Which of these princely states joined the Indian Union in 1947 without first openly refusing to accede?

Introduction / Context:
The political integration of princely states after Indian independence is a core topic in modern Indian history. When British paramountcy lapsed in 1947, more than five hundred princely states had to decide whether to join India or Pakistan, or in theory remain independent. Some rulers resisted or delayed accession, leading to military and diplomatic action by the new Indian government, while many others signed the Instrument of Accession without public confrontation. This question asks you to identify, among the options, the state that acceded without initially refusing to join India.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The time frame is 1947, just after independence. • The focus is on princely states and their accession to the Indian Union. • Options include Hyderabad, Junagadh, Jaipur, Travancore, and Jammu and Kashmir. • The question stresses not initially refusing to accede.

Concept / Approach:
Some states such as Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Travancore initially explored independence or accession to Pakistan, or resisted merger with India. Hyderabad delayed accession and eventually faced Operation Polo. Junagadh announced accession to Pakistan despite its Hindu majority and was later integrated into India after intervention and a plebiscite. Travancore at first indicated a desire to be independent but later joined India. In contrast, several Rajput states, including Jaipur, signed the Instrument of Accession to India relatively smoothly under the guidance of leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and V P Menon. Therefore, the correct choice is the state whose ruler cooperated without an open refusal.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall which states are famous in history for resisting accession: Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Travancore are commonly cited examples. Step 2: Note that Jammu and Kashmir had a complex situation involving tribal invasion and conditional accession, not a straightforward early agreement. Step 3: Recognise that Jaipur, a Rajput state in present day Rajasthan, is usually mentioned among the states that acceded to India without dramatic refusal or conflict. Step 4: Eliminate the states known for resistance and special issues, and pick Jaipur as the relatively cooperative case. Step 5: Confirm mentally that historical accounts of integration do not list Jaipur among the holdouts.

Verification / Alternative check:
History texts describing the integration of princely states explain that Hyderabad sought to remain independent, Junagadh joined Pakistan and was later annexed, and Travancore initially took a separatist stance before being persuaded to accede. Jammu and Kashmir signed the Instrument of Accession under emergency conditions after tribal incursions from the Pakistan side. Jaipur, on the other hand, acceded as part of the process of forming the state of Rajasthan without first refusing to join India. Accounts of Sardar Patel's integration policy describe these differences and thereby support Jaipur as the answer that fits the description in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• Hyderabad delayed accession and tried to remain independent, which finally led to Operation Polo and annexation by Indian forces. • Junagadh chose to accede to Pakistan against the wishes of its largely Hindu population, prompting Indian intervention and a plebiscite. • Travancore initially declared an intention to be independent, only later agreeing to join the Indian Union. • Jammu and Kashmir acceded under exceptional circumstances after an invasion, not as a straightforward early accession without controversy.

Common Pitfalls:
• Assuming that any princely state listed must have shown some resistance and ignoring the phrase without initially refusing. • Confusing Jaipur with other princely states of Rajasthan that had different trajectories during integration. • Overlooking the nuanced differences between delay, resistance, and relatively smooth cooperation in accession.

Final Answer:
Among the given options, the princely state that joined the Indian Union in 1947 without first openly refusing to accede was Jaipur.