What do you think?
Rate this book
The Story of the Integration of the Indian States
When on August 1947 India became an Independent Dominion in the British Commonwealth of Nations, one of the largest unresolved problems facing it was the presence of 554 princely states within its boundaries. The British Government had announced that with their departure these States would become independent. It was widely feared that the new Dominion would break up on this account. Yet by the time the new constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, all the states had been integrated into the pattern of the Republic. The book is first authoritative account of that magnificent achievement.
511 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1956
126 people are currently reading
2420 people want to read
About the author
V.P. Menon
4 books15 followersRao Bahadur Vappala Pangunni Menon CSI, CIE (30 September 1893 - 31 December 1965), also known as V. P. Menon, was an Indian civil servant who played a vital role during the partition of India and the integration of independent India, from the period 1945-1950.
The son of a school headmaster in Kerala, Menon worked as a railway stoker, coal miner and Bangalore tobacco company clerk before gaining a junior post in the Indian Civil Service. By working assiduously, Menon rose through the ranks to become the highest serving Indian officer in British India. In 1946, he was appointed Political Reforms Commissioner to the British Viceroy.
In Patrick French's book, India - a portrait, it is mentioned that VP Menon moved in with his Keralite friends after his wife left him and returned to south India. The couple had actually arranged his marriage and helped raise his two sons --- Pangunni Anantan Menon and Pangunni Shankaran Menon. When the husband died, Menon married his widow.
Menon was given the title of Rao Bahadur, appointed a CIE in the 1941 Birthday Honours and a CSI in the 1946 Birthday Honours.
The son of a school headmaster in Kerala, Menon worked as a railway stoker, coal miner and Bangalore tobacco company clerk before gaining a junior post in the Indian Civil Service. By working assiduously, Menon rose through the ranks to become the highest serving Indian officer in British India. In 1946, he was appointed Political Reforms Commissioner to the British Viceroy.
In Patrick French's book, India - a portrait, it is mentioned that VP Menon moved in with his Keralite friends after his wife left him and returned to south India. The couple had actually arranged his marriage and helped raise his two sons --- Pangunni Anantan Menon and Pangunni Shankaran Menon. When the husband died, Menon married his widow.
Menon was given the title of Rao Bahadur, appointed a CIE in the 1941 Birthday Honours and a CSI in the 1946 Birthday Honours.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 12, 2020
The book is a brilliant account of how V.P.Menon under the able guidance and leadership of Sardar Patel could bring about unification of 554 states into fourteen administrative units. Step by step Menon describes how each princely state was integrated. Reading the book one can understand the great foresight and leadership Sardar Patel had while driving the country's unity
May 7, 2014
This is one of the best books I have ever read on Indian history. Covers the integration of the Indian states in a great detail. Especially enjoyed reading the introduction and the first chapter, the way author sets context right from 300 AD till the day India got freedom, is just a delight and so much learning of course!
Hats off to Sardar Patel & V.P. Menon for making this happen. Had the integration not happened, it is hard to imagine the co-existence of 566 Princely states in technologically advanced 21st century!
A summary of this book (perhaps introduction chapter will suffice) should be made part of school curriculum.
Hats off to Sardar Patel & V.P. Menon for making this happen. Had the integration not happened, it is hard to imagine the co-existence of 566 Princely states in technologically advanced 21st century!
A summary of this book (perhaps introduction chapter will suffice) should be made part of school curriculum.
September 27, 2018
When India became independent, the country was a kaleidoscope of small and large states of various hues and shades. The bigger provinces were under direct British rule, but the native princely states, which were 554 in number, were scattered over the entire area. Nobody could have imagined that all these principalities would be merged into a single union within two years – a blink of an eye as far as national timescales are concerned. But Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Vappala Pangunny Menon, his adviser and secretary to the States ministry achieved the impossible in such a short time. They tamed the quarrelsome princes and convinced them of the need first to accede to India and then to merge their states with others or British Indian provinces. With patience, tact, compromise and a little bit of coercion when all else failed, the states were eventually pulled under the wings of the Indian republic. V P Menon tells the story of that heroic effort that has not received the grateful attention of India because the state machinery was bent upon conferring on Nehru the laughable epithet of the architect of modern India. The country trod the path of economic progress only when Nehru’s policies were thrown out with contempt in the liberalization era. How then can he still be called the architect? However, the focus on Nehru in state-approved history came at the cost of Sardar Patel.
India maintained its unity of culture at all times but politically it was a hopeless case during most of its existence. Rare exceptions like the Mauryas and Guptas may be cherry-picked, but they were just that, rather than the rule. The British united it politically – no doubt, for their own ends – but united it indeed came to be. Menon acknowledges the British contribution with an encomium that “no greater achievement can be credited to the British than that they brought about India’s enduring political consolidation. But for this accomplishment and the rise of national consciousness in its wake, the government of free India could hardly have taken the final step of bringing about the peaceful integration of the princely states” (p.3). The East India Company established its administration from the districts to the Governor General. The administration was impersonal and no hereditary posts were envisaged as done by the native rajas. The company’s officers were imbued with a sense of their mission and introduced the principles and practices which obtained in their country. The East India Company annexed many states outright to their dominions, but abandoned this policy after 1857, considering the limitless help in men and material they received from the local princes in suppressing the Mutiny. This temporarily halted the drive for unification. The Simon Commission report submitted in 1930 restarted the process by hinting of a federation of all states. It proposed setting up of a standing consultative body containing representatives from British India and the states, to be called the Council for Greater India. The federal portion of the reforms enunciated by the 1935 Government of India Act was not implemented due to reluctance of the princes over loss of revenue. At that time, World War 2 intervened and all consultations were stopped.
Menon was very active in the bureaucratic circles after the end of the War and provides a blow by blow account of the British effort to grant freedom in a peaceful way. Stafford Cripps proposed a union in which the states were given the privilege to opt out if they so desired. Such states would still continue the same treaty relationship with the Crown. Both the Congress and the Muslim League rejected this half-way offer. As late as 1946, Viceory Wavell was assuring the princes their continued positions of power and prestige. The Cabinet Mission specified in no uncertain terms that paramountcy of the British would end with the handing over of power and the new dominions would not be the overlords of the states. It was left to the princes to negotiate and make a working arrangement with the new states. For a brief time, the princes were quite content at the fact that they were now free to take decisions that concerned their future. This was a short-lived dream. The new dominions – India and Pakistan – wanted the states to accede to them on the three subjects of external affairs, defence and communications. The Centre’s right to enter any state for protection of internal security was guaranteed in the defence clause. A Standstill Agreement was also signed by the states that transferred the arrangements which they had had with the Crown to the new governments until alternate schemes were finalized.
This book describes the feverish pitch of India’s struggle to ensure accession of all states that were contiguous to it. Pakistan was breathing down their neck. When Maharajah Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur was initially disinclined to accede, Jinnah gave him a signed blank sheet of paper, asking him to fill in the conditions to join Pakistan. But soon, the public unrest in that predominantly Hindu state forced him to accede to India. Menon thankfully acknowledges Lord Mountbatten’s support, who was the first Governor General of free India, in swaying the decisions of some princes to India. He notes that Mountbatten had abundant love for India. Some states proved intransigent at first, especially Travancore under its Dewan Sir C P Ramaswamy Iyer. Hyderabad, Kashmir and Junagadh were stubborn in keeping their independent existence and later Junagadh in fact acceded to Pakistan. Their show of force against nearby Mangrol, which had acceded to India, was met with Sardar’s military muscle. Eventually, the Muslim Nawab of Junagadh fled to Pakistan and the state joined India.
If the princes had thought that they could exert their sweet will on the people on all matters except the three subjects relegated to the Centre, their hopes were soon dashed by the flow of events which came thick and fast. Clamour for governments responsible to the wishes of the people were rising from all corners. Most of the states were not in a position to dally with popular government and democracy owing to their small sizes and meagre financial resources. There were 222 states in the region of Kathiawar itself, of which Vijanoness had an area of just 185 acres, with a population of 206 and annual income of Rs. 500! There were scattered islands of territory outside their individual boundaries. In the 57,000 square kilometer area of Saurashtra, there were 860 different jurisdictions that hindered movement of people and trade. Sardar and Menon set about on the task of merging unviable states into unions, to other states or to nearby provinces. This was the second stage of integration. The rulers were effectively threatened to hand over power or else the responsible governments which they’d eventually be forced to concede would agree anyway. In that case, the decision would be against their will and without any compensation. In its place, Menon promised liberal Privy Purse payments to the rulers with which they can settle down to a quiet life in lieu of sovereignty. The situation was very fluid and the unsettled nature of the things was fully utilized by the author. The pettiness of the rajas came out when talks progressed. Menon lists out a few instances of the Travancore raja who was unwilling even to meet his co-ruler in the new state, the raja of Cochin. Some princes protested at the amalgamation and wanted plebiscite. Menon preempted them by telling that he could not believe it to be their intention to deny the representative character of Nehru, Sardar and the central cabinet. Reminiscing with obvious delight and slight mischief, Menon remarks that ‘much water had flowed under the bridge’, referring to the total surrender of the native principalities from the initial demand of accession on just three subjects. In the end, out of the 554 states, 216 were merged to nearby provinces, 5 were taken over as Chief Commissioner’s provinces, 310 were consolidated into six unions, 21 Punjab hill states were merged into Himachal Pradesh and Mysore and Hyderabad remained untouched.
The firsthand experience of the author in merging Hyderabad and Kashmir are detailed in the book. Ever since the Kashmir issue was referred to the United Nations, it ceased to be controlled by the States ministry and the External Affairs ministry took over. But in Hyderabad, his experience was comprehensive from the initial posturing of the Nizam to his unconditional surrender. Hindus comprised 85 per cent of the state’s population but the Nizam had stuffed his administration, police and armed forces with Muslims. Initially he refused to accede to India and wanted dominion status. To buttress his claim and to blackmail India, an organization called the Ittihad ul-Muslimeen was launched to intimidate and suppress the Hindus of Hyderabad. Kazim Razvi was its leader and its members were called Razakars who were given a free run of the place. The Nizam conducted parleys with Jinnah and appointed Mir Laik Ali, who had represented Pakistan in the UN as the president of his executive council. He arm-twisted the Indian government to sign a standstill agreement without accession, but followed it up immediately with two ordinances that banned export of precious metals to India and prohibited the use of Indian currency as legal tender in his state. Moreover, he displayed where his real sympathies lay with a loan of Rs. 20 crores to Pakistan. Razvi’s incendiary speeches and attempts to cleanse Hyderabad of its non-Muslim population were escalating the tension with each passing day. With a Koran on one hand and a sword on the other, he exclaimed jihad against India and swore that the 45 million Muslims in India would be their fifth-columnists in the case of a war. On 22 May 1948, the mail train from Madras to Bombay was waylaid at Gangapur station. Several male passengers were killed and the assailants kidnapped many women passengers. The Nizam was testing the patience of India and counting upon the lucky chance that its troops were tied up in Kashmir and some British politicians were demanding independence for Hyderabad. Finally, Indian forces barged in by a pincer movement and humbled its troops within 108 hours of fighting. The Nizam was allowed to remain as the head of state and he returned the favour by faithfully signing on the dotted line whenever asked for. However, Menon gives only scant details of the invasion.
A serious drawback of the book is that its author is not as candid as the readers wish him to be. Even though he had retired from service by the time he wrote this book, Menon still keeps the veil of secrecy and stays on the narrow course offered by the official version. The economic blockade of Junagadh and Hyderabad doesn’t find mention in the narrative because it was put in place covertly. Detailed coverage of the articles, schedules and letters reproduced verbatim is a little trying on the reader. At the same time, he has presented some interesting anecdotes and asides such as the Gangajal Fund of Gwalior and the air crash involving the Maharajah of Jaipur. An accusation levelled against Menon’s ministry was its generous spirit in granting privy purses to deposed rulers. This argument is categorically refuted by the author with clear logic and facts.
The book is highly recommended.
India maintained its unity of culture at all times but politically it was a hopeless case during most of its existence. Rare exceptions like the Mauryas and Guptas may be cherry-picked, but they were just that, rather than the rule. The British united it politically – no doubt, for their own ends – but united it indeed came to be. Menon acknowledges the British contribution with an encomium that “no greater achievement can be credited to the British than that they brought about India’s enduring political consolidation. But for this accomplishment and the rise of national consciousness in its wake, the government of free India could hardly have taken the final step of bringing about the peaceful integration of the princely states” (p.3). The East India Company established its administration from the districts to the Governor General. The administration was impersonal and no hereditary posts were envisaged as done by the native rajas. The company’s officers were imbued with a sense of their mission and introduced the principles and practices which obtained in their country. The East India Company annexed many states outright to their dominions, but abandoned this policy after 1857, considering the limitless help in men and material they received from the local princes in suppressing the Mutiny. This temporarily halted the drive for unification. The Simon Commission report submitted in 1930 restarted the process by hinting of a federation of all states. It proposed setting up of a standing consultative body containing representatives from British India and the states, to be called the Council for Greater India. The federal portion of the reforms enunciated by the 1935 Government of India Act was not implemented due to reluctance of the princes over loss of revenue. At that time, World War 2 intervened and all consultations were stopped.
Menon was very active in the bureaucratic circles after the end of the War and provides a blow by blow account of the British effort to grant freedom in a peaceful way. Stafford Cripps proposed a union in which the states were given the privilege to opt out if they so desired. Such states would still continue the same treaty relationship with the Crown. Both the Congress and the Muslim League rejected this half-way offer. As late as 1946, Viceory Wavell was assuring the princes their continued positions of power and prestige. The Cabinet Mission specified in no uncertain terms that paramountcy of the British would end with the handing over of power and the new dominions would not be the overlords of the states. It was left to the princes to negotiate and make a working arrangement with the new states. For a brief time, the princes were quite content at the fact that they were now free to take decisions that concerned their future. This was a short-lived dream. The new dominions – India and Pakistan – wanted the states to accede to them on the three subjects of external affairs, defence and communications. The Centre’s right to enter any state for protection of internal security was guaranteed in the defence clause. A Standstill Agreement was also signed by the states that transferred the arrangements which they had had with the Crown to the new governments until alternate schemes were finalized.
This book describes the feverish pitch of India’s struggle to ensure accession of all states that were contiguous to it. Pakistan was breathing down their neck. When Maharajah Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur was initially disinclined to accede, Jinnah gave him a signed blank sheet of paper, asking him to fill in the conditions to join Pakistan. But soon, the public unrest in that predominantly Hindu state forced him to accede to India. Menon thankfully acknowledges Lord Mountbatten’s support, who was the first Governor General of free India, in swaying the decisions of some princes to India. He notes that Mountbatten had abundant love for India. Some states proved intransigent at first, especially Travancore under its Dewan Sir C P Ramaswamy Iyer. Hyderabad, Kashmir and Junagadh were stubborn in keeping their independent existence and later Junagadh in fact acceded to Pakistan. Their show of force against nearby Mangrol, which had acceded to India, was met with Sardar’s military muscle. Eventually, the Muslim Nawab of Junagadh fled to Pakistan and the state joined India.
If the princes had thought that they could exert their sweet will on the people on all matters except the three subjects relegated to the Centre, their hopes were soon dashed by the flow of events which came thick and fast. Clamour for governments responsible to the wishes of the people were rising from all corners. Most of the states were not in a position to dally with popular government and democracy owing to their small sizes and meagre financial resources. There were 222 states in the region of Kathiawar itself, of which Vijanoness had an area of just 185 acres, with a population of 206 and annual income of Rs. 500! There were scattered islands of territory outside their individual boundaries. In the 57,000 square kilometer area of Saurashtra, there were 860 different jurisdictions that hindered movement of people and trade. Sardar and Menon set about on the task of merging unviable states into unions, to other states or to nearby provinces. This was the second stage of integration. The rulers were effectively threatened to hand over power or else the responsible governments which they’d eventually be forced to concede would agree anyway. In that case, the decision would be against their will and without any compensation. In its place, Menon promised liberal Privy Purse payments to the rulers with which they can settle down to a quiet life in lieu of sovereignty. The situation was very fluid and the unsettled nature of the things was fully utilized by the author. The pettiness of the rajas came out when talks progressed. Menon lists out a few instances of the Travancore raja who was unwilling even to meet his co-ruler in the new state, the raja of Cochin. Some princes protested at the amalgamation and wanted plebiscite. Menon preempted them by telling that he could not believe it to be their intention to deny the representative character of Nehru, Sardar and the central cabinet. Reminiscing with obvious delight and slight mischief, Menon remarks that ‘much water had flowed under the bridge’, referring to the total surrender of the native principalities from the initial demand of accession on just three subjects. In the end, out of the 554 states, 216 were merged to nearby provinces, 5 were taken over as Chief Commissioner’s provinces, 310 were consolidated into six unions, 21 Punjab hill states were merged into Himachal Pradesh and Mysore and Hyderabad remained untouched.
The firsthand experience of the author in merging Hyderabad and Kashmir are detailed in the book. Ever since the Kashmir issue was referred to the United Nations, it ceased to be controlled by the States ministry and the External Affairs ministry took over. But in Hyderabad, his experience was comprehensive from the initial posturing of the Nizam to his unconditional surrender. Hindus comprised 85 per cent of the state’s population but the Nizam had stuffed his administration, police and armed forces with Muslims. Initially he refused to accede to India and wanted dominion status. To buttress his claim and to blackmail India, an organization called the Ittihad ul-Muslimeen was launched to intimidate and suppress the Hindus of Hyderabad. Kazim Razvi was its leader and its members were called Razakars who were given a free run of the place. The Nizam conducted parleys with Jinnah and appointed Mir Laik Ali, who had represented Pakistan in the UN as the president of his executive council. He arm-twisted the Indian government to sign a standstill agreement without accession, but followed it up immediately with two ordinances that banned export of precious metals to India and prohibited the use of Indian currency as legal tender in his state. Moreover, he displayed where his real sympathies lay with a loan of Rs. 20 crores to Pakistan. Razvi’s incendiary speeches and attempts to cleanse Hyderabad of its non-Muslim population were escalating the tension with each passing day. With a Koran on one hand and a sword on the other, he exclaimed jihad against India and swore that the 45 million Muslims in India would be their fifth-columnists in the case of a war. On 22 May 1948, the mail train from Madras to Bombay was waylaid at Gangapur station. Several male passengers were killed and the assailants kidnapped many women passengers. The Nizam was testing the patience of India and counting upon the lucky chance that its troops were tied up in Kashmir and some British politicians were demanding independence for Hyderabad. Finally, Indian forces barged in by a pincer movement and humbled its troops within 108 hours of fighting. The Nizam was allowed to remain as the head of state and he returned the favour by faithfully signing on the dotted line whenever asked for. However, Menon gives only scant details of the invasion.
A serious drawback of the book is that its author is not as candid as the readers wish him to be. Even though he had retired from service by the time he wrote this book, Menon still keeps the veil of secrecy and stays on the narrow course offered by the official version. The economic blockade of Junagadh and Hyderabad doesn’t find mention in the narrative because it was put in place covertly. Detailed coverage of the articles, schedules and letters reproduced verbatim is a little trying on the reader. At the same time, he has presented some interesting anecdotes and asides such as the Gangajal Fund of Gwalior and the air crash involving the Maharajah of Jaipur. An accusation levelled against Menon’s ministry was its generous spirit in granting privy purses to deposed rulers. This argument is categorically refuted by the author with clear logic and facts.
The book is highly recommended.
July 31, 2018
A thorough account of the integration of integration of Indian states after independence. I personally believe that the independence story doesn't end on 1947. To know how present India came into being, you have to know the story of the integration of Indian states which at the time of independence were numbered upwards of 550.
Well, look no further. Know the tale directly from the horse's mouth. V.P. Menon was the bureaucrat who did that under the leadership of Iron-Man Sardar Patel. The book explains the story of the integration of states through various anecdotes like how a certain Rajah of Rajasthan pointed a gun at the writer and in another case how a Rajah from Gujrat was smuggling wealth and state wealth to a foreign country while engaging with Government in negotiations. Also, if you really want to understand the problem of J&K from the very start, this book will certainly help.
The book could become a little darb and a bit 'bureaucratically technical' but other than that a good, informative read.
Well, look no further. Know the tale directly from the horse's mouth. V.P. Menon was the bureaucrat who did that under the leadership of Iron-Man Sardar Patel. The book explains the story of the integration of states through various anecdotes like how a certain Rajah of Rajasthan pointed a gun at the writer and in another case how a Rajah from Gujrat was smuggling wealth and state wealth to a foreign country while engaging with Government in negotiations. Also, if you really want to understand the problem of J&K from the very start, this book will certainly help.
The book could become a little darb and a bit 'bureaucratically technical' but other than that a good, informative read.
July 10, 2017
This book is the source of excellent historical facts by a person who was involved in creating a significant milestone in Indian history. The book presents a detailed account of merger of all the princely states left behind by the British into the Indian dominion. It is very clear that the author along with Sardar Patel demonstrated excellent diplomatic skills in convincing the rules to merge with India.
The author has covered a brief historical background in the first few chapter so that the future generations can know the background and appreciate the mammoth task that lay ahead in front of the state ministry of the Independent India. The author has devoted a chapter each on how larger states were merged. For smaller states or geographically closer states he has dedicated one chapter for each such cluster. Finally the merger of all tiny states have been covered in a single chapter. Each chapter begins with a brief historical background on these states on how they were formed and what their relationship with the British were. After the history, the author has then moved on to provide a detailed account of the merger process and various negotiations that took place. A lot of original letters and correspondence have been quoted as well.
The last few chapter consists of a brief summary of further organisation of these unions and their resources into more manageable units.
The appendix at the end have been put in the later editions as it consists of certain bills and amendments which completely abolished the concept of princes and kings.
Overall this book is a worth read for all history lovers.
The author has covered a brief historical background in the first few chapter so that the future generations can know the background and appreciate the mammoth task that lay ahead in front of the state ministry of the Independent India. The author has devoted a chapter each on how larger states were merged. For smaller states or geographically closer states he has dedicated one chapter for each such cluster. Finally the merger of all tiny states have been covered in a single chapter. Each chapter begins with a brief historical background on these states on how they were formed and what their relationship with the British were. After the history, the author has then moved on to provide a detailed account of the merger process and various negotiations that took place. A lot of original letters and correspondence have been quoted as well.
The last few chapter consists of a brief summary of further organisation of these unions and their resources into more manageable units.
The appendix at the end have been put in the later editions as it consists of certain bills and amendments which completely abolished the concept of princes and kings.
Overall this book is a worth read for all history lovers.
May 6, 2019
A great book to read for everyone who wish to understand the story behind India as we know today. Integral India with all its states today has been possible only due to the excellent work done by the States Department under leadership of Sardar Patel & V.P. Menon. We and our future generations might take the integrity of India for granted. This book helps to realize the possibilities of several India which might have resulted after British India. A great read.
August 18, 2014
A great book about one of the greatest episodes of entire Indian history... Coming from a person who himself was part of the process makes it more interesting.... It presents nicely the immense challenges of integration and how it was accomplished.... Moreover, the pragmatism that is required in today's Indian politics is reflected by the decisions taken by Sardar and V P Menon.... Go for it.
May 16, 2022
This book is in part accomplishment of a pledge made by the author to the late Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
It was the Iron Man’s solemn desire that Menon should write two books, a) the first narrating the events leading to the transfer of power and, b) the other dealing with the integration of the Indian States.
Menon took up the incorporation of the States first, since the events of the four hectic years, 1947 to 1951, were so vivid in his memory.
Today the modern day student of Indian history thinks of the amalgamation of the States only in terms of the consolidation of the country. However, few pauses to consider the sweats and anxieties that had to be undergone till, bit by bit, the structure of a consolidated India was enshrined in the Constitution.
It was a mutual effort in which every one from Sardar — our stimulation and light — down to the rank and file played his part.
The entire staff of the States Ministry, both at New Delhi as well as at the regional headquarters, threw themselves heart and soul into the task.
There was a unity of rationale animating every one.
They are the unsung heroes who made achievable the consolidation of the country.
Menon has narrated the whole story as dispassionately as it is possible for one who was in the midst of it.
The events and personalities are too near for any concluding assessment to be attempted.
This is a task for the historian of the future.
Menon has intentionally called this book, not the history, but 'The Story of the Integration of the Indian States'.
The first four chapters provide the background to the problem of the Indian States.
There the author has described how the British built up the framework of princely India. The author traces the events right up to the announcement of the June 3rd plan declaring the lapse of paramountcy, whereby the Indian States comprising two-fifths of the country would return to a state of political isolation.
Chapter V describes how this was circumvented by the accession of the States on three subjects. The next chapter deals with Junagadh State which, had acceded to Pakistan.
The ten succeeding chapters deal with the consolidation of the States on a regional basis. Hyderabad, which had remained aloof, has been dealt with at length in three chapters.
Kashmir follows and the Baroda interlude comes …..
This book is the most fascinating and illuminative account of the genesis of India’s states that I’ve ever read.
It presents the incredible origin story of much of India that you see today.
And the tears and blood and labour hidden therein…………...
It was the Iron Man’s solemn desire that Menon should write two books, a) the first narrating the events leading to the transfer of power and, b) the other dealing with the integration of the Indian States.
Menon took up the incorporation of the States first, since the events of the four hectic years, 1947 to 1951, were so vivid in his memory.
Today the modern day student of Indian history thinks of the amalgamation of the States only in terms of the consolidation of the country. However, few pauses to consider the sweats and anxieties that had to be undergone till, bit by bit, the structure of a consolidated India was enshrined in the Constitution.
It was a mutual effort in which every one from Sardar — our stimulation and light — down to the rank and file played his part.
The entire staff of the States Ministry, both at New Delhi as well as at the regional headquarters, threw themselves heart and soul into the task.
There was a unity of rationale animating every one.
They are the unsung heroes who made achievable the consolidation of the country.
Menon has narrated the whole story as dispassionately as it is possible for one who was in the midst of it.
The events and personalities are too near for any concluding assessment to be attempted.
This is a task for the historian of the future.
Menon has intentionally called this book, not the history, but 'The Story of the Integration of the Indian States'.
The first four chapters provide the background to the problem of the Indian States.
There the author has described how the British built up the framework of princely India. The author traces the events right up to the announcement of the June 3rd plan declaring the lapse of paramountcy, whereby the Indian States comprising two-fifths of the country would return to a state of political isolation.
Chapter V describes how this was circumvented by the accession of the States on three subjects. The next chapter deals with Junagadh State which, had acceded to Pakistan.
The ten succeeding chapters deal with the consolidation of the States on a regional basis. Hyderabad, which had remained aloof, has been dealt with at length in three chapters.
Kashmir follows and the Baroda interlude comes …..
This book is the most fascinating and illuminative account of the genesis of India’s states that I’ve ever read.
It presents the incredible origin story of much of India that you see today.
And the tears and blood and labour hidden therein…………...
May 7, 2016
A great book on the context of how an Integrated India came about after British rule of 180 Years.
The first 6 chapters go into great detail about the the Government of India Act of 1935, The Cripps mission of 1942 and the Cabinet Mission plan of 1946 and provide a fascinating insight on the various political and administrative options that ultimately shaped the Republic of India.
So for me the best parts of the book were
1. The Political lead up to 1947. What was the Empire ready to offer India? Federated rule, Dominion Status, The threat of Balkanization of the States, The Lapse of Paramountcy as a platform for a clean slate to structure the future on.
2. The Stories of Hyderabad & Kashmir were very compelling
What did not work for me was the attention to detail on the Privy purse offerings. But then that is just a personal thing.
Overall a fascinating account of History.
The first 6 chapters go into great detail about the the Government of India Act of 1935, The Cripps mission of 1942 and the Cabinet Mission plan of 1946 and provide a fascinating insight on the various political and administrative options that ultimately shaped the Republic of India.
So for me the best parts of the book were
1. The Political lead up to 1947. What was the Empire ready to offer India? Federated rule, Dominion Status, The threat of Balkanization of the States, The Lapse of Paramountcy as a platform for a clean slate to structure the future on.
2. The Stories of Hyderabad & Kashmir were very compelling
What did not work for me was the attention to detail on the Privy purse offerings. But then that is just a personal thing.
Overall a fascinating account of History.
January 3, 2016
India as we know today did not exist 70 years ago....... It was just a British term given loosely to suit themselves. It's the most magnificent, accurate account of how "India" was carved/created out of the Indian Sub-Continent in a short span of time. From 3rd June 1947 to 26th January 1951. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to truly understand "India"!!!
July 7, 2018
Best book ever on early post independence political situation. Reader will get a detailed insight about the problems faced at the early stages, many of which still haunt in the present day like Kashmir issue, Maosit militancy, lack of credible governance in bimaru states, uneven economic & wealth distribution etc.,
November 4, 2015
the book contains elaborate explanations of the various covenants and treaties with the erstwhile princely states of india ...a must read to know about "The Making of India"
hats off to the "iron man" and d author
hats off to the "iron man" and d author
January 29, 2018
Awesome book on how the gigantic task of integration of 600 princely states done ,and all thw idiosynchrasies of the various kings
One can only salute The Sardar after reading the immense complexities
One can only salute The Sardar after reading the immense complexities
April 21, 2013
Very interesting read. Written in a matter of fact way. Coming from V P Menon, one learns the inside story of integration.
March 25, 2016
a must read for all of us who really want to know how India as we know it, came into being! objective, detailed and impartial! simply outstanding
January 7, 2017
A must read to understand the Kashmir issue.
October 9, 2017
a must read if you wish to understand how it became one India after independence and the mechanics of power corridors.
August 3, 2017
Informative. Must read for people wishing to acquaint themselves with the situation and subsequent integration of Indian princely states in the aftermath of the partition.
December 11, 2017
must read if you want to know the story of how 562 states were moulded into one great nation.
September 23, 2019
The Story of Integraion of Indian States (World Affairs : National and International Viewpoints) by V P Menon- V P Menon is a civil servant who remained Political Advisor to Viceroy of India. The book is published with the help of Rockfeller Foundation. The binding factor of the reader is that it reads like a history text book about British expansion of terrototry and governance journey in India with Maharajas according to treaties executed between both. First two Chapters- Setting the Stage and Second- Spokes of the wheel explain British intentions of extending the Raj in the whole of India including Sind and up to Afghan borders. Chapter III Parting gift brings in the time of the British leaving India and the position of Indian States versus the Princely States and the view of the Congress about intergration of Princely States with Indian Union. It also brings the difficulties created by Jinnah by luring bordering States and important Muslim States to merge with Pakistan. Chapter IV Parting Gift and Chapter V Stopping the gap initiate the problem of integraton created by Partition of the nation. States Department Government of India under the leadership of Sardar Patel worked to get the Instrument of Accession etc executed. The Princely States were divided in to three categories according to agreements signed with the British Government with the Rajas. Muslim Rulers and Hindu population, HIndu Raja and Muslim population were two issues to be tackled. V P Menon was the incharge Secretary and he has written how under the leadership of Sardar Patel, he took the challenge. Chapter VI Jundagarh, Chapter VII- Orissa and Chattisgarh States, Chapter VIII- Saurashtra, Chapter IX- The Deccan the Gujarat Chapter X- Vindhya Pradesh Chapter XI Madhya Bharat, Chapter XII- Patiala and the East Punjab Union have described the work done in 4 years with Maharajas i.e. 1947 to 1952. The Maharajas came to talk and pressurised on good terms of settement- better Privy Purses, posting as Indian representatives in foreign countries, maintainence of their individual Palaces and properties, employees of the Princely States, army of Princely States. Some Princely States were small and some were large. The small ones could be merged with neighbouring Indian States but the larger onces had houses of elected representatives as being planned in the new Constitution of India, need to be considered . Chapter XIII- Rajasthan, Chapter XIV Travancore Coachin are interesting reading. Coachin was a martiarchal society with about 500 regal dyanstic families living in a large property. Menon helped in sub-divding the property amongst them so that each got his proper share. (This subject i have read on the internet). Chapter XV- Mysore, Chapter XVI- A Miscellenecy of States are captivating reading because Mysore was a State in which administration set up was on British democratic lines. established Princely State. Chapter XVII to XIX - Hyderabad describes how Police Action was planned with Bombay Government helping in carrying the plan. Chapter XX Jammu and Kashmir State describes the views of Patel and Nehru about the issue and how Nehru took the initiative and brought the decision at the door of UN. Chapter XXI- Baroda, Chapter XXII- (a) Administrative Consolidation, (b) Incorporation of the State Forces in the Indian Army, Chapter XXIII-Financial integration completes the book. It is a recorded history of India. It is a class book which should be read by all to understand intricacies of partition of India and integration of Indian States. It is a must read for all.
September 5, 2025
Menon quotes Sardar while ending his book:
"it will be folly to ignore realities; facts take their revenge if they are not faced squarely and well.'
Menon, though a most respected statesman, is a terrible writer. The book is not for the faint-brained, and I would recommend that you watch rather a documentary if you want to acquaint yourself with the Story of Integration of India.
While reading the book, a thought riled my mind: why did they not issue a more strict ultimatum to the Princely states, either abdicate peacefully, if not "the masses are coming"? The rulers were not ignorant of the fact that the popular movements across the country are for overthrowing an authoritarian state with a democratic one, and they would not be free from the movement's garb.
But in the last chapter, Menon eloquently describes the reality of those times. One cannot ignore the ground realities. If one reads the histories of various integrations around the world, famously Italy & Germany, they would find much bloodshed and conflict. But through valourous diplomacy, Sardar and Menon achieved the impossible.
"it will be folly to ignore realities; facts take their revenge if they are not faced squarely and well.'
Menon, though a most respected statesman, is a terrible writer. The book is not for the faint-brained, and I would recommend that you watch rather a documentary if you want to acquaint yourself with the Story of Integration of India.
While reading the book, a thought riled my mind: why did they not issue a more strict ultimatum to the Princely states, either abdicate peacefully, if not "the masses are coming"? The rulers were not ignorant of the fact that the popular movements across the country are for overthrowing an authoritarian state with a democratic one, and they would not be free from the movement's garb.
But in the last chapter, Menon eloquently describes the reality of those times. One cannot ignore the ground realities. If one reads the histories of various integrations around the world, famously Italy & Germany, they would find much bloodshed and conflict. But through valourous diplomacy, Sardar and Menon achieved the impossible.
April 2, 2021
We generally end up blaming Nehru and other leaders at time of independence for India's trouble in Kashmir. However it is surprising and no mean achievement that we are not saddled with hundreds of Kashmir. I always knew that there were some states ruled by kings who were integrated into India during independence but never knew the vast scale of the problem. 48% of India's landmass as we know of today was ruled by these kings- big and small and most of them wanted to be sovereign rulers when Britishers left. This book may be a little heavy on detail but it only offers to explain the magnitude of the problem which was faced by India. It was really a painstaking process for Sardar and VP Menon along with other bureaucrats to unify all these 'soverign' entities into one India. The book presents step by step the process followed with the states; how they were first made to accede to India on only 3 subjects and we're gradually convinced to concede on other subjects as well. Amazing and detailed book....must read if you are interested in contemporary Indian History.
Read
February 17, 2020Learnt so much which I didn't know/understand before
In words of Nehru
By the time the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, we had integrated geographically all the States and brought them into the same constitutional relations with the Centre as the provinces. The administrative integration in the Unions was proceeding apace. The scheme of financial integration was already worked out and finalized and it was to come into operation within a few months. The Indian States Forces were to be absorbed into the Indian Army.
By the partition India had lost an area of 364,737 square miles and a population of 81½ millions. By the integration of the States, we brought in an area of nearly 500,000 square miles with a population of 86½ millions (not including Jammu and Kashmir).
In words of Nehru
By the time the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, we had integrated geographically all the States and brought them into the same constitutional relations with the Centre as the provinces. The administrative integration in the Unions was proceeding apace. The scheme of financial integration was already worked out and finalized and it was to come into operation within a few months. The Indian States Forces were to be absorbed into the Indian Army.
By the partition India had lost an area of 364,737 square miles and a population of 81½ millions. By the integration of the States, we brought in an area of nearly 500,000 square miles with a population of 86½ millions (not including Jammu and Kashmir).
November 7, 2021
A story, which was always restricted to just few paragraphs in all history books related to post-independent India, has been excellently narrated by Mr. Menon in this amazing piece of work on how all the princely states are integrated in India under the able leadership of Sardar Patel.
The writer, V.P.Menon, was the Secretary in Ministry of States under Sardar Patel during the initial period right after India got its Independence and he has played a pivotal role in the Integration of all the princely states.
This book is recommended for people who is interested to know how all 500 princely states got integrated in a single nation within just 3-5 years.
The writer, V.P.Menon, was the Secretary in Ministry of States under Sardar Patel during the initial period right after India got its Independence and he has played a pivotal role in the Integration of all the princely states.
This book is recommended for people who is interested to know how all 500 princely states got integrated in a single nation within just 3-5 years.
February 20, 2021
"On 1 August, Lord Mountbatten gave a luncheon to several of the leading rulers. The A.D.Cs. had helped to form virtual 'Aye' and 'No' lobbies of the rulers in accordance with their attitude to accession. The Maharajahs of Patiala and of Bikaner created a diversion by passing through the 'No' lobby and then roaring with laughter."
December 17, 2021
This book in an eye opener to all who thought India was made in a day. Making of India in 1947 is probably the most complex task in history as it meant integration of 500+ princely states. Without their integration in time we would have gone back to pre-British era where every piece of land was owned by some ruler.
November 28, 2025
A front-row seat to the birth of a nation. V.P. Menon gives a gripping, account of how diplomacy, coercion, and sheer willpower united hundreds of royal kingdoms into the Republic of India. Essential reading for anyone trying to understand the geography and politics of modern India and how we reached the current state of the union.
October 4, 2020
A must read for all Indians. Such crucial piece of history about the birth of our Nation needs wider recognition. The men who have worked to tackle such unprecedented crisis and convert it into an opportunity to unite an entire nation, deserves to be celebrated.
June 27, 2023
A consolidation of 554 princely states and rest of British India was by no mean an easy feat. A few states stories are great. For most it is just too much of stats in terms of size in sq km, privy purses in rupees, family jewels which at times you feel you are reading the will of a relative
July 31, 2023
Brilliant read where Mr Menon have given a very vivid description of the events in relation to the Princely states just after transfer of power. He is a very meticulous writer and have included very fine details in his memoirs.
A must read.
A must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews