Q.77 Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian princely states. POST INDEPENDENT INDIA (UPSC CSE 2021) (150 words/10 marks)

Answer:

INTRODUCTION:

There were more than 500 princely states in India at the time of independence,constituting around 48% of the country’s total area. Consolidation of these state was the primary goal of the policy makers to achieve the goal of a unified India. However, the disparity in circumstances resulted in a number of sociocultural and administrative challenges in the integration of the princely state.

THE BODY:

Major Princely states which created hurdles in integration:

• • Kashmir: This was a princely kingdom with a Hindu king ruling over a predominant Muslim population which had remained reluctant to join either of the two The case of this strategically-located kingdom was not just very different but also one of the toughest as it had important international boundaries.
  • Hyderabad: It was the largest of all princely states which covered a large portion of the Deccan plateau and nizam ruled over largely Hindu population in the princely state. Despite persuasion from Patel, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh and final Nizam of Hyderabad, did not want to cede Hyderabad to the Indian union.
  • Junagadh: It was situated on the southwestern end of Gujarat and contained a large Hindu population ruled by the Nawab. Nawab of Junagadh decided to accede to Pakistan, even as the people of the state remained staunchly opposed to it.

Administrative issues:

• • Lapse of British Paramountcy: With the passing of Indian Independence Act of 1947, there was lapse of British Paramountcy over the Indian This provided princely state rulers the opportunity to declare their autonomy which became a major issue.
  • Administrative and governance issues: The governance and administrative structures of the Princely States were distinct from those of the rest of India. In this backdrop it became necessary to reorganize administrative structures and enact new laws and regulations in order to integrate these states.
  • Lack of territorial connectivity: There was lack of territorial connectivity of many western states with major parts of India and was more easier to connect with Pakistan. For example, many princely states of areas of Rajasthan and Punjab despite having a Hindu king and a large Hindu population had a tilt towards Pakistan.

Socio-cultural problems:

• • Socio-cultural differences: One of the major issue related to integration was socio-cultural differences among princely Some states were more socially developed others were less which was enhanced by cultural differences like between western part of India and Tegulu speaking Hyderabad.
  • Economic divide: There was clear evidence of economic divide between different princely state because of several colonial and geographical Some states had abundant natural resources with flourishing industries on the other hand some had none. Richer states did not want to give up on the resources and want to remain independent.
  • Peasant Protest: Another problem faced during the integration was rise of peasant protest in various regions because of For example, Telangana Rebellion of 1946–1951 was an uprising by peasants in the Telangana region against the led by communists, that intensified as a result of agitations.

CONCLUSION:

The integration of the Indian Princely States was a difficult process that required careful planning and negotiation to address the various administrative and socio-cultural issues that arose. However, overcoming these obstacles, our leaders managed to unite all the princely states with the union of India.