The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples.

dence * reorganisation * [FG: timeline of events] * [e.g.] * Junagadh - Plebiscite * Hyderabad - Police * action * J&K - instrument * of accession

India comprised of princely states which were united due to efforts by Sardar Patel.

After independence, formation of states was primarily due to regional demands based on language and developmental inequalities.

(3) Andhra Pradesh - first state based on language in 1952.

(4) Other states [Eg] Gujarat & Maharashtra, Punjab & Haryana etc also on linguistic basis.

(5) Some states formed on basis of development demands [Eg] Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Telangana.

(6) North East underwent changes to account for tribal regional identity claims & aspirations [Eg] - Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh.

Evaluation of reorganisation → (1) Regional aspirations fulfilled (Successful) → (2) Brought developmental disparities to light → (3) Led to cooperative & competitive federalism

(Concerns) → (1) Spurred excessive regionalism leading to separatism [Eg] → Gorkhaland movement, Khalistan (2) Endangered tribal unity and stability esp in North East [Eg] → Demand for greater Nagalim (3) Caused more demands for states which can sometimes be unviable [Eg] → Demand for Bodoland (4) Misused by anti-India forces to fuel resentment [Eg] → Khalistan demand (5) Reorganisation has not always led to promised development