The correct answer is: a) Linguistic lines.
The Madras State was formed in 1953 by merging the Madras Presidency, the Telugu-speaking areas of the erstwhile Hyderabad State, and the Kannada-speaking areas of the erstwhile Mysore State. The formation of the state was based on the linguistic principle, which was one of the main demands of the Indian independence movement. The linguistic principle states that the boundaries of states should be drawn along linguistic lines, so that people of the same language can live together and have a say in their own affairs.
The formation of the Madras State was a major step towards the realization of the linguistic principle. It also helped to promote unity and harmony among the people of different languages.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Option b) is incorrect because the Madras State was not formed on the basis of historical kingdoms. The Madras Presidency was formed in 1639 by the British East India Company, and it included parts of several different historical kingdoms.
- Option c) is incorrect because the Madras State was not formed on the basis of administrative convenience. The Madras Presidency was already an administrative unit, and it was not necessary to merge it with other states for administrative convenience.
- Option d) is incorrect because the Madras State was not formed on the basis of economic considerations. The Madras Presidency was already a prosperous state, and it was not necessary to merge it with other states for economic reasons.