Beyond Kashmir, Hyderabad: 4 princely states that initially refused to join India

On the eve of India's independence on August 15, 1947, the country faced a daunting challenge: integrating the numerous princely states that had not yet acceded to the Indian Union. While states like Bikaner, Baroda, and Rajasthan swiftly joined the Indian Union, several others, including Kashmir and Hyderabad, held out, posing a formidable obstacle to creating a unified India.

Among these reluctant states were Travancore, Jodhpur, Bhopal, and Junagadh. Travancore, located in the southern part of India, was a maritime state with rich resources and a strategic position for trade. However, its ruler, Sir CP Ramamswamy Aiyar, found himself in a precarious situation when he received support from Jinnah, the leader of the Muslim League, who offered exclusive access to the mineral monazite and military support if Travancore joined Pakistan. Aiyar eventually succumbed to pressure from Patel and acceded to India in July 1947.

Jodhpur, a princely state ruled by a Hindu king, initially expressed interest in joining Pakistan due to its border with the soon-to-be-born nation and the allure of Jinnah's offer. However, Patel's intervention, along with the prince's own doubts, led to his eventual accession to India. The prince even threatened the secretary with a revolver during the signing of the Instrument of Accession, but calmed down and signed the document shortly thereafter.

Bhopal, ruled by a Muslim Nawab, faced a similar dilemma. The Nawab, who was a close friend of the Muslim League, had made his intentions to declare independence clear to Mountbatten. However, upon receiving a message from Patel stating that no ruler could evade the dominion closest to him, the Nawab decided to accede to India in July 1947.

Junagadh, another state with a predominantly Hindu population, also refused to join India. The Nawab of Junagadh, Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III, initially advised his subjects to join Pakistan due to influence from the Muslim League. However, when the state requested accession from Pakistan, the Indian leaders were outraged. The Nawab ultimately fled to Karachi, and Junagadh acceded to India in the aftermath.