POLITICAL SCIENCE (KANAK SHARMA)
CHALLENGES OF NATION BUILDING
THE THREE CHALLENGES POST INDEPENDENCE
-ACCOMMODATE DIVERSITY- shape a nation with size and diversity of
cultures and religions
ESTABLISH DEMOCRACY- right to vote,fundamental rights,parliamentary
form of government,democratic practices
ENSURE DEVELOPMENT– well being of entire society;principle of
equality,special protection of socially disadvantaged,eradication of poverty
and economic development
PRINCIPLE OF RELIGIOUS MAJORITIES AND THE DEFECTS
PAINFUL AND DEFECTIVE POLICY TO IMPLEMENT
NO SINGLE BELT OF MUSLIM MAJORITY AREAS- areas of concentration
in west and east
MUSLIM MAJORITY AREAS HAD AREAS WHERE NON –MUSLIMS WERE
IN A MAJORITY esp.Punjab , Bengal . Hence were to be divided till the
district and lower level
NOT ALL MUSLIM MAJORITY AREAS WANTED TO BE IN PAKISTAN-like
NWFP
PROBLEM OF MINORITY ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER- esp. the
Sikhs who were undesireable aliens in their own homes of their
ancestors;these became easy targets of attack
UNAWARENESS OF THE DEMARCATION OF BOUNDARY LINES
CREATED PROBLEMS FOR THE MIGRANTS
CONSEQUENCES OF PARTITION
Cities like Lahore, Kolkata and Amritsar became divided into communal zones
Abandoning of homes
Shelter in refugee camps
Unhelpful administration
Women and children were the worst sufferers
Division of hearts, properties ,liabilities and assets,political division,
administration and financial assets,division of emloyees of govt. and railway
Violent separation of communities who were neighbours
80 lakh migrants; 5 to 10 lakh people killed in partition related violence
Indian muslims still amounted to 12% of the population
Competing political interests behind conflicts-secularism to be a pressing
issue
INTEGRATION OF PRINCELY STATES
COMPOSED OF ONE- THIRD OF LAND AREA OF BRITISH INDIA OR ONE
OUT OF FOUR INDIANS
The British Indian Government was directly under the control of the Brittish
Government
The Princely states enjoyed internal independence as long as it accepted the
supremacy of the British
UNDER PARAMOUNTCY OR SUZERAINTY OF BRITISH CROWN
STRENGTH 565- The decision was left to the rulers whether they wanted to
either remain independent or to join either Pakistan or India
THE PROBLEM AREAS –
Governements run in a non-democratice manner
Rulers unwilling to give democratic rights to their population
The ruler of Travancore decided to remain independent
The Nizam of Hyderabad was the next to follow
The Nawab of Bengal decided not to join the Constituent Assembly
The interim government decided to handle the issue firmly in order to avoid
having pockets of independent nations within the Indian boundary
Under Sardar Patel diplomacy and negotiation were the basic policy principles
adopted by India to unite the small principalities
THE GOVERNMENT’S APPROACH WAS GUIDED BY THREE
CONSIDERATIONS-
A. Most of the princely states wanted to be a part of the Indian union
B. The governemnt was prepared to be flexible in giving autonomy to some
regions
C. In the backdrop of patition which brought into focus the contest over
demarcation of terrotory, the integartion and consolidation of territorial
boundaries of the nation had assumed importance
Before 15th August most of these states who fell within the declared Indian
boundaries, agreed to be a part of the Indian dominion by signing the INSTRUMENT
OF ACCESSION – or their approval of joining the Indian dominion ;with the
exception of Junagarh, Hyderabad, Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir
‘Patel and National Integration’- The first deputy Prime Minister and Home
Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, emerged as a major leader of the
freedom movement after the Kheda Satyagraha (1918) and the Bardoli Satyagraha
(1928). At the time of independence, the problem of integration of princely states
was a big challenge for the national unity and integrity of India. Under such difficult
times, Sardar Patel undertook the daunting tasks of uniting all 565 princely states of
India. Known as an ‘Iron Man’ of India, Patel's approach to the question of the
merger of princely states into independent India was very clear. He was not in favour
of any compromise with the territorial integrity of India. By his political experience,
diplomatic prowess and foresightedness, out of India's 565 princely states many had
already given their consent to merge with India even before achieving the
independence. Sardar Patel faced key challenges of integration from three states,
viz., Hyderabad, Junagarh and Kashmir. It was under his leadership that Indian
forces compelled Hyderabad and Junagarh to merge with India. Keeping well-versed
with Pakistan’s intentions from Jinnah’s divisive ‘Two Nation Theory’, Sardar Patel's
opinion on Kashmir was different from other leaders. Like Hyderabad, he also
wanted Kashmir’s integration with India through military operations. But due to
political decisions of some prominent leaders, Sardar could not succeed in
integrating Kashmir fully with India which later turned into a major historical blunder
for the country. However, Sardar will always remain as an astounding leader who
combined in himself the features of a true ‘Nationalist’, ‘Catalyst’ and ‘Realist’ –
popularly characterised as NCR in Indian political history
ASSIGNMENTS
Q.1. Describe the challenges that India faced at the time of independence in
1947.
Q.2.Why was partition described as the division of heart and division of
property.
Q.3.What was the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the independence of the
country?
Q.4 What were the options open for the princely states before independence.
What was the government’s approach?
Q.5.The three challenges faced by India at the time of independence are still
to be resolved completely. Do you agree with the statement. Give three
reasons in support of your answer?
Q.6.Explain the role played by Sardar Patel in integration of states
Q.7. What was the huge obstacle in nation building at the time of India’s
independence?
POLITICAL SCIENCE (KANAK SHARMA)
CHALLENGES OF NATION BUILDING
THE ISSUES OF PRINCELY STATES
The Standstill Agreement, which confirmed the continuance of the pre-existing
agreements and administrative practices. The Instrument of Accession, by which
the ruler of the princely state in question agreed to the accession of his kingdom to
independent India, granting the latter control over specified subject matters
Junagadh –plebiscite confirmed people’s desire to join India-
The Hindu majority of Junagarh revolted, leading to the near-collapse of the state
government, and India forced its military into Junagarh to force a plebiscite that had
91% of the population voting in support of joining India in
December. The plebiscite overwhelmingly called for the integration of Junagarh into
India.Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khan III of Junagarh (erstwhile Babi nawab
dynasty of Junagarh) left to live in Sindh, Pakistan.
Hyderabad – The Government of India rejected the firman of the Nizam of
remaining independent, terming it a "legalistic claim of doubtful validity". It argued
that the strategic location of Hyderabad, which lay astride the main lines of
communication between northern and southern India, meant it could easily be used
by "foreign interests" to threaten India, and that in consequence, the issue involved
national-security concerns. It also pointed out that the state's people, history and
location made it unquestionably Indian, and that its own "common interests" therefore
mandated its integration into IndiaStandstill agreement with India in November
1947;but peasantry of Telangana and women rose in opposition of the Nizam
as they were the major victims of the Nizam’s oppressive rule; Nizam
unleashed a para-military force called Razakars on the people
whomurdered , maimed and looted the people,especially targetting a certain
section of the people . On September 1948, with support of the Communists
and the Congress under Operation Polo on the grounds that the law and order
situation there threatened the peace of South India the Indian army moved to
control the Nizam’s forces .After a few days of intermittent fighting Hyderabad
became a part of India.
Manipur- Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh signed the Instrument of Accession
with the assurance of internal autonomy
The state became a constitutional monarchy after elections held in June 1948
Maharaja signed the Merger Agreement in September 1949 after pressure
from the Indian government without consulting the elected Legislative
Assembly
THE FOUR STEP INTEGRATION PROCESS-
1. MERGER
2. DEMOCRATISATION
3. CENTRALISATION AND CONSTITUTIONALISATION
4. REORGANISATION
Union of India- states that have federal relations with Centre
Territory of India- states and Uts ;acquired territory- Pondicherry,
Yanam,Mahe, Karaikal united with India in 1954 but till ratification by French
in 1962 remained an acquired territory
Sikkim became an associate state from a protectorate in 1974 and a astate in
1975
STATES REORGANISATION
COLONIAL RULE- boundaries drawn as per adminstrative
convenience;sequence of annexation of territoriesetc.
NAGPUR SESSION- linguistic principle
POST INDEPENDENCE- language policy would lead to disruption and
disintegration;divert attention from socio-economic challenges
UPRISINGS- Vishaandhra movement (telugu speaking people);fast by Potti
Sriramulu and his death led to a separate state in Dec. 1952
Union of India- states that have federal relations with Centre
Territory of India- states and Uts ;acquired territory- Pondicherry,
Yanam,Mahe, Karaikal united with India in 1954 but till ratification by French
in 1962 remained an acquired territory
Sikkim became an associate state from a protectorate in 1974 and a astate in
1975
SRC was established in 1953- to redraw boundaries of state,reflecting the
boundaries of different languages
Act passed in 1956- 14 states and 6 Uts
H.P., MANIPUR AND TRIPURA were U.Ts
Bombay divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960
Linguistic principle was considered more democratic and people favoured
Gave uniformity in the process and accepting the principle of diversity;plurality
of ideas and ways of life
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STATES REORGANISATION COMMISION-
1953-56
Creation of new states to strengthen national unity
Linguistic and cultural criteria
Administrative, financial and economic viability
Should be able to aid in the implementation of five year plans
NEW STATES AND YEAR OF FORMATION
1952- ANdhra Pradesh
1960- Mah. And Guj.
1963- Nagaland
1966- Punjab
1972- Megh. ;Manipur and Tripura
1987- Arunachal and Mizoram
2000-Jharkhand,U.K.,Chattisgarh
2013- Telangana
ASSIGNMENTS
Q.1. What forced the Union Government of India to appoint the States
Reorganisation Commission in 1953? Mention its two main recommendations.
Q.2. Explain the role played by Sardar Patel in the unification of princely
states in India.
Q.3.How did the state of Hyderabad became a part of the Indian Union after
partition?
Q.4.What are the reasons being used by Nehru for keeping India secular? Do
you think these reasons were only ethical and sentimental? Or were there
some prudential reasons as well?
Q.5.What was the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the independence of the
country?
Q.6 What were the options open for the princely states before independence.
What was the government’s approach?
Q.7. The merger of Manipur saw Patel’s diplomacy at its peak. Examine the
statement?
Q.8.The three challenges faced by India at the time of independence are still
to be resolved completely. Do you agree with the statement. Give three
reasons in support of your answer?
Q.9. Why was Nehru reluctant to introduce the linguistic principle in states
reorganisation
Q.10.Read the passage given below carefully and answer the following
questions:
The interim government took a firm stance against the possible division of
India into smaller principalities of different sizes. The Muslim League opposed
the lndian National Congress and took the view that the States should be free
to adopt any course they liked. Sardar Patel, India’s Deputy Prime Minister
and the Home Minister during the crucial period, immediately after
Independence, played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of Princely
States in bringing most of them into the Indian Union.
Questions
Which government has been referred to as the interim government?
Why did the Muslim League oppose the Indian National Congress?
What makes the role of Sardar Patel a historic one? Explain.
Watch the following videos and prepare a 150 word paragraph each ,on them
1.1947 indian independence rare colour videoclip(2).mp4
2. India & Pakistan Separation(2).mp4
CHALLENGES OF NATION BUILDING
CARTOON STUDY/MAPS
EXPLANATION
ISSSUE- INTEGRATION OF PRINCELY STATES UNDERTAKEN BY SARDAR
PATEL
APPROACH-The interim government decided to handle the issue firmly in order to
avoid having pockets of independent nations within the Indian boundary
Under Sardar Patel diplomacy and negotiation were the basic policy principles
adopted by India to unite the small principalities
ISSUES- Junagarh, Hyderabad, Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir
PATEL’S CONTRIBUTION-He was not in favour of any compromise with the
territorial integrity of India. By his political experience, diplomatic prowess and
foresightedness, out of India's 565 princely states many had already given their
consent to merge with India even before achieving the independence
ISSUE OF HYDERABAD- IndiaStandstill agreement with India in November
1947;but peasantry of Telangana and women rose in opposition of the Nizam as
they were the major victims of the Nizam’s oppressive rule; Nizam unleashed a para-
military force called Razakars on the people whomurdered , maimed and looted the
people,especially targetting a certain section of the people . On September 1948,
with support of the Communists and the Congress under Operation Polo on the
grounds that the law and order situation there threatened the peace of South India
the Indian army moved to control the Nizam’s forces .After a few days of intermittent
fighting Hyderabad became a part of India.
NOW ATTEMPT
Q.1.NAME THE PERSON WHO HAS JUST ENTERED?
Q.2.WHAT IS HE DEMANDING AND FROM WHOM?
Q.3. WHICH DEPARTMENTS DOES HE SEEK FROM THE PERSON AND WHY?
Q.4. FROM THE CARTOON WHAT REASON CAN BE GIVEN FOR THIS PERSON
ASKING FOR THE DAPARTMENTS?
Q.5.ANALYSE THE POSITION OF THE MAHARAJA WITH THE PRAJA?
Q.6. HOW DO YOU THINK HE MANAGED TO CONVINCE SUCH PRINCELY
STATES
SIMILAR QUESTIONS MAY BE ASKED ABOUT MANIPUR TOO
ISSUE-STATES REORGANISATION
PROBLEM- Nehru feared lingual division of the nation may lead to divisions
language policy would lead to disruption and disintegration;divert attention from
socio-economic challenges
EVENT- UPRISINGS- Vishaandhra movement (telugu speaking people);fast by Potti
Sriramulu and his death led to a separate state in Dec. 1952
SRC was established in 1953- to redraw boundaries of state,reflecting the
boundaries of different languages
NOW ATTEMPT
Q.1. Why was states reorganisation essential?
Q,2.What were the different opinions about it?
Q.3. Why does Nehru look so perplexed?
Q.4 How was the problem finally solved?
Q.5.What was the SRC?
Q.1.What is the poet’s lamentation?
Q.2.Why was partition so heartbreaking?
Q.3.Which state is referred here and why?
Q.4.Nehru refers to a festering sore . what is it?
Q.5. What would be the responsibilities of a new nation?
Q.1. NAME 2 PRINCELY STATES?
Q.2. NAME TWO CONTROVERSIAL PRINCELY STATES OF SOUTH India?
Q.3. T WHICH STATE DID RAJA BODHCHANDRA BELONG?
Q.4.NAME A STATE WITH A MUSLIM KING AND A MAJORITY OF HINDU
POPULATION?
Q.5. NAME A STATE WITH A HINDU KING AND A MAJORITY OF MUSLIM
POPULATION?
Q.6.WHICH PRINCELY STATE HELD A PLEBISCITE?
Q.7. NAME TWO CITIES FACING COMMUNAL RIOTS?
Q.8.NAME TWO STATES WHICH WERE WORST HIT BY PARTITION?
Q.9.MARK AND NAME TWO UTS?
Q.10.WHICH STATE FIRST DEMANDED A REORGANISATION?OR WHICH
STATE DID POTTI SRIRAMULLU BELONG?
