Explanation: In the context of Indian history, the period immediately preceding and following India's independence from British rule was marked by significant political changes, particularly concerning the status of princely states. These states, which were ruled by local monarchs under the suzerainty of the British Crown, faced a critical decision regarding their future status as India moved towards independence.
The Holker of Indore and the Nizam of Hyderabad were among the few princely states that declared themselves as sovereign republics. This declaration was a political move aimed at asserting their independence and potentially maintaining their autonomy in the new political landscape of a free India. However, these declarations were not recognized by the Indian government, which was led by Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Indian government's stance was clear: all princely states must accede to the Indian Union to ensure national unity and territorial integrity.
The Holker of Indore, who ruled the princely state of Indore, declared his state as a sovereign republic. This declaration was made in an attempt to maintain the state's independence and possibly negotiate a special status within the Indian Union. However, the Indian government did not recognize this declaration, and Indore was eventually integrated into the Indian Union through negotiations and agreements.
Similarly, the Nizam of Hyderabad, who ruled the princely state of Hyderabad, also declared his state as a sovereign republic. This declaration was more contentious and led to a situation where the Indian government had to take military action to integrate Hyderabad into the Indian Union. The Hyderabad State Forces, known as the Razakars, resisted the integration, leading to the Police Action of 1948, which resulted in the state's integration into the Indian Union.
The King of Bhavnagar, on the other hand, did not declare his state as a sovereign republic. Bhavnagar, like many other princely states, chose to accede to the Indian Union without making such a declaration. This decision was influenced by the political realities of the time and the desire to maintain stability and avoid conflict.
In summary, the correct answer is (D) Only (A) & (B), as the Holker of Indore and the Nizam of Hyderabad were the only ones among the given options who declared their states as sovereign republics. This historical context is crucial for understanding the complexities of India's transition to independence and the integration of princely states into the Indian Union.