Vision Academy EducareVision Academy Educare
Question 72 of 136 · Indian States & Union Territories
Questioneasy
This question was previously asked in

SSC

Which leader died in December 1952 after a fast of 58 days, demanding a separate state for the Telugu-speaking people?

Answer View answer ▾

Answer: Option B — Potti Sreeramulu

Detailed Solution

Potti Sreeramulu, a Gandhian freedom fighter, died on 15 December 1952 after a fast of 58 days, demanding a separate state for the Telugu-speaking people of the Madras State.

The fast:

  • He began his fast on 19 October 1952 at Madras.
  • He demanded the creation of a separate Andhra State, made up of the Telugu-speaking districts of the Madras State.
  • His death led to widespread protests, violence and police firing in the Telugu-speaking areas.

Formation of Andhra State:

  • On 19 December 1952, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announced that a separate Andhra State would be formed.
  • Andhra State was formed on 1 October 1953, with Kurnool as its capital.
  • It was the first state in independent India to be formed on the basis of language.
  • Tanguturi Prakasam (known as "Andhra Kesari") became its first Chief Minister.

Later developments:

The demand for linguistic states grew in other parts of the country.

The government appointed the States Reorganisation Commission (1953), headed by Fazl Ali, with K. M. Panikkar and H. N. Kunzru as members.

On its recommendation, the States Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956, and the states were reorganised on a linguistic basis.

About Potti Sreeramulu:

  • He was born on 16 March 1901 at Madras.
  • He studied sanitary engineering, and worked for the Railways.
  • He joined Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram, and took part in the Salt Satyagraha and the Individual Satyagraha.
  • He had earlier fasted for the entry of Dalits into temples.
  • He is honoured as "Amarajeevi" (immortal being).
  • The Nellore district has been renamed Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district in his honour.

NCERT on linguistic states:

NCERT notes that the death of Potti Sreeramulu after a long fast forced the government to give in to the demand for a separate Andhra state.

Why not the other options?

  • ✗G. Ranga, Tanguturi Prakasam and Pattabhi Sitaramayya were other Telugu leaders.

Quick tip

Remember: Potti Sreeramulu ("Amarajeevi") = died after a 58-day fast (15 December 1952); Andhra State formed on 1 October 1953 (Kurnool; first CM Tanguturi Prakasam).

💬 Discussions on this question

Ask a doubt ›

Still stuck on this question? Ask our faculty and fellow students — answers appear here.

Ask a doubt

More Indian States & Union Territories Questions

View all ›
  1. Q1.Which is the largest tea-producing state in India?
  2. Q2.The Kudremukh iron ore mine is located in which state?
  3. Q3.The tomb of Sher Shah Suri is located at:
  4. Q4.The Hemis Monastery is located in:
  5. Q5.Which city is called the 'Manchester of India'?

More General Knowledge Questions

  1. Q1.The techniques of Rasa and Bhava used in Indian classical dance trace their origin to which ancient text?Indian Dance Forms
  2. Q2.Lavani, Powada, Koli, Waghya Murali and Dhangari Gaja are folk dances of which state?Indian Dance Forms
  3. Q3.The one-act play associated with the Sattriya tradition of Assam is called:Indian Dance Forms
  4. Q4.Which dance form of Goa is known as the 'Warrior Dance'?Indian Dance Forms
  5. Q5.Manipuri dance is based on the Rasleela themes of:Indian Dance Forms

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.

‹ All Indian States & Union Territories questionsBrowse all topics ›