Saga of princely state's merger: Nawab of Bhopal had taken decision to merge with India and signed document

Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: India attained freedom from British rule on 15th August, 1947, though it also went through partition.

There were a number of princely states that wanted to have their own separate state. Maharaj of Kashmir was not alone. There were big states like Travancore, Hyderabad and Junagadh where the rulers tried to maintain their identity just because of the vested interests of their rulers.

In the background of their geographical location and the heartiest wishes, willingness and expectations of the general public, Sardar Patel very soon succeeded to have agreements for merger either by convincing their rulers in congenial atmosphere, or by political & other pressures as everybody knows.

Interestingly, these days we hear a lot about Bhopal state and it's 'delayed' merger. Though, it's a fact that Bhopal remained a princely state after merger of most other states and the princely state of Bhopal continued to remain under the administration of the Nawab of Bhopal. 

On 15th August, 1947, the country got freedom. The ruler of Bhopal state, HH Nawab Hamidullah Khan had his personal influence not only over the heads of the remaining states (he even remained the Chancellor of ‘The Chamber of Princes’ for two times), but over the eminent national leaders of the independent India also.

He had excellent relations with Gandhi, Nehru, Patel and Maulana Azad apart from all major leaders. As there was no trouble brewing here and Bhopal hosted refugees with open arms and remained free from violence too during partition, unlike Gwalior or states like Alwar and Bharatpur, Centre was in no hurry.

After 'Operation Polo', govt was apparently not keen on taking sudden action because of Nawab of Bhopal Hamidullah Khan's international relations and prestige. It could have been viewed as targeting particular states. No wonder, after Hyderabad incident, immediately no action was taken.

In the case of Bhopal, Centre showed no hurry. It was not because of any other reason but the fact that Nawab of Bhopal had already signed Instrument of Accession. Still, a group of youth kept demanding that there should be early merger. Talks continued and Menon was repeatedly sent to Bhopal.

Sardar Patel had correspondence with Nawab of Bhopal on behalf of the union government for merger. As a result, the agreement of the merger of the Bhopal State  was signed on 30th April 1949. It to be effected from 1st June 1949. After Chief Commissioner rule and then as 'part C' state, it subsequently became capital of this large state of Madhya Pradesh and assumed the shape which we’re seeing today. 

The merger movement of the Bhopal State is often remembered, since its establishment till date in many respects. The entire movement was planned, led, conducted & executed by local residents of Bhopal. However, it was barely for a month that the state saw demands made and demonstrations held. These days a twist is given as if the delayed 'merger' was a conspiracy or failure of centre to act, fast. It was due to strategic reasons.