Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s views on the reorganisation of Indian states on a linguistic basis are both nuanced and forward-looking. He supported linguistic reorganisation in principle but also issued strong warnings about its potential risks if not handled carefully. Ambedkar believed that language and culture form a natural basis for state formation, but he insisted that such reorganisation should not undermine the unity, administrative efficiency, or national integrity of India.
🔵 1. Ambedkar’s General Stand: Support for Linguistic Reorganisation
Dr. Ambedkar supported the idea of linguistic states because:
- People who speak the same language often share common customs, traditions, and culture, which can make administration more effective.
- It would make the functioning of government smoother because people would understand laws, policies, and instructions in their own language.
- It would promote democratic participation, as citizens would be able to engage in political and administrative processes in their mother tongue.
Quote by Ambedkar:
“Linguistic provinces are in the interest of India and should be implemented. They form the most suitable units of administration.”
He was one of the early advocates for this idea, even before it became a political movement.
🔵 2. Ambedkar’s Caution: Linguistic States Must Not Breed Chauvinism
Despite supporting linguistic reorganisation, Ambedkar expressed serious concerns about the dangers of linguistic fanaticism and regional parochialism. He feared that:
- Linguistic states could become exclusive or intolerant toward people from other language groups.
- They might lead to internal divisions, damaging national unity.
- Language could become the basis for social discrimination or dominance of one group over others (similar to caste dominance).
He emphasized that language should unite, not divide. Therefore, citizenship and identity must remain rooted in the Indian nation as a whole, not just in linguistic regions.
🔵 3. Ambedkar’s Proposal in “Thoughts on Linguistic States” (1955)
One of Ambedkar’s most detailed discussions on this issue is found in his pamphlet, “Thoughts on Linguistic States” (1955). It was written shortly before his death and provides a blueprint for balanced linguistic reorganisation.
Key proposals in the pamphlet:
✅ a. Equal Size and Balanced Development
- Ambedkar was against creating states of unequal size or population.
- He felt that if one state (like Uttar Pradesh or Maharashtra) became too big or powerful, it would dominate the national stage and threaten democratic balance.
He recommended dividing large states into smaller units for better administration and equitable development.
✅ b. Redistribution of States Based on Efficiency
- He argued that administrative convenience and good governance should be the primary goals of state reorganisation.
- States should be viable in terms of resources, infrastructure, and governance capacity—not just language.
✅ c. Two-Tier Government
Ambedkar believed that both central and state governments should share powers, but the Centre must remain strong to protect national interests.
🔵 4. Ambedkar and the South Indian States
Ambedkar had a particularly deep interest in South India, where linguistic identities (like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam) were very strong. He admired the rich cultural diversity but warned against the use of language to fuel separatism.
- He supported the creation of linguistic states like Andhra Pradesh, but only after ensuring that minority communities within those states would not be oppressed.
- He advocated for minority protection even within linguistic states through legal safeguards and representation.
🔵 5. Impact of Ambedkar’s Ideas on Linguistic Reorganisation in India
Though the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) was set up in 1953, Ambedkar was not made a part of it, despite his deep knowledge of Indian society, administration, and the Constitution. Nevertheless, many of his ideas—especially the emphasis on linguistic-cultural unity and administrative efficiency—were echoed in the Commission’s report.
In 1956, the States Reorganisation Act was passed, redrawing state boundaries largely on linguistic lines. This followed intense political movements like the death of Potti Sreeramulu for Andhra Pradesh, which highlighted the emotional power of language-based identity.
🔵 6. Ambedkar’s Warnings – Still Relevant Today
Ambedkar’s foresight remains relevant even in modern India:
- Regionalism and language chauvinism still create tensions, especially between linguistic majorities and minorities.
- Conflicts over language imposition (e.g., Hindi vs. Tamil) show the continued friction between national unity and regional identity.
- He warned against “states turning into countries”, which could weaken the union of India.
🟩 Conclusion
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s views on the reorganisation of states on linguistic basis reflect his deep understanding of Indian society, democracy, and federalism. He supported linguistic reorganisation as a tool for cultural expression, administrative efficiency, and democratic participation. However, he strongly cautioned against using language to create division, exclusion, or dominance.
Ambedkar’s vision was to create a federation of linguistically coherent, administratively viable, and culturally respectful states, under a strong, united Indian nation. His message is clear:
Language should be a means of empowerment—not a reason for exclusion or conflict.