While administrative convenience and regional development were important reasons for the formation of the states, the **primary basis** for their creation is considered to be ethnic and regional identity of the people residing in those areas.
- Chhattisgarh was formed due to the distinct cultural and tribal identity of the people in the region separated from Madhya Pradesh.
- Jharkhand was long demanded by tribal groups with a distinct identity from the rest of Bihar.
- Uttarakhand (earlier Uttaranchal) was created to address the unique cultural and geographical identity of the hill people of northern Uttar Pradesh.
Thus, though administrative factors played a role, the core basis for creation was ethnicity and cultural distinctiveness of these regions.
Correct Option: Option 1: Ethnicity