The evolution of India’s states and union territories has been a dynamic process shaped by historical, political, and administrative considerations. From the territorial extent of British rule to the integration of princely states and the linguistic reorganization post-independence, India has continuously redefined its boundaries to enhance governance and uphold unity amidst diversity.

Evolution of States and Union Territories in India from Colonial Era to Post-Independence

These were the most complicated dimensions of the transition from British colonial rule to an independent India: deciding the territorial boundaries and merging princely states into the new nation.

• Territorial extent of British rule in India: The British took control of numerous regions while in India. These regions encompassed many Indian states as well as adjacent territories such as Pakistan and Bangladesh. 
• Mountbatten Plan: According to Lord Mountbatten’s Plan, India was set to be split into two nations: India and Pakistan (which encompasses present-day Bangladesh). It is important to highlight that this plan only covered regions directly governed by the British Government. Various arrangements were suggested for the Princely states. 
• Provision for Princely states: Numerous Princely States existed in undivided India. The Princely States were presented with the choice to either affiliate with India or Pakistan or to maintain their independence. The Indian Independence Act of 1947 outlined these options for the Princely States. A number of princely states quickly opted to join either India or Pakistan, the nascent nations. Some Princely States decided to stay autonomous. 
• How princely states chose countries to join:  The decision to join India or Pakistan was left up to the rulers of the princely states. Depending on their choices, many of these states opted to align with India, while others chose Pakistan. However, there were notable exceptions, including states like Junagadh, Kashmir, and Hyderabad, which declined to join either India or Pakistan.

Situation After Independence

Original situation: In 1950, Constitution contained a four-fold classification of states: 

• Part A: Erstwhile governor’s provinces of British India.
• Part B: Erstwhile Princely States with Legislature in them
• Part C: Consisted certain erstwhile Chief-Commissioner’s provinces and some Princely States.
• Part D: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Reorganisation of States After Independence

The initial merging of princely states with India was an improvised process. Increasing calls for the reorganization of states based on language emerged from various regions, especially in South India. The Government formed several commissions to address the requests for state reorganization. 

Dhar Commission

• Objective: This commission was established in June 1948 to evaluate the practicality of organizing states based on language. 
• Recommendation: In December 1948, the Commission presented its findings and suggested that states be formed for reasons of administrative efficiency.
• Outcome: The Dhar Commission’s recommendations sparked considerable dissatisfaction. An additional committee was formed, consisting of Jawahar Lal Nehru, Vallabhai Patel, and Pattabhi Sitaramayya. This group was referred to by the initials of their first names, thus it became known as the JVP committee. 

JVP Committee

• Members: Jawahar Lal Nehru, Vallabhai Patel and Pattabhi Sitaramayya.
• Background: This committee was established in December 1948 and presented its findings in April 1949. 
• Recommendation: It officially dismissed language as the foundation for the restructuring of states. 
• Aftermath: Potti Sreeramulu, a notable leader from the Telugu community, was advocating for the formation of Andhra State from Madras state. In an effort to have his demands addressed, he undertook a hunger strike. Unfortunately, after an extended period of over fifty days without food, he passed away on December 15, 1952. To pacify the widespread agitation among the populace, the first linguistic state, known as Andhra State, was established by separating the Telugu-speaking regions from Madras state. 

Fazl Ali Commission

• Background: The formation of Andhra Pradesh escalated the call for the establishment of states based on language in various other areas too. The government felt compelled to reassess the entire issue. As a result, a new body known as the Fazl Ali Commission was established.
• About: The Fazl Ali Commission was a three-member commission established for the purpose of state reorganization in December 1953. The other two members included K.M. Panikkar and H.N. Kunzru. The commission presented its findings in September 1955. 
• Recommendation: Various recommendations given by the commission are mentioned below:

1. Approved linguistic reorganisation: It largely recognized language as a basis for reorganizing states but dismissed the idea of one language corresponding to one state. 
2. Unity of India: It insisted that the foremost consideration in delineating the boundaries should be the unity of India. 
3. Four-fold classification abandoned: It suggested eliminating the initial four-fold classification of states and instead establishing sixteen states and three Union Territories.
4. Scheme of reorganisation: The commission advised that any reorganization of states should take the following factors into account. 

1. Maintaining and enhancing the unity and security of the nation, 
2. Linguistic and cultural uniformity, 
3. Economic, financial, and administrative factors, and 
4. Planning and promoting the welfare of the populace in each state as well as for the entire nation. 

• Outcome: The government accepted these recommendations with slight modifications: 

1. Four-Fold classification abolished: The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 and the 7th Amendment Act of 1956 were enacted. The distinction between Part-A and Part-B states was removed, along with the dissolution of Part-C states.
2. Reorganisation of states: Some states were combined with neighboring states, while others were designated as union territories (the term ‘Union territories’ was not part of the original constitution; it was introduced through the 7th constitutional amendment).