Nehru's reluctance to re-organise states on the linquistic basis had the support of which of the following? (A) Mahatma Gandhi (B) Vallabhbhai Patel (C) E.M.S. Namboodaripad (D) C. Rajagopalachari Choose the most appropriate answer form the options given below:
(B) and (D) only
Understanding Nehru's Stance on Linguistic Reorganisation
Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, was initially hesitant about reorganising states purely on the basis of language. He and others were concerned that linguistic states might lead to regionalism and weaken the unity of the newly independent nation. The question asks which of the listed figures supported this reluctance.
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine the positions of each individual mentioned in the options regarding the linguistic reorganisation of states:
- Mahatma Gandhi: Interestingly, Mahatma Gandhi had been a supporter of forming linguistic provinces even before independence. He believed it would help in administration and make governance more accessible to people in their own languages. Therefore, he would not have supported Nehru's reluctance on this matter.
- Vallabhbhai Patel: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister during this crucial period, shared Nehru's concerns about national unity being potentially jeopardised by linguistic fragmentation. He was initially also against the immediate reorganisation of states on linguistic lines. Thus, he supported Nehru's reluctance.
- E.M.S. Namboodaripad: As a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India, particularly from Kerala (which was formed based on language), E.M.S. Namboodaripad and his party were strong proponents of linguistic reorganisation. They saw it as a democratic principle and essential for the cultural and political development of different linguistic groups. He would not have supported Nehru's reluctance.
- C. Rajagopalachari: C. Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji, was another key figure in the Indian National Congress and served in various capacities after independence, including as Governor-General. Like Nehru and Patel, he was also apprehensive about the consequences of reorganising states solely on linguistic lines, fearing it could lead to provincialism and disrupt national integration. He supported Nehru's reluctance.
Identifying Supporters of Nehru's Reluctance
Based on the analysis, the individuals who supported Jawaharlal Nehru's reluctance to immediately reorganise states on a linguistic basis were Vallabhbhai Patel and C. Rajagopalachari. Both shared concerns about the potential negative impact on national unity.
Therefore, the correct option includes Vallabhbhai Patel (B) and C. Rajagopalachari (D).
| Individual | Stance on Linguistic Reorganisation | Supported Nehru's Reluctance? |
|---|---|---|
| Mahatma Gandhi | Generally supported linguistic provinces | No |
| Vallabhbhai Patel | Initially hesitant/against | Yes |
| E.M.S. Namboodaripad | Supported linguistic reorganisation | No |
| C. Rajagopalachari | Apprehensive/against | Yes |
Conclusion
The figures who supported Nehru's reluctance were Vallabhbhai Patel and C. Rajagopalachari. The option that includes only these two is the correct answer.
Revision Table: Post-Independence India & State Reorganisation
This table summarises key aspects related to the reorganisation of states in post-independence India.
| Concept | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Linguistic Reorganisation | Process of redrawing state boundaries based primarily on the language spoken by the majority of the population. | A major challenge in post-independence India, aimed at better administration and cultural recognition. |
| SRC (States Reorganisation Commission) | Formed in 1953 to examine the question of state reorganisation. | Its recommendations led to the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. |
| States Reorganisation Act, 1956 | Legislation that reorganised Indian states based broadly on linguistic lines. | Reduced the number of states and union territories, consolidating them based on language. |
Additional Information: Perspectives on Linguistic States
The debate over linguistic states involved various perspectives:
- Arguments For:
- Administration becomes easier when carried out in the regional language.
- Education can be imparted in the mother tongue.
- It promotes regional culture and identity.
- It can foster greater political participation.
- Arguments Against (concerns shared by Nehru, Patel, Rajaji):
- Could promote regionalism over national loyalty.
- Might lead to border disputes between states.
- Could create minority issues within linguistic states.
- Economic viability of states was a concern.
Despite initial hesitations and significant debate, linguistic reorganisation was eventually accepted and implemented, starting with Andhra in 1953 and formalised by the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, and subsequent acts.
Important Questions from Rise of Indian Nationalism
Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded a reform association known as Brahmo Sabha which was later known as ______.
On 21 October 1943, Subhash Chandra Bose proclaimed the formation of the Provisional Government of Free India in ________.
How many delegates participated in the second session of Indian National Congress?
Who among the following was the President of the Indian National Congress during the 1915 session?
Who among the following leaders from INC attended the Second Round Table Conference?
