RAS question
The Instrument of Accession for Kashmir was signed by Maharaja Hari Singh on:
Correct answer: (C) October 26, 1947.
Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession for Kashmir on October 26, 1947.
Explanation
Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession for Kashmir on October 26, 1947, after Pakistani tribal raiders invaded Kashmir. India airlifted troops to Srinagar the following day, so the accession preceded the military deployment. The Instrument of Accession covered defence, foreign affairs and communications. Therefore, the question asks for the date of the formal political and constitutional act, not Independence Day or Republic Day.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) November 1, 1947 is not the signing date because Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947.
- (B) August 15, 1947 was India's Independence Day, while Kashmir's accession occurred later, amid the crisis caused by the invasion.
- (D) January 26, 1950 was India's Republic Day, not the date on which the Instrument of Accession for Kashmir was signed.
Concept
This question tests the modern Indian history theme of the accession of princely states after Independence, with Kashmir as an important case. It is relevant to RAS because the dates of accession and military response, and the constitutional authority involved, are often confused with one another.