Which princely states refused to join India?

The princely states that initially refused to join India after its independence were Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

The Integration of Princely States in India

Following India's independence from British rule in 1947, the over 560 princely states, which had previously maintained varying degrees of autonomy under British paramountcy, were given the choice to accede to either India or Pakistan, or to remain independent. While most princely states willingly joined the Indian Union, a few significant ones initially hesitated or outright refused.

Key Princely States That Refused Accession

The primary princely states that did not agree to join the Indian Union immediately after Independence were Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Each of these states presented unique challenges due to their geopolitical locations, the demographics of their populations, and the preferences of their rulers.

1. Hyderabad

Hyderabad was the largest and wealthiest of all princely states, located in the heart of the Deccan plateau and completely surrounded by Indian territory. Its ruler, the Nizam, a Muslim, wished to remain independent despite a majority Hindu population. India viewed an independent Hyderabad as a potential security risk and a geographical anomaly within its borders.

• Initial Stance: Sought independence, refusing to join either India or Pakistan.
• Resolution: After prolonged negotiations failed and internal unrest grew, the Indian Army launched "Operation Polo" in September 1948. This military action led to the swift annexation of Hyderabad, and the state was subsequently integrated into the Indian Union.

2. Junagadh

Junagadh was a small princely state located on the Arabian Sea coast of Gujarat, with a predominantly Hindu population but a Muslim Nawab. The Nawab of Junagadh opted to accede to Pakistan in August 1947, despite the state having no common border with Pakistan.

• Initial Stance: Acceded to Pakistan, despite being geographically separated from it and having a Hindu majority.
• Resolution: India responded by sending its army into the state and holding a plebiscite in February 1948. The overwhelming majority of the population voted to join India, leading to Junagadh's integration.

3. Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir was a large princely state in the Himalayas, strategically bordering both India and Pakistan. Its ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, a Hindu, initially preferred to remain independent, despite a majority Muslim population.

• Initial Stance: Aimed for independence, but found itself caught between India and Pakistan.
• Resolution: In October 1947, tribesmen supported by Pakistan invaded Kashmir. Faced with an imminent threat, Maharaja Hari Singh appealed to India for military assistance and signed the Instrument of Accession to India. Indian troops were then airlifted to defend the state. This led to the First Indo-Pakistani War over Kashmir, and parts of the state remain disputed between the two nations to this day. The accession to India formed the basis of Jammu and Kashmir's status within the Indian Union.

Summary of Accession Challenges

The integration of these princely states was a complex process that shaped the geographical and political contours of modern India. The table below summarizes the key aspects of these states' initial refusal and eventual integration:

The successful integration of these states, despite initial resistance, was a pivotal moment in India's post-independence nation-building.