Match the following States in List 1 correctly with the description in List 2:

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

(A)- IV, (B)- III, (C)- II, (D)- I

Manipur was a princely state with its own monarch, Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh, and a distinct political and administrative system. Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh of Manipur signed the Instrument of Accession with the Indian government shortly before Independence. In response to public opinion, elections were held in Manipur in June 1948, establishing a constitutional monarchy.
Manipur became the first part of India to hold elections based on ‘Universal Adult Franchise’. The issue of the merger with India sparked sharp differences in the Legislative Assembly of Manipur. While the state Congress supported the merger, other political parties opposed it. The Government of India exerted pressure on the Maharaja to sign a Merger Agreement in September 1949 without consulting the popularly elected Legislative Assembly. The unilateral decision of the merger caused anger and resentment among the people of Manipur which is felt till today.

The interim government, under the leadership of the Indian National Congress, adopted a resolute stance against the potential fragmentation of India into numerous small princely states. However, the Muslim League held a contrasting view, advocating for the states to have the freedom to choose their own path. Sardar Patel, serving as India's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister during the critical period immediately after Independence, played a pivotal role in skillfully and diplomatically negotiating with the rulers of the princely states. His efforts were instrumental in persuading the majority of them to join the Indian Union. Although it may appear straightforward in retrospect, the task at hand was immensely complex, requiring adept persuasion. To illustrate the challenges faced, there were 26 small states in present-day Odisha and 14 significant states, 119 small states, and numerous other varied administrations in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

Hyderabad was the largest Princely state & was surrounded entirely by Indian territory. It was ruled by the Nizam (one of the world’s richest men), Mir Osman Ali Khan. Hyderabad had a majority Hindu population but was ruled by a Muslim ruler. The Nizam wanted an independent status for Hyderabad. He entered into Standstill Agreement with India in November 1947 for a year while negotiations with the Indian government were going on.