The Survey of Pakistan, a pivotal historical document crafted in 1947 in the wake of Pakistan's independence from British colonial rule, delineates the political landscape of the nascent nation. This monumental survey served to demarcate Pakistan into two primary regions: West Pakistan and East Pakistan. West Pakistan encompassed the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while East Pakistan consisted solely of the Bengal province.
This survey of Pakistan, chronicling its political divisions and demographics, serves as an invaluable historical artifact, offering deep insights into the formative years of the nation. It also serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Pakistan encountered while striving to forge a cohesive and united nation.
The accession of the princely states of Junagadh and Manavadar, located in the Kathiawar region of Gujarat, India, into Pakistan in 1947 added another layer of complexity to Pakistan's early years. These states, both under the rule of Hindu maharajas, claimed allegiance to Pakistan upon the nation's formation. Junagadh, the larger of the two, boasted a population exceeding one million, while Manavadar was smaller with around 100,000 residents.
The accession of these states, however, proved highly controversial. The Hindu maharajas asserted that their populations were predominantly Muslim and wished to join Pakistan. Yet, in Junagadh, the majority of the populace was Hindu, and in Manavadar, it was primarily Jain.
India raised vehement objections to the accession of these states to Pakistan, contending that the maharajas lacked the authority to accede their territories without the consent of their people. Furthermore, India argued that geographically, Junagadh and Manavadar were integral parts of India and should not be permitted to join Pakistan.
The contentious issue of Junagadh and Manavadar's accession was ultimately brought before the United Nations. In 1948, the UN Security Council passed a resolution, stipulating a referendum in Junagadh to determine its destiny, whether to align with India or Pakistan. In 1949, the referendum took place, revealing the majority of Junagadh's population favored joining India. Consequently, Junagadh was integrated into India.
The situation with Manavadar saw a quicker resolution, as its maharaja agreed to accede to India in 1948, bypassing the need for a referendum. Thus, Manavadar merged with India.
The accession of Junagadh and Manavadar into Pakistan marked a multifaceted and contentious episode in Pakistan's early history, underlining the trials and tribulations the nation faced in its quest for unity. The subsequent resolutions and agreements resolved the immediate dispute, yet they left behind a legacy of bitterness and mistrust between India and Pakistan that continues to influence their relationship to this day.
