Question

Who was the key-factor in uniting self-governed princely states post-independence?
a. None other than Mahatma Gandhi. That's one of the reasons his picture is there on Indian currency notes.
b. Nehru Gandhi. That was his first job as the first Prime Minister of India.
c. Sardar Vallabhai Patel. That's why Narendra Modi wants to build ‘Statue of Unity' in his honor.

Answer 1

Sardar Vallabhai Patel united the self governed princely states in India.

There were officially 565 princely states in India at the time of independence in 1947.

Using frank diplomacy and military force, Sardar Vallabhai Patel was able to unite the princely states.

These states were independent kingdoms being governed by kings.

Answer 2

Hey !!

After Independence in 1947 merging all the princely states was a huge task. This work was taken by our honourable Sardar Vallabhai Patel who was the first Home minister of India.

There were totally 545 princely states. 542 states were easily merged in Indian union. But Hyderabad, Kashmir and Junagadh wanted to remain independent with their kings.

Though the kings of princely states don't want to merge with India Sardar Vallabhai played a key role in merging them into India. Hence, he is called as Iron Man of India.