Q81. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the integration of Ajmer-Merwara.
Integration of Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
110 RAS Prelims MCQs on the integration of Rajasthan test dates, unions, leaders and the States Department. The path from 19 princely states and three chiefships to one state is asked as sequences, match tables and statement sets, so learn each stage with its date, its member states and the person linked to it.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 81–90 of 110 questions
Q82. Consider the following statements about the leaders of Rajasthan’s integration:
I. Manikya Lal Verma authored "Mewar Ka Vartman Shasan".
II. Hiralal Shastri founded the Jeevan Kutir at Banasthali.
III. Jai Narayan Vyas edited the newspaper ‘Akhand Bharat’.
IV. Gokul Lal Asawa was primarily a leader from the Bikaner region.
Which combination of the above statements is correct?
I. Manikya Lal Verma authored "Mewar Ka Vartman Shasan".
II. Hiralal Shastri founded the Jeevan Kutir at Banasthali.
III. Jai Narayan Vyas edited the newspaper ‘Akhand Bharat’.
IV. Gokul Lal Asawa was primarily a leader from the Bikaner region.
Which combination of the above statements is correct?
Explanation
Manikya Lal Verma authored works on Mewar, Hiralal Shastri founded the Banasthali institution, and Jai Narayan Vyas edited ‘Akhand Bharat’. However, Gokul Lal Asawa was a leader from the Shahpura region in the south, not Bikaner. Therefore, the fourth statement is incorrect, as his political activities were primarily centered in the Rajasthan Union’s initial core areas around Shahpura.
Q83. The following question consists of two statements, Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Choose the correct option:
Assertion (A): The integration of the Rajputana states was largely termed a "bloodless revolution."
Reason (R): Unlike Hyderabad or Junagadh, the central government did not have to resort to direct military action to integrate any state in Rajasthan.
Assertion (A): The integration of the Rajputana states was largely termed a "bloodless revolution."
Reason (R): Unlike Hyderabad or Junagadh, the central government did not have to resort to direct military action to integrate any state in Rajasthan.
Explanation
The unification of Rajasthan is described as a "bloodless revolution" because it was achieved through diplomatic negotiations rather than armed conflict. Unlike other regions like Hyderabad, where military action was necessary, the Rajputana states merged into the Indian Union peacefully. The cooperation of the rulers and the pressure of popular movements allowed for a smooth transition from monarchy to democracy.
Q84. Which ruler of Jodhpur engaged in secret negotiations with Muhammad Ali Jinnah just prior to independence?
Explanation
Maharaja Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur famously held secret discussions with Muhammad Ali Jinnah just before August 15, 1947. Tempted by offers of autonomy and port access, he considered acceding to Pakistan instead of India. This flirtation with Pakistan created a major crisis for the States Department, requiring direct intervention by Lord Mountbatten and V.P. Menon to secure Jodhpur for India.
Q85. Who acted as the primary mediator between the Maharaja of Jodhpur and Muhammad Ali Jinnah during these secret talks?
Explanation
The Nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan, acted as the primary intermediary between the young Maharaja of Jodhpur and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. As a leader of the Chamber of Princes who harbored his own reservations about joining India, the Nawab encouraged Hanwant Singh to seek favorable terms from Pakistan. This mediation was part of a larger effort to maintain princely independence.
Q86. What significant concession was allegedly offered by Jinnah on a blank sheet of paper to entice the Maharaja of Jodhpur to join Pakistan?
Explanation
To entice the Maharaja of Jodhpur, Muhammad Ali Jinnah reportedly gave him a blank signed paper, allowing the ruler to write his own terms. The primary concessions offered included free access to the Karachi port, control over railway lines, and the right to manufacture and import arms. These lucrative offers were designed to bring the strategic border state into Pakistan’s fold.
Q87. Why did the state of Jaisalmer present a complex situation during the initial accession period?
Explanation
Jaisalmer presented a complex scenario as a Hindu-majority border state. Its decision-making was heavily influenced by the stance of its larger neighbor, Jodhpur. If Jodhpur had joined Pakistan, Jaisalmer would have been geographically isolated from India. The ruler was initially uncertain, but following Jodhpur’s accession to India, Jaisalmer also joined, ensuring the security of this vital desert frontier.
Q88. Consider the following statements regarding the resistance to integration:
I. Sardar Patel used the threat of inciting a popular revolt through the Praja Mandal to coerce reluctant rulers.
II. Jodhpur ultimately signed the Instrument of Accession to India due to intense pressure from Lord Mountbatten and V.P. Menon.
III. Dholpur and Bharatpur experienced significant internal communal tensions before integration.
Which combination of the above statements is correct?
I. Sardar Patel used the threat of inciting a popular revolt through the Praja Mandal to coerce reluctant rulers.
II. Jodhpur ultimately signed the Instrument of Accession to India due to intense pressure from Lord Mountbatten and V.P. Menon.
III. Dholpur and Bharatpur experienced significant internal communal tensions before integration.
Which combination of the above statements is correct?
Explanation
All three statements correctly describe the pressures and tensions during the integration. Sardar Patel leveraged popular Praja Mandal movements to pressure rulers, while Jodhpur’s accession required intense diplomatic efforts by Mountbatten and Menon. Additionally, states like Dholpur and Bharatpur faced significant internal communal challenges during this period, which further complicated the administrative transition from princely rule to the union.
Q89. How much total time did the complete process of Rajasthan’s integration take, starting from the formation of the Matsya Union to the final reorganization?
Explanation
The complete journey of Rajasthan’s unification took exactly eight years, seven months, and fourteen days. The process began with the formation of the Matsya Union on March 18, 1948, and reached its final conclusion with the implementation of the States Reorganization Act on November 1, 1956. This timeline highlights the complexity and multiple stages involved in creating the modern state.
Q90. Match the princely states in List I with their specific demands or conditions during integration in List II.
Select the correct code:
| Princely State | Specific Demand/Condition |
|---|---|
| A. Jodhpur | i. Wanted the capital of Greater Rajasthan to be located there |
| B. Mewar (Udaipur) | ii. Demanded a privy purse of 20 lakhs |
| C. Bikaner | iii. Negotiated for access to the Karachi port initially |
| D. Jaipur | iv. First to sign accession to protect its irrigation headworks |
Explanation
Different states had specific priorities: Jodhpur initially looked toward Karachi, while Mewar demanded a high twenty lakh privy purse. Bikaner’s ruler was the first to sign accession to protect vital irrigation works like the Gang Canal. Jaipur successfully negotiated to become the capital of the Greater Rajasthan union. These specific conditions shaped the final agreements between the rulers and India.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 81 | (d) Ajmer’s merger resulted in a significant loss of territory for the state of Rajasthan. |
| 82 | (a) I, II, and III only |
| 83 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 84 | (d) Maharaja Hanwant Singh |
| 85 | (b) The Nawab of Bhopal (Hamidullah Khan) |
| 86 | (c) Free access to the port of Karachi and arms manufacturing rights |
| 87 | (d) Hindu majority state bordering Pakistan whose decisions were influenced by Jodhpur’s stance. |
| 88 | (d) I, II and III |
| 89 | (b) 8 years, 7 months, and 14 days |
| 90 | (b) A-iii, B-ii, C-iv, D-i |
Key facts from Integration of Rajasthan
- At independence, Rajputana had 19 princely states, 3 chiefships (Kushalgarh, Lava and Neemrana) and the British-ruled Ajmer-Merwara.
- The States Department was created on 5 July 1947; V. P. Menon was its Secretary and assisted Sardar Patel.
- The Matsya Union was inaugurated on 18 March 1948 from Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli; K. M. Munshi suggested the name.
- The Rajasthan Union was formed on 25 March 1948 from nine states, with Gokul Lal Asawa as Prime Minister.
- Udaipur (Mewar) joined to form the United State of Rajasthan on 18 April 1948.
- V. P. Menon wrote The Story of the Integration of the Indian States.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Integration of Rajasthan?
This page has 110 practice MCQs on Integration of Rajasthan (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which states formed the Matsya Union?
Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli, together with the chiefship of Neemrana, were joined in the Matsya Union inaugurated on 18 March 1948. The name came from the ancient Matsya kingdom of the same region.
Who was the first Prime Minister of the Rajasthan Union?
Gokul Lal Asawa, when the Rajasthan Union was formed on 25 March 1948 from nine princely states. This was the second phase of integration, after the Matsya Union and before Udaipur joined in April 1948.
What did the Instrument of Accession give to India?
By signing it, a princely state surrendered three subjects to the Dominion of India: defence, foreign affairs and communications. In return the rulers were later given Privy Purses, a fixed allowance, when the states merged.