Part of: Jammu And Kashmir Gk set 29

Why kashmir was not given to Pakistan

Category: Jammu And Kashmir Gk

Hint: Consider the legal and political processes involved in the accession.

Correct Answer: D) Because it was given to disputed area and later given to India.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The question pertains to the historical context of Kashmir's accession to India, a complex and contentious issue that has been a source of conflict between India and Pakistan since the partition of British India in 1947. To understand why Kashmir was not given to Pakistan, it is essential to delve into the legal and political processes that shaped the decision.

At the time of India's independence, Kashmir was a princely state ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh. Under the Indian Independence Act of 1947, princely states had the option to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent. The decision was to be made by the ruler of the state, taking into account the wishes of the people. However, the situation in Kashmir was complicated by the presence of a Muslim-majority population and a Hindu ruler.

Initially, Hari Singh was hesitant to join either India or Pakistan. However, in October 1947, Pakistan-backed tribal raiders invaded Kashmir, prompting Hari Singh to seek military assistance from India. In exchange for military aid, Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, which legally integrated Kashmir into the Dominion of India. This document was accepted by the Government of India, and the Indian Army was deployed to defend Kashmir against the raiders.

The accession of Kashmir to India was thus a result of a legal process, where the ruler of the state chose to accede to India. This decision was influenced by the need for military assistance and the political and legal framework established by the Indian Independence Act. The United Nations later became involved, and the issue of Kashmir's status became a disputed area, with both India and Pakistan claiming sovereignty over the region.

It is important to note that the accession of Kashmir to India was not solely based on military intervention or personal preferences of the ruler. The legal and political processes, including the Instrument of Accession and the Indian Independence Act, played a crucial role in determining the fate of Kashmir. The dispute over Kashmir remains unresolved, with both India and Pakistan maintaining claims over the region, and it continues to be a significant point of contention in their bilateral relations.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The presence of a war in Pakistan was not the primary reason for Kashmir's accession to India. The decision was based on legal and political processes rather than the ongoing conflict in Pakistan.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. While Hari Singh, the ruler of Kashmir, had reservations about joining Pakistan, his decision to accede to India was influenced by legal and political factors, not just personal preferences.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. India's military intervention in Kashmir was a consequence of the accession process, not the cause. The legal accession of Kashmir to India preceded any military action.
  • Option D: This option is correct. Kashmir was initially a disputed area due to its princely status. The legal process of accession, influenced by the ruler's decision and the Indian Independence Act, ultimately led to Kashmir being given to India.

Mnemonic: Kashmir's fate: Dispute, India, and legal accession

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