With reference to the transition of India's political structure post-independence, consider the following statements: 1. The Indian Independence Act, 1947, designated August 15 as the 'appointed day' for the lapse of British paramountcy. 2. Nearly 114 princely states joined India via the Instrument of Accession before August 15, 1947. 3. Pre-independence India consisted of exactly 28 States and eight Union Territories. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

India completed 79 years of independence following the lapse of British paramountcy on August

GS1History · Society · Geography· Modern India & freedom struggle· Prelims + Mains· 1 November 2026

Constitutional history and federal reorganization: a key GS1 and GS2 topic.

Why in news

India marked 79 years of independence following the lapse of British paramountcy on August 15, 1947, highlighting the transition from princely states to a unified nation.

Background

India transitioned from over 550 princely states and provinces into a nation with 28 States and eight Union Territories. The Indian Independence Act, 1947, designated August 15 as the 'appointed day' for the lapse of British paramountcy.

Facts for Prelims

Act / BillIndian Independence Act, 1947: Defined the 'appointed day' for the lapse of British paramountcy.
FactPre-independence India consisted of over 550 princely states and provinces.
FactIndia currently comprises 28 States and eight Union Territories.
FactNearly 114 princely states joined India via the Instrument of Accession before August 15, 1947.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the transition of India's political structure post-independence, consider the following statements:

The Indian Independence Act, 1947, designated August 15 as the 'appointed day' for the lapse of British paramountcy.
Nearly 114 princely states joined India via the Instrument of Accession before August 15, 1947.
Pre-independence India consisted of exactly 28 States and eight Union Territories.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Show answer

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: Pre-independence India consisted of over 550 princely states and provinces.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the evolution of India's internal boundaries from the lapse of British paramountcy to the current federal structure.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Integration dynamics: Transition from 550+ princely states to a unified union via Instruments of Accession
Administrative evolution: Multi-phase reorganization of internal boundaries based on linguistic and political factors

Keywords: British paramountcy · Instrument of Accession · Appointed day · Federal reorganization · Princely states

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