Question

By which constitutional amendment were the privy purses and privileges of the former rulers of Indian states abolished?

• A. 26th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1971
• B. 28th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1972
• C. 31st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1973
• D. 38th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1975

Hint:

Mnemonic: "26 for the 26th" — The amendment happened in the 1970s (1971) to ensure "Equality," which is the 14th right, but the amendment number is 26.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Privy Purses were payments made to the erstwhile royal families of princely states as part of their agreements to integrate with India in 1947.

• Articles Affected: This amendment omitted Articles 291 and 362.

• Objective: To promote the concept of an egalitarian society and remove hereditary titles/privileges.

Step 1: Understanding the Geopolitical Context.
The government led by Indira Gandhi sought to end these payments. It was argued that such privileges were inconsistent with a democratic republic. After a legal battle and the derecognition of the rulers, the Parliament passed a landmark amendment to finalize the abolition.

Step 2: Identifying the Amendment.
The

26th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1971 was passed for this purpose. It abolished the

Privy Purses and all special privileges of the former rulers. This amendment also inserted Article 363A, which stated that princely titles would no longer be recognized.