Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Lapse of Paramountcy

“The end of British paramountcy over princely states and its consequences during the Indian independence process.”

What is Paramountcy?

Paramountcy was the British Crown’s supreme authority over the princely states in India during the British Raj. While princely states had internal autonomy, the British controlled their external affairs and defense.

What is Lapse of Paramountcy?

The Lapse of Paramountcy refers to the termination of British authority over the princely states after the British decided to leave India in 1947. With the end of British rule, the special relationship between the British Crown and princely states ended.

Consequences of the Lapse of Paramountcy

  • Princely states became independent and were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent.
  • The Indian Independence Act, 1947, ended British suzerainty, leaving princely states to decide their future.
  • Integration of princely states into India or Pakistan became a major challenge for the new governments.
  • Political integration was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and V. P. Menon on the Indian side.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC JE 2018: What was the effect of the lapse of paramountcy on princely states?
  • They became independent and free to join India or Pakistan or remain independent.
  • RRB ALP 2019: Who was responsible for the political integration of princely states after the lapse of paramountcy?
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and V. P. Menon
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