Partition of Bombay into Maharashtra and Gujarat

Bombay state was a bilingual state in the western part of India, which included present-day Maharashtra and Gujarat. In the late 1950s, there was a growing demand for linguistic states based on the predominant language spoken in a region.

Formation of Maharashtra and Gujarat

1. Background: The Samyukta Maharashtra movement advocated for the creation of a separate Marathi-speaking state, while the Mahagujarat Movement demanded a separate state for Gujarati-speaking people.

2. State Reorganization Commission: In 1956, the State Reorganization Commission was set up to recommend the reorganization of states based on linguistic lines. The Commission recommended the division of Bombay state into two separate states - Maharashtra and Gujarat.

3. Enactment of States Reorganization Act: On May 1, 1960, the States Reorganization Act came into effect, leading to the formation of the new states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Bombay city became the capital of Maharashtra, while Ahmedabad became the capital of Gujarat.

4. Language and Cultural Differences: The division was based on linguistic differences to ensure that each state had a majority of people speaking the predominant language of that region. This division aimed to promote the preservation and growth of Marathi and Gujarati languages and cultures.

Impact of the Partition:

- The creation of Maharashtra and Gujarat states led to the development and promotion of Marathi and Gujarati languages and cultures.
- The division also facilitated better governance and administration by creating states with more homogeneous linguistic and cultural identities.

In conclusion, the partition of Bombay into Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960 was a significant event in India's history, driven by linguistic and cultural aspirations of the people in the region.

Answer:
The state that was divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960 is Bombay.
Explanation:
The division of the state of Bombay was a result of the reorganization of states on linguistic lines in India. Here is a detailed explanation:
- Bombay: Before the division, the state of Bombay included areas that are now part of Maharashtra and Gujarat. It was a bilingual state with a significant Marathi-speaking population in the western region and Gujarati-speaking population in the northern region.
- Linguistic Reorganization: In the 1950s, there was a demand for the reorganization of states based on linguistic differences to promote regional identity and culture. The State Reorganization Commission (SRC) was appointed to determine the boundaries of states.
- Formation of Maharashtra: The SRC recommended the formation of a separate state for Marathi-speaking regions. As a result, Maharashtra was formed on 1st May 1960, with Bombay as its capital.
- Formation of Gujarat: The Gujarati-speaking regions of Bombay state were separated to form the state of Gujarat on the same day, 1st May 1960. Ahmedabad became the capital of Gujarat.
- Consequences: The division of Bombay state into Maharashtra and Gujarat led to the establishment of separate state governments, with Mumbai (formerly Bombay) as the capital of Maharashtra and Ahmedabad as the capital of Gujarat.
This division was a significant step in recognizing linguistic diversity and promoting regional development in India.