Significant Contributions of Sardar Patel to the Integration of Princely States

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Prime Roles of Sardar Patel in Integration of
Princely States
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Architect of
Modern India handled the problems with deftness
and dexterity and shaped Indias destiny with
single-minded devotion. He made his mark in the
Kheda and Bardoli satyagra has and become one of
the most popular leaders of the freedom struggle.
With his defined dedication he was given the
formidable task of integrating the princely
states as Indias first deputy prime minister and
home minister.    During the British Empire in
India princely states were subsidiary state under
a regional ruler. However, it was not directly
ruled by the British rulers, but by a local
leader. They had indirect control over these
states. There were 565 princely states officially
recognized in India constituting 48 of the area
and 28 of the population of the pre-independent
India. After the independence in 1947, the
British government gave a choice to the princely
states to either join India or Pakistan or to
remain independent. Sardar Patel gracefully
handled the integration of the native states to
the Indian union with diplomacy and negotiation.
A rigid policy he followed and maintained that no
independent princely state would be allowed to
remain isolated within India. However, he
convinced them to surrender their defense,
foreign affairs and communication with the Indian
union. With his brilliance and tactics, all the
princely states had integrated with India except
the state of Jodhpur, Junagadh, Kashmir, and
Hyderabad.
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Later, when Jodhpur tried to make a better deal
with Pakistan and agreed to free access to
importing and production of arms, Sardar Patel
met the Maharaja of Jodhpur Harvant Singh and
guaranteed the import of arms, supply of grains
during famines, and the connection of Jodhpur to
Kathiawar through railways.   The Nawab of
Junagadh decided to join Pakistan but the
majority of Hindus belonging there revolted
against the decision which resulted in a lot of
violence after independence. Sardar Patel asked
and demanded Pakistan to reverse the deal as the
majority of the citizens voted for Junagadhs
integration with India and later in 1948 Junagadh
became a part of India.   Sardar Patel played an
integral role and also supported the integration
of Lakshadweep to the Indian union. However,
Patel was instrumental in the integration of the
princely states with the Indian Union. What is
Sardar Patel Peace and unity award?   SPPU makes
a formal attempt to recognize and celebrate the
exemplary efforts made by passionate individuals
who brings a positive impact within
society. Pease unity award sppu award are given
to recognize notable and inspiring contributions
to promote the cause of national unity and
integrity.
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