WBCS.LIVE practice question

How many States and Union territories were established by the 1956, State Restructuring Act?

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. 14 States, 6 Union Territories
  2. 18 States, 9 Union Territories
  3. 22 States, 8 Union Territories
  4. 21 States, 7 Union Territories

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: 14 States, 6 Union Territories

Explanation: The correct answer is A. 14 States, 6 Union Territories. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 was a major reform in India’s political map. It reorganized state boundaries primarily on linguistic lines, aiming to unite people who spoke the same language under one state. After this Act came into force on 1st November 1956, the country was restructured into 14 states and 6 union territories. This was the first time India saw such a large-scale redrawing of internal boundaries.