Why Junagadh State Did Not Remain in Pakistan in 1947

The partition of British India in 1947 into India and Pakistan marked a tumultuous period, but for some princely states the decision to join one or the other dominion was influenced by a multitude of factors. One such state was Junagadh, which, despite its strategic location and historical ties to Pakistan, did not remain a part of the country. This article explores the reasons behind this outcome and the geopolitical considerations of the time.

The Principle of Contiguity

During the partition negotiations, Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of British India, suggested that the princely states should join India or Pakistan based on the principle of contiguity. This principle indicated that a state should be geographically connected to the dominion it decided to join. This was intended to ensure that the newly formed countries could maintain coherent political and administrative governance.

However, the application of this principle was not always straightforward. For Junagadh, which is situated in the Saurashtra region of west India, geographical considerations did not permit it to join Pakistan. The region was predominantly Hindu, which further complicated the decision.

The Situation in Junagadh

The Nawab of Junagadh, Sir Muhammad Taj Mohammad Khan, initially desired to accede to Pakistan. His decision was influenced by factors such as the historical ties with Pakistan, the strategic location of the state, and the potential for economic benefits.

Nonetheless, the citizens of Junagadh interpreted the princely state's relationship more as that of a direct connection to India. On August 15, 1947, the Nawab declared the state's accession to Pakistan, but this decision met with resistance. The local population formed a provisional government and rose up against the Nawab.

This act of defiance was not isolated. A number of small vassal states supporting India also declared for the newly formed dominion, emboldened by the changing political climate. Despite efforts to maintain order, the Indian Army soon moved into the enclaves of these small states, and civil authorities tightened control over the state's lines of commerce and communications.

Other Borderline Situations

Other princely states that were close to India but had ties to Pakistan encountered similar challenges. For example, in Hyderabad, a state surrounded entirely by India, the geopolitical landscape did not favor an independent or Pakistani state. Despite having no direct access to the sea, Hyderabad's situation mirrored that of Junagadh in many ways.

In a similar vein, Bhopal, a possible accession candidate to Pakistan, was also hindered by the principle of contiguity. The state was strategically located in the central region of India, far from Pakistan, making it an unsuitable candidate for joining Pakistan.

Conclusion

The decision for Junagadh not to remain in Pakistan was a result of the complex interplay of political, social, and geographical factors. The principle of contiguity, while intended to simplify the partition process, was not always practical. The local populace's identity, historical ties, and the broader geopolitical context all played pivotal roles in determining the final fate of these states.