Integration of various princely states to the newly independent state of India was carried out primarily by the States Department. It came into being in July,1947 and was headed by Sardar Patel. He was ably assisted by V P Menon, who held the highest position among Indian officials of the Raj, as constitutional advisor to the last three British Viceroys. He laid down the legal and constitutional protocols for the accession of princely states. He also carried out a number of meetings with Indian princes, persuading, cajoling and occasionally intimidating them, to strengthen India’s hands. Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy, firmly stood behind Patel and Menon. This special Independence Day episode of HistoryChatter looks into these legal and constitutional issues, and the personal drama, associated with the work of the states department between July and August 1947. Join us on #HistoryChatter 🎤 as we bring to you a 4-part #docuseries-India United: Princely States and the Indian Republic NewEpisodes Streaming from 06.08.2023 on @eplogmedia app or your preferred streaming platforms You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For advertising/partnerships send you can send us an email at [email protected]. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.