The States Reorganisation Act, passed in 1956, was a landmark legislation that led to the redrawing of state boundaries in India to better align with the linguistic and cultural identities of the population. As a consequence of this act, new states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Mysore were formally established. The creation of these states aimed to promote administrative efficiency and address the demands of various linguistic groups. Kerala was formed from the Malabar District of Madras, as well as parts of Cochin and Travancore. Andhra Pradesh emerged from the merger of the Andhra State and the Telangana region, while Mysore was formed by the unification of various Kannada-speaking regions.

The transfer of Kanyakumari district from Kerala to Tamil Nadu highlighted the ongoing issues of regional identity and the push for better administrative representation. This area, which had a distinct cultural identity, was incorporated into Tamil Nadu, thereby altering the demographic and political fabric of both states. Additionally, Delhi, which had previously been under the dual administration of Punjab and Delhi Municipal Corporation, was designated as a union territory to enable more direct oversight of the national capital. This was part of a broader strategy to ensure efficient governance in strategically important regions.

Overall, the States Reorganisation Act was instrumental in fostering a sense of identity among the various ethnic and linguistic groups in India. By creating states that corresponded to linguistic and cultural boundaries, the act aimed to mitigate rifts and promote unity in a newly independent nation grappling with diverse cultures and histories.