Question

Describe how the princely state of Manipur acceded to India.

Answer 1

1. After the independence in 1947, Maharaja of Manipur Bodhachandra Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with the Indian Union on the assurance that the internal autonomy of Manipur would be maintained. Under the pressure of the people of Manipur, the Maharaja held the election in June, 1948, and the state became a constitutional monarchy.
2. Thus, Manipur was the first state to hold an election on the basis of adult franchise. The Government of India succeeded in pressurising the Maharaja into signing a merger agreement in September 1949 without consulting the Legislative Assembly of Manipur This led to a lot of anger and resentment in Manipur.