How Junagadh became part of India? History and Timeline of Junagadh Princely State #UPSC #IAS

Summary

The video script discusses the historical events surrounding the Junagadh Princely State's accession to Pakistan in 1947, amidst the backdrop of India's independence from British rule. It delves into the political maneuverings, the role of key figures like Shahnawaz Bhutto and the Nizam of Junagadh, and the subsequent public referendum that led to an overwhelming majority voting in favor of joining India. The script also touches upon the international implications and the enduring legacy of this episode in the history of the subcontinent.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the historical context of Junagadh, a princely state in India, and its integration into India post-independence in 1947.
• 🏛️ Junagadh was a princely state with a majority Hindu population but ruled by a Muslim Nawab, which led to political complexities during the partition of India.
• 🗺️ The script mentions a new map released by Pakistan that incorrectly includes Junagadh as part of Pakistan, sparking political debates.
• 👑 The Nawab of Junagadh initially declared independence and then decided to join Pakistan, against the wishes of his predominantly Hindu subjects.
• 🤝 The Indian government, under Nehru, engaged in diplomatic efforts to bring Junagadh into the Indian Union, despite the Nawab's decision.
• 📜 The Instrument of Accession signed by the Nawab was contested by India, leading to a political crisis and eventual military intervention.
• 🛡️ Indian military forces surrounded Junagadh and eventually took control, establishing an administration separate from the Nawab's rule.
• 📊 A public referendum was held in Junagadh on February 20, 1948, where an overwhelming majority (99.99%) voted in favor of joining India.
• 🌐 The international community, particularly the United Nations, was aware of the Junagadh issue but it was never escalated to a significant international dispute.
• 📚 The script also touches upon the historical background of Junagadh, including its rule by the Mahavats and the influence of political figures like Shah Nawaz Bhutto.
• 📝 The video script serves as an educational resource, providing insights into the political maneuvers and the eventual integration of Junagadh into India.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the video script?

The speaker in the video script is Mahipal Singh Rathore, as mentioned at the beginning of the transcript.

What is the main topic of discussion in the video?

The main topic of discussion in the video is the historical events surrounding the accession of the Junagadh Princely State to India in 1947.

What is the significance of the map released by the Pakistani government in 2002?

The map released by the Pakistani government in 2002 is significant because it claims Junagadh as a part of Pakistan, which is a point of contention.

What were the options given to the Princely States after the Indian Independence Act of 1947?

The Princely States were given three options after the Indian Independence Act of 1947: to remain independent, to join India, or to join Pakistan.

Why did some Princely States consider independence?

Some Princely States considered independence because they had maritime access and believed they could sustain themselves through international trade without needing to join either India or Pakistan.

What was the population composition of Junagadh in terms of religion at the time of the video script?

At the time of the video script, Junagadh had a population that was 80% Hindu and only 20% Muslim, despite being ruled by a Muslim Nawab.

Who were Shahnawaz Bhutto and what was their role in the events of Junagadh's accession?

Shahnawaz Bhutto was a political figure from Karachi who was not originally from Junagadh. They were involved in the political maneuvering to get Junagadh to accede to Pakistan instead of India.

What was the outcome of the public referendum held in Junagadh on February 20, 1948?

The outcome of the public referendum held in Junagadh was overwhelmingly in favor of joining India, with 99.99% of the official votes cast for India.

What was the international response to India's annexation of Junagadh?

The international response to India's annexation of Junagadh was critical, with Pakistan and others accusing India of forcibly taking over the state rather than respecting the will of its people.

How did the situation in Junagadh relate to the larger issue of Kashmir at the time?

The situation in Junagadh was related to the larger issue of Kashmir as both were Princely States that had to decide their accession amidst the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan. The handling of Junagadh was seen as a precedent for how Kashmir might be resolved.

What is the current status of the Junagadh issue in international forums?

As per the script, the issue of Junagadh has not been raised at a high international level since 1948, and it remains an internal matter that is not officially recognized as resolved on paper in the United Nations.