See the cartoon and answer the following question:

Name the document which was signed between the Union of India and princely states to become the part of India:

Instrument of Accession

The correct answer is Option 2 - Instrument of Accession

The Instrument of Accession: It was a unilateral agreement signed by the rulers of princely states to join India after the end of British rule in 1947. By signing the Instrument of Accession, the princely state surrendered control over matters related to defence, foreign affairs, communication etc. to the Dominion of India or Pakistan, depending on their choice and agreed to become a part of that country.

Before 15 August 1947, peaceful negotiations had brought almost all states whose territories were contiguous to the new boundaries of India, into the Indian Union. The rulers of most of the states signed a document called the ‘Instrument of Accession’ which meant that their state agreed to become a part of the Union of India. Accession of the Princely States of Junagadh, Hyderabad, Kashmir and Manipur proved more difficult than the rest. The issue of Junagarh was resolved after a plebiscite confirmed people’s desire to join India.