The formation of Andhra Pradesh stands as a landmark event in the post-independence history of India, primarily significant for being the first state to be carved out on a purely linguistic basis. This momentous decision set a precedent for the subsequent reorganization of states across the Indian subcontinent, reshaping the administrative map of the nascent nation. The journey towards the creation of Andhra Pradesh was long, arduous, and punctuated by intense political negotiations, popular agitations, and ultimately, a tragic sacrifice that spurred the central government into action. It reflects the complex interplay between linguistic identity, regional aspirations, and the imperatives of national unity in a diverse country like India.

The narrative of Andhra Pradesh’s formation is deeply intertwined with the broader phenomenon of linguistic nationalism that gained significant momentum in India during the early 20th century. Even before independence, the idea of administrative units based on common language and culture resonated strongly with various communities, including the large Telugu-speaking population spread across different political entities. Their persistent demand for a unified state, though initially met with caution and resistance by the national leadership, eventually became an undeniable force, demonstrating the profound power of linguistic identity in shaping the political geography of a nation.

Historical Context: The Seeds of Linguistic Identity

The historical landscape of the Telugu-speaking people before India’s independence was fragmented. The vast majority resided in two distinct political entities: the northern Circars and Rayalaseema regions, which were part of the British-controlled Madras Presidency, and the Telangana region, which formed a significant portion of the princely state of Hyderabad under the Nizam. Despite this political division, a strong sense of shared linguistic and cultural heritage bound these communities together. The early 20th century saw the emergence of a burgeoning cultural revival among Telugu speakers, manifesting in literary movements, educational initiatives, and political organizations like the Andhra Mahasabha, established in 1913. These movements, initially focused on social and cultural reforms, gradually evolved to advocate for a separate political entity for Telugu speakers, driven by a desire for better administrative attention, preservation of linguistic identity, and economic development perceived to be stifled under the larger, multi-lingual Madras Presidency.

The Indian National Congress, sensing the growing sentiment, even endorsed the principle of linguistic provinces at its Nagpur session in 1920, reorganizing its own provincial committees along linguistic lines. This gave a significant boost to the Andhra movement, as it seemed to align their regional aspirations with the broader nationalist agenda. However, the immediate aftermath of India’s independence in 1947 brought new complexities. The central leadership, particularly Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, harbored significant reservations about linguistic reorganization. Fresh from the trauma of Partition, they feared that redrawing boundaries along linguistic lines could unleash centrifugal forces, threaten national unity, and lead to further fragmentation. Their primary focus was on consolidating the newly independent nation, integrating princely states, and addressing pressing issues of poverty and development.

Post-Independence Deliberations and Commissions

The initial post-independence period was marked by a cautious approach to the demand for linguistic states. Despite the long-standing demands, the government was hesitant. To assess the feasibility and implications of such a reorganization, the Dar Commission (also known as the Linguistic Provinces Commission) was appointed in June 1948, headed by S.K. Dar, a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court. The commission’s mandate was to examine the desirability and implications of forming provinces on a linguistic basis. Its report, submitted in December 1948, strongly advised against the formation of linguistic states, arguing that such a reorganization would be detrimental to national unity and administrative efficiency. Instead, it recommended the reorganization of states on the basis of geographical contiguity, financial viability, and administrative convenience. This recommendation caused widespread disappointment among linguistic groups across India, including the Telugu-speaking population.

The rejection by the Dar Commission led to heightened agitation. In response to the growing public discontent, the Congress Party constituted its own committee, the JVP Committee, in December 1948. This committee comprised three towering figures of the Indian National Congress: Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Pattabhi Sitaramayya (a prominent Telugu leader who had himself advocated for Andhra state). The JVP Committee was tasked with re-examining the issue of linguistic reorganization in light of the Dar Commission’s report and public sentiment. While the JVP Committee, too, initially expressed reservations about immediate linguistic reorganization, stressing the need for national unity and stability above all else, it made a notable exception for Andhra. It stated that if the Telugu-speaking people were insistent and prepared to compromise on the inclusion of Madras city (which was a contentious point, claimed by both Telugus and Tamils), the formation of an Andhra province could be considered. This conditional endorsement, while offering a glimmer of hope, did not fully satisfy the proponents of Andhra state, as Madras city remained a deeply emotive issue.

Simultaneously, the integration of the princely state of Hyderabad into the Indian Union in September 1948, following ‘Operation Polo’ (Police Action), further complicated the linguistic map. Hyderabad State was a multi-lingual entity, comprising large Telugu-speaking areas (Telangana), Marathi-speaking areas (Marathwada), and Kannada-speaking areas (Gulbarga). With its integration, the demand for Vishalandhra (Greater Andhra) – a unified state encompassing all Telugu-speaking regions, including Telangana – gained significant traction. This concept envisioned the merger of the Andhra region (from Madras Presidency) with the Telugu-speaking parts of the erstwhile Hyderabad State.

The Catalyst: Potti Sriramulu's Sacrifice

The most pivotal and ultimately tragic event that broke the deadlock was the fast-unto-death undertaken by Potti Sriramulu, a staunch Gandhian and a fervent advocate for a separate Andhra state. Sriramulu embarked on his fast on October 19, 1952, demanding the creation of an Andhra state with Madras as its capital. While the demand for Madras was later softened, his core demand for a separate state remained unwavering. His fast captured the imagination of the Telugu people and became a symbol of their unfulfilled aspirations. Day after day, as his condition deteriorated, public agitation in the Andhra region intensified. Demonstrations, hartals, and public meetings became commonplace, urging the central government to concede the demand.

Tragically, after 58 days of relentless fasting, Potti Sriramulu passed away on December 15, 1952. His martyrdom sent shockwaves across the Telugu-speaking regions. The news of his death ignited an unprecedented wave of violence, riots, and widespread civil unrest, particularly in the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema areas. Public property was destroyed, trains were set on fire, and law and order broke down in many places. The intensity and scale of the agitation clearly demonstrated the depth of sentiment and the explosive potential of denying the linguistic demand any longer. The government in Delhi realized that further delay could have disastrous consequences for national cohesion.

Formation of Andhra State (1953)

Faced with the grave situation and the palpable threat to stability, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, just three days after Sriramulu’s death, announced on December 19, 1952, the government’s decision to create a separate Andhra State. This decision marked a watershed moment in India’s administrative history. The Andhra State was formally carved out of the Telugu-speaking northern districts of the Madras Presidency on October 1, 1953. Kurnool, a city in the Rayalaseema region, was designated as its provisional capital, primarily because Madras city was not ceded to the new state and remained part of the residual Madras State (which later became Tamil Nadu). Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, a veteran freedom fighter and respected leader, became the first Chief Minister of the newly formed Andhra State.

The formation of Andhra State, while a victory for linguistic identity, also had significant repercussions across the country. It validated the principle of linguistic reorganization and ignited similar demands in other linguistic regions, leading to widespread calls for the redrawing of state boundaries on a similar basis.

The States Reorganisation Commission (1953) and Gentlemen's Agreement

The immediate consequence of the Andhra State’s formation was the appointment of the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) by the Government of India in December 1953. Headed by Justice Fazal Ali, with K.M. Panikkar and H.N. Kunzru as members, the SRC was tasked with undertaking a comprehensive examination of the reorganization of states across the entire Indian Union on a linguistic basis. This move effectively opened the floodgates for a nationwide redrawing of political boundaries.

Regarding the Telugu-speaking regions, the SRC faced the complex question of whether to merge the newly formed Andhra State with the Telugu-speaking Telangana region of Hyderabad State. The demand for Vishalandhra was strong, but there were significant concerns from the Telangana side. Leaders from Telangana expressed apprehensions about their region’s economic backwardness compared to the more developed coastal Andhra. They feared that a merger would lead to their region being economically exploited and politically marginalized, with the more assertive and numerous Andhra leadership dominating political and economic life. The SRC, in its report submitted in 1955, acknowledged these concerns. While it broadly favored the principle of linguistic states, it initially recommended maintaining Hyderabad State as a separate entity for five years, or alternatively, if a merger were to occur, it suggested specific safeguards for Telangana.

To address these concerns and facilitate the merger, a crucial agreement known as the “Gentlemen’s Agreement” (Peddamanushyula Oppandam) was signed on February 20, 1956. This agreement was reached between the prominent leaders of the Andhra and Telangana regions, including B. Ramakrishna Rao, K.V. Ranga Reddy, M. Chenna Reddy from Telangana, and Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, and Gouthu Latchanna from Andhra. The agreement laid down a set of safeguards to protect the interests of the Telangana region in a unified Andhra Pradesh. Key provisions of the Gentlemen’s Agreement included:

  • Political Representation: The Chief Minister of the new state would be from the Andhra region, and the Deputy Chief Minister from Telangana. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly would be from Andhra, and the Deputy Speaker from Telangana.
  • Cabinet Formation: Telangana would have proportional representation in the Cabinet, with 40% of the ministerial berths.
  • Employment Safeguards: Measures would be taken to protect employment opportunities for Telangana residents, particularly in government jobs, by reserving a certain percentage for locals.
  • Education: Special provisions for educational facilities and opportunities in Telangana.
  • Financial Safeguards: The revenues generated in Telangana would primarily be utilized for the development of the region, and there would be a separate regional council (Telangana Regional Committee) to oversee development and safeguard regional interests.
  • Domicile Rules: Stricter domicile rules for employment and education in Telangana.

This agreement was critical in assuaging the fears of the Telangana leadership and paving the way for the merger. It was seen as a pragmatic compromise that balanced the aspirations for linguistic unity with the need to protect regional interests.

The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 and the Birth of Andhra Pradesh

Armed with the recommendations of the SRC and the mutually agreed-upon Gentlemen’s Agreement, the Indian Parliament passed the States Reorganisation Act in 1956. This landmark legislation led to the most extensive redrawing of India’s internal boundaries since independence.

Under the provisions of this Act, the Andhra State was merged with the Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State (i.e., Telangana region). This historic merger officially led to the formation of the state of Andhra Pradesh on November 1, 1956. Hyderabad, the erstwhile capital of the princely state, was designated as the capital of the newly formed unified Andhra Pradesh. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy became the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and Burgula Ramakrishna Rao from Telangana became the Deputy Chief Minister. This day marked the culmination of decades of struggle, aspiration, and political maneuvering, resulting in the creation of the first comprehensive linguistic state in India.

The formation of Andhra Pradesh was not merely an administrative exercise; it was a profound socio-political transformation. It brought together diverse regions – coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema, and Telangana – under a common linguistic umbrella, fulfilling a long-cherished dream of many. However, the legacy of its formation, particularly the Gentlemen’s Agreement, continued to influence the political discourse for decades, with perceived breaches of its provisions often fueling renewed regional tensions and eventually leading to the demand for a separate Telangana state, which culminated in the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014.

The journey towards the formation of Andhra Pradesh was a seminal chapter in India’s post-independence history, characterized by intense linguistic nationalism and regional aspirations. It began with early demands for a distinct identity for Telugu-speaking people within British India, gaining momentum through cultural revival movements like the Andhra Mahasabha. Despite initial reluctance from the central government due to concerns about national unity following the trauma of Partition, the persistent demands for a linguistic state could not be suppressed.

The tragic fast and subsequent martyrdom of Potti Sriramulu proved to be the ultimate catalyst, forcing the hand of the central government to concede to the demand. His sacrifice directly led to the formation of Andhra State in 1953, making it the first state in India to be created purely on a linguistic basis. This momentous decision set a crucial precedent, accelerating the nationwide linguistic reorganization of states, prompting the establishment of the States Reorganisation Commission. The subsequent merger of the Andhra State with the Telugu-speaking Telangana region from the erstwhile Hyderabad State, facilitated by the crucial Gentlemen’s Agreement that sought to safeguard Telangana’s interests, culminated in the formation of the unified state of Andhra Pradesh on November 1, 1956. This complex yet pivotal process not only reshaped the political map of South India but also underscored the enduring power of linguistic identity in the formation of a federal India.