Question

What is meant by ‘PEPSU’?
A. Patiala & East Punjab States Union
B. Punjab & Patiala East States Union
C. Pathankot & East Provinces Union
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: 8 princely states were combined together to form a single state on 15 of July in the year 1948 till 1956. The majority of its people were Punjabi speaking individuals.

Complete answer:
When India got independence in 1947, all of its provinces that were ruled by a king were given the status of ‘princely states ‘.The kings,with all these provinces, would form a state that would be governed by the native ruler.
There were 8 princely provinces of western India that were considered to be brought together to form the Patiala and East Punjab States Union of PEPSU. The princely territories that were incorporated were - Patiala, Jind, Nabha, Faridkot, Kapurthala, Kalsia, and Nalagarh. Patiala became the capital of the union. Sardar Partap Singh Kairon became the head of the state and led the decisions made in politics and administration.
• Rulers of these states were given recognition by the British Crown in the form of Gun Salute -Patiala, Jind, Nabha, Faridkot, Kapurthala, Malerkotla, or Maler Kotla.
• While the remaining two states, that is, Kalia and Nalagarh remained as the Non-Salute States

So, the correct answer is Option (A).

Note: There were linguistic barriers between people of PEPSU which led to fighting for the division. In the year 1966, Indra Gandhi divided this union into the states of Haryana and Punjab. Chandigarh was granted the status of union territory by the government and was also made a common capital for both these states