In which year was the Province of Orissa created by carving out portions from Bihar, Madras and the Central Provinces ?

The correct answer is - 1936

Key Points

• Creation of the Province of Orissa
  • The Province of Orissa was formed on 1st April 1936 by carving out portions from Bihar, Madras, and the Central Provinces.
  • This was a significant administrative change aimed at recognizing the linguistic and cultural identity of the Oriya-speaking population.
  • The formation was part of the British India's reorganization based on linguistic lines, which began during the colonial period.
• Historical Context
  • Prior to 1936, Orissa lacked a separate administrative identity and was governed as part of larger provinces.
  • The demand for a separate province was driven by the Oriya nationalist movement, which emphasized the need for linguistic and cultural preservation.
  • The Government of India Act 1935 facilitated the creation of new provinces, leading to Orissa's establishment in 1936.

Additional Information

• Key Figures Involved
  • Sir John Austin Hubback was appointed as the first Governor of the Province of Orissa after its creation.
  • Prominent leaders like Gopabandhu Das and Madhusudan Das played an instrumental role in the movement for a separate province.
• Linguistic Reorganization in India
  • The creation of Orissa in 1936 set an early precedent for linguistic reorganization in India, which later became prominent after independence.
  • Post-independence, the States Reorganization Act of 1956 further emphasized the formation of states based on linguistic lines.
• Current Significance
  • Orissa, now known as Odisha, continues to retain its distinct cultural and linguistic heritage.
  • The state's creation remains a landmark event in India's administrative history, highlighting the importance of cultural and linguistic identity.