Maharaja Hari Singh and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were key figures in the 1947 accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India, with Patel playing a crucial role in convincing the Maharaja to accede.
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Maharaja Hari Singh and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were key figures in the 1947 accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India, with Patel playing a crucial role in convincing the Maharaja to accede.
While Patel, as India's first Deputy Prime Minister, was instrumental in integrating princely states, Maharaja Hari Singh, the last ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, initially tried to remain independent before acceding to India amid an invasion.
Maharaja Hari Singh
He was the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. He initially sought to maintain Kashmir's independence after British rule ended. He signed a "standstill agreement" with Pakistan to facilitate trade and communication.
In October 1947, as a result of an invasion from Pakistan-backed tribesmen, he appealed to India for assistance.
He signed the Instrument of Accession, acceding Jammu and Kashmir to the Dominion of India, in exchange for military help. His son, Karan Singh, became regent in 1949, and the monarchy was officially abolished in 1952.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
He was India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
He was a key leader in the Indian independence movement and was instrumental in the integration of the princely states into India.
He was involved in the negotiations with Maharaja Hari Singh, with some sources stating he urged the RSS chief M.S. Golwalkar to meet with the Maharaja and convince him to accede.
His efforts contributed significantly to the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India, which resolved a crisis of invasion and helped prevent further territorial loss.
The accession process
Initial hesitations: Both Maharaja Hari Singh and Indian government were initially hesitant to formalise the accession. Hari Singh wanted to remain independent, and the Indian government was concerned about the potential for a prolonged conflict.
Conditional support: India agreed to provide assistance on the condition that Hari Singh would accede to India.
Instrument of Accession: On October 26, 1947, Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, ceding Jammu and Kashmir to India. This accession was accepted by Lord Mountbatten, the Governor-General of India, the next day.
Aftermath: The accession led to the first Indo-Pakistani War. A referendum was initially proposed but was never held, leading to continued conflict between India and Pakistan over the territory.
Sanjib Dey
Social Worker, Dimapur