Detailed information about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

1st Deputy Prime Minister
on the post 15 August 1947 – 15 December 1950
Prime Minister	Jawaharlal Nehru
Predecessor	Establishment of position
Successor	Morarji Desai
Home Minister
on the post 15 August 1947 – 15 December 1950
Prime Minister	Jawaharlal Nehru
Predecessor	Establishment of position
Successor	C. Rajagopalachari
Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army
on the post 15 August 1947 – 15 December 1950
Prime Minister	Jawaharlal Nehru
Predecessor	Establishment of position
Successor	Displacement of post
Personal details
the birth	Vallabhbhai Zaverbhai Patel   31 October 1875 Nadiad, Bombay Presidency, British India (now Gujarat, India)
death	15 December 1950 (age 75) Mumbai, Greater Mumbai, India
A political party	Indian National Congress
Spouse	Zawerba
children	Maniben Patel Dahyabhai Patel
field	·         Barrister ·         a politician ·         Agitator
Awards	Bharat Ratna (1991)(posthumous)

Introduction:

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was an Indian freedom fighter, politician, and statesman who played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. He was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, a small village in the Indian state of Gujarat. Patel was a key figure in India's history and is often referred to as the "Iron Man of India" for his unwavering commitment to the unity and integrity of the country. This biography will explore Patel's life in detail, from his early years to his contributions to India's freedom struggle, his role in the integration of princely states into India, and his legacy in modern India.

 

Early Life:

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born to Jhaverbhai Patel and Ladbai in Nadiad, a small village in the Indian state of Gujarat. Patel's family was from a humble background, and his father was a farmer. Patel had three siblings, two brothers, and a sister. Patel was a bright student and showed great potential from an early age. He was interested in reading and writing and was deeply influenced by the works of Mahatma Gandhi and other Indian nationalists.

 

Education:

Patel's formal education began at a local school in his village, but he soon moved to a school in Petlad, a nearby town, to continue his education. Patel was a diligent student and excelled in his studies. In 1897, Patel passed the matriculation examination and went on to pursue a degree in law. Patel completed his law degree in England and returned to India in 1913.

 

Law Practice:

After completing his education in law, Patel began practicing law in Ahmedabad. He was not interested in a career in law and wanted to participate in the Indian independence movement. Patel was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and became a key member of the Indian National Congress.

 

Freedom Struggle:

Patel was a committed nationalist and a staunch supporter of the Indian National Congress. He actively participated in the freedom struggle and was instrumental in organizing various movements and campaigns. Patel played a key role in the Salt Satyagraha of 1930, which was a peaceful protest against the British Salt Tax. He was arrested and imprisoned several times during the struggle for independence.

In 1942, Patel was one of the key leaders of the Quit India Movement, which called for India's immediate independence from British rule. The movement was brutally suppressed by the British, and Patel was arrested and imprisoned again.

 

Contribution to Indian Independence:

After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Patel was appointed as the first Home Minister of India. He was given the responsibility of handling the situation created by the partition of the country. Patel played a crucial role in the integration of the princely states into India.

The princely states were independent states ruled by Indian princes, who were given a choice to join either India or Pakistan. Patel used his diplomatic skills to convince the princes to join India, and his efforts resulted in the successful integration of over 500 princely states. Patel's contribution to India's struggle for independence and his efforts towards the integration of the princely states into India continue to inspire generations of Indians.

 

Personal Life:

Sardar Patel was married to Jhaverba, who passed away early in their marriage. Patel later married another woman named Savitribai, and the couple had two children, a son named Dahyabhai and a daughter named Maniben. Patel was a devoted husband and father and had a deep love for his family.

 

Legacy:

Sardar Patel was known for his leadership, administrative skills, and commitment to the cause of India's independence. He was also a great believer in democracy and had a deep respect for the rule of law. He was a secularist and believed that all religions had an equal place in Indian society.

Sardar Patel was also a champion of the farmers and worked tirelessly to improve their lives. He believed that the economic development of India was crucial to its progress and advocated for the expansion of industries and the modernization of agriculture.

 

Death:

Sardar Patel passed away on December 15, 1950, due to a heart attack. He was only 75 years old at the time of his death. However, his legacy lives on, and he is remembered as one of India's greatest leaders. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial in Ahmedabad is a testament to his contributions to the nation.

 

Conclusion:

Sardar Patel's contribution to the Indian independence movement and his role in the integration of India cannot be overstated. He was a visionary leader who worked tirelessly for the betterment of his country and its people. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians to work towards building a stronger and more united India.