16/12/1927 : butler committee formed by Irwin to decide relation between British crown and princely states due to pressure by chamber of princes formed in 1921 .
17/12/1927 : all India state people conference first held . no people from Himalayan states .
1938 : Ludhiana a conference : mentioned that create praja Mandal in himalyan states . leader was bhgmal sautha .
dec 1938 : himalyan riyasati praja Mandal formed . founder : sarvshri chiranjilal verma , govind Singh , surat Prakash of Theog , devi das musafir of madhan , pt padam dev , bhagi mal sautha… PREZ was pt padam dev… slogan was bhai do na Pali : neither brother nor money for second world war .
1939 : Shimla hill state conference held by lilithhgow from 5 to 7 June asking rulers to seek active cooperation of people .
🟩 SHIMLA HILL STATES CONFERENCE (1939) & HHSRC DEVELOPMENTS (1945–1948)
🏔️ 1. Shimla Hill States Conference (1939)
- Dates: 5th – 7th June 1939
- Context:
- Convened on the suggestion of Lord Linlithgow, who advised the hill rulers to ensure the “active cooperation and participation of their subjects in state administration.”
- Attendees:
Rulers of:- Bilaspur, Jubbal, Baghal, Kuthar, Baghat, Dhami, Bushahr, Keonthal, Kunihar, Mahlog, etc.
- Significance:
- Marked the first collective effort by the rulers of the Shimla Hill States to discuss administrative reforms.
- Set the foundation for future coordination between rulers and subjects that later developed into organized Praja Mandal and Hill States movements.
🏛️ 2. Integration of Praja Mandals (1945–1948)
Inspiration:
- Political developments in British India and the national freedom movement inspired the hill people to organize themselves into a single political organization.
Goal:
- To protect the rights of the people and coordinate their activities for the democratization of the princely states.
By 1945:
- A network of Praja Mandals existed throughout the Hill States of Himachal Pradesh.
AISPC Connection:
- These Praja Mandals regularly attended the All India States People’s Conference (AISPC) sessions to review progress and exchange ideas.
🏔️ 3. Formation of the Himalayan Hill States Regional Council (HHSRC)
Integration (1946):
- The Praja Mandals were integrated into a single body —
the Himalayan Hill States Regional Council (HHSRC) — at the Udaipur session of AISPC (1946).
HHSRC Headquarters:
- President’s Office: Mandi
- General Secretary’s Office: Shimla
🧾 4. HHSRC Executive Committee (Formed at Udaipur, 1946)
| Position | Name / State |
|---|---|
| President | Swami Purnanand (Mandi) |
| General Secretary | Pt. Padam Dev (Bushahr) |
| Vice-President | Shyam Chand Negi (Tehri Garhwal) |
| Joint Secretary | Pt. Shiva Nand Ramaul (Sirmaur) |
🏕️ 5. HHSRC Mandi Conference (8th – 10th March 1946)
- Location: Mandi
- Dates: 8–10 March 1946
- Attendance: 48 princely states from Tehri Garhwal to Shimla.
Prominent Guests:
- The “Trio of INA” – Col. Dhillon, Col. Sehgal, and Col. Shahnawaz Khan
- Deshbandhu
- Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramaya
President:
- Col. J.S. Dhillon.
Outcome / Resolutions:
- Several resolutions were passed for:
- The realization of responsible government in hill states.
- Removal of social, economic, and political hindrances.
Significance:
- Described as a “milestone” in the growth of political awakening among the hill masses.
- Also initiated a process of self-introspection among the princely rulers.
🏛️ 6. HHSRC Nahan Conference (1946)
- Dates: 31st August – 1st September 1946
- Location: Nahan (Sirmaur)
- Key Issue:
- Fresh elections of office bearers of the HHSRC were demanded.
- Supporters of Reform:
- Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramaya and Shri Jai Narain Vyas (President and General Secretary of AISPC).
🗳️ 7. HHSRC Elections (1st March 1947)
- Supervisor: Shri H.L. Masurkar (Office Secretary of AISPC).
Elected Delegates (Partial List):
- From Tehri: Paripurna Nand, Ram Swaroop, Guna Nand, Dr. Gaureela, Pt. Daulat Ram.
- From Shimla states: Padam Dev, Bhaskara Nand, Surat Ram Prakash.
- From Sirmaur: Dr. Y.S. Parmar, N.D. Rattra.
- From Bushahr: Satya Dev.
New Leadership:
- President: Dr. Y.S. Parmar
- General Secretary: Pt. Padam Dev
⚔️ 8. Internal Dissent & Creation of HHSSRC (1947)
Conflict:
- “Mutual dissent” among leaders regarding the 1947 election jeopardized the unity and meetings of the HHSRC.
Response:
- Six members from Shimla and Punjab Hill States formed the Himalayan Hill States Sub-Regional Conference (HHSSRC) to “fill the vacuum.”
Ad Hoc Committee (HHSSRC):
| Position | Leader |
|---|---|
| President | Dr. Y.S. Parmar |
| General Secretary | Pt. Padam Dev |
- The HHSSRC was not a rival body, but a subordinate wing of the HHSRC.
- Event: Formation of the Himalayan Hill States Sub-Regional Council (HHSSRC).
- Date: June 10, 1947.
- Location: Royal Hotel, Shimla.
- Reason: A split occurred due to “differences” among members of the parent body, the Himalayan Hill States Regional Council (HHSRC).
- Outcome: 6 out of 11 attending members broke away to form the new HHSSRC. This new group also separated itself from the Tehri-Garhwal group.
Key Office Bearers of the HHSSRC:
- President: Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar
- Vice-Presidents:
- Jet Singh Nidhadak (from Mandi)
- Leela Das Verma (from Bhajji)
- Sadaram Chandel (from Bilaspur)
- General Secretary: Pandit Padamdev
- Publicity Minister: Daulat Ram Gupta
- Treasurer: Surat Ram Prakash
- Office Minister: Setu Ram
- Executive Members: Shivanand Ramaul, Sadhu Ram, Nar Singh Dutt, Hira Singh Pal, Gauri Nand, Devi Ram, Chaman Lal, and Chiranji Lal Verma.
- Significance: This event cemented Dr. Y. S. Parmar’s leadership in the faction that would become instrumental in the formation of Himachal Pradesh.
🗺️ 9. HHSSRC’s Proposal & Split in Leadership
HHSSRC’s Proposal:
- Proposed a plan to form a “Union of the Himalayan Hill States” (similar to the Deccan States Union).
Proposed Structure:
- All power to rest in a People’s Assembly.
- The Rulers’ Boards to serve only as advisory bodies to lead and guide the people.
Criticism of Princes’ Plan:
- The Princes’ Confederation Scheme was criticized because it did not take the people into confidence.
- Although the idea of grouping was progressive, lack of power transfer made it unpopular.
⚖️ 10. Leadership Split: Two Factions
| Group | Ideology | Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 – Pro-Merger (Democratic) | Favored total elimination of princes and complete merger with India. | Dr. Y.S. Parmar, Pt. Padam Dev (Bushahr), Pt. Shiva Nand Ramaul (Sirmaur), Daulat Ram Sankhyan, S.R. Chandel (Bilaspur), Sant Ram (Kangra), Swami Purna Nand (Mandi), Daulat Ram Gupta (Chamba) |
| Group 2 – Pro-Confederation (Conservative) | Wanted princes to retain advisory role within a confederation system. | Pt. Satya Dev Bushahri, , , N.D. Rattra (Sirmaur), Bhaskara Nand Sharma (Bhajji), Bhag Mal Sautha (Jubbal), Kashmir Singh (Mandi) |
📅 Summary Timeline
| Year / Date | Event | Outcome / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 5–7 June 1939 | Shimla Hill States Conference | Rulers discussed administrative cooperation and people’s participation. |
| 1945 | Praja Mandals network established | Hill states inspired by national movement; aimed at democratization. |
| 1946 (Udaipur) | Integration into HHSRC | Unified political body for hill states formed under AISPC. |
| 8–10 March 1946 | Mandi Conference (HHSRC) | 48 states participated; INA trio and Pattabhi attended; milestone event. |
| 31 Aug–1 Sep 1946 | Nahan Conference | Demand for new elections supported by AISPC leaders. |
| 1 March 1947 | New HHSRC Elections | Dr. Y.S. Parmar elected President; Padam Dev as General Secretary. |
| Mid-1947 | Formation of HHSSRC | Split due to dissent; Parmar and Padam Dev led sub-regional body. |
| 1947–48 | Debate over merger vs. confederation | Group 1 pushed for full merger with India; Group 2 supported princely advisory role. |
🌄 Significance of the HHSRC Movement
- Unification of Hill Political Movements:
- Brought together all hill Praja Mandals under a single democratic umbrella.
- Political Maturity:
- Transition from local satyagrahas to coordinated regional politics.
- Emergence of Leadership:
- Produced visionary leaders like Dr. Y.S. Parmar (later architect of modern Himachal Pradesh).
- Link to National Movement:
- Directly affiliated with the All India States People’s Conference (AISPC).
- Blueprint for Integration:
- Set the stage for Himachal’s merger (15 April 1948) into the Indian Union.
Pressure on Princes & Formation of Responsible Governments
Widespread Pressure
- The Praja Mandals in a long list of states exerted “great pressure” on the princes to set up responsible governments.
- States included: Bushahr, Baghat, Baghal, Beja, Bhajji, Bilaspur, Mahlog, Sangri, Sirmaur, Tehri Garhwal, Suket, Kalsia, Mandi, Chamba, Kunihar, Keonthal, Kumharsain, Kuthair, Koti, and Theog.
Shift in Power
- Princes began to “read the writings on the walls” because they were:
- Deprived of the support of the British.
- Facing the “sympathetic attitude” of the States Department (Government of India) towards the people’s movement.
Formation of Interim Governments
- Jubbal:
- Set up an Enquiry Commission (eight members: five elected, three nominated) to study people’s problems.
- Later, a representative government was set up.
- Chief Minister: Bhag Mal Sautha
- Ministers: Jai Lal, K. Raghubir Singh, and B. Dula Ram.
- Kunihar: The Thakur supported the movement and associated people with his administration.
- Koti: The Rana announced the setting up of a ‘Vidhan Parishad’ on 25th November 1947.
- Theog:
- The ‘THAKUR’ conceded to form a responsible government on 15th August 1947.
- Constituted a 13-member Mantri Parishad.
- Pradhan Mantri (PM): Surat Ram Prakash.
- Beja: The Raja set up a responsible government in January 1948.
- Other Rulers: “A number of other rulers also followed the suit.”
Here are complete, detailed, and organized notes on the Post-Independence: Merger vs. Confederation (1948) — including all dates, events, names, and outcomes presented in chronological and thematic order for clarity and exam use:
🟥 POST-INDEPENDENCE: MERGER vs. CONFEDERATION (1948)
🇮🇳 1. Initial Demand (Post-1947 Context)
- Background:
- After India achieved independence in August 1947, discussions began regarding the future of the Hill States (Shimla Hill States and other princely regions).
- Initial Demand:
- Some political circles suggested that the Hill States should merge with East Punjab.
- Opposition:
- This idea faced strong opposition from both the rulers and the people.
- The hill population wanted autonomy and a separate administrative identity.
👑 2. The Princes’ Plan: ‘Confederation’ (January 1948)
Conference of Princes:
- When: First week of January 1948
- Where: Delhi
- Participants: Rulers of the Shimla Hill States.
Resolution:
- After “detailed consideration and prolonged deliberation”, the rulers unanimously decided to form a ‘Shimla Hill States Union’ for the “greater good of the Himalayan States people.”
The Plan:
- Elections:
- Ordered in all states on the basis of adult franchise —
1 representative for every 1,000 people.
- Ordered in all states on the basis of adult franchise —
- Constitutional Assembly:
- Representatives were to assemble at Solan on 26th January 1948 for the inaugural session of the constitution-making body.
- Simultaneous Developments:
- Raja Durga Singh of Baghal and the Raja of Mandi held further meetings to coordinate this effort.
⚖️ 3. Solan Constituent Assembly vs. AISPC (January 1948)
This phase saw two rival political gatherings, each representing different ideologies — the princes’ confederation and the Praja Mandal democratic movement.
(A) The Solan Constituent Assembly — “Princes’ Plan”
- Dates: 26th – 28th January 1948
- Location: Solan
- Chairman: Raja Durga Singh of Baghat
Attendees (Popular and Praja Mandal Leaders):
- Thakur Sen Negi
- Satya Dev Bushahri
- Bhag Mal Sautha
- Hira Singh Pal
- Devi Ram Musaffir
- Surat Ram Parkash
- Devi Ram Kewala
- S.D. Verma
- Bhaskara Nand, etc.
Decisions:
- Formation of a “Union of States.”
- Creation of an 8-member Negotiating Committee:
- Chairman: Raja Durga Singh
- Vice-Chairman: Thakur Sen Negi.
Public Declarations vs. Reality:
- Publicly:
- Announced the formation of “Himachal Pradesh.”
- Raja Durga Singh proclaimed it an “integral part of India with equal rights.”
- In Reality:
- The plan aimed to establish a sovereign state within India — a confederation retaining princely powers.
(B) The Opposition — Dr. Y.S. Parmar & AISPC Plan
- Leaders Opposed:
- Dr. Y.S. Parmar
- Pt. Padam Dev.
- Exclusion:
- Both were barred from entering the Solan Assembly by Organizing Secretary Mahaveer Singh.
- Counter-Meeting:
- Held on 26th January 1948 at Shimla under the All India States People’s Conference (AISPC).
Dr. Y.S. Parmar’s Stand:
- The Princes’ Union would only be acceptable if:
- Power was transferred to the people.
- Individual states ceased to exist to form a “Unified Himalayan Province.”
Outcome:
- The rulers rejected Parmar’s proposals.
- The Solan Assembly fixed 15th March 1948 as the deadline (“D-Line”) for completing their new constitution.
✊ 4. The Final Merger Process
Praja Mandal’s Counter-Move
- Reaction:
- Prominent Praja Mandal leaders condemned the Solan Conference as a “conspiracy to deprive the hill people of their legitimate share in freedom.”
- Action:
- Dr. Y.S. Parmar and Pt. Padam Dev rushed to Delhi to inform Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel about the princes’ confederation plans.
‘Himalayan Prant’ Provisional Government
- Purpose:
- To force the issue of merger with the Indian Union.
- Headquarters: Shimla.
- Head: Pt. Shiva Nand Ramaul.
- Actions:
- Issued ultimatums to princely rulers to merge with India.
🏛️ 5. The Delhi Conference & the Merger (March 1948)
Invitation:
- The Ministry of States (Government of India) invited the rulers of the Hill States to a conference in Delhi on 2nd March 1948.
Persuasion:
- The princes were persuaded by Sardar Patel and V.P. Menon to merge their states with India.
Leadership:
- The rulers were represented by Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi.
Merger Agreement:
- Date: 8th March 1948
- Action: The rulers signed the merger agreement with the Government of India.
Naming the Province:
- The merged region was to be called “Himachal Pradesh”
(instead of “Himalayan Prant,” as earlier proposed by the HHSRC).
🇮🇳 6. The Final Formation
- Date: 15th April 1948
- Event: Himachal Pradesh was constituted as a separate administrative unit —
a Chief Commissioner’s Province of India.
📅 Summary Timeline
| Date / Year | Event | Details / Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 1947 | India gains independence | Debate begins over the future of hill states |
| Jan 1948 (1st Week) | Princes’ Delhi Meeting | Decision to form Shimla Hill States Union |
| 26–28 Jan 1948 | Solan Constituent Assembly | Princes’ plan for “Union of States” under Raja Durga Singh |
| 26 Jan 1948 | Shimla (AISPC) Counter-Meeting | Dr. Y.S. Parmar demands transfer of power to people |
| 15 Mar 1948 | Princes’ Constitution Deadline | Solan assembly’s “D-Line” for new constitution |
| Feb 1948 | Formation of Himalayan Prant Govt. | Led by Pt. Shiva Nand Ramaul at Shimla |
| 2 Mar 1948 | Delhi Conference | Rulers invited by States Ministry |
| 8 Mar 1948 | Merger Agreement Signed | Rulers led by Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi |
| 15 Apr 1948 | Formation of Himachal Pradesh | Became a Chief Commissioner Province of India |
🌄 7. Significance of the Merger vs. Confederation Episode
- End of Princely Autocracy:
- Marked the complete end of princely rule in the hill states.
- Triumph of Democracy:
- Praja Mandal movement and Dr. Y.S. Parmar’s leadership ensured power rested with the people.
- Political Integration:
- Unified 30+ princely hill states into one administrative unit — Himachal Pradesh.
- National Consolidation:
- Strengthened India’s post-independence integration under Sardar Patel’s leadership.
- Emergence of Himachal Pradesh:
- Created the political foundation for modern Himachal Pradesh, which later achieved full statehood (1971).