Correct option is C
The correct answer is (C) Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU)
Explanation:
In 1950, following India’s independence and the integration of princely states, several princely states of East Punjab were merged to form a new administrative unit known as the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU).
- The princely states merged into PEPSU were:
- Patiala
- Nabha
- Jind
- Kapurthala
- Malerkotla
- Faridkot
- Kalsia
- At the same time, the former British province of Punjab continued as a separate state.
- PEPSU functioned as a Part B state under the Indian Constitution.
PEPSU existed from 1950 to 1956, after which it was merged with the state of Punjab under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
Information Booster:
- Capital of PEPSU: Patiala
- First Chief Minister: Gian Singh Rarewala
- PEPSU was created to:
- Ensure administrative efficiency
- Integrate princely states smoothly into the Indian Union
- It played an important role in the political reorganisation of north-western India.
Additional Knowledge:
- Part A states: Former British provinces
- Part B states: Former princely states or groups of princely states
- Part C states: Smaller territories administered by Chief Commissioners
- In 1966, Punjab was reorganised further, leading to the creation of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh (expanded)
