Which one of the following statements about ‘Princely States' in India

Which one of the following statements about ‘Princely States’ in India is not correct?

The British Government declared that States were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent.

The decision to join India or Pakistan or remain independent was left not to the people of Princely States but to the Princely Rulers.

The Ruler of Travancore first decided to remain independent.

The State of Travancore finally joined India through a plebiscite.

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UPSC CAPF – 2022

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Statement A is correct, as the Indian Independence Act of 1947 gave princely states the option to accede to India or Pakistan or remain independent. Statement B is correct; the decision legally rested with the ruler, although popular opinion and geographical location played significant roles. Statement C is correct; the Dewan of Travancore, C. P. Ramaswami Iyer, initially declared the state’s intention to remain independent. Statement D is incorrect; Travancore did not join India through a plebiscite. It acceded to India in July 1947 after negotiations, political pressure, and an assassination attempt on the Dewan. Plebiscites were used in states like Junagadh and a conditional plebiscite was proposed for Jammu and Kashmir, while Hyderabad was integrated through police action.

The integration of princely states into the Indian Union after independence was a complex process involving negotiation, diplomacy, and in some cases, military action or plebiscites. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and V. P. Menon played crucial roles in this process.

By August 15, 1947, most states had signed the Instrument of Accession, joining India. However, a few states, notably Junagadh, Hyderabad, and Jammu & Kashmir, posed significant challenges and their integration involved different methods. Travancore’s initial resistance and eventual accession are also notable events in this history.

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