Formation of Andhra State
Topic: Challenges of Nation Building: Partition, Princely States and Reorganisation · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 1 "Challenges of Nation Building"
Meaning
Andhra State was the first state in independent India created on the basis of language. It was carved out of the multilingual Madras province for Telugu speakers. The Vishalandhra movement had demanded it, but the Centre kept delaying. The Gandhian Potti Sriramulu began a fast unto death on 19 October 1952 and died on 15 December 1952. NCERT says he fasted for 56 days, but its own dates give 58. Riots followed, and Nehru announced the new state on 19 December 1952.
Example
Under the Andhra State Act 1953, Andhra State was formed on 1 October 1953, with Kurnool as its capital. Madras city stayed with the Tamil areas. Its success led to the States Reorganisation Commission, appointed in December 1953.
Don't confuse with
- Orissa (1936): Orissa was the first linguistic province, created before independence. Andhra was the first linguistic state after independence.
- Andhra Pradesh (1 November 1956): this was formed later by joining Andhra State with Telangana.