Question

Describe the government's approach to integrate the princely states with the Indian Union.

Hint:

Cover the principles, the Instrument of Accession, the role of Sardar Patel and the cases of Junagadh, Hyderabad, Kashmir and Manipur.

Answer 1

Step 1: Problem to be solved:
At independence there were more than five hundred princely states. The British had said that they would become free to join India or Pakistan or stay independent.
The new government had to bring them into the Indian Union.

Step 2: Principles behind the approach:
Most people of the princely states wanted to be part of India.
The government was ready to give some autonomy to certain regions, in a flexible manner.
The unity and integrity of India was the main aim.

Step 3: First step: Appeal and accession:
Sardar Patel, the Home Minister, appealed to the rulers to join India and to accept the Instrument of Accession for defence, external affairs and communications.
By 15 August 1947 most states had joined, except Junagadh, Hyderabad, Kashmir and a few others.

Step 4: Use of firm steps:
Junagadh joined after a popular vote. Hyderabad was merged after police action in September 1948.
Kashmir acceded in October 1947, and Manipur merged in 1949.

Step 5: Final integration:
In the next stage the states were merged into larger units or with neighbouring provinces and later reorganised on a linguistic basis.
The rulers received privy purses, which were later ended.

Final Answer:
The government integrated the princely states by persuasion, accession, popular will and firm action, in the interest of the unity of India.