In 1948, in which former princely state in western India was a referendum held in which the people decided to join the Indian Union?

Introduction / Context:
After India's independence in 1947, the integration of princely states into the Indian Union was a major political challenge. Some states acceded smoothly, while others created complications by delaying or choosing alternative options. This question focuses on a specific case where a referendum (plebiscite) was held in 1948 to decide whether the princely state should join India, and the people voted in favour of accession.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The year involved is 1948, shortly after Independence.
• The region is described as a former princely state in western India.
• A referendum was held to decide whether the people wished to join the Indian Union.
• We must identify the correct princely state from the options.

Concept / Approach:
Junagadh, a princely state in the Kathiawar peninsula (present-day Gujarat), had a Muslim ruler and a largely Hindu population. The Nawab initially chose to accede to Pakistan, creating tension. The Government of India did not accept this decision and, after political and military pressure, a plebiscite was conducted in February 1948. In this referendum, an overwhelming majority of the people voted to join India. Therefore, Junagadh is the state described in the question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List the princely states mentioned in the options: Junagadh, Hyderabad, Travancore and Jodhpur.Step 2: Recall that Junagadh was a princely state in present-day Gujarat on the western coast of India.Step 3: Remember that Junagadh's Nawab acceded to Pakistan but the people opposed this decision.Step 4: A referendum held in 1948 saw the majority vote for accession to India.Step 5: Therefore, Junagadh fits all conditions in the question and is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Cross-check with basic post-independence history: Hyderabad is in south-central India and required a police action (Operation Polo) rather than a referendum; Travancore (in the south) negotiated accession; Jodhpur (in Rajasthan) eventually acceded but is not known for a referendum-based integration. Only Junagadh, located in western India, is widely documented as having undergone a plebiscite to confirm joining India.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Hyderabad: Integrated into India in 1948 through Operation Polo, which was a military-police action; a plebiscite is not the key feature here.
• Travancore: Initially expressed interest in independence but later acceded to India; again, not primarily associated with a public referendum in the same way.
• Jodhpur: A princely state in Rajasthan whose Maharaja considered options but eventually joined India; not known for a formal referendum like Junagadh.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the trajectories of different princely states, especially Hyderabad and Junagadh, because both joined India in 1948 after some tension. To avoid mistakes, remember the specific method used: Junagadh – plebiscite (referendum); Hyderabad – police action; Kashmir – accession followed by later plebiscite debates; others – negotiation and Instruments of Accession. This differentiation helps you quickly recall the correct state in MCQs.

Final Answer:
The 1948 referendum in western India that led to accession to the Indian Union was held in the princely state of Junagadh.