Part of: Andhra Pradesh Gk set 1

Satyagrahi who died fighting for the formation of the state Andhra Pradesh

Category: Andhra Pradesh Gk

Hint: Consider the leader who undertook a hunger strike for the cause.

Correct Answer: A) A] Potti Sriramulu.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The formation of Andhra Pradesh as a separate state for Telugu-speaking people is a significant event in the history of India. The demand for a separate state was a result of the linguistic and cultural aspirations of the Telugu-speaking population, who were spread across different regions of India, primarily in the Madras Presidency and Hyderabad State.

Potti Sriramulu was a prominent figure in this movement. He was a Satyagrahi, a follower of Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violent resistance. In 1952, Sriramulu undertook a hunger strike to demand the creation of a separate Andhra state for Telugu-speaking people. His hunger strike lasted for 58 days, and he died on October 15, 1952, due to the prolonged fasting. His sacrifice galvanized public opinion and put immense pressure on the government to address the demand for a separate state.

The Government of India, under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, responded to the public sentiment and the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission, which was set up to consider the reorganization of states based on linguistic lines. As a result, Andhra Pradesh was formed on October 1, 1953, as the first linguistic state in India. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of the Indian state formation process and the recognition of linguistic and cultural identities within the country.

It is important to understand the context of the Indian independence movement and the subsequent reorganization of states based on linguistic lines. The formation of Andhra Pradesh was not just a political decision but also a reflection of the cultural and linguistic aspirations of the people. Potti Sriramulu's sacrifice played a crucial role in this process, and his contribution is remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of Andhra Pradesh and India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Potti Sriramulu is the Satyagrahi who died fighting for the formation of Andhra Pradesh. He undertook a hunger strike in 1952, which led to the creation of the state in 1953.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Fazal Ali was a member of the States Reorganisation Commission, which recommended the formation of Andhra Pradesh, but he did not die fighting for the state's formation.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Kakodkar is not associated with the formation of Andhra Pradesh. He is known for his work in nuclear science and technology.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. K.M. Pannikker was a diplomat and historian, not a Satyagrahi involved in the formation of Andhra Pradesh.

Mnemonic: Remember "Potti" for "Pray for a separate state."

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