During the British rule, the internal boundaries were made for the sake of administrative convenience But after independence, the determination of State boundaries became a big problem. The Government wanted to form new States on a linguistic basis and thus redraw their boundaries. In 1920, Nagpur Congress itself approved this idea. But the leaders felt that after independence the division into States on a linguistic basis might adversely affect the unity of the country. So, the Central Government decided to postpone the formation of the States.

Reasons:

• The redrawing of the State boundaries would bring into focus the social and economic problems. 
• The future of the Principalities was not yet determined. 
• The bitter memories of the partition of India were still fresh in the minds of people.

In spite of all these, the local leaders and people wanted the formation of States faster. The first protest came from areas where Telugu was spoken. Because of the indecision on the part of the Central Government, the Movement for a State became very strong. Potti Sriramulu, a Gandhian, died after 56 days of fasting. His death caused a number of violent protests in the Telugu speaking areas. Thus in 1952, permission was granted for the formation of the State of Andhra Pradesh.

The formation of Andhra Pradesh on a linguistic basis caused other States also to be formed on the same basis. In 1953, a Commission was appointed to suggest the basis for the formation of States. The Commission recommended the formation of States on a linguistic basis. On the basis of the report of the Commission, a Law was enacted and various States were formed in 1956. There were also 6 Centrally Administered Regions or Union Territories.