HistoryPolity
News 5 of 22

Sardar Patel Integrated 4 Resistant Princely States: Travancore, Jodhpur, Bhopal, Junagadh

Target:UPSC GS-IMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
14 Aug 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:1938 Haripura sessionJuly 30, 1947 (Travancore accession)July 25, 1947 (Mountbatten's address)February 20, 1948 (Junagadh plebiscite)91% (Junagadh plebiscite result)500+ princely states
Bodies:States DepartmentSardar Vallabhbhai PatelV.P. MenonLord MountbattenIndian National Congress
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.4 princely states—Travancore, Jodhpur, Bhopal, Junagadh—resisted accession to India after Independence.

2.Sardar Patel and V.P. Menon used diplomacy, threats, and plebiscites to integrate them by 1948.

3.Critical for exams: dates (Haripura 1938, accession dates), key personalities (CPR Aiyar, Nawab Hamidullah), and the Instrument of Accession.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The integration of over 500 princely states under Sardar Patel remains a key UPSC topic. This article details 4 states that initially refused to join India after August 15, 1947, offering crucial case studies for mains and prelims on India's unification.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Haripura Session1938 – Congress declared princely states integral parts of India
Travancore AccessionJuly 30, 1947 – after dewan survived assassination attempt
Junagadh PlebisciteFebruary 20, 1948 – 91% voted for India
Mountbatten's AddressJuly 25, 1947 to princes
Jodhpur's ThreatPrince drew revolver before signing Instrument of Accession

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Haripura Session: 1938 – Congress declared princely states integral parts of India
  • ›Travancore Accession: July 30, 1947 – after dewan survived assassination attempt
  • ›Target this Data: 1938 Haripura Congress session – declared princely states integral parts of India.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: States Department – headed by Sardar Patel with V.P. Menon as secretary.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Instrument of Accession – legal document for merger, covering defence, foreign affairs, communications.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which department was set up under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to facilitate the integration of princely states into India?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements:

1. Travancore's dewan, Sir C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar, initially declared the state independent and had secret ties with the UK government.

2. Jodhpur's Maharaja Hanvant Singh signed the Instrument of Accession without any hesitation.

3. In Junagadh, a plebiscite held on February 20, 1948, resulted in 91% of voters choosing to join India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What percentage of voters in Junagadh voted in favour of joining India in the plebiscite held in February 1948?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What was a key factor that convinced Travancore's dewan to abandon his plan for independence and accede to India?

All 15 MCQs ▸
You finished this topic
Explore Related Topics
Related Current Affairs
Polity Current Affairs

Justice Liberhan Commission: Babri Masjid Demolition Was a Well-Planned Civil Conspiracy

Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, head of the one-man Commission of Inquiry into the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, passed away. His 2009 report concluded the demolition was a meticulously planned civil conspiracy involving RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal, BJP, and Shiv Sena — a finding he never retracted despite the 2020 CBI court acquittals.

Polity Current Affairs

Lok Sabha Passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026; State Renamed 'Keralam' via Article 3

The Lok Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to change the state's name from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' in the Constitution. The Bill follows two unanimous state assembly resolutions and must now be passed by Rajya Sabha and receive President's assent. This is a key example of Article 3 procedure for state name change.

Polity Current Affairs

MoTA Directs States for Jan Sunwai Camps at Adi Sewa Kendras Ahead of Independence Day

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has directed all states to hold 'Jan Sunwai' camps at Adi Sewa Kendras from August 13-15 for doorstep delivery of tribal welfare schemes. This initiative is part of the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, launched in September 2025, aiming to build grassroots tribal leadership. This is a crucial governance push for tribal welfare, linking directly to schemes like PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA.

Security & Defence Current Affairs

ED Arrests Two Under PMLA in Rs 417 Cr Cyber Fraud Network with 163 FIRs Across 20 States

ED's probe into a Goa digital arrest case uncovers a massive pan-India cyber fraud network involving 330 victims, Rs 417 crore loss, and 163 FIRs across 20 states. The network used shell companies, licensed money changers, and bulk cash deposits to launder proceeds. This is a critical case for understanding PMLA enforcement, cyber crime modus operandi, and money laundering techniques.

Culture & History Current Affairs

Communal Award 1932: Gandhi Fast vs Ambedkar on Separate Electorates, Poona Pact Outcome

In 1932, the British Communal Award granted separate electorates to Depressed Classes, pitting Gandhi (who saw it as a threat to Hindu unity) against Ambedkar (who saw it as essential for political representation). Gandhi's fast-unto-death forced the Poona Pact, which replaced separate electorates with increased reserved seats — a system India retains today. This is a landmark event in India's constitutional history and a frequent UPSC/MPSC exam topic.

Polity Current Affairs

MHA Extends AFSPA in Parts of Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal for 6 Months from Oct 1

The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in specified areas of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh for six months from October 1, 2026. Key data for prelims: In Manipur, 13 police stations across 5 districts are excluded from the disturbed area declaration; in Nagaland, AFSPA applies to 9 districts. This news is crucial for understanding the balance between security and civil liberties in disturbed areas.

Social Issues Current Affairs

SC Recognises Menstrual Health under Article 21; Only 5 States Have Leave Policies

The Supreme Court in Dr. Jaya Thakur vs Union of India (2026) recognized menstrual health as part of Article 21, while only five Indian states have enacted menstrual leave policies. Kerala and Madras High Courts are examining demands, highlighting the lack of a national law. This is crucial for understanding constitutional rights, gender justice, and federalism.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Clarifies States Can Withdraw Cases Against Paper Leak Protesters; Grave Offenders Excluded

Supreme Court clarified that states can withdraw cases against students who protested peacefully against paper leaks, but this relief does not extend to those with criminal antecedents (grave and heinous offences). This balances the right to protest with public order concerns.