Which language speakers launched the most militant protest after Independence for the formation of a state on linguistic lines?

Telugu-speaking people

The correct answer is Option 2: Telugu-speaking people.

Telugu-speaking people — Correct. The Telugu-speaking population launched one of the strongest movements for a separate linguistic state after Independence. The death of Potti Sriramulu after a prolonged fast demanding a separate Andhra state led to widespread protests, forcing the government to create Andhra State in 1953.

NCERT: ..Vigorous movements arose among Marathi and Kannada speakers, who were then spread across several different political regimes – the erstwhile Bombay and Madras presidencies, and former princely states such as Mysore and Hyderabad. However, the most militant protests ensued from the very large community of Telugu speakers. In October 1953, Potti Sriramulu, a former Gandhian, died seven weeks after beginning a fast unto death. Potti Sriramulu’s martyrdom provoked violent protests and led to the creation of the state of Andhra Pradesh. It also led to the formation of the SRC, which in 1956 put the formal, fi nal seal of approval on the principle of linguistic states.