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The integration of more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union after independence was mainly achieved by:
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Answer: Option B — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Detailed Solution
As the Minister of Home Affairs and of States, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led the integration of about 562 princely states into the Indian Union after independence. He is therefore called the "Iron Man of India" and the "Bismarck of India".
The problem of princely states:
- At the time of independence, about 40 per cent of India's territory was made up of princely states ruled by Indian princes under British paramountcy.
- Under the Indian Independence Act, 1947, British paramountcy lapsed, and the states were free to join India or Pakistan, or to remain independent.
Patel's approach:
In July 1947, Patel set up the States Department, with V.P. Menon as its Secretary.
He appealed to the princes' patriotism and also made it clear that the government would not tolerate independence.
Most princes signed the Instrument of Accession, giving the Union control over defence, external affairs and communications.
They also signed Standstill Agreements to continue existing arrangements.
Later, the states were merged with neighbouring provinces or grouped into unions, and the princes were given privy purses.
Difficult cases:
- A few states, such as Hyderabad, Junagadh and Jammu and Kashmir, did not join immediately.
- Hyderabad was integrated in September 1948 through a police action called Operation Polo.
- By 1949, almost all the princely states had been integrated.
Recognition:
- Patel's birth anniversary, 31 October, is celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day).
- The Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue at 182 metres, was built in his honour at Kevadia in Gujarat and unveiled in 2018.
- He was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1991.
Role of V.P. Menon:
V.P. Menon, a senior civil servant, worked closely with Patel and wrote "The Story of the Integration of the Indian States".
Abolition of privy purses:
The privy purses and privileges of the former rulers were abolished by the 26th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1971.
Why not the other options?
- ✗Nehru was Prime Minister, Mountbatten was the Governor-General and Rajaji succeeded him, but Patel led the integration of the states.
Quick tip
Remember: Integration of about 562 princely states = Sardar Patel (with V.P. Menon); "Iron Man of India".
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Famous Personalities & Founders — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Famous Personalities & Founders, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic covers famous personalities from India and the world: leaders, reformers, scientists, entrepreneurs and their nicknames, along with the founders of organisations, companies, institutions, religions and movements. Questions often use popular titles such as 'Iron Man of India' (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel) or 'Nightingale of India' (Sarojini Naidu), or ask who founded an organisation, such as the Ramakrishna Mission (Swami Vivekananda). Grouping people by field and by title makes revision faster and helps you spot wrong options. Practise the famous personalities questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.