The evolution of states and union territories in India is a remarkable story of integration, reorganisation, and nation-building after India’s independence in 1947. From the unification of princely states to the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, the process reflected India’s commitment to administrative efficiency, linguistic identity, and national unity. This topic holds immense relevance for students and civil services aspirants seeking to understand the constitutional evolution of modern India.
Evolution of States and Union Territories in India (1947–1956)
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The journey of India’s political integration began with the unification of over 500 princely states into a single sovereign nation.
After India’s independence in 1947, the country inherited a complex political structure consisting of British provinces and princely states. Through decisive leadership and diplomatic skill, these diverse territories were gradually integrated into the Union of India.
- (i) The British provinces were directly ruled by the British Government, while the princely states were governed by native rulers under the British Crown.
- (ii) The Indian Independence Act, 1947 gave princely states the freedom to join India, join Pakistan, or remain independent.
- (iii) Out of the 552 princely states, 549 acceded to India. The exceptions — Hyderabad, Junagarh, and Kashmir — were integrated through various means:
- (a) Hyderabad was annexed through ‘police action’.
- (b) Junagarh merged after a public referendum.
- (c) Kashmir joined India via the Instrument of Accession.
- (iv) By 1950, the Constitution classified Indian states into:
- (a) Part A — 9 former governor’s provinces.
- (b) Part B — 9 princely states with legislatures.
- (c) Part C — 10 chief commissioner’s provinces and some princely states.
- (d) Part D — the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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Dhar Commission and JVP Committee (1948–1949)
The demand for linguistic reorganisation of Indian states gained strength soon after independence, reflecting the people’s desire for cultural and linguistic identity.
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The Dhar Commission (1948)
In June 1948, the Linguistic Provinces Commission headed by S. K. Dhar was appointed to examine the feasibility of reorganising states on linguistic lines. The Commission submitted its report in December 1948, suggesting that administrative convenience should take precedence over language-based reorganisation.
- (i) Reported that linguistic divisions could weaken national unity.
- (ii) Recommended reorganisation primarily based on administrative efficiency.
- (iii) The report disappointed those who sought linguistic autonomy.
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The JVP Committee (1948–1949)
Following public dissatisfaction with the Dhar Commission, the government appointed a three-member committee — Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Pattabhi Sitaramayya — known as the JVP Committee in December 1948. The committee’s April 1949 report reiterated that language should not be the sole criterion for state formation.
- (a) It emphasized national unity and security over linguistic interests.
- (b) Suggested that linguistic demands could be reconsidered in the future when stability was achieved.
- (c) Despite the rejection, the linguistic movement continued to grow stronger.
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Formation of Andhra State (1953)
The movement reached a turning point after Potti Sriramulu’s 56-day hunger strike demanding a Telugu-speaking state. His death triggered widespread agitation, compelling the government to form Andhra State in October 1953 by separating Telugu-speaking areas from Madras State.
- (i) Marked the birth of India’s first linguistic state.
- (ii) Set a precedent for future state reorganisations.
- (iii) Proved that linguistic identity had become a strong political force.
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Fazl Ali Commission and States Reorganisation (1953–1956)
The success of Andhra State intensified demands across India for linguistic-based states, leading to the establishment of the States Reorganisation Commission in December 1953.
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Composition of the Commission
The Commission was chaired by Fazl Ali, with K. M. Panikkar and H. N. Kunzru as members. Their task was to study and recommend a balanced structure for the Indian Union that respected both linguistic aspirations and national unity.
- (i) The report was submitted in September 1955.
- (ii) Accepted language as an important factor but rejected “one language–one state.”
- (iii) Prioritised India’s integrity and administrative viability.
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Key Recommendations
The Fazl Ali Commission laid down guiding principles for state formation to balance regional identity with national interests.
- (a) Preservation of national unity and security.
- (b) Promotion of linguistic and cultural homogeneity.
- (c) Ensuring economic and administrative efficiency.
- (d) Welfare and development of the people.
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Implementation of the States Reorganisation Act (1956)
The Government of India accepted the Commission’s recommendations with modifications. The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 and the 7th Constitutional Amendment came into effect on 1 November 1956, creating 14 states and 6 union territories.
- (i) The fourfold classification of states (Part A, B, C, D) was abolished.
- (ii) The new administrative framework strengthened federal unity.
- (iii) Marked a turning point in India’s constitutional geography.
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Major Territorial Changes in 1956
The States Reorganisation Act brought sweeping territorial adjustments across India, shaping the modern map of the country.
- (i) Kerala formed by merging Travancore–Cochin State with Malabar District and Kasargod.
- (ii) Andhra Pradesh created by merging Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State.
- (iii) Madhya Pradesh formed from Madhya Bharat, Vindhya Pradesh, and Bhopal.
- (iv) Bombay State expanded by adding Saurashtra and Kutch.
- (v) Mysore State incorporated Coorg.
- (vi) Punjab merged with Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU).
- (vii) Rajasthan absorbed Ajmer State.
- (viii) Union Territory of Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands created.
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Summary of Evolution of States and Union Territories
The evolution of India’s states and union territories reflects the nation’s commitment to unity in diversity. From the integration of princely states (1947–1950) to the States Reorganisation Act (1956), each phase strengthened federal balance and administrative efficiency. For students and aspirants, this journey is crucial for understanding the political consolidation and constitutional development of post-independence India.
Union and Its Territory – Constitutional Framework and Evolution
