challenges and benefits of reorganising states on linguistic lines in India.
- Examine the impact of linguistic diversity on national integration in India and compare it with the experiences of Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
- Discuss in the light of India’s federal structure, how language and culture influence state boundaries and administrative efficiency.
- Analyse the role of regional identity movements in shaping India’s political landscape with examples from Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.
