Essay on the Integration of the Princely States in Orissa

Early Attempts:

There were sincere attempts for integration of all Oriya speaking tracts with the separate province of Orissa. The tracts included the Gadjats. Public opinion was in favour of merger of Gadjats with Orissa.

Even the Oriya press created awareness among the people who considered the Gadjats as the integral part of Oriya press created awareness among the people who considered the Gadjats as the integral part of Orissa province.At the political and administrative necessity and was for economic stability of the province. However, it could not be achieved due to various reasons.

The Prajamandal Movement brought the issue once again within the achievable range. Sometimes the movement created impression that creation of Greater Orissa by integrating the Gadjats would be a solution to the problems of the people. On the other hand, political developments during the course of the Second World War changed tbalance in favour of Indian Independence. With independence at sight, every one was hopeful for a better tomorrow.

World wide anti-imperialist movements cautioned the British and inspired the Indian. It was apprehended that Indian struggle for independence would be renewed with new vigour. The British Government had already been puzzled by the “Do or Die” spirit of the people in the Quit India Movement, 1942.

England realised that it would be impossible to maintain colonialism in India and thought of honourable retreat. The British Government pursued the policy of “Divide and Quit” and supported the Muslim League for creation of separate Muslim Nation, Pakistan.

The Government also hinted about the independent survival of the bigger princely states and grouping of smaller ones. With these schemes in mind, the Labour Party Government in England proceeded to prepare ground for transfer of power.

Election to the Provincial Assembleies brought Congress into power in Orissa. Accordingly, COngreee formed ministry in Orissa and Harekrishna Mahtab was appointed as Prime Minister on 3^rd April 1946. With a popular Government at the helm of affairs, prospects of merger seemed easier.

Specifically Mahtab was extremely positive in his approach and attitude towards the merger of the Gadjats with Orissa. He took upon the issue with great assurance and rendered persistent effort to achieve the goal.

Meanwhile, in 1946 a CVabinet Mission was sent to India to explore the means for the transfer of power to the Indians. The Cabinet Mission made it clear that once India became independent, all treaty obligations between the British Crown and the Rajas of the Gadjats would be decided by the rulers. The Cabinet Mission kept hopes alive for the larger states to maintain independent status. Hectic actions began among the smaller states for grouping.

Harekrishna Mahtab, the prime Minister of Orissa, submitted a memorandum published by the Provincila Congress Committee before the Cabinet mission. He pleaded that the integration of the Gadjats with Orissa was an administrative, cultural and economic necesssity. The Cabinet Mission was much impressed by the arguments in the memorandum. However, the Cabinet Mission suggested for the solution of the problem by mutual negotiations.

The memorandum created misunderstanding and suspicion among the rulers. However, Mahtab clarified the stand taken by the Government and the Provincial Congress Committee. He assured that dynastic privileges, Privy Purse, and titles of the rulers would not be abolished even after merger.

Though the rulers felt little relieved, they attended a conference of rulers of the Eastern States at Calcutta in July 1946. In the conference, it was decided to form a federal union of Orissa and Chhatisgarh States.

Mahatab negotiated with some rulers at Sambalpur in October 1946 in presence of the Political Agent. He pursued the rulers to come forward with open mind for merger of the States. Unfortunately his attempt turned futile.

Even at all India level it was argued for amalgamtion of States of Orissa with the province. Unfortunately propaganda against the States’ administration created unhealthy atmosphere in Orissa. The Prajamandals decided to continue agitation to achieve equal rights and status as enjoyed by the people in Orissa.

Anti-merger Activities:

The rulers misunderstood all these developments and initiated counter move against merger. They set upon rival organisations, and incited the Adibasis and Harijans against others. The rulers also formed a Union and adopted constitution with a Prime Minister, a Chief Secretary, and an Appellate court of the Union etc. This move was to distract people from the merger issue. As a result, in many States of Orissa like Athamalik, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Nilgiri, Seriakella and Kharswan aboriginal people attacked the non-aboriginals.

The motive of the rulers created strong reactions among the people of all States. Demand for merger with Orissa province became stronger. The people felt that merger of the states would be the only answer for the crisis and it could end autocracy and exploitation of the Rajas.

The British crown declared to transfer power to Indians on 15 August 1947 and with independence of Indian all treaty between the Princely States and the British Government would come to an end. The States would be free to decide their future political status.

The Interim Government of India warned the rulers of the native states to sign an Instrument of Accession before 15 August as a mark of their willingness to join Indian Union. In case of failure to sign, the rulers would be responsible for future political developments.

The rulers realised the gravity of the situation. By not signing the Instrument of Accesssion, they might enjoy independent status. But simultaneously they would risk for two factors. First, they would have to counteract with the Congress Government. Second, they had to confront the threat from the hostile subjects by themselves. Finally, the rulers signed the Instrument of Acession except the Nizam of Hydrabad and the Mharaja of Kashmir. Signing of the document was a Greta leap towards integration of the Gadjats.

Once India became independent, people all over the country celebrated the occasion. People of the Gadjats were greatly encouraged by the event and renewed their demand for formation of Government of their own and end of autocratic rule.

The Prajamndals exerted pressure on the rulers to set up popular Government. Some of the rulers like the Raja of Nayagarh formed a cabinet constiting of his brother and loyal officers. Most of the Rajas of Orissa States celebrated. Independence Day, hoisted tricolor along with the dynastic flags and released prisoners.

Occupation of Nilgiri:

Simultaneously, the Rajas had not given upon the hope independent status. Many of them tried to prove their popularity by various means. Their actions were directed against merger. First among them was the Raja of Nilagiri. He acted against the idea of merger by inciting the tribal subjects for an armed attack against the non-tribal people.

The Santals attacked non-tribals with bows, arrows. They plundered and looted houses and in many cases set houses into fire. There prevailed anarchy in Nilagiri. This was deliberate action by the Raja to terrorise the Prajamandalists demanding popular Government. The raja failed to subdue the agitation and people continued to revolt with new vigour and zeal.

At this moment, the Congress Ministry in Orissa acted promptly. Harekrishna Mahtab, the Prime Minister of orissa, was a great champion of integration of Gadjats. He was a close associate of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

He convinced Sardar Patel about take over of Nilagiri.He pleaded that if the situation would not be controlled, it would affect law order situation in the neighbouring district of Balasore. The Government of India authorised the Government of Orissa to take over the administration of Nilagiri.

This was the right moment for Mahtab to accomplish his objective. On 14^th November 1947, the district magistrate of Balasore was directed to take over the administration of Nilagiri. The Orissa armed police marched to Nilgiri. The ruler did not offer any resistance. Undone by the situation, the ruler handed over the administration on the same day and assured to extend support and cooperation to the new administration.

Occupation of Nilagiri was the beginning of merger of the Gadjats. The rulers of other Gadjats could foresee future of their respective States. However, Nilagiri was administrated by the Government of Orissa as occupied territory and finally it was merged on 1 January 1948.

Creation of States Department:

The Government of India created the States Department to deal with all affairs relating to the Princely States. Sardar Patel became the minister of that department. Patel-Mahtab relationship provided golden opportunity for the later to work for merger. Mahatab submitted a memorandum to the States Department.

In the memorandum he pointed out various difficulties created by the States against smooth administration. He also stressed on the need for court-operation between the States and the province. Attempts of Mahtab and the nilgiri incident bore fruit. On 20 November 1947, the States Department convened a meeting in the office of V.P. Menon, the Home Secretary of India. From Orissa, Harekrishna Mahtab and the Regional Commissioner of Sambalpur attended the meeting. The meeting discussed about the future status of the Orissa States.

Three important decisions were taken. First, the Eastern States Union would not be recognised by the Government of India. Second, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Class States should be put under common administration of certain subjects by the provincial Government.Third, the meeting of the rulers of ‘B’ and ‘C’ class states would be convened by the States Department at Cuttack in December.

When Sardar Patel was apprised of the proceedings of the meeting, he favoured the merger of all three classes of Orissa States with the province of Orissa. In his opinion, these States could not survive with their own strength. Thus, the ground was prepared for the conference of the rulers of all class States of Orissa at Cuttack.

Anti-merger Programme:

On the other side, the rulers did not give up their hope for enjoying independent status. But the rulers failed to maintain unity among them over the issue of merger. As a result there appeared crack in the Eastern States Union. Some rulers were in favour of court-operation with the provincial Government, few of them were inclined for merger.

Voices raised for the dissolution of the Eastern States Union as some smaller states would be unable to maintain independent status. However, the rulers met at Calcutta on 25^th November and expressed grave concern over Nilagiri incidents. They met Sardar patel at Delhi and Patel clearly advised them to dissolve the Eastern States Union and to merge the Oriya-speaking States with Orissa.

After independence, demand for merger of the States increased in the Gadjats. Simultaneously to the demand of the people, some rulers trapped few leaders of the Prajamandal and used them against merger.

The leaders were assured by offering important administrative posts. The rulers also carried on campaign against the Orissa Ministry. Stalwart Prajamandal leaders like Radhanath Rath, Pabitra Mohan Pradhan, etc. were gained over. As a result, an uncomfortable atmosphere put the issue in flux. The rulers made all efforts to make the visit of Sardar Patel to Cuttack a failure.

Under this circumstance, Harekrishna Mahtab played the pivotal role to control the situation. He held last minute discussion with Pabitra Mohan Pradhan and convinced him favour of merger.

Another person also exhibited never say-die spirit to mobilise public opinion in favour of merger. He was Sarangadhar Das, the president of the Regional Council. He also exerted pressure on the Prajamandal leaders. Thus, every thing got ready for the last scene and climax of the merger.

The fateful date was 14 December 1947 on which a conference with the rulers of all class States of Orissa was scheduled to be held at Cuttack. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, V.P. Menon and other officials arrived at Cuttack on 13^th Dcember. No doubt, the man instrument for the conference was Harekrishna Mahtab.

Conference at Cuttack:

Patel held discussions with the Governer of Orissa, the prime Minister and his Cabinet Colleagues on 13^th December. Decision was taken to deal with A, B and C class States over the merger issue. Next day the conference began first with the rulers of B and C class States. Twelve out of fifteen B and C class rulers attended the conference. Patelji initiated the proceedings focusing on growing discontent among the people. He persuaded the rulers to agree for merger and at the same time warned them about future. There were hints about taking over the administration of the States by the Government India if situation would demand.

The rulers raised certain issues relating to the Privy Purse, dynastic succession, privileges, and honour. The rulers were assured that all privileges and honour enjoyed by them would be maintained. Privy Purse would be determined on the basis of the principle laid down by the Government of India.

The rulers realised that by signing the merger document they would enjoy certain privileges and honour. But if their States would be occupied in future, they might not get Privy Purse. Finally the rulers present in the conference signed the merger document and rest three rulers would sign later.

In the afternoon session of the conference, negotiation continued with the ‘A’ class rulers. Maharaja of Mayurbhanj left the conference taking the plea that he could not take any decision without consulting his ministers. However, the result of the conference was not encouraging and fruitful. But V.P. Menon, the Secretary of States Department, held next round of talk with the Raja of Dhenkanal.

He issued a veiled threat to take over the administration of the States under the exisiting political condition. The startegy worked well. The rulers submitted a memorandum for consideration of the Secretary before signature of the agreement. V.P.Menon assured the rulers to place the demands for consideration of the Government of India. At least ten ‘A’ class States signed the merger document on 15 December morning. Sardar Patel received the heartening new at Cuttack railway station while waiting for the train to Raipur.

Orissa set the example for the rulers of the other parts of India to follow. The merger of Orissa States was possible due to the statesmanship of Patel, diplomacy of Mahtab and administrative skill of V.P. Menon. On 23 December 1947, the Government of India transferred the administration of Gadjats to Orissa.

Transfer of administration was done under “Extra provincial Jurisdiction Act” and would come into operation from 1 January 1948. Mayurbhanj decided for merger later and the Maharaja signed the agreement on 17 October 1948. Accordingly the Government of India took over administration of Mayurbhanj on 9 November 1948 and transferred the same to Orissa from 1 January 1949.

However, unfortunate part of the story of merger was the amalgamation of Sareikela and Kharswa with Bihar. The Government of India decided to integrate these Oriya speaking States with Bihar. People of these two States revolted against the decision of the Government. Even Sardar patel supported the merger. The revolt was supressed by using brutal force and Orissa lost these two states for ever.

On 15 August 1947, the British Paramountcy came to an end. But for Gadjat people, the agents of the paramount power continued in the form of the rajas and maharajas. Finally a new era began from December 1947.

People of Gadjats got taste of freedom and popular Government. Era of servitude ended and monarchical tyranny was over. Even the rulers of the States were saved from the anger and discontent of the people.If there would not have been merger, the rulers might have become the target of the wrath of the people. Everyone expected a Greater Orissa to be a Better Orissa.