Junagadh

Junagadh was a state on the coast of Saurashtra that was completely encircled by

Indian territory and hence had no geographical ties to Pakistan. It was the largest

state in Kathiawar, bordered on three sides by states that had acceded to India and

on the fourth by the Arabian Sea. 1 It possessed enclaves in the surrounding states of

Gondal, Baroda, and Bhavnagar, which had all acceded to India, as well as enclaves

in Junagadh, which had also acceded to India. Junagadh's nawab made the decision

to join Pakistan. Pakistan acknowledged the state's admission on September 13,

1947. However, the majority of Hindus in the area revolted against the decision,

resulting in widespread violence following independence. Patel requested that

Pakistan cancel the agreement. On November 1, 1947, the Indian army conquered

the state. In February 1948, a referendum was held to conclude the process. 2The

majority of citizens voted in favour of Junagadh joining India.

Hyderabad

Among the princely states, the case of Hyderabad was by far the most significant and

convoluted. When the British chose to depart, the Nizam was adamant about

1
Unzer, Emiliano. 2019. “A Brief History of India.” A Brief History of India, January.
https://www.academia.edu/40806130/A_Brief_History_of_India?
msclkid=00f46d56aa9f11eca2dcc9127edac4c5.

2
Chandra, Bipan, Aditya Mukherjee, and Mridula Mukherjee. 2002. India after
Independence, 1947-2000. New Delhi: Penguin Books.

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establishing an independent state and, as a result, joining the British Commonwealth

of Nations. One of the most frightening things for newly independent India,

according to Patel, was an autonomous Hyderabad. As soon as the British left India,

the administration decided to take a more aggressive stance. In September, Indian

troops were dispatched to Hyderabad for what became known as 'Operation Polo.'

The Indian army took full control of the state after a three-day violent battle.

Bhopal

Bhopal was another state that declared its desire for independence. The prince of

Bhopal, who had a close relationship with Pakistan's backers, was opposed to the

country joining India. He had made it obvious to British authorities that he wanted

independence. However, things did not turn out the way he had hoped. "No king

could run away from the dominion closest to him," British authorities told him. By

July 1947, the prince had learned of the great number of princes who had opted to

join India and had made the decision to join them.