Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
| Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel | |
|---|---|
| File:Sardar Patel 1949.jpg | |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1949 | |
| Born | 31 October 1875 |
| Birthplace | Nadiad, Bombay Presidency, British India |
| Died | 15 December 1950 (aged 75) |
| Place of death | Mumbai, Bombay State, India |
| Resting place | Sardar Patel Memorial, Ahmedabad, Gujarat |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Lawyer, Freedom Fighter, Statesman, Political Leader |
| Years active | 1917–1950 |
| Known for | Indian Independence Movement, Integration of princely states, First Deputy Prime Minister of India |
| Notable works | Leadership in Bardoli Satyagraha, Kheda Satyagraha, instrumental role in national integration |
| Awards | Bharat Ratna (posthumously, 1991) |
| Spouse(s) | Jhaverba Patel |
| Children | Maniben Patel, Dahyabhai Patel |
| Parents | |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Website | Sardar Patel – Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav |
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950) was a senior leader in the Indian Independence Movement and one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India. Known as the Iron Man of India, he was instrumental in uniting over 560 princely states after independence.[1]
Early Life and Education
Patel was born in Nadiad, Gujarat, into a Patidar family. Despite economic hardships, he pursued education with determination. He went to England to study law at the Middle Temple and returned to practice as a barrister in Ahmedabad.[2]
Role in the Freedom Struggle
Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, Patel left his legal practice and joined the national movement. He played a key role in:
- The Kheda Satyagraha (1918), where he fought for tax relief for farmers
- The Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), which earned him the title Sardar (leader) from the people
- The Quit India Movement and Congress organizational work
His organizational skills made him a top leader in the Indian National Congress.[3]
Deputy Prime Minister and National Integration
Post-independence, he became India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister under Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet. Patel led the integration of over 560 princely states into the Union of India through diplomatic negotiation, use of the Instrument of Accession, and firm resolve. His efforts avoided possible balkanization of India.
He also played a major role in:
- Founding the Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Managing internal security during partition-related violence
- Reorganizing the civil services and police
Death and Legacy
Sardar Patel died on 15 December 1950 in Mumbai. In 1991, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.[4]
His legacy includes:
- The Statue of Unity, inaugurated in 2018, which is the tallest statue in the world
- Numerous institutions, roads, and public projects named in his honor
- 31 October is observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) to commemorate his efforts
See Also
- Integration of princely states
- Statue of Unity
- Bardoli Satyagraha
- Indian Administrative Service
- Indian Independence Movement