Which of the following Indian states was known as North East Frontier Agency till 1972?
Arunachal Pradesh
Understanding the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA)
The question asks about the historical name of a specific Indian state, which was known as the North East Frontier Agency until 1972. This name change is an important historical event in the administrative evolution of India's northeastern region.
Identifying the State Formerly Known as NEFA
The North East Frontier Agency, often abbreviated as NEFA, was a political division in British India and later the Republic of India. It was formed in 1914 as part of Assam province. After India's independence, it continued as an administrative division under the Government of India, reporting to the Ministry of External Affairs until 1965, and then to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In 1972, the North East Frontier Agency was renamed and elevated to the status of a Union Territory. This Union Territory eventually became a full-fledged state of India. The state that corresponds to the former NEFA is Arunachal Pradesh.
Analysis of the Options
Let's look at the provided options:
- Mizoram: Mizoram was part of Assam as the Mizo Hills district until 1972 when it became a Union Territory (renamed Mizoram). It attained statehood in 1987. It was not known as NEFA.
- Arunachal Pradesh: As discussed, this region was known as the North East Frontier Agency until January 20, 1972, when it was renamed Arunachal Pradesh and granted Union Territory status. It became a state on February 20, 1987. This matches the description.
- Nagaland: Nagaland was initially part of Assam. The Naga Hills district of Assam and the Tuensang Frontier Division were combined to form the Naga Hills Tuensang Area (NHTA) in 1957. Nagaland achieved statehood on December 1, 1963. It was not known as NEFA.
- Meghalaya: Meghalaya was part of Assam, specifically comprising the United Khasi and Jaintia Hills and the Garo Hills districts. It was granted autonomous state status within Assam in 1970 and became a full state on January 21, 1972. It was not known as NEFA.
Based on the historical facts, Arunachal Pradesh is the state that was known as the North East Frontier Agency until 1972.
Revision Table: North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) History
| Entity | Historical Name | Status Change | Year of Change | Current Status/Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Region covered by NEFA | North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) | Renamed and became Union Territory | 1972 | Arunachal Pradesh (State since 1987) |
Additional Information about Arunachal Pradesh and NEFA
The administrative history of NEFA and Arunachal Pradesh is intertwined with the geopolitical significance of the region, particularly its border with China. The administrative structure of NEFA was distinct, with a focus on frontier administration and gradual integration.
- NEFA was divided into several frontier divisions, which later became districts.
- The renaming to Arunachal Pradesh, meaning "land of the dawn-lit mountains," reflected a step towards greater political identity and administrative autonomy, culminating in statehood in 1987.
- The region is culturally diverse, home to numerous indigenous tribes.
Understanding the transition from NEFA to Arunachal Pradesh is key to studying the post-independence political geography of Northeast India.
Important Questions from State Government
Under Article 191 of the Constitution of India, a person shall be disqualified for being chosen as, and for being, a member of the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a state if the person holds any office of profit under:
1. the Government of India.
2. any State Government.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Which is NOT the correct statement about the Governor?
Which of the following states has a Legislative Council?
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