The Forgotten Chess Pieces: Junagadh and the Act of India

India's claim to Junagadh, often overshadowed in discussions regarding international borders and conflicts, warrants a deeper understanding. While India frequently highlights Pakistan's occupation of Gilgit-Baltistan, it's surprising that the historical occupation of Junagadh, formerly a princely state, is barely mentioned. This article explores the historical context, geopolitics, and the strategic implications of India's act of incorporating Junagadh.

Why India Acquires Junagadh

The city of Junagadh, to many, is a mere district in the state of Gujarat, India, yet it had a significant role to play during the partition of India in 1947. Junagadh, disputed between India and Pakistan, was integrated into India through a plebiscite and annexed in 1948. The acquisition was more than a simple political move; it was part of a broader strategic maneuver in the Cold War of the time.

Historical Context: A Plebiscite in 1948

The integration of Junagadh into India was made official after a plebiscite was held on February 20, 1948. Out of the 201,457 registered voters in the region, 190,870 participated. Astonishingly, only 91 votes were cast in favor of Pakistan. These numbers are even more significant when considering the simultaneous poll in the neighboring areas of Manavadar, Mangrol, and Babariawad, where only 39 votes favored Pakistan. Therefore, the plebiscite conclusively determined that Junagadh should join India.

The Larger Chessboard: The Struggle for Kashmir and Hyderabad

The dispute over Junagadh fits into a larger geopolitical puzzle. In 1947, the princely state of Hyderabad had a Muslim ruler but a Hindu-majority population, while Jammu and Kashmir had a Hindu ruler and a Muslim majority. Both India and Pakistan desired these two regions. However, Sardar Patel, the Home Minister of India, initially wanted Hyderabad but agreed to Kashmir being ceded to Pakistan. Jawaharlal Nehru, being a Kashmiri Pandit, felt emotionally connected to the region and disagreed with Patel's initial stance. This led to a complex negotiation where Patel believed states could join either country as per the majority's wishes, regardless of the princely ruler's preference.

The Nizam and the Nawab's Gambit

The Nizam of Hyderabad and the Nawab of Junagadh both attempted to play both sides, leading to the annexation of Junagadh by Pakistan. However, Pakistan's strategic blunder was in agreeing to the accession without considering the geographical boundaries, a major condition for forming a nation. Junagadh, which had no contiguous border with Pakistan, joined the country, setting the stage for conflict and negotiation.

The Downfall of Junagadh

Faced with uncontrollable military and social pressures, the Nawab of Junagadh fled to Pakistan, and India formed a provisional government. A plebiscite was held, and as per the numbers provided, the overwhelming majority supported joining India. Consequently, the issue was effectively settled, and Pakistan had no real intent to reclaim Junagadh again.

Kashmir's Aftermath and The Endgame

Following the integration of Junagadh, the Maharaja of Kashmir acceded to India, which was accepted based on the precedent set by Junagadh. Just as with Junagadh, a plebiscite was promised with the precondition that the Pakistani Army would withdraw, which they never did. This led to a long-term stalemate over Kashmir.

Conclusion

Junagadh, often left in the shadows of the contentious Kashmir conflict and the more publicized dispute over Gilgit-Baltistan, played a significant role in the geopolitics of 1947. It's a prime example of how local disputes within the broader geopolitical context can influence the course of a nation's history and international relations.