Spectrum Test: The Indian States - UPSC MCQ

The policies mentioned were implemented in specific time periods. The Policy of Ring Fence was during 1765-1813, Policy of Subordinate Union from 1857-1935, Policy of Subordinate Isolation between 1813-1857, and the Company's struggle for equality was from 1740-1765.

The Butler Committee was indeed set up in 1927 to review the relationship between the princely states and British India, and one of its key recommendations was to maintain paramountcy and not hand over states to an Indian Government without their consent.

The Battle of Plassey (1757) precedes the acquisition of the Diwani (1765), which is followed by the formation of the Chamber of Princes (1921), and finally the integration of the princely states after World War II.

Hyderabad signed a Standstill Agreement with India in November 1947, seeking to maintain the status quo and negotiate its future.

The Government of India Act, 1935 proposed a Federal Assembly with 125 out of 375 seats for the princes.

Junagarh had a Hindu majority that wanted to join India but was ruled by a Muslim Nawab. Hyderabad signed a Standstill Agreement with India. Kashmir was given special status under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.

The policy of Ring Fence, reflected in Warren Hastings' wars against the Marathas and Mysore, aimed at safeguarding British interests by surrounding their territories with buffer states.

While it is true that princely states varied greatly in size and population, the reasoning provided does not directly explain why this variation existed.

By August 15, 1947, influenced by Sardar Patel and V.P. Menon, 136 states had joined the Indian Union.

The special status of Jammu and Kashmir was recognized under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which implied limited jurisdiction of the Indian Union over the state compared to other states.

Under the Policy of Subordinate Isolation, princely states surrendered their external sovereignty to the British but were allowed to retain control over their internal administration.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, assisted by V.P. Menon, played a pivotal role in persuading the rulers of princely states to join the Indian Union post-1947.

Wellesley’s policy of subsidiary alliance, which sought to reduce princely states to a position of dependence, was an extension of the 'Ring Fence' policy.

The princely state of Hyderabad initially desired to maintain its sovereignty and remain independent during the period of India's partition in 1947.

Junagarh had a Muslim ruler wanting to join Pakistan but a Hindu majority population. Hyderabad, under its Muslim ruler, signed a Standstill Agreement with India. Kashmir had a Hindu ruler with a Muslim majority population and initially desired sovereignty.

The Montford Reforms of 1921 led to the creation of the Narendra Mandal (Chamber of Princes), a consultative and advisory body for the princely states.

The United States of Travancore-Cochin, formed by merging the princely states of Travancore and Cochin during the integration process, later became part of the state of Kerala.

Under the Policy of Subordinate Isolation, British Residents in princely states were transformed from diplomatic agents to executive and controlling officers of the superior British government.

The assertion correctly states the end of the Mughal emperor's authority post-1858, and the reasoning accurately explains this as part of the Policy of Subordinate Union.

The princely state of Kashmir faced a unique issue during integration, with its Hindu prince envisaging sovereign status while its Muslim majority population was inclined towards accession to a different dominion