With reference to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the integration of India, consider the following statements: 1. National Unity Day is observed annually on the anniversary of Sardar Patel's death. 2. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel served as India's first Home Minister. 3. Sardar Patel integrated over 700 princely states into the Indian Union after 1947. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Modi pays floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Statue of Unity

GS1History · Society · Geography· Modern India & freedom struggle· Prelims· 31 October 2026

National integration and the role of Sardar Patel: a key GS1 History and GS2 Polity theme.

Why in news

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity to mark his 151st birth anniversary and National Unity Day.

Background

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, and died on December 15, 1950. He served as India's first Home Minister and integrated over 560 princely states into the Indian Union after 1947.

Facts for Prelims

PlaceStatue of Unity is located in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat
FactSardar Patel integrated over 560 princely states into the Indian Union
FactNational Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) has been observed since 2014
PostSardar Vallabhbhai Patel served as India's first Home Minister

Prelims practice question

With reference to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the integration of India, consider the following statements:

National Unity Day is observed annually on the anniversary of Sardar Patel's death.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel served as India's first Home Minister.
Sardar Patel integrated over 700 princely states into the Indian Union after 1947.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (a) 2 only — Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: It is observed on his birth anniversary. Statement 3 is incorrect: He integrated over 560 princely states.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the integration of princely states and its significance for the contemporary unity and integrity of India.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Historical integration: The administrative and political challenges of merging diverse princely states into a unified Union
National identity: The role of commemorative symbols like National Unity Day in fostering a cohesive national narrative

Keywords: National Integration · Princely States · Iron Man of India · Nation-building · Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: The Hindu ↗

More History & Culture notes

NGMA Bengaluru to host 150+ heritage Karnataka textile artefacts from 18th Century · 30 October 2026
TNSDA unearths 12th century Chola period bronze alloy idols of Nataraja and Sivagami · 30 October 2026
Andhra University PhD scholar Pavani Pasumarthi wins Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 · 29 October 2026
Mudalur claimed as India's first Christian village established in 1799 · 28 October 2026
Madras High Court: Non-Hindus cannot enter Agamic temples without affirming reverence for deity · 28 October 2026
India’s first general election: 10.6 crore people vote as Congress wins 364 seats · 24 October 2026

All History & Culture current affairs →

Something wrong, or something missing?

Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.

Report a mistake →Ask for something →[email protected]

This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.