Q1. Which of the following states was formed without the aid of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956?
- Kerala
- Maharashtra
- Nagaland
- Andhra Pradesh
Correct Option: 3. Nagaland.
Explanation: *Nagaland was created by the State of Nagaland Act, 1962, and came into existence in 1963.
*The States Reorganisation Act, 1956, reorganized many states on linguistic lines, including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra (the latter two indirectly via other acts related to Bombay and Andhra).
*Thus, Nagaland’s creation was driven by ethnic and security concerns, not the linguistic reorganisation framework of 1956.
Q2. Which Article of the Constitution was specially inserted to deal with the administration of Sikkim after it attained statehood in 1975?
- Article 371F
- Article 371G
- Article 371A
- Article 371C
Correct Option: 1. Article 371F.
Explanation: 1.Article 371F was added by the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act (1975) to provide special constitutional provisions for Sikkim, including preservation of existing laws and legislative assembly composition.
2.It remains unique to Sikkim, just as Articles 371A, C, and G are specific to Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram respectively.
Q3. The 35th Constitutional Amendment Act created which unique status under the Indian Constitution?
- State with partial autonomy
- Union territory with legislature
- Associate state
- Autonomous council
Correct Option: 3. Associate state.
Explanation: *The 35th Constitutional Amendment Act (1974) introduced the concept of an “Associate State” for Sikkim, by inserting Article 2A and the 10th Schedule (not related to defection).
*This was the only instance of such a classification, and it was later repealed in 1975 when Sikkim became a full-fledged state.
Q4. What was the main reason behind the bifurcation of the erstwhile Bombay State into Gujarat and Maharashtra in 1960?
- Administrative efficiency
- Religious demography
- Tribal autonomy
- Linguistic reorganisation
Correct Option: 4. Linguistic reorganisation.
Explanation: The Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960 was passed due to intense linguistic agitation by the Sanyukta Maharashtra Movement, leading to the creation of Maharashtra (Marathi-speaking) and Gujarat (Gujarati-speaking) states.
Q5. Which of the following constitutional amendments or acts did not directly result in the formation of a new Indian state?
- 36th Constitutional Amendment Act
- State of Mizoram Act, 1986
- States Reorganisation Act, 1956
- 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act
Correct Option: 4. 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act.
Explanation: *The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976) is known for expanding central powers, inserting Fundamental Duties, and changing the Preamble, among others.
*It had no role in state formation or territorial reorganisation.
*The other three directly resulted in the creation of Sikkim, Mizoram, and multiple states respectively.