Congress’ Stand

During the time of independence, and the time just after independence, India was suffering from a few unbearable roadblocks on its way in the pursuit of becoming a unified single administrative independent nation. The havoc was caused by British patronized states none other than 500+ princely states. These princely states were under the influence of British rulership for a prolonged time during the 19th to 20th century. This influence got them brain-washed and they were not able to accept the idea of losing their freedom and power to merge with India. Few of the princely states of that time are now popular cities in India such as Kashmir, Hyderabad, and Bhopal. By the end, you will be informed about congress’s stand, what princely states are, what Praja Mandal movements, etc. 

What Are Princely States?

When there was British rulership in India, India was divided and controlled by two administrative

power: British India which had control of over 60% of India, and the Princely States were

comprising the remaining 40% of India. 

Before the partition of Pakistan and Bangladesh from India, there were some states in India that were not annexed by the Britishers such as Rajputs and Non-Rajputs princely provisions, these states were combined together and called the princely states. The princely states were autonomous and practiced their own rules and regulations.

The princely states were given choices to make because after the demolition of Britishers in India, British India had divided into Pakistan and India. 

These princely states had to choose to go with one country either India or with Pakistan. Sardar Vallabhai Patel and V.P Menon took the responsibility of integrating all these princely states together.

Travancore was the first state to split out because its leader was premeditated to become an independent state. Similarly, Hyderabad chose the same option. Bhopal took out its proposal because they didn’t like the concept of the Constituent Assembly. 

What Does Congress Stand?

Before diving into what is Congress Stand directly, we should get a basic idea about the background of the Congress Stand.

Background Of Congress Stand

After the defeat in the Battles Of Buxar and Plassey, the British leaders created a great loophole in the dreams of India to become an independent nation. After this victory, Britishers grew in authority and power in regions of Bengal.

Slowly and slowly with the applications of Doctrine Of Lapse and Subsidiary Alliances, they got a good grab of the majority of princely states that weren’t strong enough to hold on to the fight with Britishers and surrender. 

The surprise came after the revolt of 1857 when Queen Victoria claimed that there would be no more acquisitions of the princely states. But, still, the princely states had to depend on the Britishers to gain marine resources. 

After the independence, Indian leaders got more powerful and this was evident for the leaders of princely states to weaken their authority and join India.

Now, when Mahatma Gandhi arrived in politics through the Congress, people’s voices turned towards the Indian National Congress, because the common public knew the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. 

Congress Stand was made to show the underprivileged class of people, peoples who are discriminated against due to their color, caste, religion,  should not be encouraged anymore, etc.

These words of Congress made them believe that there is a bright administration uprising in India.  

Praja Mandals Movements In Princely States

Since, the social condition of peoples in the princely states was pitiful, because most of the princely states are ruled autocratically. High taxation, restricted civil rights, and lack of educational facilities are common tortures to them. The rulers weren’t responsible for taking care of the common public and expended all the revenues collected by natives to live a lavish and luxurious lifestyle

Most of the leaders of the princely states were hostile, aggressive towards Indian forces except these two princely states of Mysore and Baroda. 

Many movements were beginning to launch such as the Khilafat movement ignited the spark of revolution in Indian citizens against Britishers. This spark gave fire to discriminated peoples of the princely states to revolt back against their hostile leader. The local peoples of the princely states came together and started a people’s organization that was called the Praja Mandal. 

Praja Mandal Movement was the national movement initiated by depressed people from the princely states. 

All India States Peoples’ Conference

The protestors from the Praja Mandal were fighting for democratic rights. They used to organize gatherings to motivate people from other princely states by using khadi, removing the taboo of untouchability, and encouraging cottage industries. 

The first meeting of the All India States People’ Conference was brought up to gather representatives from more than 300+ princely states. The conference was held during the month of December at Bombay in 1927. 

All India States Peoples’ Conference was formulated with a purpose to encourage political cordiality between the princely states, and British Raj. The highlighting topic was political stability in government proceedings of future India, relaxation in the farmer’s loans, and taxes. 

However, the Indian National Congress distanced itself from this movement after a few years of independence. 

Conclusion

To conclude this article, we read how the princely states were imbalanced under their own rulers, what were the discrimination they have to go through. Then, we discussed what Praja Mandals are, and how they are formed. At last, we read about the All India States People’s Conference.