The correct answer is: b) Creation of new states based on linguistic lines.
The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 was an act of the Parliament of India enacted on 1 November 1956. It was the culmination of a long-running campaign for linguistic states in India. The act abolished the existing provinces and created new states based on linguistic lines. This led to the creation of 14 new states and 6 union territories.
The act was passed in response to the growing demand for linguistic states in India. The demand for linguistic states was based on the idea that people who speak the same language should have a common state. This was seen as a way to promote unity and harmony among different linguistic groups in India.
The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 was a major step in the process of nation-building in India. It helped to create a more unified and harmonious country. It also helped to promote the development of the different linguistic groups in India.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Option a) is incorrect because the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 did not lead to the merger of territories with Tamil Nadu.
- Option c) is incorrect because the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 did not lead to the abolition of princely states. The princely states were abolished by the Indian Independence Act of 1947.
- Option d) is incorrect because the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 did not lead to the centralization of power. The act actually led to a decentralization of power by creating new states based on linguistic lines.