In the given question, a statement of Assertion is followed by a statement of Reason. Mark the correct answer.

Assertion: The problem of integration of the princely states was very serious and could threaten the very existence of a united India.

Reason: At the time of Independence, the British government took the view that all the 565 Princely states were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent if they so wished.

Both the Assertion and the Reason are true and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion

Just before Independence, it was announced by the British that with the end of their rule over India, the paramountcy of the British crown over the Princely States would also lapse. This meant that all these states, as many as 565 in all, would become legally independent. The British government took the view that all these states were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent if they so wished. This decision was left not to the people but to the princely rulers of these states. This was a very serious problem and could threaten the very existence of a united India.