UPSC Prelims 2004 Q123: Indian Polity – Federalism & Centre - State Relations
Consider the following events:
1. Fourth general elections in India
2. Formation of Haryana State
3. Mysore named as Karnataka State
4. Meghalaya and Tripura become full States
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above?
- (a) 2 ‑ 1 ‑ 4 ‑ 3
- (b) 4 ‑ 3 ‑ 2 ‑ 1
- (c) 2 ‑ 3 ‑ 4 ‑ 1
- (d) 4 ‑ 1 ‑ 2 ‑ 3
Answer: (a) 2 ‑ 1 ‑ 4 ‑ 3
Explanation
Chronology of events in independent India
| Event | Year |
|---|---|
| Formation of Haryana | 1966 |
| Fourth general elections | 1967 |
| Meghalaya and Tripura become full States | 1972 |
| Mysore renamed Karnataka | 1973 |
The correct order is Haryana - Fourth general elections - Meghalaya and Tripura - Karnataka.
Answer: (a) 2 - 1 - 4 - 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. 1966, 1967, 1972, 1973.
- (b) Incorrect. It places Meghalaya before Haryana.
- (c) Incorrect. It places Karnataka before Meghalaya and Tripura.
- (d) Incorrect. It places Meghalaya before the 1967 elections.
Key point
Haryana 1966; elections 1967; NE States 1972; Karnataka 1973.
Remember
Haryana became a State in 1966, before the 1967 elections.
Common mistakes
- Placing Karnataka's renaming before 1972.
- Mixing the fourth elections (1967) with 1971.
- Forgetting that Haryana was created in 1966.
Exam tip
Order: 1966 Haryana, 1967 elections, 1972 Meghalaya, 1973 Karnataka.
Sources
- Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 (formation of Haryana)
- North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971 (Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura as States)
- Mysore State (Alteration of Name) Act, 1973 (Karnataka)
- Election Commission of India — Statistical Report on General Elections, 1967 (fourth general elections)