OPSC OAS 2020 PrelimsPolityQuestion 10
Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2020 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
The first state in India which was created on linguistic basis :
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (A) Andhra Pradesh
- Andhra Pradesh was the first state in India created purely on a linguistic basis in 1953. It was formed by separating the Telugu-speaking regions from the erstwhile Madras State (now Tamil Nadu) following intense agitation, particularly the fast-unto-death by Potti Sriramulu in 1952, which led to his death and sparked widespread protests.
- This historic decision established the principle of linguistic reorganization of states in India. The success of the Andhra movement paved the way for the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, which led to the creation of other linguistic states across India.
The other options came later
- Haryana (1966) – carved out of Punjab
- Gujarat (1960) – separated from Bombay State along with Maharashtra
- Kerala (1956) – formed by merging Travancore-Cochin with Malabar district
