Sardar Vallabhai Patel

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

1. Sardar Patel is the 1st Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India.
2. He is recognised as the real unifier of India for his colossal contribution to integrate and make India a united (Ek Bharat) and independent nation.

Question 2

Major contributions prior to Independence

Answer 2

He was one of the prominent leaders of national freedom struggle. His contributions were -
1. He integrated the farmer’s cause in Kheda Satyagraha (1918) and Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) with the national movement.
2. Women of Bardoli bestowed the title of ‘Sardar’ on him.
3. He was a major leader in Salt Satyagraha as well
4. He was prominent member of INC and presided over the Karachi Session of INC in 1931 (Gandhi Irwin Pact ratified).
5. He worked extensively against alcohol consumption, untouchability, caste discrimination and for emancipation of women in Gujarat and outside.
6. He urged the people of India to live together by uniting in order to create Shresth Bharat.

Question 3

Conclusion

Answer 3

We celebrate his birth anniversary 31st October as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day). The reason behind this celebration is to make people aware of the ideas of staying together in harmony and uplifting others.
In 2018, GOI univeiled the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat to mark the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.

Question 4

Integration of Princely states

Answer 4

1. Sardar Patel played a key role in the integration of about 565 princely states into the Indian Union.
2. Few states like Tranancore, Hyderabad, Junagadh, Bhopal and Kashmir were averse to joining the Indian Union.
3. Sardar Patel worked tirelessly to build consensus with the princely states but did not hesitate in employing Sama, Dama, Danda, Bheda wherever neccesary.
4. He used force to annex the princely states of Junagadh and ordered ‘Police Action’ against Hyderabad.
5. Sardar Patel stitched the princely states along with the British Indian territory and prevented the Balkanisation of India.
6. He is known as the Iron Man of India for this collosal contribution.

Question 5

Role in framing Constitution

Answer 5

1. He headed various committees of the Constituent Assembly of India namely Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, commitee on minorities etc.
2. He is also remembered as the ‘Patron Saint of India’s civil servants’ as he established the modern All India Services (AIS) system.