THE RELUCTANT ROYALS
INTEGRATION OF PRINCELY STATES IN TO INDIA ( 1947)
At the dawn of Independence in 1947 India faced a mammoth challenge- integrating over 565 princely states into the Indian Union. While most joined voluntarily ,a few powerful and strategically significant states like Junagadh, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Jammu & Kashmir and in South Travancore resisted integration due to political ambitions, communal divides, or personal aspirations of their rulers.
WHERE ARE THEIR ANCESTORS THESE DAYS
Jammu & Kashmir in 1947 and what is known about their descendants or legacy today
1. Maharaja Hari Singh (Ruler of Jammu & Kashmir in 1947)
Role in 1947: The Dogra ruler of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. Initially hesitated to join India or Pakistan. Signed the Instrument of Accession to India on 26 October 1947 after tribal invasion from Pakistan.
Descendants Today:
Karan Singh (son): A respected Indian statesman, served as Sadr-e-Riyasat and Governor of J&K, Union Minister, and Rajya Sabha MP.
Vikramaditya Singh (grandson): Active in politics, formerly associated with the Congress and PDP, now aligned with BJP. He supports full integration of J&K with India and removal of Article 370.
Notable Note: The royal family is largely symbolic today but still respected in parts of Jammu.
2. Brigadier Rajendra Singh (Hero of 1947 War)
Role in 1947: Chief of Army Staff of Jammu & Kashmir State Forces. Delayed the tribal invasion from Pakistan in October 1947 at the cost of his life.
Recognition: Awarded Mahavir Chakra posthumously, considered the “Saviour of Kashmir”.
Descendants Today:
His family resides in Jammu. Though largely private, they are often invited during official commemorations. His contribution is well-acknowledged in Indian military history and among veterans.
3. Diwan Meher Chand Mahajan (Prime Minister of J&K, 1947)
Role in 1947: Appointed Prime Minister of J&K just before accession. Played a crucial role in convincing Maharaja Hari Singh to accede to India.
Later Role: Became Chief Justice of India (1954).
Descendants Today:
His son Justice Virender Mahajan and other descendants have remained in legal and academic fields. Family has stayed out of active politics but is respected in legal circles.
4. Sheikh Abdullah (Leader of National Conference, PM of J&K)
Role in 1947: Opposed the Maharaja; supported democratic rule. After accession, became Prime Minister of J&K under special status granted by Article 370.
Descendants Today:
Farooq Abdullah (son): Former CM of J&K and Union Minister.
Omar Abdullah (grandson): CM,of Jammu & Kashmir former MP, key leader in National Conference.
The family remains politically active and vocal advocates of restoring J&K’s autonomy.
Nizam of Hyderabad in 1947, the Razakar leader, and the Owaisi family, both during 1947 and their present-day lineage or status
1. Nizam of Hyderabad in 1947
Name: Mir Osman Ali Khan, the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad
Reign: 1911–1948
Status in 1947:
One of the richest men in the world.
Wanted Hyderabad to remain independent after Indian independence.
Refused to accede to India; maintained an army and paramilitary force (Razakars).
His decision led to Operation Polo by the Indian Army in September 1948, annexing Hyderabad into India.
Descendants Today:
His descendants live across India, the UK, and Australia, with some still engaged in legal battles over ancestral wealth (including the famous Hyderabad Nizam Fund case).
One of his grandsons, Mukarram Jah, was recognized as the titular 8th Nizam. He passed away in January 2023.
The family no longer holds any royal or administrative power.
2. Razakars & Qasim Razvi
Leader: Qasim Razvi
Role in 1947:
Head of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) and the Razakar militia, which opposed Hyderabad’s accession to India.
Razakars were known for communal violence and tried to suppress pro-India elements.
After Operation Polo, Razvi was arrested and later released in 1957; he migrated to Pakistan.
Descendants Today:
Qasim Razvi’s family settled in Pakistan, and there is no prominent public role of his descendants in Indian affairs today.
3. Owaisi Family – Then and Now
In 1947:
The Owaisi family was aligned with the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) but not involved in Razakar violence.
Abdul Wahid Owaisi took over MIM in 1957 and restructured it after Qasim Razvi left for Pakistan.
He changed MIM’s approach to constitutional politics in post-1948 India.
Today:
The Owaisi family continues to head the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).
Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, son of Abdul Wahid, served as Hyderabad MP for several terms.
Asaduddin Owaisi, his son, is the current MP from Hyderabad and president of AIMIM. He is known for his articulate speeches, often representing Muslim interests in national politics.
Summary Table:
Role/Person 1947 Position Current Status / Descendants
Nizam (Mir Osman Ali Khan) Refused to join India, ruled Hyderabad Family scattered; symbolic legacy only
Razakar Leader (Qasim Razvi) Head of Razakars & MIM; pro-Pakistan stance Family moved to Pakistan; no public role
Owaisi Family Political players within MIM, non-violent Asaduddin Owaisi leads AIMIM today
In 1947, the Diwan (Prime Minister) of Junagadh was Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto
Key Details:
Name: Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto
Position: Diwan (Prime Minister) of Junagadh
Appointed by: Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III (the ruler of Junagadh)
Muhammed Mahabat khanji fled to Pakistan on 24 oct 1947 ,along with his family, including his dogs and cash & jewelry. His son Mohammed Dilawar khanji claimed succession and later became the Governor of Sindh.
Role in 1947: Played a central role in the controversial decision to accede Junagadh to Pakistan in August 1947, despite Junagadh having a majority Hindu population and no direct geographical connection with Pakistan.
Aftermath:
The decision led to unrest and mass protests.
India did not accept the accession. A plebiscite was held in February 1948, where over 99% voted to join India.
Shah Nawaz Bhutto left for Pakistan after Indian forces took control.
Descendants:
Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto is the father of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a prominent Pakistani political figure.
Family Lineage:
1. Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto (Diwan of Junagadh)
2. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto – Former Prime Minister and President of Pakistan, founder of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
3. Benazir Bhutto – First woman Prime Minister of a Muslim country, assassinated in 2007
4. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari – Current Chairman of PPP, active in Pakistani politics.
Summary:
The Diwan of Junagadh in 1947 was Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, an influential figure whose descendants became major leaders in Pakistan’s political landscape.
Princely State of Bhopal in 1947, including details of its ruler and Diwan at the time, and the present-day status of their descendants:
Bhopal in 1947:
Ruler: Nawab Hamidullah Khan
He was the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal and ruled from 1926 until 1949.
Bhopal was one of the largest Muslim-ruled princely states in India.
Initially, he was reluctant to join the Indian Union and considered independence or Pakistan as options. However, under political pressure, Bhopal acceded to India in June 1949.
Family and Present-Day Descendants:
Nawab Hamidullah Khan’s daughter, Sajida Sultan, married Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi of Pataudi (former Indian cricket captain).
Their son was the famous cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (“Tiger Pataudi”).
Tiger Pataudi’s son is Saif Ali Khan, a famous Bollywood actor.
Thus, Saif Ali Khan is the great-grandson of Nawab Hamidullah Khan of Bhopal.
The Pataudi-Bhopal royal lineage continues in public attention largely through film and entertainment, and the family is well-established in Mumbai and Delhi.
Diwan of Bhopal in 1947
Diwan (Prime Minister): Historical records identify Nawabzada Rashiduzzafar Khan and M. Hamidullah (not to be confused with the Nawab) as prominent administrative figures during the transitional phase.
The Diwan’s position was more bureaucratic and less hereditary compared to the Nawab.
Detailed public records about their descendants are limited.
Present Condition of Diwan’s Family:
Unlike the Nawab’s family, descendants of the Diwan have largely stayed out of the public spotlight.
Most likely, they integrated into civil services or private sectors after independence.
No known political or celebrity prominence is associated with their lineage today.
Summary:
Role Name in 1947 Present Status
Ruler Nawab Hamidullah Khan Descendants include Sajida Sultan, Tiger Pataudi, and actor Saif Ali Khan (active in Bollywood).
Diwan Rashiduzzafar Khan / M. Hamidullah Limited public information; likely absorbed into civil life post-independent.
The Princely State of Travancore in 1947, including its ruler, Diwan, and their descendants in present-day:
Princely State of Travancore in 1947
Ruler in 1947: Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma
Full Title: Sree Padmanabhadasa Vanchipala Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma Maharaja of Travancore
Reign: 1931 – 1949
Notable Contributions:
Initiated Temple Entry Proclamation in 1936, allowing lower castes into Hindu temples (a landmark social reform).
Was progressive and well-educated, supported modernization and education.
Signed the Instrument of Accession to join India in 1947.
Travancore became part of the Indian Union in 1949 and later merged into the state of Kerala.
Descendants Today:
Royal Family still exists, primarily as religious and cultural custodians.
The family remains closely associated with the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, which is one of the richest temples in the world.
Current Head: Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, a cousin of Chithira Thirunal, is the titular Maharaja.
He is a respected figure but holds no political power.
Maintains ceremonial and religious traditions.
Diwan (Prime Minister) in 1947: Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer
Tenure: 1936 – 1947
Notable Role:
A brilliant lawyer, administrator, and controversial figure.
Opposed Travancore’s immediate merger with India in 1947 and proposed Travancore as an independent country.
Survived an assassination attempt in July 1947.
After his resignation, Travancore acceded to India.
Descendants Today:
Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer’s family lives in Chennai and is involved in education, law, and philanthropy.
His legacy is preserved through:
CP Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, Chennai.
His descendants have stayed out of active politics but contribute through academic and social work.
Summary:
Travancore Royal Family continues in Kerala with ceremonial roles, and their heritage is respected especially due to their association with the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Diwan C.P. Ramaswami Iyer’s family remains influential in cultural and educational circles in South India but holds no political position.
Reference
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