अब एक और भारतीय क्षेत्र पर पाकिस्तान का दावा... जानिए क्या है जुनागढ़ विवाद? Explained by Ankit Sir

Summary

The video script delves into the historical narrative of Junagadh, a princely state that faced a sovereignty dilemma post-India's independence. It explores the state's initial accession to Pakistan, led by its Muslim Nawab despite a predominantly Hindu population, and the subsequent Indian intervention. The script discusses the strategic move by India to conduct a referendum, reflecting the people's choice to join India over Pakistan. It also touches on the political dynamics of the era, including the roles of key figures like Sardar Patel and Shah Nawaz Bhutto, and the broader implications for India-Pakistan relations.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The script discusses the historical context of Junagadh, a region that was claimed by both India and Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947.
• 🗣️ Pakistan's stance has been that Junagadh is part of their territory, basing their claim on the 'Instrument of Accession' signed by the Nawab of Junagadh, which India disputes.
• 🏛️ The majority of Junagadh's population, which was Hindu, did not want to join Pakistan, leading to the formation of an interim government, 'Azad Government', to oppose the Nawab's decision.
• 🗳️ Through a plebiscite held in February 1948, the people of Junagadh overwhelmingly voted in favor of joining India, with only a small number of votes supporting Pakistan.
• 🚩 The script highlights the strategic move by India to isolate Junagadh by border fencing to pressure the region into joining India to avoid economic hardship.
• 🔄 The situation in Junagadh is compared to that of Hyderabad and Kashmir, both of which were princely states that faced similar issues of accession post-independence.
• 🤝 India's approach was to avoid military intervention and instead sought a political resolution by engaging with the interim government and conducting a plebiscite.
• 📜 The 'Instrument of Accession' is a key document in the dispute, with Pakistan claiming it as evidence of Junagadh's accession to Pakistan, while India argues that the people's vote overruled it.
• 👥 The script mentions key political figures involved in the Junagadh issue, such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a significant role in integrating princely states into India, and Shah Nawaz Bhutto, who influenced the Nawab's decision.
• 🗺️ The geographical significance of Junagadh is emphasized, as it is landlocked and surrounded by Indian territory, making it practically challenging for it to be part of Pakistan.

Q & A

What is the historical context of Junagadh's accession to India?

Junagadh's accession to India is rooted in the Partition of India in 1947. The Nawab of Junagadh, a predominantly Hindu state, initially acceded to Pakistan, which was unusual given the demographics. However, following the Indian intervention and a plebiscite, Junagadh became part of India.

Why did the Nawab of Junagadh initially want to accede to Pakistan?

The Nawab of Junagadh, a Muslim, was influenced by his Prime Minister, Shahnawaz Bhutto, who was a member of the Muslim League and had close ties with Jinnah. This led to the decision to accede to Pakistan despite the majority Hindu population.

What was the role of the people of Junagadh in the decision to join India?

The people of Junagadh played a crucial role through a plebiscite held on 20th February 1948, where they voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining India rather than Pakistan, thus influencing the final decision.

How did the Indian government handle the situation of Junagadh's accession?

The Indian government, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, intervened and facilitated a plebiscite in Junagadh, ensuring that the will of the people was respected and ultimately led to Junagadh's accession to India.

What was the significance of the 'Instrument of Accession' in the case of Junagadh?

The 'Instrument of Accession' was a legal document through which the ruler of a princely state could join either India or Pakistan after the Partition. In Junagadh, the Nawab's signing of the 'Instrument of Accession' to Pakistan was contested due to the majority Hindu population's preference for India.

Why did the people of Junagadh ultimately choose to join India?

The people of Junagadh chose to join India due to concerns over religious minority rights in Pakistan, and after a plebiscite was conducted where they expressed their preference for joining India.

What was the international response to Junagadh's accession to India?

While the international response is not detailed in the script, it can be inferred that the decision was primarily influenced by internal dynamics and the will of the people, rather than external pressures.

How did the situation in Junagadh compare to other princely states during the Partition?

Junagadh's situation was unique due to the religious demographics and the ruler's initial decision to accede to Pakistan, which was at odds with the majority Hindu population's preference. This contrasts with other princely states where the ruler's religion often aligned with the majority population's choice.

What is the significance of 9th November in the history of Junagadh?

9th November is celebrated as Junagadh's Independence Day, marking the day in 1947 when Junagadh was taken under Indian control after the Nawab's accession to Pakistan was contested.

What was the role of the interim government, 'Aarzi Hukumat', in Junagadh's history?

The 'Aarzi Hukumat' or interim government was established to represent the people's interests and make decisions on their behalf, ultimately deciding not to join Pakistan and paving the way for a plebiscite that confirmed Junagadh's accession to India.

How did the British policy of 'Divide and Rule' impact the princely states during the Partition?

The British policy of 'Divide and Rule' led to the creation of religiously homogeneous states, which complicated the accession decisions for princely states like Junagadh, where the ruler's religion differed from the majority population.