Sardar Patel: India marked its independence on August 15, 1947, signaling the end of colonial rule. However, the idea of a unified India faced challenges, as many princely states opted for autonomy or expressed a desire to join Pakistan. The integration of Junagadh into the Indian Union proved to be a complex issue. Ultimately, Indian leaders determined the nation’s future by incorporating Junagadh, thus solidifying the union of states that comprises India today.
Historic political integration
On the eve of independence, India experienced a historic political integration, transforming a collection of princely states, colonial territories, and other holdings into a cohesive nation. Despite the partition, this newly united India welcomed individuals from diverse backgrounds, including various geographical, economic, linguistic, and religious groups.
This unification began in 1947, involving the consolidation of 565 princely states through intense political maneuvering, delicate diplomacy, and occasional military actions. In the aftermath of independence, India faced significant political instability and ethnic strife, striving to develop as a federal entity that mirrored its rich diversity. The challenges included sensitive religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims, ethnic rivalries, and military conflicts with Pakistan and China.
Sardar Patel and unifying a nation
When the Indian independence movement successfully ended British rule on August 15, 1947, the country’s leaders confronted the daunting task of unifying a nation divided by feudal monarchies and colonial provinces. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s new Minister of Home Affairs and a respected freedom fighter, emerged as a key figure. He utilized political negotiations, supported by military readiness, to ensure the dominance of the central government and the nascent constitution.
India’s constitution defined the nation as a Union of States, establishing a federal system with a strong central government. In the two decades following independence, the Indian government forcefully acquired territories held by France and Portugal.
However, as movements advocating for the recognition of regional languages and concerns gained momentum, resistance to centralization emerged. This backlash included cultural alienation and violent separatism, fueled by a perceived neglect of regional issues. In response, the central government sought to balance the use of force against separatist factions with the creation of new states to alleviate tensions.
Sardar Patel and Junagadh’s accession
Regarding Junagadh’s accession to the Indian Union, it was one of the few states that had not joined by August 15, 1947. The nawab, Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III, ruled over a significant Hindu population in Junagadh. During a meeting called by Lord Mountbatten on July 25, 1947, concerning the partition of India and Pakistan, the Dewan of Junagadh expressed intentions to advise the nawab about joining the Indian Union.
In early 1947, Dewan Nabi Baksh sought the assistance of Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, a leader from the Muslim League, to join the provincial council of ministers. When the Dewan was absent, Bhutto took over and pressured the nawab to align with Pakistan. This action infuriated Indian leaders, particularly after Pakistan accepted Junagadh’s application for accession, contradicting Jinnah’s vision of two nations.
Referendum in Junagadh
The volatile situation in Junagadh led to economic decline, prompting the nawab to flee to Karachi. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel called for a referendum in Junagadh and sent in military forces to regain control of the three principalities. Due to a lack of resources and military strength, the Dewan ultimately capitulated to the Indian government. A referendum held on February 20, 1948, showed that 91% of voters chose to join India, successfully integrating Junagadh into the Indian Union.
In conclusion, the notion of Junagadh’s accession to Pakistan was never a feasible reality; its integration into the Indian Union was unavoidable. Nevertheless, this situation provided Pakistan with a significant point for international discussions, as India had annexed Junagadh under the pretext of protecting its Hindu population against the wishes of its Muslim ruler. Conversely, in Kashmir, India claimed to honor its agreement with a Hindu leader while disregarding the sentiments of the Muslim majority. Until the 1950s, Pakistan continued to include Junagadh in its territorial claims, while India contended that it had not invaded but rather took control after the nawab’s administration had collapsed.
Read More: From Independence To Integration: Sardar Patel’s Role In Unifying Hyderabad
