International Journal of Advanced Research and Development

Authors
Ashish Nareshrao Thakare

Abstract
"The language and culture of an area have an undoubted importance as they represent a pattern of living which is common in that area." - Resolution of the Government of India relating to the State Reorganization Commission, 1953 According to historical records, during the British rule, India was divided into about “600 princely states and provinces”. Language is a major aspect of national consolidation and integration. The reorganization of the states based on the language came to the fore almost immediately after independence. Samyukta Maharashtra Movement was the most powerful movement after independence. The movement received active support from Maharashtrian people. The inclusion of Bombay in the Maharashtra state is considered as the victory of the movement. Marathi Newspapers “Navyug”, Maratha, Samyukta Maharashtra Patrika, Prabhat, Belgaon Samachar, Navakal etc. played a key role to make this movement more mass base. “Maratha” was considered as the mouthpiece of the movement. Marathi Newspapers spearheaded the demand for the creation of a separate Marathi-speaking state with the city of Bombay as its capital.