Question

Who was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel? What was his role in the merger of the princely states into India?

Hint:

Patel, known as the Iron Man of India, unified princely states into India after independence.

Answer 1

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and His Role in the Merger of the Princely States into India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a prominent Indian leader and statesman, often referred to as the ”Iron Man of India” for his strong leadership and role in the country’s independence movement. He was the first Deputy Prime Minister and the first Home Minister of independent India. Patel’s most significant contribution was in the integration of the princely states into India. After inde pendence, India consisted of British India and more than 500 princely states. Patel, as the Home Minister, took on the challenging task of persuading and negotiating with the rulers of these states to join the Indian Union. Using diplomacy and, when necessary, forceful measures, Patel successfully integrated all the princely states, except Jammu and Kashmir, into India. His efforts ensured the political consolidation of the newly independent nation, making him a key architect of modern India