IAS Mains General Studies Sample Answer

Problems that impeded the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union. How were these problems tackled? Discuss!

Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel took the charge of states department in July 1947, and tackled this problem of integration of the states with great ability with V.P. menon on. Rulers of all the 652 states with exception of Junagarh, Kashmir and Hyderabad had signed the instrument of Accession by 15 August, 1947. Under the pressure of the popular states people’s movement and guided by the masterful diplomacy of Patel.

Junagarh’s Nawab wanted to join Pakistan but people wanted to join Indian dominion. People’s movement pressurized Nawab and Indian Army help resulted in its merger with Indian dominion. The Nizam of Hyderabad made an attempt to claim an independent state but was include in India by Sardar Patel by bail and threats.

The Maharaja of Kashmir also delayed accession to India Pakistan even though the popular forces led by the Nation conference wanted accession to India. In 1947, after Pathans and irregular armed forces of Pakistan invaded Kashmir. Raja Harisingh of Kashmir signed instrument of accession to get help of Indian army against this threat. Thus Kashmir incorporated by India. By incorporation of Kashmir, all states had merged with India and their integration was also completed by November, 1948.

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