In this Notes, we will discuss about the Integration of Princely States, Reorganisation of States on the basis of Language, Patesl as Bismarck of India, Linguism, Role of Laguage in Indian Politics etc. These notes will also help students of HPU studying M.A. History as well as the Aspirants of various competitive exams. Read more about MA History 4th Semester Notes here.

Integration of Princely States by V.B. Patel

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a pivotal role in integration of princely states of over 560 into the newly independent Union of India between 1947 and 1949. This was a critical challenge after India’s independence, as these princely states were technically sovereign and had the option to join either India or Pakistan—or remain independent. The British withdrawal left these princely states with the option to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent, creating a major challenge for national unity.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was appointed as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, was entrusted with the critical task of unifying these princely states into the Indian Union. Thus, He was given responsibility for States’ Department. Patel’s approach combined diplomacy, persuasion, strategic pressure, and, where necessary, the use of force. Patel, along with his key advisor V.P. Menon, devised a diplomatic strategy to persuade the rulers.

• India Independence Act and the Native States –
  • The India Independence Act was passed in the British Parliament on 18 July 1947. Its seventh section contained the following provisions regarding the native states –
  • From 15 August 1947, Britain’s supreme power over the kings of Indian native states will end, that is, the native states will get complete independence and these native kings will be free to establish their relations with any colony (India, Pakistan) as per their wish.
  • The relations of post, telegraph, transport etc. between their states and British territories will remain as before until any party decides to end them.
  • The Indian Independence Act thus made the matters of native states even more complicated. If the princely states scattered in different parts of India decide to remain independent, then the unity of India will be destroyed and security will be in danger. Therefore, the Indian government had to face this complicated problem as a great headache along with the announcement of independence.
• Attempts to Merge Native States into Union of India –
  • Congress and the interim government of India became worried about the tendency of the princes to seek independence. With the decision of India’s independence, the political department of the Government of India also came to an end.
  • In its place, the national government of India established a princely department. Sardar Patel became its minister and V.P. Menon became its secretary. They decided to merge 565 princely states with India before 15 August.
  • The princely department of India appealed to the princely states to merge with India keeping in mind the geographical conditions of their princely states. Making a similar appeal, Mountbatten said, “Just as you cannot run away from your subjects for whose welfare you are responsible, in the same way you cannot run away from the government of your neighbouring colony (India).”
    • On 5 July, he published an important statement in which the princely states were appealed to hand over the subjects related to foreign policy, transport and security to the Government of India. They will remain independent in the remaining subjects. If this does not happen, anarchy will spread in the country which will harm everyone. Lord Mountbatten supported Sardar Patel’s statement.
  • The serious problem of merger of princely states in India, which was not solved by Lord Linlithgow and Lord Wavell, was solved in a short span of two months by the shrewdness of Lord Mountbatten, the great statesmanship of Sardar Patel and the patriotism of the kings of Bikaner, Patiala, Baroda, Gwalior and Jaipur.
• Integration of Princely States in Union of India –
  • 1947 itself, Sardar Patel also declared, “The supreme power of the emperor has now died and no one sheds tears over it. But it can never be understood to mean that since the supreme power has disappeared, therefore there is no power in India. The Indian government wants to work as a government and it cannot see anarchy flourishing in any part of India.” This declaration of Patel had a very good impact. Except Hyderabad, Junagadh and Kashmir, all other princely states joined the Indian Union.
  • On 25th July, 1947, the princely states decided that they should join the Indian Union as per the ‘Instrument of Accession’.
    • The Instrument of Accession is a legal document that allowed princely states to join India by ceding control over defense, foreign affairs, and communications to the central government, while retaining autonomy over internal matters.
    • It had a provision that until the Indian Constituent Assembly makes its constitution with the cooperation of 93 representatives of the princely states, the sovereign parliament will make laws for concessions in relation to defence, external affairs, transport and other ancillary subjects.
• Democratisation of States –
  • The integration of princely states into the Indian Union and their merger with the neighbouring provinces had only one objective. That unique objective was to establish responsible governance in the entire Indian Union.
  • The ideals of nationalism and republic have been declared in the background of the Indian Constitution and the fulfilment of these ideals is possible only on a democratic basis.
  • The Indian government finally took active steps to establish responsible governance in every part of the princely states. Its purpose was not only to end feudalism in the princely states but also to provide new progressive legislation in the new administrative governance system in these regions.
  • The privileges of the kings were abolished. As soon as the Indian Constitution came into force, the parliamentary system was introduced in them.
• Handling Resistant States –
  • While the majority of states joined peacefully, some posed significant challenges:
    • Hyderabad: The Nizam sought independence or possible accession to Pakistan. Patel authorized “Operation Polo,” a swift police action in 1948, which resulted in Hyderabad’s integration into India within days.
    • Junagadh: The Nawab acceded to Pakistan despite a Hindu-majority population. Patel responded with economic blockade and military intervention, followed by a plebiscite in which the people overwhelmingly chose to join India.
    • Kashmir: Facing invasion from Pakistani forces, the Maharaja of Kashmir sought Indian military help, which was granted after he signed the Instrument of Accession, bringing Kashmir into India.
    • Jodhpur and Bhopal: These states showed inclinations towards Pakistan or independence. Patel used a mix of incentives and firm negotiation to secure their accession to India.

Vallabh bhai patel also known as Bismarck of India

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is known as the “Bismarck of India” because of his crucial role in the political integration of India after independence in 1947, which closely resembles the unification of Germany under Otto von Bismarck in the 19th century.

• Unification of Princely States –
  • At the time of independence, India was fragmented into over 560 princely states, each with the option to join India or Pakistan—or remain independent.
  • Patel, as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, led the effort to convince or compel these states to join the Indian Union.
  • He used a mix of diplomacy, strategic pressure, and firmness to bring these diverse and often reluctant states into the Indian fold.
• Use of Political Skill and Authority –
  • Like Bismarck, who unified Germany through a combination of diplomacy and power politics, Patel used realpolitik—practical and strategic decisions rather than ideological approaches.
  • He worked closely with V.P. Menon, a senior civil servant, to draft the Instrument of Accession and negotiate with rulers.
• Handling of Resistant States –
  • Patel dealt firmly with states like Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Kashmir, where rulers resisted joining India.
  • In cases like Hyderabad and Junagadh, military action (e.g., Operation Polo) was used as a last resort to maintain national integrity.
• Strong National Vision –
  • Patel’s vision was a united, strong India, free from internal divisions that could weaken the nation after the trauma of Partition.
  • His actions laid the foundation for a politically unified India, much like Bismarck laid the foundation for modern Germany.