The states of Maharashtra and Gujarat were created in _______.

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) 1960.
· The states of Maharashtra and Gujarat were created on May 1, 1960, following the bifurcation of the Bombay State. This reorganization was based on linguistic lines, with Maharashtra primarily Marathi-speaking and Gujarat primarily Gujarati-speaking.
Information Booster:
· Formation: The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 initially reorganized Indian states along linguistic lines, but further demands led to the bifurcation of Bombay State into Maharashtra and Gujarat.
· Significance: May 1 is celebrated as Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day in their respective states.
· Historical Context: The movement for linguistic states was part of a broader push for recognizing India's diverse linguistic and cultural identities.
· Fazal Ali Commission: The States Reorganisation Commission, also known as the Fazal Ali Commission, was established in 1953 to recommend the reorganization of state boundaries to better reflect linguistic and cultural identities.
· The Commission was chaired by Justice Fazal Ali, with members H.N. Kunzru and K.M. Panikkar.
· The Commission's recommendations led to the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, which significantly redrew the map of India.