Q.10 SardarVallabhbhai Patel is one of the principal architects of lndian unity. Comment.
Ans:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, often called the “Iron Man of India,” played a pivotal role in unifying India after independence. His efforts in integrating over 562 princely states into the Indian Union ensured the country’s territorial integrity and political stability.
Key Contributions of Sardar Patel in Building Indian Unity
- Integration of Princely States: Patel successfully persuaded princely states to join the Indian Union through a combination of diplomacy and firmness. Example: The integration of Hyderabad and Junagadh through military action when diplomacy failed
- Handling of various states : He introduced the Instrument of Accession, a legal framework for princely states to merge with India. Example: States like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner signed the Instrument of Accession.
- Instrument of Accession: Patel played a crucial role in securing Kashmir’s accession to India, although the issue remains unresolved. Example: He supported the decision to send troops to Kashmir during the 1947 Indo-Pak War.
- Creation of All-India Services: Patel established the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) to ensure administrative unity. Example: These services helped maintain governance and stability across diverse regions.
- Unification of Provinces: He reorganized states on linguistic and administrative lines to strengthen national integration. Example: The merger of Saurashtra and Kutch into Gujarat.
- Role in Constituent Assembly: Patel was instrumental in framing the Indian Constitution, ensuring it reflected the unity and diversity of India. Example: He chaired the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights and Minorities.
- Suppression of Separatist Movements: Patel dealt firmly with separatist movements, ensuring India’s territorial integrity. Example: He suppressed the Telangana Rebellion and the Razakar movement in Hyderabad.
- Promotion of Nationalism: Patel emphasized the importance of national unity over regional or communal interests. Example: His famous speech urging Indians to prioritize the nation over caste, creed, or religion.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to national unity transformed a fragmented nation into a cohesive and integrated India. His legacy as the “Architect of Indian Unity” continues to inspire generations. Similarly The Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, stands as a tribute to his contributions to Indian unity.
| Source : Book NCERT: Regional AspirationsChapter: 7 Page Number : PDF Link |
| Extra Info : Sikkim’s merger Sikkim’s merger At the time of independence, Sikkim was a ‘protectorate’ of India. it meant that while it was not a part of India, it was also not a fully sovereign country. Sikkim’s defence and foreign relations were looked after by India, while the power of internal administration was with the Chogyal, Sikkim’s monarch. This arrangement ran into difficulty as the Chogyal was unable to deal with the democratic aspirations of the people. An overwhelming majority of Sikkim’s population was Nepali. But the Chogyal was seen as perpetuating the rule of a small elite from the minority Lepcha-Bhutia community. The anti-Chogyal leaders of both the communities sought and got support from the government of India. The first democratic elections to Sikkim assembly in 1974 were swept by Sikkim Congress which stood for greater integration with India. The assembly first sought the status of ‘associate state’ and then in April 1975 passed a resolution asking for full integration with India. This was followed by a hurriedly organised referendum that put a stamp of popular approval on the assembly’s request. The Indian Parliament accepted this request immediately and Sikkim became the 22nd State of the Indian union. Chogyal did not accept this merger and his supporters accused the government of India of foul play and use of force. Yet the merger enjoyed popular support and did not become a divisive issue in Sikkim’s politics |
| Question of the Day Q. Discuss the problem that impeded the integration of the princely state into the Indian union. उस समस्या पर चर्चा करें, जिसने रियासत के भारतीय संघ में एकीकरण में बाधा उत्पन्न की। |
| KeyWords – Religious & Regional Issues, British Policy of Lapse, Political Uncertainty, Diverse Political Status, Originality, Distinct Identity धार्मिक और क्षेत्रीय मुद्दे, ब्रिटिश नीति की चूक, राजनीतिक अनिश्चितता, विविध राजनीतिक स्थिति, मौलिकता, विशिष्ट पहचान |
Topics to be Covered
| Hindi – सामान्य कार्यालयी पत्र English – Paragraph Writing |