Question

Analyse any three issues of tension immediately after independence that posed a threat to the unity and integration of India.

Hint:

Think of three problems of 1947-56: Partition violence, the princely states, and demands for states based on language.

Answer 1

Step 1: Introduction:
The first years after 1947 were a time of danger for the unity of India. Several tensions threatened to break the country apart.
Three of these are discussed below.

Step 2: Partition and communal violence:
The country was divided on religious lines into India and Pakistan. Punjab and Bengal were cut in two.
Lakhs of people were killed and millions were forced to leave their homes, so refugee camps and rehabilitation became a huge burden. Mistrust between communities threatened national unity.

Step 3: Integration of the princely states:
More than 500 princely states were free to join India or Pakistan, or stay independent after British rule ended.
Some rulers, such as those of Junagadh, Hyderabad and Kashmir, hesitated. If they had stayed apart, India would have been broken into many pieces. Sardar Patel used talks and, where needed, firm action to bring them in.

Step 4: Demand for linguistic states:
People in many regions wanted states formed on the basis of language, and this raised fear of fresh divisions.
Potti Sriramulu fasted for 56 days and died in December 1952 for a Telugu state. Andhra state was formed in 1953. The States Reorganisation Commission of 1953 led to the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, which redrew state boundaries on language lines.

Final Answer:
The three tensions were Partition violence and refugees, the integration of princely states, and the demand for linguistic states. Facing them calmly kept India united.