Question

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct about the princely states?

• A. Princely states were ruled by the princes.
• B. All the princely states had accepted to be an integral part of India after the end of British rule.
• C. The princes of princely states accepted British supremacy and enjoyed some form of control over their internal affairs.
• D. After the end of British paramountcy, the provinces were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent.

Hint:

Remember that integrating India's 565 princely states was a monumentally difficult political task. It was not a voluntary, automatic process. It required the iron will and strategic diplomacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Verifying Statement (A):
Princely states were monarchical territories ruled by hereditary kings, Nawabs, or princes. Thus, (A) is historically correct.

Step 2: Verifying Statement (C):
Under British paramountcy, rulers of the princely states accepted the suzerainty of the British Crown in exchange for protection from external attacks and limited control over internal administrative affairs. Thus, (C) is historically correct.

Step 3: Verifying Statement (D):
With the passage of the Indian Independence Act of 1947, British paramountcy over the princely states lapsed. The states were legally free to join the Union of India, join Pakistan, or retain an independent status. Thus, (D) is historically correct.

Step 4: Analyzing Statement (B):
Not all of the 565 princely states voluntarily integrated into India immediately. Crucially, the rulers of states such as Travancore, Hyderabad, Kashmir, Junagadh, and Manipur initially resisted signing the Instrument of Accession, posing serious national security challenges that required complex negotiations, diplomatic pressure, or police actions led by Sardar Patel. Therefore, Statement (B) is incorrect. Since the question asks for the statement that is NOT correct, (B) is our correct choice.