RAS question
Who inaugurated the formation of Greater Rajasthan (Vrithat Rajasthan) on 30 March 1949?
Correct answer: (A) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel formally inaugurated the formation of Greater Rajasthan on 30 March 1949.
Explanation
The formation of Greater Rajasthan came after earlier stages of merger in Rajasthan: the Union of Rajasthan had already been created, and that development opened the way for larger states such as Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jaipur and Jodhpur to join. The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly's official overview states that Greater Rajasthan was formally inaugurated on 30 March 1949 by Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. This is why Patel is the answer, not merely because of his wider association with integration, but because the event itself names him as the inaugurating leader. The same account adds that Hira Lala Shastri led the Cabinet at this stage, consistent with the standard point that Hiralal Shastri became the first Chief Minister and Jaipur was made the capital.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Rajendra Prasad is not named as inaugurating Greater Rajasthan on 30 March 1949.
- (C) Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the earlier Union after Udaipur joined on 18 April 1948, while the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly separately identifies Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel as inaugurating Greater Rajasthan in 1949.
- (D) V.P. Menon is not identified as the person who inaugurated the formation of Greater Rajasthan.
Concept
This tests the phased integration of princely states into Rajasthan, especially the chronology of Rajasthan formation. RAS repeatedly asks such dates, personalities and administrative outcomes because they link Rajasthan history with post-Independence political integration.