Explanations:The division of the state of Bombay into Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960 was a significant event in the history of India's state reorganization. This division was part of a larger process of linguistic reorganization that took place in the 1950s and 1960s, aimed at creating states based on the predominant languages spoken by the population.
The Bombay state, which was formed in 1956, included a diverse population with different linguistic groups. The Marathi-speaking population in the western part of the state and the Gujarati-speaking population in the eastern part had long-standing demands for their own states. The linguistic reorganization was driven by the States Reorganisation Commission, which was set up in 1953 to recommend the reorganization of states based on linguistic lines.
The commission's recommendations led to the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, which reorganized the states of India based on linguistic boundaries. However, the issue of Bombay state was not fully resolved at that time. The demand for a separate state for Gujaratis continued, and in 1960, the Bombay state was finally divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The division was based on the linguistic lines, with the western part becoming Maharashtra and the eastern part becoming Gujarat. This division was a significant step in the process of linguistic reorganization and helped to address the demands of the different linguistic groups within the state. The formation of Gujarat as a separate state in 1960 marked the completion of the linguistic reorganization process in the western part of India.
It is important to note that the division of Bombay state was not without its challenges and controversies. The process involved negotiations and political discussions to ensure a smooth transition. However, the division ultimately led to the creation of two distinct states with their own cultural and linguistic identities.
Understanding the historical context of the linguistic reorganization and the specific events leading to the formation of Gujarat in 1960 is crucial for comprehending the political and social dynamics of India during this period. This knowledge is particularly relevant for students preparing for competitive examinations that test their understanding of Indian history and geography.