महाराष्ट्र राज्याची निर्मिती केंव्हा झाली ?

The correct answer is Option B (1 May 1960).

Key Points:
• The formation of the state of Maharashtra was the result of a long, arduous struggle known as the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement.
• After independence, the States Reorganisation Commission (1955) recommended a bilingual state for Bombay, combining Gujarati and Marathi speaking areas, which was heavily opposed.
• Key Timeline:
• The demand for a separate Marathi-speaking state (including Mumbai) led to massive protests where 105 martyrs laid down their lives.
• Finally, the Indian Parliament passed the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960.
• The Act bifurcated the bilingual Bombay State into two separate linguistic states: Gujarat and Maharashtra.
• The state of Maharashtra officially came into existence on 1 May 1960, with Mumbai as its capital. This day is celebrated annually as 'Maharashtra Din'. Option 2 is correct.
• Key Takeaway: The unilingual state of Maharashtra, with Mumbai as its capital, was officially formed on 1 May 1960.