Part of: Karnataka Gk set 22

What was the annual amount of privy purse received by the ruler of Mysore?

Category: Karnataka Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of the princely states and their agreements with the Indian

Correct Answer: D) 26 lakhs.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The concept of the privy purse is deeply rooted in the history of India's princely states and their integration into the Indian Union after independence. The privy purse was a form of annual payment made to the rulers of these states as a part of the agreements that facilitated their integration into the newly formed Indian Union. These agreements were made to ensure the smooth transition of power and to provide a financial cushion for the erstwhile rulers who were no longer in charge of their states.

The amount of the privy purse varied significantly from one princely state to another. It was determined based on several factors, including the size of the state, its revenue, and the status of the ruler. For the princely state of Mysore, the annual privy purse was set at 26 lakhs. This amount was agreed upon as part of the integration process and was intended to provide a substantial financial support to the ruler of Mysore, who was a significant figure in the region.

Understanding the historical context is crucial to grasping the concept of the privy purse. After India gained independence in 1947, the Indian government, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, worked to integrate the numerous princely states into the Indian Union. This process involved negotiations with the rulers of these states, and the privy purse was one of the key components of these negotiations. The amount of the privy purse was a reflection of the ruler's status and the state's economic standing.

For the ruler of Mysore, the privy purse of 26 lakhs was a significant amount that provided financial security and maintained the status of the ruler. This amount was agreed upon after careful consideration of the state's economic conditions and the ruler's standing. The privy purse was a way to ensure that the rulers of the princely states were not left without means after the integration, and it played a crucial role in the smooth transition of power.

It is important to note that the privy purse was not a permanent arrangement. Over time, the Indian government phased out the privy purses as part of broader economic and social reforms. However, the historical significance of the privy purse, especially in the context of Mysore, remains an important part of India's post-independence history.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The annual amount of privy purse received by the ruler of Mysore was not 10 lakhs. This amount is significantly lower than the actual amount and does not reflect the historical agreement made with the Indian government.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The annual amount of privy purse received by the ruler of Mysore was not 15 lakhs. This amount is still lower than the actual amount and does not align with the historical records of the agreement.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The annual amount of privy purse received by the ruler of Mysore was not 20 lakhs. This amount is closer to the actual amount but still does not match the historical record of the agreement.
  • Option D: This option is correct. The annual amount of privy purse received by the ruler of Mysore was 26 lakhs. This amount was agreed upon after the integration of Mysore into the Indian Union and reflects the historical context of the agreement.

Mnemonic: Mysore's purse: 26, think of the number of letters in "Mysore" (6) and double it.

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