Who among the following entered into Standstill Agreement with India in November 1947 ?
Nizam of Hyderabad
Understanding the Standstill Agreement of 1947
Following the independence of India and Pakistan and the lapse of paramountcy of the British Crown on August 15, 1947, the princely states, which were not part of British India, were given the choice to accede to either India or Pakistan or remain independent. While the process of accession for most states was completed relatively smoothly, some states presented challenges.
The Standstill Agreement Explained
A Standstill Agreement was an agreement signed by the newly independent Dominions of India and Pakistan and the princely states. The purpose was to continue the administrative arrangements that existed before August 15, 1947, allowing existing agreements and administrative practices concerning communications, trade, and other services to remain in force.
Many states signed a Standstill Agreement with either or both Dominions as an interim measure, sometimes before or while deciding on accession.
Identifying the Signatory in November 1947
Let's examine the options provided in the context of events around November 1947:
- Maharaja of Manipur: Manipur decided to accede to India in September 1949, signing the Instrument of Accession then. Its situation in November 1947 was different from signing a Standstill Agreement with India.
- Nizam of Hyderabad: The state of Hyderabad, under its ruler, the Nizam, was the largest and wealthiest of the princely states. The Nizam initially wished to remain independent. After complex negotiations, the Nizam of Hyderabad signed a Standstill Agreement with the Dominion of India on November 29, 1947. This agreement was intended to be valid for one year.
- Nawab of Junagadh: Junagadh's ruler decided to accede to Pakistan, which led to a crisis. India intervened, and a plebiscite was held in February 1948, leading to its integration into India. The key events for Junagadh regarding accession and integration occurred before November 1947 (specifically in September/October 1947).
- Maharaja of Kashmir: The Maharaja of Kashmir signed the Instrument of Accession with India on October 26, 1947, following an invasion by tribesmen supported by Pakistan. While crucial events happened around this time, the primary action was accession, not a Standstill Agreement signed *with India* in November 1947. Kashmir had signed a Standstill Agreement with Pakistan in August 1947.
Based on historical records, the Nizam of Hyderabad signed the Standstill Agreement with India in November 1947.
Conclusion
The ruler who entered into a Standstill Agreement with India in November 1947 was the Nizam of Hyderabad. This agreement was a temporary arrangement while the future of the state was debated.
| Princely State | Ruler | Key Action & Date (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad | Nizam | Standstill Agreement with India (Nov 1947) | Sought independence, later integrated after Police Action (1948) |
| Junagadh | Nawab | Accession to Pakistan (Sep 1947) | Integrated into India after intervention & plebiscite (1947-48) |
| Kashmir | Maharaja | Accession to India (Oct 1947) | Signed Standstill Agreement with Pakistan (Aug 1947) |
| Manipur | Maharaja | Accession to India (Sep 1949) | Integration process took place later |
Revision Table: Important Terms
| Term | Definition | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Princely States | States in British India not directly governed by the British but ruled by local potentates under indirect rule. | Their future status was decided at the time of India's independence. |
| Paramountcy | The relationship between the British Crown and the princely states, where the Crown was the supreme authority. | It lapsed on August 15, 1947, giving states options for their future. |
| Instrument of Accession | A legal document introduced in 1935, used by rulers of princely states to join one of the new Dominions (India or Pakistan). | The primary means by which states integrated into India or Pakistan. |
| Standstill Agreement | An interim agreement to maintain existing administrative arrangements between princely states and the new Dominions. | Used by states like Hyderabad before or instead of immediate accession. |
Additional Information on Princely State Integration
The integration of princely states into the Dominion of India was a complex and crucial process led primarily by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, and his secretary, V. P. Menon. While most states acceded willingly, some, like Junagadh, Hyderabad, and Kashmir, posed significant challenges.
- Junagadh: Its accession to Pakistan, despite its Hindu-majority population and geographical location within India, was challenged by India. A plebiscite eventually confirmed its integration into India.
- Hyderabad: The Nizam's desire for independence and later negotiations failed. India launched a military operation ("Operation Polo") in September 1948 to integrate Hyderabad.
- Kashmir: The state's complex geography, population mix, and borders with both Dominions led to a dispute still unresolved today. The Maharaja's accession to India followed an invasion, leading to the first Indo-Pakistani War.
The Standstill Agreement signed by the Nizam of Hyderabad with India in November 1947 was an attempt to find a temporary solution for Hyderabad's status, allowing services like post, telegraph, and railways to continue functioning as before, while negotiations about its future continued.
Important Questions from Challenges of Nation-Building
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In India, the description 'Indigenous People' is usually applied to the:
At midnight on August 14–15, Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, addressed a special session of the Constituent Assembly. This speech is known as the ______.
Who was the ruler of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 1947?
Identify the leader who was the first Deputy Prime Minister of India and also a member of the Constituent Assembly Committee on Fundamental Rights of Minorities.
