White Paper on Indian States (1950)/Part 12/Organic Unification of India
Organic Unification of India
272. The policy of integration and democratisation, which the Government of India have applied to the States, constituted thus the only solution of the problem of States, and the only method of fitting in the States in the new set-up of India. This was, therefore, no emotional approach, nor, any expansionist policy, nor power politics. Highly practical reasons of geography, all-compelling defence and internal security requirements, basic economic needs of the country, and other equally strong considerations rendered a real organic unification of India imperative.
273. The pace at which the events moved in States was rather rapid. There was, no doubt, an element of risk in changing the face of States overnight. At the same time a policy of gradualness involved even more potential dangers. The form and the method of governance are normally in a continual process of change. The normal operation of dynamic political forces had been arrested in States and they had remained practically static for over a hundred years. Loud discordance between the conditions of the people and the urge of the times spurs up the people to revolutionary activity. It was therefore, part of wisdom to accelerate the pace so as to keep step with the new orientation of popular aspirations. There was therefore undoubtedly sound reason for what might appear as 'stampeding' the States into the new order.
274. There were two factors which forced the pace of events, firstly the British declaration regarding the lapse of paramountcy, and secondly the patent vulnerability of the smaller States. It is quite conceivable that if the vacuum resulting from the lapse of paramountcy had not been caused, the forces that rushed to fill it might not have gathered the momentum which rapidly transformed the States. The dangers inherent in the situation were underlined by the attitude of some of the Princes who were inclined to sacrifice national interests and the interests of the people on the altar of personal ambition. The events in certain States such as Junagadh and Hyderabad had come as pointers in that direction. If the Government of India had been formally recognised as the succession Government in respect of the relations of the States with the Crown, the process of fitting the States into the new structure of India would have probably taken its normal course. The inherent incapacity of the smaller units to continue in their old set-up, even for a short period, was another factor which unleashed the forces which enveloped even the bigger States.
275. The consummation of the new set-up of the Indian States has involved protracted negotiations and hard labour. The results which have been achieved will leave an impress on India's history. But for the patriotic cooperation of the Princes, the tremendous change that has come over India for the mutual benefit of the people and the Rulers would not have been possible. Traditionally habituated to an order of personal rule, the new order has involved a radical shift for them. They have given evidence of imagination, foresight and patriotism by accepting the change with a good grace. By their appreciation of the aspirations of the people they made integration of States and transfer of power to the people smooth and peaceful. They may well claim to be co-architects in building a free and democratic India in which the people of the Provinces and the people of the States will enjoy alike the full measure of freedom and march together as citizens of free India.