Question:medium
What is the memorandum of understanding signed by the princely states for merger with India called?
What is the memorandum of understanding signed by the princely states for merger with India called?
Show Hint
Accession means "joining." The document for joining is the Instrument of Accession.
Updated On: May 30, 2026
- Trust with Destiny
- Long awaited meeting with fortune bride
- Instrument of Accession
- None of these.
Show Solution
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The transition of India from a colonial entity to a unified nation required the integration of 565 princely states. These states were technically independent after the British Paramountcy lapsed. To bring them into the Indian Union, the Ministry of States, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and V.P. Menon, used a legal document to formalize the relationship between the states and the new government.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The specific document used for this purpose was the "Instrument of Accession" (IoA).
1. Nature of the Document: The IoA was a standardized legal agreement. By signing it, the ruler of a princely state agreed to join the Dominion of India. It was not a total merger initially; the states surrendered only three subjects to the Central Government: Defense, External Affairs, and Communications. For all other matters, the state maintained its internal sovereignty.
2. Negotiations: Sardar Patel used a "carrot and stick" approach. The "carrot" was the promise of "Privy Purses" (pensions for rulers) and the preservation of their titles. The "stick" was the warning that the government would not be able to protect them from their own people's democratic aspirations if they stayed out of the Union.
3. Evolution to Merger: Most states signed the IoA before August 15, 1947. Eventually, as the Indian Constitution was drafted, these states signed "Merger Agreements" or "Covenants" to fully integrate their administration with the surrounding Indian provinces.
4. Analysis of options:
- Tryst with Destiny: This is the name of the speech given by Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of independence. It is a literary masterpiece but not a legal merger document.
- Option (B): This is a flowery, incorrect phrase likely meant to distract students by mimicking the tone of Nehru's speech.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The legal document signed by the princes to join India was the Instrument of Accession. Thus, (C) is the correct answer.
The transition of India from a colonial entity to a unified nation required the integration of 565 princely states. These states were technically independent after the British Paramountcy lapsed. To bring them into the Indian Union, the Ministry of States, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and V.P. Menon, used a legal document to formalize the relationship between the states and the new government.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The specific document used for this purpose was the "Instrument of Accession" (IoA).
1. Nature of the Document: The IoA was a standardized legal agreement. By signing it, the ruler of a princely state agreed to join the Dominion of India. It was not a total merger initially; the states surrendered only three subjects to the Central Government: Defense, External Affairs, and Communications. For all other matters, the state maintained its internal sovereignty.
2. Negotiations: Sardar Patel used a "carrot and stick" approach. The "carrot" was the promise of "Privy Purses" (pensions for rulers) and the preservation of their titles. The "stick" was the warning that the government would not be able to protect them from their own people's democratic aspirations if they stayed out of the Union.
3. Evolution to Merger: Most states signed the IoA before August 15, 1947. Eventually, as the Indian Constitution was drafted, these states signed "Merger Agreements" or "Covenants" to fully integrate their administration with the surrounding Indian provinces.
4. Analysis of options:
- Tryst with Destiny: This is the name of the speech given by Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of independence. It is a literary masterpiece but not a legal merger document.
- Option (B): This is a flowery, incorrect phrase likely meant to distract students by mimicking the tone of Nehru's speech.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The legal document signed by the princes to join India was the Instrument of Accession. Thus, (C) is the correct answer.
Was this answer helpful?
0
Top Questions on Reorganisation of States
- Match List I with List II
- CUET (UG) - 2023
- Political Science
- Reorganisation of States
- Statement I: The State Reorganisation Commission (SRC) was appointed in 1953. Statement II: Its most important recommendation was that boundaries of states should reflect the boundaries of languages.
- CUET (UG) - 2026
- Political Science
- Reorganisation of States
- Want to practice more? Try solving extra ecology questions todayView All Questions