India is a country with a diversity of languages. Out of more than one thousand mother tongues, only eighteen languages are included in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution. Development of a particular state or region, to a very great extent, depends on the development of its regional language. This was an important reason given at the time of the formation of linguistic states, though many criticized such a linguistic “division” or “re-organization”.

India's national leaders, especially Gandhi, held the view that the true values of democracy could be spread among the common village folks only through regional languages. Furthermore, almost all the Education Commissions constituted by the Government of India stressed the need to introduce teaching through the medium of mother tongue from primary class to post-graduate level.

Then, there were some of the questions exercising the Government of India in the first months and years of independence. The question of linguistic provinces would have to wait. But, for how long? Had Jawaharlal Nehru his way, it could have waited forever. But a consistent advocate of States based on language was Mahatma Gandhi.