Introduction
At the time of Independence in 1947, India consisted of two distinct political entities—British Indian Provinces directly ruled by the Crown and Princely States, which enjoyed internal autonomy under British Paramountcy. These princely states covered nearly 40% of India’s territory and housed around 23% of its population. With the end of colonial rule, integrating these states into the Indian Union became one of the most urgent and complex tasks for the new leadership.
Sardar Patel and the Integration of Princely States
End of British Paramountcy
With Britain’s withdrawal, its paramountcy over the 565 princely states lapsed, technically making them independent entities. The British left the rulers free to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent—creating a serious threat of fragmentation.
Possibility of Balkanisation
Several rulers expressed intentions of independence:
Travancore declared it would remain independent
The Nizam of Hyderabad followed suit
Nawab of Bhopal opposed joining the Constituent Assembly
These moves raised the alarming prospect of India breaking into several mini-nations.
Sardar Patel’s Strategy
As Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel—assisted by V.P. Menon—played the most decisive role in unifying India.
Why His Task Was Difficult
26 princely units existed in present-day Odisha
Saurashtra alone had over 130 states
Many regions followed different administrative systems
Three Principles Guided the Government
Reflecting the People’s Will – Most populations wanted to join India.
Accommodating Diversity – Autonomy was promised where necessary.
Territorial Consolidation – Partition made secure and united borders imperative.
Using diplomacy, persuasion, and at times firmness, Patel ensured that most states signed the Instrument of Accession before 15 August 1947.
Difficult Cases of Accession
Certain states required extra efforts—sometimes military or political intervention.
Hyderabad – Integrated through Operation Polo (1948)
Background
The Nizam sought independence and signed a Standstill Agreement with India in 1947.
Militant groups like Razakars, led by Kasim Razvi, violently opposed joining India.
People’s Resistance
Hyderabad State Congress launched a movement
Widespread support from peasants and women, especially in Telangana
Operation Polo
On 13 September 1948, India launched a police action.
Within days, the Nizam surrendered, leading to Hyderabad’s accession to India.
Junagadh – Integrated Through Referendum (1948)
Events
Junagadh’s Nawab acceded to Pakistan on 15 August 1947 despite a Hindu majority population.
Massive protests erupted; the Nawab fled to Karachi.
A provisional government was set up.
Outcome
India took over Junagadh on 9 November 1947.
A referendum in February 1948 showed overwhelming support for joining India.
Jammu & Kashmir – Integrated Through Instrument of Accession (1947)
Crisis
Tribesmen supported by Pakistan invaded Kashmir in October 1947.
Accession
Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India.
Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar.
Sheikh Abdullah formed an interim government.
Later Developments
1952 Delhi Agreement granted special status
1954 ratification under Indian Constitution
Article 370 was repealed on 5 August 2019
Manipur – Integration by Merger (1949)
Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, retaining internal autonomy.
In 1948, Manipur became the first Indian region to hold elections based on universal adult franchise.
In September 1949, the Maharaja signed the Merger Agreement, though the elected assembly was not consulted—leading to long-standing resentment.
Other Notable Cases
Travancore
Initially declared independence; later acceded on July 30, 1947.
Jodhpur
Maharaja Hanwant Singh considered joining Pakistan but eventually signed the Instrument of Accession after discussions with Patel.
Bhopal
Nawab Hamidullah Khan surrendered his desire for independence and joined India as more states signed accession.
Methods Used for Integrating Princely States
India employed a mix of diplomacy, administrative reforms, and strategic intervention.
Treaties and Agreements
Standstill Agreements
Maintained existing arrangements temporarily.
Instrument of Accession (IoA)
States transferred control of defence, external affairs, and communications.
Revised IoA – April 1948
Expanded legislative powers of the Union.
Central Support Mechanisms
Creation of the Ministry of States
Continuous Union coordination
Intervention when states resisted integration
Merger of Smaller States
Many tiny states were merged with provinces:
Odisha
Bombay
Saurashtra
Madhya Bharat
Himachal Pradesh
Democratization
Introduction of responsible governments
Aligning princely states with democratic practices of the Indian Union
Direct Intervention in Troubled States
In cases like Hyderabad and Junagadh, the Centre intervened to restore order and ensure integration.
Role of Princes
Many were absorbed as Governors
They were initially granted Privy Purses (abolished in 1969)
Conclusion
The integration of princely states stands as one of the most remarkable achievements of modern Indian history. Under the leadership of Sardar Patel, India was united through a mix of diplomacy, persuasion, political flexibility, and decisive action.
Had these states chosen independence or partition, India would have been a fragmented subcontinent. Instead, the nation emerged unified, territorially secure, and politically stable—laying the foundation for the world’s largest democracy.
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