Which statement aptly describes the political and administrative history of Manipur during the period of partition of India?

Manipur held elections based on the 'Universal Adult Franchise' in 1948 before any other part of India.

The correct answer is Option 3 - Manipur held elections based on the 'Universal Adult Franchise' in 1948 before any other part of India.

Option 1: Manipur maintained its internal autonomy after the partition but not under British rule. This is false. It enjoyed a measure of autonomy under British colonial rule. A few days before Independence, the Maharaja of Manipur, Bodhachandra Singh, signed the Instrument of Accession with the Indian government on the assurance that the internal autonomy of Manipur would be maintained.

Option 2: Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh of Manipur never signed the Instrument of Accession with India before independence. This is false.  A few days before Independence, the Maharaja of Manipur, Bodhachandra Singh, signed the Instrument of Accession with the Indian government on the assurance that the internal autonomy of Manipur would be maintained.

Option 3: Manipur held elections based on the 'Universal Adult Franchise' in 1948 before any other part of India. This is correct.  Under the pressure of public opinion, the Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh of Manipur held elections in Manipur in June 1948 and the state became a constitutional monarchy. Thus Manipur was the first part of India to hold an election based on universal adult franchise. 

Option 4: The merger of Manipur with India was supported by all political parties in the Legislative Assembly of Manipur. This is false. In the Legislative Assembly of Manipur there were sharp differences over the question of merger of Manipur with India. While the state Congress wanted the merger, other political parties were opposed to this.