What legal document allowed Princely States to join either India or Pakistan after independence?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is: (a) Instrument of Accession

Explanation:

• The Instrument of Accession was the legal document that allowed Princely States to join either India or Pakistan after independence in 1947.
• It was formulated under the Indian Independence Act, 1947, giving rulers the choice to accede on matters of defence, external affairs, and communications.

Information Booster:

• Drafted by V.P. Menon under guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• Over 560 princely states signed the Instrument of Accession.
• Special cases: Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Kashmir initially resisted accession.
• Jammu & Kashmir signed the Instrument on 26 October 1947 after invasion.
• This document laid the foundation of India’s federal structure post-independence.