Princely States and their integration

Modern Indian History Developments

The political integration of India established a united nation for the first time in centuries from a plethora of princely states, colonial provinces and possessions. The process began in 1947, with the unification of 565 princely states through a critical series of political campaigns, sensitive diplomacy and military conflicts

When the Indian independence movement succeeded in ending the British Raj on August 15, 1947, India’s leaders faced the prospect of inheriting a nation fragmented between medieval-era kingdoms and provinces organised by colonial powers.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of India’s most respected freedom fighters, as the new Minister of Home Affairs was the man responsible for employing political negotiations backed with the option (and the use) of military force to ensure the primacy of the Central government and of the Constitution then being drafted.

Many of 565 princely states began to dream of an independent state of their own after independence.
With great skill and masterful diplomacy & using both persuasion & pressure, Patel succeeded in integrating hundreds of princely states.
Most princely states joined Constituent Assembly with wisdom but others like of Junagarh, Kashmir, Manipur and Hyderabad publicly announced their desire to claim an independent status

Integration of Junagarh:

A small state on the coast of Saurashtra surrounded by Indian Territory
Had no link with Pakistan yet Nawab announced accession to Pakistan

But majority of the people (majorly Hindu), desired to join India
This led to a violent movement against Nawab along with Indian troops marching into the state
A plebiscite was held which favoured joining India

Integration of Kashmir:

Hindu ruler Hari Singh tried to negotiate with India & Pak to have an independent status for his state.
Since majority population of the state was Muslim, the Pakistan thought Kashmir ‘belonged‘ to them.
On 15th August Harisingh offered standstill agreement with both countries which allowed the free movement of people & goods.
Pakistan signed the agreement but India didn’t.
Pakistan became impatient & started violating standstill agreement.
24th October Hari Singh demanded military assistance from India.
Mountbatten pointed out that under international law India can send its troops only after state signs a formal instrument of accession
Thus on 26th Oct Maharaja signed instrument of accession which got ratified in 1954.
On 27th Oct. morning nearly 100 planes airlifted men and weapons to Srinagar.
Pakistan army left the main valley region but continue to occupy a large chunk of territory of Gilgit, Baltistan region – Pak occupied Kashmir.

Integration of Hyderabad:

Nizam wanted an independent status for Hyderabad & thus entered into negotiation of standstill agreement with India
Meanwhile people revolted against Nizam’s rule, particularly the peasants of Telangana due to his worst oppression measures.
Nizam retaliated on popular movement by unleashing a para-military force
150,000 soldiers were mobilized by Nizam to fight against the Indian Union
They murdered, maimed, raped and looted, targeting particularly the non-Muslims
In Sep 1948, Indian army under operation Polo invaded Hyderabad state & overthrew its Nizam, annexing the state merged it into the Indian Union.

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