The Story of India’s Integration: Patel and VP Menon’s Historic Role

New Delhi: In his book “The Story of Integration of Indian States,” published in 1955, V.P. Menon wrote, “Today we see the unification of the states only as a symbol of the unity of the country, but very few people think about how much hard work, worry, and struggle had to be done to lay the foundation of that unity.” He had written this book as per the promise made to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and also dedicated it to him. Menon wrote, "It was a collective effort, in which everyone played their part, from the leader—our inspiration and light—to the common worker. Everyone had a common sense of purpose."

How was India before the unification of the states?

Looking at today's picture of unified India, it is difficult to imagine what India was like before independence. V.P. According to Menon, there were a total of 562 princely states in India at that time—some big, some very small. This number was based on the Butler Committee report formed in 1927, whose objective was to clarify the relationship between British rule and the Indian princely states.

How did the states unify?

By the time Menon wrote his book, India had made extraordinary progress in the integration of states. He wrote, "Of the 554 princely states, Hyderabad and Mysore were kept territorially as they were. 216 princely states were merged with their surrounding provinces. Five princely states were made Chief Commissioner's Province under the direct control of the Government of India, while 21 hill princely states of Punjab were merged to form Himachal Pradesh. 310 princely states were organized into six federations, one of which, Vindhya Pradesh, later became a Chief Commissioner's Province. In this way, 14 administrative units were formed in place of 554 princely states.”

What did Sardar Patel say to the princely states?

When the Ministry of States was formed on 5 July 1947, Sardar Patel showed a spirit of reconciliation and respect towards the princely states. He said, “I want to make it clear that Congress does not intend to interfere in the internal affairs of the states in any way.”

How did Patel's perspective change?

However, a few months later, on 16 December 1947, his stance appeared to have changed. He said, "I think that the rights that the rulers of princely states have acquired through inheritance and history should be respected by the people. Their dignity, privileges, and means of living should be guaranteed. But I have always believed that the future of kings lies in the service of their subjects and the country, and not in the claim of their old autocratic power."