34.Post Independence- II Flashcards
What were the challenges India faced in terms of integration at the political level?
India had to integrate approximately 565 princely states with itself, as these states had special recognition and relationships with the British Raj.
What was the need for integration at the emotional level in India?
Communal and regional tendencies were on the rise at the eve of independence, and India needed to establish a unified identity that could accommodate diverse groups and foster connections among people, overcoming harmful tendencies that could threaten its integrity.
What social challenges did India face in terms of integration?
There was widespread class and caste inequality in the country at the time of independence. India needed to strive for a society based on the principles of equality, which was one of the biggest challenges it faced.
How many princely states were there at the time of independence?
There were approximately 565 princely states at the time of independence.
What was the objective of integration at the emotional level?
The objective was to unite diverse groups and foster a sense of unity and connection among people, transcending communal and regional tendencies.
What was one of the biggest challenges for India at the eve of independence?
Addressing class and caste inequality and establishing a society based on equality was one of the biggest challenges for India at the eve of independence.
What was one of the major challenges faced by Nehru in post-independence India?
The rehabilitation of refugees from Pakistan was a major challenge.
What was the task related to princely states that Nehru had to address?
Nehru had to work on the consolidation of princely states and their integration into the newly independent India.
What was the aim of democratization in post-independence India?
The aim was to overcome the pervasive feudal mindset and establish a democratic system in the country.
What was a significant area of focus for development in India?
The development of villages, as a significant portion of the Indian population lived in underdeveloped rural areas.
What challenge did India face regarding language?
With hundreds of languages and dialects spoken in the country, choosing an official language was a major challenge.
What was a rising issue in post-independence India?
The rise of communist insurgency was a significant issue that needed to be addressed.
What challenge was associated with tribal communities in India?
The integration of tribal communities into mainstream development was a key challenge.
What task did India have as a newly decolonized country?
India had the task of framing its foreign policy as it transitioned into an independent nation.
How many princely states were there at the time of independence?
There were approximately 565 princely states.
What was the relationship between the princely states and the British Raj?
The princely states had special recognition from and relationships with the British Raj.
What announcement did the British make regarding the princely states before independence?
The British announced that with the end of their rule over India, the British crown’s supremacy over the princely states would also end.
What did the Indian Independence Act (1947) establish?
The Indian Independence Act (1947) established two independent and separate dominions, India and Pakistan.
How many options were provided to the princely states regarding their future status?
The princely states were given three options: join India, join Pakistan, or remain independent.
Who was responsible for integrating the princely states?
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel was tasked with integrating the princely states.
What was the official treaty signed between the governments of India and Pakistan and the candidates for accession?
The official treaty was called the Instrument of Accession.
According to the basic tenets of the treaty, what areas would be controlled by the Government of India?
The Government of India would control foreign affairs, defense, and communications, while all other internal issues would be administered by the states.
Which were the first states to join India?
Gwalior, Bikaner, Patiala, and Baroda were the first states to join India on April 28, 1947.
Why were some princely states hesitant to join India?
Some rulers were wary of losing their influence as rulers and distrusted the democratic government led by revolutionaries with uncertain views.
Which states initially declared their decision to seek independence?
Travancore and the Nizam of Hyderabad initially declared their decision to seek independence.
What was the situation regarding democracy in the princely states?
Most princely states had non-democratic governments, and their rulers were unwilling to grant democratic rights to their people.
How many princely states joined India?
549 of the 552 princely states located within India’s geographical boundaries joined India.
How were the remaining three princely states (Hyderabad, Junagarh, and Kashmir) integrated into India?
Hyderabad was integrated through police action, Junagarh through a referendum, and Kashmir through the Instrument of Accession.
When did Piploda, a small state in central India, join India?
Piploda joined India in March 1948, after postponing the signing of the Instrument of Accession.
Where was Travancore located?
Travancore was a maritime state in southern India.
What resources did Travancore possess?
Travancore was rich in both human and mineral resources.
What was significant about Travancore’s refusal to join the Indian Union?
Travancore was one of the first princely states to refuse to join the Indian Union and question the Congress’ leadership.
Who was the Dewan of Travancore in 1946?
The Dewan of Travancore in 1946 was Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Aiyar.
What was Sir C.P. Aiyar’s initial intention regarding Travancore’s statehood?
Sir C.P. Aiyar declared his intention to form an independent Travancore state and was willing to sign a treaty with the Indian Union.
What secret ties did Sir C.P. Aiyar allegedly have?
Sir C.P. Aiyar is said to have had secret ties with the UK government, which favored an independent Travancore for access to the mineral monazite.
What was the UK government’s interest in Travancore?
The UK government hoped to gain exclusive access to the mineral monazite found in Travancore, which would provide an advantage in the nuclear arms race.
What event led to Sir C.P. Aiyar changing his mind about Travancore’s independence?
After surviving an assassination attempt by a member of the Kerala Socialist Party, Sir C.P. Aiyar changed his mind.
When did Travancore become a part of India?
Travancore became a part of India on July 30, 1947.
