In the previous thread we looked at #Kashmir's history and the formation of united Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Gilgit (Riyasat E Jammu Wa Kashmir Was Ladakh Wa Tibet Ha), Dogra rules and political developments upto the Accession to India. Here we trace we political developments #Kashmir post its Integration into the Indian Union. 1/n Hari Singh's demand for a special constitutional status for Kashmir
The #InstrumentofAccession signed by the erstwhile rulers specified that the document did not ‘commit in any way’ to the princely state to accept any future constitution of India. But later, when the Constitution was drafted, while every other Indian princely state fully integrated into India by accepting the Indian Constitution and relinquishing their autonomy. Maharaja #HariSingh of Jammu and Kashmir however sought to maintain the distinct status of his state. #SheikhAbdullah, leading the interim government, also valued the state’s autonomy, albeit with a different vision. Concurrently, four representatives from Jammu and Kashmir, including Sheikh Abdullah, participated in India’s Constituent Assembly.

Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast.
~
If there is paradise on this earth, it is thus, it is this, it is this.
- Amir Khusrau.

Kashmir's beauty is unparalleled, so is its history. Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, have strange nexus in history, making it triad of Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist religions and cultures. Its unique place in India's political history, and the international controversies, makes it the most talked about state in media, politics, and public discourse. Dive into Kashmir's social and political history in the pre-independence era, from Ancient Rule to Sikh Accession and the Dogra rule with @indiastatestory
1/ Early History
Kashmir is unique for its extensive tradition of historical documentation, dating back to the 12th century CE when Kalhana authored the #Rajatarangini. This text is a seminal chronicle of the region's ancient history, covering its dynastic politics and significant cultural shifts under a diverse array of rulers, including Hindus and Buddhists.

Today, we bring to you the story of the first of the European colonial powers to arrive in India, and the last ones to leave. Goa, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli existed as territories under #PortugueseIndia. Dive into the story of their long drawn struggle for independence and statehood with @indiastatestory
1/ The roots of the freedom movement in Goa were sown as early as 1928 with the creation of the #GoaCongressCommittee by T.B. Cunha. While the rest of India was protesting against the #SimonCommission, Goans were agitating against the 1930 Colonial Act of Portugal which made a clear distinction between Portugal and the overseas territories.

Today we bring the visual story of formation of #Chhattisgarh, the land of 36 forts and 42 tribes, including Gond, Baiga and Parghi tribes. Although formed somewhat recently in November, 2000, the demand for #Chhattisgarhi identity predates the emergence of Madhya Pradesh.
Political History and Colonial Impact
1/ The region traces its ancestry to Dakshin Kosala and Dandakaranya, regions linked to the epic #Ramayana. it was later governed by the Chedis and Chalukyas before falling under Mughal suzerainity and subsequently #British control.

Today, we bring to you the story of #Rajasthan! From the colonial time to present, Rajasthan has been presented as land of Raja and Maharaja's adorning themselves with colourful robes and living in huge palaces. Monuments in the state have been featured in Hollywood movies such as #Octopussy, #TheDarkKnightRises and numerous Bollywood movies.
But did you know in the middle of Rajasthan, there were two districts fully administered by British? One of them is known for its Dargah. You might also find it interesting to know that a part of erstwhile Rajputana agency lies in Madhya Pradesh today! Dive in to know more !

Today, we bring to the story of long-term occupation of Indian territories by the French in #ColonialIndia. Here, we also trace the lesser known story of the support offered by the French to Indian revolutionaries and the eventual merger of French territories into the Indian Union. Dive in -
1/ Pondicherry served as the capital of #FrenchIndia between 1761 to 1954. It existed as a safe haven for many revolutionaries including Subramania Bharati, C Rajagopalachari, Lala Lajpat Rai and Aurobindo Ghosh, who confided in the intellectually and culturally vibrant environment that was characteristic of Pondicherry.
amritmahotsav.nic.in/district-reops…

Today we will delve into story of India's Eastern sea frontier islands #AndamanAndNicobarIslands. The Islands consist of two archipelagos with a total of 572 islands and islets in the Bay of Bengal. The A&N Islands add nearly 2,000 km to India’s coastline, which totals 7,500 km. They are strategically significant for India, as they support India's Look East Policy, and play a crucial role in India's maritime strategies, particularly in countering China's assertiveness in the region. Dive in for its history, British annexation and Integration of India! 1/n The #Andaman islands have the oldest out of Africa migrants (Onges, Jarawas, Sentinelese, Andamanese), whose genetic traces of migration date back to about 65,000 years ago, and have the least overlap with the later migrations into mainland India (Harppans and the Steppes migrants). The Nicobarese and Shompens - belong to Mongoloid stock traced to later migrations.

Today we bring the story of #Telangana, which was carved out of #AndhraPradesh only a decade ago ( it is about to celebrate its 10th state formation day on 2nd June!). Its state formation story is closely intertwined with #Andhra formation, but its roots lie in the princely state of Hyderabad. The seeds of separation were sown right at the birth of #Vishalandhra or #AndhraPradesh in 1956.. Read on 1/n : #PrincelyStateHyderabad In 1947, the princely state of Hyderabad (The largest princely state, with its own coinage, currency and stamps, and 21 gun salutes. Nizam had the special title of His exalted highness)was multilingual, with Telugu, Kannada and Marathi speakers (and Urdu too). The southern and south-eastern region of the princely state of Hyderabad Telugu-dominant.

Many of us are familiar with the historical evolution of different states in the country, but do you know how the Islands, namely Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar became a part of India? Dive into the lesser-know story of the #LakshadweepIslands with @indiastatestory 1/ The #Lakshadweep Islands consist of thirty-six islands, and exist as three subgroups, namely Aminidivi Laccadive, and Minicoy Islands. During the medieval period, they fell under #Chola dynasty and later became a part of the Kingdom of #Cannanore.

Today, we bring to you the store of #Kerala. From the merger of #TravancoreCochin, to the establishment of the state of Kerala with #Trivandrum as its capital, we trace it all. Dive in with @indiastatestory 1/ At the time of Independence, present-day Kerala existed in the form of three separate regions, namely #Travancore, #Cochin and #Malabar. While Travancore and Cochin existed as separate princely states, Malabar then existed within Madras state.

Today we bring to you the story of #TamilNadu or the erstwhile Madras Presidency which once included all the major states of South India (in the present-day) including #Karnataka, #Kerala, #AndhraPradesh and #Telangana. Dive in with @indiastatestory 1/ Prior to Independence, #British ndia comprised of Madras, Bombay and Bengal Presidencies. Most of southern India was a part of the #Madras presidency, including the present-day state of #TamilNadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The presidency was also home to all major languages spoken in South India.

1/ When India gained independence in 1947, the present state of Himachal Pradesh existed as four parts - (i) 28 East Punjab hill states (present-day Himachal Pradesh); (ii) two contiguous parts of East Punjab States and (iii) Bilaspur. #Bilaspur was separate since it was under the control of #PunjabStatesAgency at the time of independence, even though it was a princely state earlier. 2/ In March 1948, East Punjab Hill States signed agreements to cede authority, jurisdiction and governance to Indian, resulting in the creation of #HimachalPradesh. However, Himachal Pradesh continued to exist as two non-contiguous territories separated by East Punjab.

Today we bring to you the visual story of #Haryana. Intertwined with the story of #Punjab, and yet distinct in its demand for a #Hindi majority state. From the impact of #Partition, to the #1965War, we trace it all. Dive in - 1/ #Punjab Province, was the wealthiest province in British India. However, during Partition it came to be bifurcated into Muslim-dominant West Punjab (present-day Pakistan) and Hindu-dominant East Punjab (present-day India) as per the #RadcliffeLine.

Today we bring the story of #Punjab. In the popular historical discourse, Punjab and #Partition are inseparable. There is a richer history of its state formation, both in colonial and post-colonial India. Its story includes other two states #Haryana and #HimachalPradesh . Follow this its fascinating visual story of state formation
1849:British Annexation of Punjab: Following the Second Anglo-Sikh War, the British East India Company annexed the Sikh Empire. This marked the end of the sovereign rule of the Sikh monarchs and the beginning of direct British administration. The annexation was formalized with the Treaty of Lahore.

Today, we bring to you the story of #Delhi. The matter of Delhi's statehood has always been contentious. It poses the long-debated dilemma - does Delhi belong to all Indian citizens or is it to be regarded as an autonomous territory with its unique identity? 1/ Prior to independence, Delhi was a part of North West Provinces and Oudh (present-day UP). In 1849, the East India Company transferred Delhi to British Punjab. From 1858 to 1911, Delhi existed as one of the divisions of #Punjab.

1/ With the arrival of the British in India, the forested Kumaon and Garhwal regions came to be exploited for commercial purposes. This deprived the local peasants, and artisans from of their livelihood since they could no longer access resources from the #protected forests. 2/ Post independence, these regions came to be consolidated under the #Uttarakhand region of the United Province. The Uttarakhand region largely consisted of the princely state of Tehri Garhwal and the districts of Garhwal and Kumaon.

While the state of #UttarPradesh has always been politically crucial, administering such a massive politically turbulent territory comes with its own challenges. Districts in UP have seen transitions like no other state in the country.

https://twitter.com/indiastatestory/status/1777240516364566584

1/ Over decades, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed various name changes of its districts - #Benares to Varanasi, #Hathras to Mahamaya Nagar, and #Allahabad to Prayagraj, among others. Did you know #Ayodhya district was earlier called #Faizabad? Note the number of name changes in the previous decade!

If it were a country, the state of Uttar Pradesh would be the 4th largest in the world in terms of population. The state has the highest political clout of 80 lok sabha seats, and has produced 14 prime ministers to date. Despite being such a political heavyweight, it had a relatively stable journey of state formation. Delve into the fascinating history of Uttar Pradesh with us! 1/ By 1857 Most of the modern UP was directly under British (Oudh/Awadh was annexed in 1856) and existed as North West Province. In 1902, during the Curzon era, it became United Province of Agra and Oudh.

Sikkim's transition from a #princelystate to a #protectorate, then to an #associatestate and finally a part of the #UnionofIndia, makes for fascinating read. Dive in - 1/ #Sikkim held a unique position under #BritishIndia. It was neither like other princely states, nor was it independent or internally autonomous. #Bhutan was an independent state under the protection of India, but Sikkim's sovereignty was a contentious issue with much ambiguity.

1/ Prior to Independence,#Tripura was a thirteen gun-salute state under the governor of Bengal. Post-independence, large parts of Tripura's territory went to East Pakistan, and Tripura became virtually isolated from Assam due to the absence of rail/road connections with #Assam. 2/ Maharaja Bir Bikram of Tripura preferred to join the Hindu-majority India over East Pakistan. But the neighbouring Chakla Roshanabad zamindari under Tripura had a Muslim majority, and as a part of British India it was to be massed in with East Pakistan.

The story of Manipur is the story of how Manipur attained statehood, but also the story of the ongoing #ethnicviolence in the state.
thehindu.com/data/manipur-e… 1/ Prior to Independence, Manipur existed as a princely state ruled by Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh. The Hindu #Meiteis occupied the Imphal Valley while the hills were dominated by Christian #Kukis and the #Nagas.