After India’s independence in 1947, the princely states of Punjab were integrated to form:

The correct answer is: b) PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union)

After India’s independence in 1947, the princely states of Punjab were integrated to form PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union). PEPSU was a union of princely states in the Indian subcontinent that existed from 1948 to 1956. It was formed by the merger of the princely states of Patiala, East Punjab States, and some smaller states. The capital of PEPSU was Patiala.

In 1956, PEPSU was merged with the state of Punjab to form the present-day state of Punjab.

The other options are incorrect because:

• Option a) The state of Punjab is incorrect because the princely states of Punjab were not integrated to form the state of Punjab in 1947. The state of Punjab was formed in 1956 by the merger of PEPSU with the state of Punjab.
• Option c) Haryana is incorrect because Haryana was formed in 1966 by the partition of the state of Punjab.
• Option d) Himachal Pradesh is incorrect because Himachal Pradesh was formed in 1971 by the merger of the princely states of Himachal Pradesh and Bilaspur.