First Princely States to Join India: A Historical Overview
Following India's independence from British rule in 1947, a series of princely states began the process of acceding to the newly formed Dominion of India. This merger marked the formal ending of the princely system and the integration of these regions into the fledgling Indian republic. This article delves into the first three princely states to join India: Travancore, Orissa, and Bhavnagar. Further details can be found in the book Accesion to Extinction by D.R. Mankekar, which provides a comprehensive background on this important historical transition.
The Principality of Travancore
The first princely state to join India was the Principality of Travancore, located in Kerala in the southern part of India. Under the reign of Maharaja Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, Travancore declared its intention to accede to India on August 15, 1947, the day India gained independence. This decision was a significant turning point in the history of Travancore and marked the beginning of the integration of princely states into the Indian Union.
Orissa (Now Odisha)
The second princely state to join the Dominion of India was the State of Orissa, renamed Odisha in 1993. The ruler of the state, Maharaja Sir Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, signed the Instrument of Accession on December 23, 1947. This formalized the integration of Orissa into the Indian Union, completing the initial phase of merging princely states with the independent India.
Bhavnagar State
Bhavnagar State, also located in Gujarat, was the third principality to join the Indian Union. Colonel Maharaja Raol Sir Shri Krishna Kumarsinhji Bhavsinhji, the last Maharaja of Bhavnagar, was instrumental in this process. His willingness to cede the territory to the Indian republic was greatly appreciated, and he even discussed the merger with Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Birla Mandir. Gandhiji advised him to meet Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, which facilitated the merger. Bhavnagar formally joined the Indian Union in 1948, and as a token of gratitude, Patel appointed the Maharaja as the first Indian Governor of Madras.
Other Notable States
Besides Travancore, Orissa, and Bhavnagar, other princely states such as Baroda, Patiala, and Bikaner also joined the Indian Union. The exact process and timelines for these states are beyond the scope of this article but can be found in the mentioned book.
Conclusion
The integration of princely states into the Indian Union was a complex and often contentious process, especially in the immediate post-independence years. The commitment of the rulers and the leadership of figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel were crucial in this transition. The stories of the rulers of Travancore, Orissa, and Bhavnagar serve as valuable examples of the initial steps taken towards the full integration of these regions into the independent India of today.
Resources and Further Reading
The integration of all states of India is a subject of rich historical literature. For a detailed account, the book Accesion to Extinction by D.R. Mankekar offers extensive insights. The full titles and authors are provided for those interested in delving deeper into the subject.