History Notes Chapter 13 Fulfillment of Struggle for Independence Class 8 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – History Class 8
1. Introduction

• India became independent on 15 August 1947, but the struggle to unite the nation was not over.
• More than 600 princely states had the right to either:
  1. Join India
  2. Join Pakistan
  3. Remain independent
• The Portuguese and French still held control over some regions, creating further challenges.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in integrating these states into India.

2. Integration of Princely States

A. Role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

• Position: First Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of independent India.
• Method:
  1. He convinced rulers using diplomacy.
  2. Created an Instrument of Accession for rulers to sign and join India.
  3. Used military force when necessary.
• Outcome: Most princely states joined India peacefully.

B. Merger of Junagad (1948)

• Location: Saurashtra (Gujarat)
• Problem:
  • The people wanted to join India, but the Nawab wanted to join Pakistan.
• Solution:
  • People of Junagad protested.
  • The Nawab fled to Pakistan.
  • India took control in February 1948.

C. Hyderabad Liberation (1948)

1. Background:
   • Hyderabad was the largest princely state.
   • It had Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi-speaking regions.
   • The ruler, Nizam of Hyderabad, wanted to stay independent or join Pakistan.
2. People’s Struggle:
   • Praja Mandals were formed to demand democracy and political rights.
   • Hyderabad State Congress was formed in 1938 by Swami Ramananda Tirth.
3. Razakar Threat:
   • Kasim Rizvi, a close associate of the Nizam, formed the Razakar group.
   • Razakars oppressed Hindus and Muslims who supported democracy.
4. Operation Polo:
   • On 13 September 1948, the Indian Army launched Operation Polo.
   • By 17 September 1948, the Nizam surrendered, and Hyderabad became part of India.

D. Contribution of Marathwada in Hyderabad Liberation

• Key Leaders:
  1. Swami Ramananda Tirth
  2. Govindbhai Shroff
  3. Anant Bhalerao
  4. Ashatai Waghmare
• Vande Mataram Movement:
  • Students actively participated.
  • Many people, like Ved Prakash, Bahirji Shinde, and Shoaib Ullah Khan, sacrificed their lives.

17 September is celebrated as Marathwada Mukti Din to honor this struggle.

E. Problem of Kashmir

1. Background:
   • Hari Singh, the ruler of Kashmir, wanted to remain independent.
   • Pakistan wanted Kashmir to join them.
2. Attack by Pakistan:
   • In October 1947, armed intruders (supported by Pakistan) attacked Kashmir.
   • Hari Singh requested India’s help and signed the Instrument of Accession.
3. Indian Army’s Role:
   • Indian Army drove out the invaders, but some areas (now Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir) remained under Pakistan’s control.

3. Merger of French Colonies

• Regions under French Control:
  • Chandranagar, Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, Yanam.

1. Chandranagar Merger (1949):
   • A plebiscite (public vote) was held.
   • People chose to join India, and the region merged.
2. Other French Territories (1954):
   • The rest of the French colonies were peacefully handed over to India.

4. Struggle for Goa’s Liberation (1961)

1. Background:
   • Goa, Dadra-Nagar Haveli, and Daman-Diu were controlled by Portugal.
   • Dr. T.B. Kunha led the movement for Goa’s liberation.
2. Key Events:
   • In 1946, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia started a Satyagraha against Portuguese rule.
   • Azad Gomantak Dal liberated Dadra and Nagar Haveli in 1954.
3. Operation Vijay (1961):
   • Portuguese refused to negotiate, so India used military action.
   • In December 1961, the Indian Army entered Goa, forcing the Portuguese to surrender.

Goa became a part of India on 19 December 1961, completing India’s territorial unity.

5. Significance of Integration

• National Unity: Unified 600+ princely states under one nation.
• End of Colonialism: Removed foreign control (Portuguese and French) from Indian soil.
• Stronger Democracy: Allowed all citizens to enjoy equal rights under one government.

6. Key Leaders in the Integration of India

1. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – Integrated princely states using diplomacy and force.
2. Swami Ramananda Tirth – Led the Hyderabad liberation movement.
3. Dr. T.B. Kunha – Led the Goa freedom struggle.
4. Jawaharlal Nehru – Ensured peaceful negotiations for French territories.