Question

After independence, why was there a reluctance to divide the country on linguistic lines?

Answer 1

The division of the country was done on the basis of religion. As a result of this division more than a million people had been killed in riots between Hindus and Muslims. In such circumstances, it was not wise to further divide the country on the basis of language. Nor the country would have afforded further division on the basis of language.

Therefore, both Prime Minister Nehru and Deputy Prime Minister Patel were against the creation of linguistic states.

Answer 2

After independence, Congress did not take any step to fulfill this promise

Explanation:

• In the 1920s, the Indian National Congress initially promised that after independence, each major linguistic group would have its province.

• After independence, Congress did not take any step to fulfill this promise.

• India was divided based on religion: despite the wishes and efforts of Mahatma Gandhi, freedom was not given to one nation but two.

• As a result of the partition of India, more than a million people were killed in riots between Hindus and Muslims.

• The country could not tolerate further division based on language.

• Both Prime Minister Nehru & Deputy Prime Minister - Sardar Patel were against the innovation of states established on languages.