Here are two opinions – Bismay: “The merger with the Indian State was an extension of democracy to the people of the Princely States.” Inderpreet: “I am not so sure, there was force being used. Democracy comes by creating consensus.” What is your own opinion in the light of accession of Princely States and the responses of the people in these parts?
In my opinion, both Bismay and Inderpreet present valid perspectives, and the reality of the merger was complex.
The merger did extend democracy to the people of Princely States. In most of these states, governments were run in a non-democratic manner and rulers were unwilling to give democratic rights to their populations. The people of most princely states clearly wanted to become part of the Indian union.
However, the process was not entirely smooth. In Manipur, there were sharp differences in the Legislative Assembly over the merger question. While the state Congress wanted merger, other political parties opposed it. The Government of India had to persuade the Maharaja into signing the Merger Agreement in September 1949. The government's approach was guided by three considerations: firstly, the people's desire to join India; secondly, flexibility in giving autonomy to some regions to accommodate plurality; and thirdly, the supreme importance of integration and consolidation of territorial boundaries after Partition.
Ultimately, the merger strengthened national unity and prevented further disintegration. Democracy was associated with plurality of ideas and ways of life, and the process accommodated diversity while ensuring that people in Princely States gained democratic rights they were previously denied.
Explanation
The answer balances both viewpoints using evidence from the textbook. Bismay's argument is supported by the fact that people in princely states wanted to join India and were living under non-democratic rulers. Inderpreet's concern about force is validated by the Manipur example where the Maharaja was persuaded to sign the Merger Agreement despite opposition. The government's three considerations show a nuanced approach that combined democratic aspirations with practical necessity of national integration post-Partition.