UPSC DAW 25th October 2025 Mains Answer Writing - 2026

UPSC DAW 25th October 2025 Mains Answer Writing - 2026

Question

Discuss the role played by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in India’s freedom struggle and in post-independence integration of princely states. (150 Words, 10 Marks). 

Model Answer

Approach: Introduction: 

  • Give a brief introduction about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 

Body: 

  • Discuss his role in India’s freedom struggle. 

  • Discuss his role in post-independence. 

Conclusion: 

  • Conclude accordingly. 

 Introduction:  

  •  Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, played a pivotal role in both the freedom struggle and the political integration of India after independence. Often hailed as the “Iron Man of India” and the “Real Unifier of Modern India”, Patel’s leadership and administrative acumen laid the foundation for a strong and united nation. 

   Body:  Role in the Freedom Struggle:  

  • Integration of Peasant Movements: 

  • Patel led the Kheda Satyagraha (1918) and Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), successfully integrating peasants’ struggles with the broader national movement. 

  • His leadership at Bardoli earned him the title ‘Sardar’ from the women of the region. 

  • Participation in Civil Disobedience: 

  • He was an active participant in the Salt Satyagraha (1930) and was imprisoned several times for his involvement in the nationalist cause. 

  • Leadership in Congress: 

  • As President of the Karachi Session (1931) of the Indian National Congress, he endorsed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and championed the inclusion of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles in the Congress agenda. 

  • Social Reforms: 

  • Patel worked against untouchability, caste discrimination, alcoholism, and advocated women’s empowerment, linking social reform to national regeneration.  

 Contribution in Post-Independence India: 

  • Role in Constitution-Making: 

  • As Chairman of key committees of the Constituent Assembly, such as the: 

  • Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights and Minorities. 

  • Provincial Constitution Committee. 

  • Committee on Tribal and Excluded Areas. 

  • Patel ensured a balanced approach to rights, representation, and administrative federalism. 

  • Integration of Princely States: 

  • Patel’s greatest achievement was the peaceful integration of over 565 princely states into the Indian Union with the assistance of V.P. Menon. 

  • He employed both persuasion and firmness (Sama, Dama, Dand, Bhed) to ensure national unity. 

  • Difficult cases like Junagadh, Hyderabad, and Kashmir were resolved through decisive leadership and strategic action. 

  • His efforts prevented the balkanization of India at a crucial moment 

  • Creation of All India Services: 

  • Patel’s creation of the All India Services was another illustrious contribution. He envisioned them as the “Steel Frame of India” — institutions to safeguard the nation’s unity and integrity. He regarded civil servants as partners in administration, expecting them to uphold the highest standards of honesty and dedication. 

  Conclusion:  

  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision, diplomacy, and determination ensured the political unification of India and the establishment of a stable administrative structure. As the “Iron Man of India”, he transformed the dream of a united and sovereign nation into reality - a legacy that continues to inspire India’s pursuit of unity, integrity, and self-reliance.