Introduction
The formation of Gujarat as a separate state in 1960 was a significant event in the political and linguistic landscape of India. The state's creation was the culmination of a prolonged struggle marked by socio-political movements, linguistic aspirations, and political negotiations. This article delves into the historical context, the key movements that led to the bifurcation of Bombay State, and the subsequent establishment of Gujarat as an independent entity.
Historical Context: Bombay State and the Reorganization of States
After India gained independence in 1947, the country underwent a major reorganization of its states based on linguistic and cultural lines. The States Reorganization Act of 1956 aimed to create states where the majority of the population shared a common language and culture. However, this act led to the formation of a large, bilingual Bombay State, comprising predominantly Marathi-speaking and Gujarati-speaking regions.
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The bilingual nature of Bombay State led to discontent among both the Marathi and Gujarati-speaking populations, who felt their linguistic and cultural identities were being marginalized. This discontent fueled the demand for separate states based on linguistic lines.
Key Movements Leading to Bifurcation
Mahagujarat Movement
The Mahagujarat Movement, which translates to "Great Gujarat Movement," was a political movement that arose in the 1950s demanding the creation of a separate state for Gujarati-speaking people. The movement gained momentum under the leadership of Indulal Yagnik, who formed the Mahagujarat Janata Parishad. The movement organized protests, rallies, and demonstrations to advocate for the division of Bombay State.
Samyukta Maharashtra Movement
Simultaneously, the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, which translates to "United Maharashtra Movement," was also gaining traction among the Marathi-speaking population of Bombay State. This movement advocated for the creation of a Marathi-speaking state with Bombay (now Mumbai) as its capital.
Bifurcation and the Formation of Gujarat
The intense pressure from both the Mahagujarat and Samyukta Maharashtra Movements, along with political negotiations, eventually led the Indian government to agree to the bifurcation of Bombay State. On May 1, 1960, the Bombay Reorganization Act was passed, officially dividing the state into:
Maharashtra: Comprising predominantly Marathi-speaking regions, with Bombay as its capital.
Gujarat: Comprising predominantly Gujarati-speaking regions.
Jivraj Mehta became the first Chief Minister of the newly formed Gujarat state.
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