See the cartoon and answer the following question:

Name the leader who is trying to resolve the problem of merger of the princely states?

Sardar Vallabhai Patel

The correct answer is Option 2 - Sardar Vallabhai Patel

In the cartoon Sardar Vallabhai Patel is trying to resolve the problem of the merger of the princely states.

The cartoon comments on the relation between the people and the rulers in the Princely States, and also on Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel’s approach to resolving this issue. In the cartoon, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is shown demanding external affairs, defense and communication from the rulers of the princely states.

The interim government took a firm stance against the possible division of India into small principalities of different sizes. The Muslim League opposed the Indian National Congress and took the view that the States should be free to adopt any course they liked. Sardar Patel was India’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister during the crucial period immediately following Independence. He played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of princely states firmly but diplomatically and bringing most of them into the Indian Union. It may look easy now. But it was a very complicated task which required skilful persuasion. For instance, there were 26 small states in today’s Orissa. Saurashtra region of Gujarat had 14 big states, 119 small states and numerous other different administrations.