The Indian states were first delimited linguistically in

The states of India were first delimited comprehensively on a linguistic basis in 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. This act led to the creation of 14 states and 6 union territories based on shared languages. While Andhra State was created on a linguistic basis earlier in 1953, the nationwide structural delimitation and reorganisation of state boundaries occurred in 1956.