Part of: Jammu And Kashmir Gk set 25

The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir formally acceded to the Indian Union on:

Category: Jammu And Kashmir Gk

Hint: Consider the timeline of events during the partition of India.

Correct Answer: B) 26th October, 1947.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The accession of Jammu and Kashmir to the Indian Union is a pivotal event in the history of India, particularly in the context of the partition of the subcontinent in 1947. The partition of India led to the creation of two separate nations, India and Pakistan, based on religious lines. However, the princely states, including Jammu and Kashmir, were given the option to join either India or Pakistan or to remain independent.

On October 22, 1947, a tribal invasion from Pakistan began, aiming to capture the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This invasion prompted Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, to seek military assistance from India. However, India's assistance was conditional upon the state's accession to India. On October 26, 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, which made Jammu and Kashmir a part of the Indian Union.

The Instrument of Accession was a legal document that allowed the ruler of a princely state to join either India or Pakistan. It was a crucial step in the integration of princely states into the newly formed Indian Union. The accession of Jammu and Kashmir was particularly significant due to its strategic location and the ongoing conflict with Pakistan.

It is important to note that the date of October 26, 1947, is the date when the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession. This date is often confused with other significant dates in the same month, such as the arrival of Indian troops in Srinagar on October 27, 1947, which was a response to the tribal invasion.

Understanding the historical context and the sequence of events is crucial for correctly identifying the date of the accession. The partition of India and the subsequent events in Jammu and Kashmir are complex and have had long-lasting implications for the region and the relationship between India and Pakistan.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir did not accede to the Indian Union on October 25, 1947. The correct date is October 26, 1947.
  • Option B: This option is correct. The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947, formally acceding to the Indian Union.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The accession took place on October 26, not October 27, 1947. This date is often confused with the date of the first Indian troops arriving in Srinagar.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The date of October 28, 1947, is not associated with the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to the Indian Union. The correct date is October 26, 1947.

Mnemonic: Think "26th for 26th" to remember the date.

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