Consider the following statements.1. The rulers of most of the states...
- Before 15 August 1947, peaceful negotiations had brought almost all states whose territories were contiguous to the new boundaries of India, into the Indian Union.
- The rulers of most of the states signed a document called the ‘Instrument of Accession’ which meant that their state agreed to become a part of the Union of India. Accession of the Princely States of Junagadh, Hyderabad, Kashmir and Manipur proved more difficult than the rest.
- The issue of Junagarh was resolved after a plebiscite confirmed people’s desire to join India. You will read about Kashmir in Chapter Eight. Here, let us look at the cases of Hyderabad and Manipur.
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Consider the following statements.1. The rulers of most of the states...
The correct answer is option C - both statements are correct.
Explanation:
1. The rulers of most of the states signed a document called the ‘Instrument of Accession’ which meant that their state agreed to become a part of the Union of India:
- After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, the princely states were given the choice to either join India or Pakistan or remain independent.
- The rulers of most of the princely states decided to accede to either India or Pakistan.
- The Instrument of Accession was a legal document signed by the ruler of a princely state, which affirmed their decision to join either India or Pakistan.
- By signing the Instrument of Accession, the rulers acknowledged the sovereignty of India or Pakistan over their state's defense, foreign affairs, and communication.
- In return, the Indian government agreed to provide the princely states with certain privileges and guarantees, such as continued autonomy in internal matters, protection of their culture and traditions, and financial assistance.
2. The issue of Junagarh was resolved after a plebiscite confirmed people’s desire to join India:
- Junagarh was a princely state located in the Gujarat region of India.
- The ruler of Junagarh, Mohammad Mahabat Khanji III, decided to accede to Pakistan when India gained independence.
- However, the majority of Junagarh's population was Hindu, and they strongly opposed the decision to join Pakistan.
- The Indian government refused to accept the accession and sent troops to Junagarh.
- The situation was resolved through a plebiscite held in February 1948, in which the people of Junagarh voted overwhelmingly to join India.
- The plebiscite confirmed the desire of the people of Junagarh to become a part of India, and the Indian government accepted their decision.
In conclusion, both statements are correct. The first statement highlights the process of accession followed by most princely states, while the second statement specifically refers to the resolution of the Junagarh issue through a plebiscite.
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