SSC
In 1960, the Bombay State was divided on a linguistic basis to form the states of:
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Answer: Option D — Maharashtra and Gujarat
Detailed Solution
The bilingual Bombay State was divided on a linguistic basis into the states of Maharashtra (Marathi-speaking) and Gujarat (Gujarati-speaking) on 1 May 1960.
About the division of Bombay State:
After the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, Bombay State was enlarged to include the Marathi-speaking areas of Marathwada (from Hyderabad State) and Vidarbha (from Madhya Pradesh), and the Gujarati-speaking areas of Saurashtra and Kutch. This made it a large bilingual state.
Two strong popular movements demanded separate linguistic states:
The "Samyukta Maharashtra Movement", led by the Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti, demanded a Marathi-speaking state with Bombay as its capital. About 106 people were killed in police firing during the protests. "Hutatma Chowk" ("Martyrs' Square", formerly Flora Fountain) in Mumbai honours them.
The "Mahagujarat Movement", led by Indulal Yagnik, demanded a separate Gujarati-speaking state.
Parliament passed the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960, which came into effect on 1 May 1960.
1 May is celebrated as "Maharashtra Day" (Maharashtra Din) and "Gujarat Day" (Gujarat Sthapna Divas). It is also International Labour Day.
After the division:
Maharashtra: capital Bombay (now Mumbai). Yashwantrao Chavan became its first Chief Minister. He had also been the last Chief Minister of the bilingual Bombay State.
Gujarat: the first capital was Ahmedabad. The capital was later shifted to the new planned city of Gandhinagar (1970). Dr. Jivraj Mehta became the first Chief Minister.
Other linguistic reorganisations:
Andhra State (1953): the first state formed on a linguistic basis, after the death of Potti Sriramulu.
States Reorganisation Commission (1953-55): chaired by Fazl Ali, with K. M. Panikkar and H. N. Kunzru.
Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966: Punjab and Haryana were created, and hill areas were given to Himachal Pradesh.
Why not the other options?
- ✗Karnataka (then Mysore State) was formed in 1956.
- ✗Rajasthan was not part of Bombay State's division.
- ✗Good to know
- ✗Goa was a Portuguese colony until 1961.
Quick tip
Remember: Bombay State split on 1 May 1960 into Maharashtra and Gujarat (Bombay Reorganisation Act; Samyukta Maharashtra and Mahagujarat movements); first CMs = Y. B. Chavan and Jivraj Mehta; Andhra = first linguistic state (1953).
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Indian States & Union Territories — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Indian States & Union Territories, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic covers state-wise GK for India: capitals, formation dates, high courts, state animals, birds and flowers, famous places, and the culture, dances and festivals that identify each state and union territory. Questions commonly ask about the newest state or union territory, the state formed on a particular date, the capitals of states, and which high court serves more than one state. Keep a single table per state with its capital, formation year and key facts. Reorganisations such as that of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 change the answers, so make sure your notes are up to date. Practise the Indian states and union territories questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.