Paper short abstract:

This paper will trace the convoluted process of the constitutional integration of the princely states, the principles behind such a process, and the effects of such a policy on constructing a new nation-state and identity.

Paper long abstract:

Western Pakistan was half its current size on August 15, 1947. Nine princely states eventually formed a part of it through a long process of accession negotiations. Just as the accession issue lingered on for eight months (and the question of the accession of Hunza and Nagar has still not been settled), the constitutional integration of these states also took a very long time.

Whereas in India by the states reorganisation of 1956 almost all the princely states had eased to exist, in Pakistan a number of states retained their status till 1955, while a few survived as late as 1969 and even 1973. The staggered process of integration, especially constitutional integration, prevented the formation of a strong national identity in the country and created structural problems which exist even today. Using hitherto unused primary sources, this paper, for the first time, will trace the convoluted process of the constitutional integration of the princely states, the principles behind such a process, and the effects of such a policy on constructing a new nation-state and identity.