The national movements in the princely states of British India played a crucial role in the country’s struggle for independence. These states were ruled by Indian princes but were under British suzerainty, meaning they had some autonomy but were still controlled by the British.
The people in these states faced unique challenges, including heavy taxation, lack of civil liberties, and minimal modernization. Inspired by the broader Indian freedom struggle led by the Indian National Congress (INC), movements for political rights and self-governance emerged in these states.
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Background of Princely States
At the time of British rule, India had nearly 600 princely states, covering about one-third of its territory and one-fifth of its population. Some states, like Hyderabad and Jammu & Kashmir, were large and powerful, while others were very small.
These states were mostly autocratic, with power concentrated in the hands of the ruler and his close allies. The British used these princes to counter the rising national movement, ensuring their loyalty through treaties that granted them protection and internal autonomy.
However, the people of these states suffered under heavy taxation and lack of civil liberties. Unlike British-controlled provinces, they had limited access to modern infrastructure such as education, transport, and communication.
Even reformist rulers, like the Maharaja of Baroda, were discouraged by the British. Over time, the growing awareness of democracy and self-rule in British India also influenced the people of princely states.
Rise of Political Consciousness
The early 20th century saw the rise of political activism in princely states. Several factors contributed to this:
- Escaped revolutionaries from British India took shelter in princely states and spread nationalist ideas.
- The Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements inspired people to fight for their rights.
- Praja Mandals (People’s Associations) emerged in many states, such as Baroda, Hyderabad, Mysore, and Indore, to demand political reforms and civil rights.
These movements sought better governance, greater representation, and civil liberties, much like the nationalist movements in British-controlled India.
Formation of All-India States People’s Conference (AISPC)
In 1927, nationalist leaders like Balwantrai Mehta, Maniklal Kothari, and G. R. Abhyankar organized the All-India States People’s Conference (AISPC). The conference, attended by over 700 delegates, aimed to:
- Push for popular representation and self-government in princely states.
- Demand a clear distinction between public revenue and the personal wealth of rulers.
- Fight against feudal oppression, rather than directly opposing British rule.
By 1938-39, numerous movements erupted across princely states like Jaipur, Patiala, Rajkot, Hyderabad, Travancore, and Kashmir, leading to brutal repression by the rulers.
Butler Committee (1927) and British Response
Fearing growing nationalist influence, princely rulers sought British help. This led to the formation of the Butler Committee (1927) to review the relationship between the British and princely states. The committee’s report in 1929:
- Reaffirmed British paramountcy over princely states.
- Recommended that no princely state be forced into a new government without its consent.
- Was criticized by Indian nationalists, who demanded full integration of these states into a free India.
Congress’ Evolving Policy Towards Princely States
The Indian National Congress (INC) initially adopted a non-interventionist approach towards the princely states. However, over time, its stance changed:
- 1920 (Nagpur Session): Congress urged princes to introduce responsible government.
- 1927: Congress reaffirmed its support for political reforms in princely states.
- 1929: Jawaharlal Nehru, in his Lahore address, declared that princely states were an inseparable part of India.
- 1935: The Government of India Act sought to maintain princely rule, but the INC and AISPC demanded elected representatives instead of rulers’ nominees.
- 1937: Congress ministries in British India inspired the people in princely states to demand democratic reforms.
- 1939: Nehru became AISPC’s president, merging its activities with the broader independence movement.
- 1942 (Quit India Movement): Congress no longer distinguished between British India and princely states, calling for all Indians to rise against colonial rule.
This period saw mass movements demanding not only democratic reforms but also complete integration into an independent India.
Three Phases of Political Mobilization in Princely States
Political movements in princely states evolved in three key phases:
- First Phase (Early 20th Century):
- Protests focused on local grievances, such as excessive employment of outsiders and restrictions on press and assembly.
- Small demands for representative assemblies emerged.
- Second Phase (Late 1920s – 1930s):
- Middle-class urban leaders led public protests and demands for legal rights.
- Focus shifted to greater representation, financial transparency, and better social infrastructure.
- Third Phase (1930s – 1940s):
- Peasant movements became dominant.
- The leadership of these movements aligned with national political organizations.
- Calls for full integration into independent India grew stronger.
By the late 1930s and 1940s, the nationalist movement in princely states had merged with the broader freedom struggle. The Quit India Movement marked the final phase, with people from princely states actively demanding the end of British rule and integration into independent India. This was essential for a unified Indian nation post-1947.
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FAQs on National Movements in Princely States
Q1. Why were princely states important in India’s independence movement?
A. Princely states made up one-third of India’s territory and housed one-fifth of its population. People there suffered under autocratic rule, heavy taxation, and lack of civil liberties. Their struggle for rights aligned with the broader national movement for independence.
Q2. What was the role of the All-India States People’s Conference (AISPC)?
A. Founded in 1927, AISPC pushed for democratic reforms in princely states. By 1939, under Nehru’s leadership, it merged with the Indian National Congress, strengthening the independence movement.
Q3. How did princely rulers and the British respond to these movements?
A. Both resisted nationalist movements. The British backed the princes to counter Congress, while rulers brutally suppressed protests. The Butler Committee (1927) reaffirmed British paramountcy over princely states.
4. What was Congress’ stance on princely states?
A. Initially, Congress adopted a non-interventionist approach. However, by 1939, it actively supported movements in princely states, calling for full integration into independent India.
5. How did princely states finally integrate into India?
A. During the Quit India Movement (1942), Congress treated princely states as part of British India. Post-independence, under Sardar Patel’s leadership, most states joined India peacefully, while a few required military action (e.g., Hyderabad and Junagadh).
