Question

When did Kashmir become part of the Union of India?
A. 26th October 1947
B. 24th October 1948
C. 15th August 1947
D. 26th January 1950

Answer 1

Hint: Kashmir was an independent princely state before Independence. Kashmir has remained a subject of debate even after all these years between the government of India and Pakistan.

Complete answer:
 Jammu and Kashmir joined the Union of India by the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh on October 26, 1947. To commemorate the day when Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir signed the Instrument of Accession in 1947, Accession Day was celebrated on October 26. The agreement made Jammu and Kashmir, the former princely state join the Union of India. After Indian independence in august 1947, Kashmir was plagued with repeated invasions by the Pathan tribesmen. Hence, Maharaja Hari Singh wrote for military help to Lord Mountbatten. Mountbatten replied that the question of the State’s accession should be settled on the people’s mind as soon as law and order have been restored in Jammu and Kashmir and her soil cleared of the invader as his government’s wish. The Indian government attempted a referendum for the Kashmiri people to decide if they wanted to stay part of India, Pakistan, or remain an independent state. Pakistani government and part of Kashmiri residents questioned the legality of India’s accession to Kashmir. Following this, the Instrument of Accession was signed by Maharaja Hari Singh at Amar Palace on October 26 which was accepted by Lord Mountbatten, India’s last Governor-General on October 27.

Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.

Note: Maharaja Hari Singh had signed a ‘standstill’ agreement earlier for uninterrupted trade and communication in Kashmir with Pakistan. The Pakistani government contested the accession stating that it was trappy and Hari Singh was forced to sign the agreement with India.