History Notes Chapter 14 Formation of State of Maharashtra Class 8 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – History Class 8

1. Introduction

• After India’s independence in 1947, there was a growing demand to reorganize Indian states based on language.
• In Maharashtra, the demand for a separate state for Marathi-speaking people led to the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement.
• After years of struggle, Maharashtra State was formed on 1 May 1960.

2. Background of the Movement

Early 20th Century: Many scholars and leaders advocated for uniting all Marathi-speaking regions.

1911: After the cancellation of the Partition of Bengal, N.C. Kelkar proposed that Marathi-speaking areas should be under one administration.

1915: Lokmanya Tilak demanded the formation of states based on language, but the freedom struggle took priority.

12 May 1946: At the Sahitya Sammelan in Belgaon, a resolution was passed for the creation of Samyukta Maharashtra.

3. Important Events and Committees

A. Samyukta Maharashtra Parishad (1947)

• Date: 28 July 1947 in Mumbai.
• President: Shankarrao Dev.
• Resolution:
  1. All Marathi-speaking regions should be merged into one state.
  2. Include Mumbai, Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Gomantak (Goa).

B. Dar Commission (1948)

• Formed by: Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
• Chairman: Justice S.K. Dar.
• Purpose: To study the demand for linguistic states.
• Outcome: The report was against the formation of linguistic states, causing public anger.

C. JVP Committee (1948)

• Formed by: Indian National Congress on 29 December 1948.
• Members:
  1. Jawaharlal Nehru
  2. Vallabhbhai Patel
  3. Pattabhi Sitaramayya
• Recommendation:
  • Accepted linguistic states in principle, but said the time was not right.
• Public Reaction:
  • Severe protests across Maharashtra.
  • Senapati Bapat led rallies to awaken public support.

D. Proposal in Mumbai Municipal Corporation

• Acharya P.K. Atre presented the proposal for Samyukta Maharashtra with Mumbai.
• The proposal passed with 50 votes in favor and 35 votes against, proving public support.

E. States Reorganization Commission (1953)

• Chairman: Justice Fazal Ali.
• Purpose: To reorganize Indian states based on language.
• Proposal (1955):
  • Suggested a bilingual Mumbai state (Marathi and Gujarati speakers).
• Reaction:
  • This caused strong opposition from Marathi-speaking people.

F. Nagpur Pact (1953)

Agreement: Unite Western Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha into Samyukta Maharashtra.

Assurances:

1. Equal financial development for all regions.
2. Technical and vocational education in all areas.
3. Nagpur to hold one Assembly session every year.

4. Establishment of Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti (1956)

• Date: 6 February 1956 in Pune at Tilak Smarak Mandir.
• President: Comrade Shripad Amrut Dange.
• Vice President: Dr. T.R. Naravane.
• General Secretary: S.M. Joshi.

Key Leaders:

• Acharya P.K. Atre
• Senapati Bapat
• Prabodhankar Keshav Thackeray
• Krantisinh Nana Patil
• Madhu Dandavate

5. Public Agitation and Sacrifices

7 November 1955: Labor groups and political parties (Communists, Socialists, Peasants, etc.) organized a large meeting in Mumbai.

March to Vidhan Sabha: Led by Senapati Bapat to demand Samyukta Maharashtra.

Police Action:

• Morarji Desai, the Chief Minister, ordered lathi charges and tear gas.
• 106 protestors became martyrs during police firing.

Hutatma Smarak was built near Flora Fountain (now Hutatma Chowk) to honor these martyrs.

6. Role of Newspapers and Artists

Newspapers:

• Prabodhan, Kesari, Sakal, Navakal, and Maratha (started by Acharya Atre) spread awareness.

Shahirs (Folk Poets):

• Annabhau Sathe, Amar Sheikh, and D.N. Gavankar inspired public sentiment through songs and poems.

Balasaheb Thackeray: Used cartoons under the pen name ‘Mavla’ to support the movement.

7. Success of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement

• Demonstration at Pratapgad (1957):
  • During the unveiling of Shivaji Maharaj’s statue, leaders like Bhai Madhavrao Bagal, S.M. Joshi, and Uddhavrao Patil led a mass protest.
• Elections (1957):
  • Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti won a major victory, proving public support for a separate state.

8. Formation of Maharashtra State (1960)

April 1960: Parliament passed the Mumbai Reorganization Act.

1 May 1960:

• Maharashtra and Gujarat became separate states.
• Yashwantrao Chavan became the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

1 May is celebrated as Maharashtra Day.

9. Key Contributions of Leaders

1. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Integrated princely states into India.
2. Acharya P.K. Atre: Advocated for Mumbai as part of Maharashtra.
3. Senapati Bapat: Led the protests and was the symbol of the movement.
4. Shripad Amrut Dange: President of the Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti.
5. Prabodhankar Thackeray: Inspired the movement through writing and speeches.

10. Significance of the Movement

• Linguistic Unity: Created Maharashtra for Marathi-speaking people.
• Recognition: Ensured Mumbai remained part of Maharashtra.
• Inspiration: Set an example for other linguistic movements in India.