Question

Write the names of any two Indian princely states which opposed merging with India after independence?

Hint:

Remember: Hyderabad and Junagarh were two major princely states that initially resisted joining India after independence.

Answer 1

After India gained independence in 1947, several princely states were reluctant to join the newly formed Indian Union. Two notable examples of such states are: 1. Hyderabad:
The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, initially resisted joining India and sought to maintain independence for his princely state. He even signed a standstill agreement with Pakistan, attempting to keep his options open. However, after military action in 1948 (Operation Polo), Hyderabad was integrated into India.
2. Junagarh:
Junagarh, a princely state in Gujarat, was ruled by the Nawab who preferred to join Pakistan despite being located in India. This led to the eventual accession of Junagarh to India after a plebiscite in which the majority of people voted for India. India took control of Junagarh in 1948.
Conclusion:
These princely states initially opposed joining India due to their leaders’ political preferences or external pressures. However, through diplomatic efforts and, in some cases, military intervention, they were eventually integrated into the Indian Union.