Q. With reference to the Integration of Princely States, which of the following statements is/ are correct?
1. Manipur became part of India by signing Instrument of Accession.
2. Manipur was the first state of India to hold an election based on universal adult franchise.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Exp) Option c is the correct answer.
Just before Independence, it was announced by the British that with the end of their rule over India, paramountcy of the British crown over Princely States would also lapse. The British government took the view that all these states were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent if they so wished. This decision was left not to the people but to the princely rulers of these states.
Statement 1 is correct. A few days before Independence, the Maharaja of Manipur, Bodhachandra Singh, signed the Instrument of Accession with the Indian government on the assurance that the internal autonomy of Manipur would be maintained.
Statement 2 is correct. Under the pressure of public opinion, the Maharaja held elections in Manipur in June 1948 and the state became a constitutional monarchy. Thus, Manipur was the first part of India to hold an election based on universal adult franchise.
