In which year was the Communist Party of India (Marxist), commonly written as CPI(M), formally founded as a separate political party?

Introduction / Context:
Indian political history includes several important parties that emerged through splits and realignments. The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), is a major left wing party that broke away from the original Communist Party of India. Examinations often ask the year of formation of such parties because it helps students map key political developments in the post independence period, especially during the Cold War era when ideological divisions sharpened within communist movements worldwide.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks about the founding year of CPI(M).
• Options given are 1885, 1980, 1984, and 1964.
• We assume the question refers to its formal establishment as a separate party after a split in the communist movement.

Concept / Approach:
To answer, we relate each option to known historical periods. The year 1885 is associated with the formation of the Indian National Congress, so that is too early for a communist party split. Years 1980 and 1984 are far later and relate to other political events, such as the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party or later developments. The split between CPI and CPI(M) is historically known to have occurred in the early 1960s, and CPI(M) was formed in 1964 after ideological and policy differences, particularly regarding relations with the Soviet Union and strategy in India.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the original Communist Party of India was established earlier in the twentieth century, before independence. Step 2: Remember that internal differences within the CPI intensified in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Step 3: Note that these disagreements resulted in a split, leading to the birth of the CPI(M) as a distinct organisation. Step 4: Connect this split to the specific year 1964, when CPI(M) was formally constituted, and select 1964 from the options.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to associate CPI(M) with its early electoral presence. CPI(M) contested elections in the late 1960s and 1970s, especially in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura. This would have been impossible if it had been formed as late as 1980 or 1984. Similarly, 1885 is colonial era and tied to the Congress, which clearly rules it out. Hence 1964 fits the historical context properly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1885: This is the founding year of the Indian National Congress, not CPI(M).
1980: Associated with the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party, not CPI(M).
1984: Linked to events like general elections and national developments, but not to the creation of CPI(M).

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse the age of communist activity in India with the specific year of a party split. They may also mix up 1964 with other years in the 1960s. A useful memory aid is to remember that CPI(M) arose shortly after the 1962 war with China and amidst international communist disputes, placing it firmly in the mid 1960s.

Final Answer:
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) was founded as a separate party in the year 1964.