In which year was Andhra Pradesh first created as a separate linguistic State for Telugu-speaking people in independent India?

Introduction / Context:
After independence, one of the major political demands in India was the reorganisation of States along linguistic lines. Andhra Pradesh has a special place in this history because the first linguistic State created in independent India was for Telugu-speaking people. This question tests whether you can recall the exact year when Andhra Pradesh, in its earlier form as Andhra State, came into existence as a separate entity from the Madras Presidency.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question clearly concerns the creation of Andhra Pradesh as a linguistic State.
• The options given are the years 1950, 1953, 1956, and 1961.
• The context is post-independence India and the demand for States based on language.
• We assume familiarity with the role of Potti Sriramulu and the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is the formation of Andhra State and the later reorganisation of States. Potti Sriramulu's fast unto death for a separate State for Telugu-speaking people intensified popular pressure. In response, the Government of India created Andhra State in 1953 by carving out Telugu-speaking areas from the Madras State. Later, in 1956, the Andhra State was merged with the Telangana region of the former Hyderabad State to form the enlarged State of Andhra Pradesh after the implementation of the States Reorganisation Act. Therefore, for questions about the "first linguistic State" and the date of creation as a separate State, the crucial year is 1953.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the demand for a separate State for Telugu speakers led to the creation of Andhra State as a precursor to present-day Andhra Pradesh.Step 2: Remember that Potti Sriramulu's martyrdom in 1952 created strong pressure on the central government.Step 3: The Government of India responded by creating Andhra State on 1 October 1953.Step 4: In 1956, further reorganisation took place, merging Andhra State with the Telangana region to form a larger Andhra Pradesh, but the first separate linguistic State already existed from 1953.Step 5: Among the options, 1953 is therefore the correct year for the creation of Andhra Pradesh as the first linguistic State.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, list the relevant constitutional milestones. The Constitution of India came into force in 1950. Andhra State was created on 1 October 1953. The States Reorganisation Act came into effect on 1 November 1956, affecting many States. The year 1961 does not correspond to any major event in the initial linguistic State formation. Standard polity and modern history books consistently mention 1953 as the year when Andhra State, the first linguistic State of India, was formed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 1950: This is the year the Constitution came into force and India became a Republic, but Andhra State was not yet created.
• 1956: This year marks the States Reorganisation Act and the enlargement of Andhra Pradesh by including Telangana, not the original creation of the Andhra linguistic State.
• 1961: This year is not associated with the initial creation of Andhra Pradesh as a linguistic State and is therefore not relevant to the question.

Common Pitfalls:
A common confusion is between the creation of Andhra State in 1953 and the formation of the larger Andhra Pradesh in 1956. Many aspirants immediately think of the States Reorganisation Act and select 1956, which is incorrect in the context of this classic question about the first linguistic State. Always read the wording carefully: when the question stresses the creation of Andhra Pradesh as a linguistic State or as the first linguistic State, you should think of 1953. Use the timeline of 1950 (Constitution), 1953 (Andhra State), and 1956 (States Reorganisation Act) as a memory aid.

Final Answer:
Andhra Pradesh was first created as a separate linguistic State for Telugu-speaking people in the year 1953.