India is a land of many languages, each with its distinct script, grammar, vocabulary and literary traditions. This gave rise to the demand for reorganizing the states based on languages. Here we have discussed the various linguistic movements and the history of reorganizing India.
2. Background
1917: Congress committed to creation of linguistic states
Encouraged by Gandhiji
1937: Nehru appreciated linguistic diversity
1947: Nehru’s view changed, supported by Sardar Patel and Rajaji
Gandhiji supported postponing linguistic reorganization
JVP Committee: revoked Congress approval to linguistic provinces
3. Punjab Movement
Sikh demanded separate state in West Punjab
Akali Dal: Organized the movement under Master Tara Singh
Deliberately used the term independence
Supported by Jats, opposed by low-caste Sikhs
Biggest blow in first general election
1966: Punjab and Haryana created out of Punjab province
4. Telugu Movement
Rich literary history with Andhra glory as Vijayanagar Empire
Started pressurizing Congress for separate Andhra state
1952: Potti Sriramulu began fast-unto-death
Nehru ignored for 5 weeks, finally wrote to Rajaji
15 Dec 1952: Potti Sriramulu passed away
Violence commenced
1 Oct 1953: Andhra State was inaugurated
5. State Reorganization Committee
Members: Fazal Ali, K. M. Pannikar, H. N. Kunzru
1954-55: 104 towns, 9000 interviews, 152250 written submissions
Oct 1955: Submitted the report
North India: Bihar, U.P., Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
South India: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka
East India: Existing provinces
Bombay: Bilingual state, no united Maharashtra, suggested separate Vidarbh
1 Nov 1956: New states based on language came into existence
6. Samyukt(United) Maharashtra Movement
Roots in Samyukt Maharashtra Parishad established in 1946
Bombay Citizens Committee: Wanted city of Bombay out of Maharashtra
15 Nov 1955: SRC report debated in Loksabha
Famous personalities backed the movement
16 Jan 1956: Police swooped down leaders, strike commenced on 18th
1 Nov 1956: Bilingual Bombay State with Y. B. Chavan as Chief Minister
After 1957 elections, Y. B. Chavan presented Maharashtra’s case
1 May 1960: Creation of Gujarat and Maharashtra (with city of Bombay)
7. Miscellaneous States
1963: Nagaland was granted statehood
1972: Meghalay and Mizoram carved out of Assam
1975: Sikkim becomes part of India
1987: Formation of Arunachal Pradesh
2000: Formation of Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand
2014: Formation of Telangana
8. Effects of Linguistic Movements
Revealed extraordinary depth of popular feeling
Regional literature was flourished
New structure were erected as a symbol of pride
Deep apprehension among nationalist elite