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Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. UPSC IAS Mains 2021 General Studies (Paper – 1)

Integration of princely states into India on eve of independence was crucial last steptowards realising the dream of an independent Republic of India. But the difference in conditions, issues and aspirations provided difficulties that required stoic attention.  

Administrative issues hindered integration of princely states

  1. Territorial Contiguityor lack of it such as in Patiala, Kapurthala etc. which were combined into PEPSU, or Jammu and Kashmir whose connectivity was threatened due to disruption of railway and roads passing through areas under Pakistan.  
  2. Lapse of British paramountcycreated a lacuna of sovereignty.  
  3. Residual Powers:Princely states surrendered only rights enumerated in Instrument of Accession and retained administrative roles as rulers.  
  4. The question of authority versus popular will as the legitimate deciding factor divided opinions, such as in Junagadh, Hyderabad and J&K.  
  5. Princely Privileges:The extent of privileges to be retained, nature of compensation and hierarchy among princes, privy purses etc. were points of contention.  
  6. Religious role of Kingssuch as of Travancore in management of Padmanabhaswamy templeand its assets were complex problems.  

Socio-cultural problems existed in integration of Indian princely states

  1. Hyderabadhad problems of peasant discontent.For example, theTelangana movement.  
  2. J&Khad social discontent against the king, and a communal divide in economic status.  
  3. There was cultural difference between Telugu-speaking parts of Hyderabad and Urdu-speaking and Marathi speakingregions.  
  4. There waseconomic divide between regions to be integrated such as between Barodaand other princely states of Saurashtra region.   

Integration of Indian princely state is a mark of administrative statesmanship and socio-cultural integration of a diverse people with diverse aspirations.







POSTED ON 15-07-2023 BY ADMIN
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