Question

Which princely states declined to join the Indian Union after independence?

Answer 1

After independence in 1947, most princely states signed the Instrument of Accession and joined India. However, a few states declined or resisted joining the Indian Union initially. These were:

1. Hyderabad: The Nizam wanted to remain independent, which led to the Police Action (Operation Polo, 1948) by the Indian Army.
2. Junagarh: The Nawab acceded to Pakistan despite the Hindu-majority population; India intervened and later a plebiscite confirmed accession to India.
3. Jammu and Kashmir: Maharaja Hari Singh delayed his decision, but after the tribal invasion from Pakistan in October 1947, he signed the Instrument of Accession with India.