Question

Describe the circumstances and events that led to Manipur's accession to India in 1949.

Hint:

Mention the 1947 accession with autonomy, the 1948 election, the divided Assembly and the merger agreement of 1949.

Answer 1

Step 1: Background:
Manipur was a princely state in the north-east. Its ruler was Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh.
Its people were a mix of hill tribes and the valley Meitei community.

Step 2: Instrument of Accession and elections:
In August 1947 the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession with the Government of India, on the assurance that the internal autonomy of Manipur would continue.
Under public pressure for democracy, elections were held in June 1948 on the basis of adult franchise. Manipur became a constitutional monarchy.
Manipur was the first part of India to hold an election on the basis of universal adult franchise.

Step 3: Differences in the Assembly:
The Legislative Assembly of Manipur had a sharp debate on the question of merger with India.
The Congress party wanted merger, while other parties were strongly against it.

Step 4: The merger of 1949:
The Government of India put pressure on the Maharaja. In September 1949 he signed the Merger Agreement without consulting the elected Assembly.
Manipur was merged with India in October 1949.
This caused anger in Manipur, and the resentment has continued in later years.

Final Answer:
Manipur joined India by an Instrument of Accession in 1947 and was merged in 1949 after the Maharaja signed an agreement under pressure, without the consent of the Assembly.