Question

Which of the following Princely state’s ruler, first of all announced that the state had decided on Independence after the lapse of British paramountcy?

• A. Bhopal
• B. Hyderabad
• C. Travancore
• D. Manipur

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The princely states of India faced the decision of accession post-British rule in 1947. One of the key challenges was the political integration of these states into the newly independent nation. Among the princely states, the ruler of Travancore was the first to announce the state’s decision to seek independence rather than accede to India. This statement was made by the then Diwan of Travancore, C. P. Ramaswami Iyer, on June 18, 1947. The intent was to declare Travancore an independent sovereign state, distinct and free from both India and Pakistan. However, after negotiations and changing political circumstances, Travancore eventually agreed to accede to India by July 1947.

Therefore, the correct answer is Travancore.

Answer 2

The ruler of Travancore, Marthanda Varma, was among the first to declare independence after the lapse of British paramountcy in 1947. The Diwan of Travancore, C. P. Ramaswami Iyer, announced that the state would remain independent. This led to significant tensions with the Indian government, but eventually, Travancore acceded to India after negotiations and public pressure.