Question

Which of the following Princely States were reluctant to sign the Instrument of Accession with India?

• A. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Punjab
• B. Kerala, Hyderabad, Bombay
• C. Assam, Goa, Tripura
• D. Hyderabad, Junagadh, Kashmir

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

During India's partition and independence in 1947, Princely States could join India or Pakistan via an Instrument of Accession. Some states, however, delayed or refused accession due to political, cultural, or strategic considerations. The most hesitant states were:

• Hyderabad: This large, wealthy central Indian state, led by a Nizam, aimed for independence or alignment with Pakistan, despite its largely Hindu populace.
• Junagadh: Located in present-day Gujarat, Junagadh's Muslim ruler opted to join Pakistan, creating conflict given its predominantly Hindu population.
• Kashmir: This strategically vital region, ruled by a Hindu Maharaja but with a Muslim majority, saw its ruler's indecision spark a complex dispute between India and Pakistan.

Consequently, Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Kashmir are the Princely States that notably resisted signing the Instrument of Accession with India.