RAS question
V.P. Menon, who played a crucial role in the integration of princely states, worked under which leader?
Correct answer: (C) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
V. P. Menon worked under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the States Department during the integration of princely states into the Indian Union.
Explanation
V. P. Menon served as Secretary of the States Department under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for States. The Press Information Bureau identifies Patel as the central figure in India’s national integration and specifically notes Patel’s collaboration with V. P. Menon in facilitating the integration of princely states. Menon was the key administrator in the department, while the political leadership for integration rested with Patel. Together, they helped bring all 562 princely states, including the 19 states of Rajputana, into the Indian Union.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Mahatma Gandhi influenced the freedom movement, but he was not directly responsible for the administrative integration of princely states.
- (B) Lord Mountbatten was Governor-General, while the Press Information Bureau connects V. P. Menon’s integration role with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, not Mountbatten.
- (D) Jawaharlal Nehru was Prime Minister, but the integration of princely states was handled under Patel as Minister for States.
Concept
Post-Independence consolidation of India centred on the integration of princely states. RAS repeatedly covers this theme because Rajasthan history links directly to Rajputana’s princely states and their merger into the Indian Union.