Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 134

Which state had the lowest amount of privy purse received by the ruler?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the size and historical significance of each state.

Correct Answer: B) Kotadia

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The concept of privy purses is rooted in the historical context of India's transition from a collection of princely states to a unified nation. After India's independence in 1947, the rulers of these princely states were granted annual payments known as privy purses. These payments were intended to support the former rulers and their families, maintaining their lifestyle and status.

The amount of the privy purse varied significantly based on the size, historical significance, and economic resources of the princely state. Larger and more historically significant states, such as Mysore, Jaipur, and Jodhpur, received higher amounts due to their greater influence and resources. In contrast, smaller and less historically significant states, like Kotadia, received lower amounts.

Understanding the historical context and the relative significance of each state is crucial to answering this question correctly. Kotadia, being a lesser-known and smaller princely state, would have received the lowest amount of privy purse. This is because the amount of the privy purse was directly related to the state's size and historical importance, with larger and more significant states receiving higher amounts.

It is important to note that the privy purses were eventually abolished in 1971 under the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of India. This amendment was part of a broader effort to reduce the influence of the former princely states and their rulers in the newly formed democratic republic.

When answering questions about privy purses, it is essential to consider the historical context and the relative significance of each princely state. This includes understanding the size, economic resources, and historical importance of the state, as these factors directly influenced the amount of the privy purse received by the ruler.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Jodhpur was a significant princely state, and its ruler received a substantial privy purse. This option is incorrect because Jodhpur was one of the larger states and thus received a higher amount.
  • Option B: Kotadia is a lesser-known princely state, and its ruler received the lowest amount of privy purse. This option is correct because Kotadia was a small state with limited historical significance, leading to a smaller privy purse.
  • Option C: Jaipur was a major princely state, and its ruler received a significant privy purse. This option is incorrect because Jaipur was one of the larger and more historically significant states, which would have received a higher amount.
  • Option D: Mysore was a prominent princely state, and its ruler received a substantial privy purse. This option is incorrect because Mysore was a large and historically significant state, which would have received a higher amount.

Mnemonic: Kotadia: Keep Out Tiny Amounts, Don't Assume Importance

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