UPSC Mains 2021 · GS I · Q3 · 10 marks · 150 words

Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States.

हिन्दी में

भारतीय रियासतों के एकीकरण की प्रक्रिया में मुख्य प्रशासनिक मुद्दों एवं सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक समस्याओं का आकलन कीजिए ।

Post-Independence

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Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “The integration of the Princely States into the Indian Union after partition involved overcoming significant administrative and socio-cultural hurdles. Discuss the statement with special emphasis on the integration of Hyderabad. Also, throw light on the role of Sardar Patel in the integration process.”

Aryan Yadav198 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

The Indian independence act 1947 gave princely states the choice of joining either India, Pakistan or staying independent.

Body · points

Challenges of integration of princely states

Administrative

  1. Hyderabad wanted to remain independent despite being surrounded by Indian states

  2. Junagarh wanted to join Pakistan despite it's location in Indian part

  3. Integration led to demands for seperate statehood

  4. Kashmir had seperate constitution making integration challenging

  5. Princely state rulers demanded various privileges like privy purse

Socio-cultural

  1. Junagarh which wanted to join Pakistan had muslim ruler but Hindu majority population
  2. Kashmiri muslims feared dominance of Hindu Majority
  3. Many princely states had their own unique culture, seperate from rest of India

Integration of Hyderabad

  1. The Nizam demanded independence
  2. Violence against religious minorities was seen
  3. Finally integrated via operation polo by military action

Role of Sardar Patel

  1. As home minister, he was tasked with integration process
  2. He used force to ensure integration process
  3. Negotiated with rulers by providing land, privy purse etc
  4. Was able to fast trace the process & get instrument of accession signed by states

Close · a summary

Hence Sardar Patel played a key role in navigating the challenges of integration process

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Q3. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.