Pradyuman Shekhawat
76 Years of Rajasthan: From Princely States to a United State
Celebrate Rajasthan Foundation Day 2025 – Discover how Rajasthan was formed through seven historic stages, uniting princely states into India’s largest state. A story of unity, heritage, and pride.
Today, March 30, 2025, Rajasthan celebrates its 76th Foundation Day, also known as Rajasthan Diwas. This special day marks when several princely states came together to form what we now know as Rajasthan.
The Journey to Unification
Rajasthan wasn't formed in a single day. It took seven stages spread over eight years, seven months, and 14 days. This process began on March 17, 1948, and ended on November 1, 1956.
Before India's independence, the region consisted of:
- 19 princely states
- 3 estates (Lawa, Kushalgarh, and Neemrana)
- 1 centrally administered area (Ajmer-Merwara)
How Rajasthan Was Formed
The Indian government carried out a careful step-by-step process to bring these regions together:
1. Matsya Union (March 17-18, 1948): Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, and the Neemrana estate joined together.
2. Eastern Rajasthan (March 25, 1948): More states joined, including Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh, Shahpura, Kishangarh, Tonk, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, and the Kushalgarh estate.
3. United Rajasthan (April 18, 1948): Udaipur joined Eastern Rajasthan.
4. Greater Rajasthan (March 30, 1949): This was the most important phase. Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and the Lawa estate came together. The ceremony took place in Jaipur, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
5. United Greater Rajasthan (May 15, 1949): The Matsya Union merged with Greater Rajasthan.
6. Rajasthan Union (January 26, 1950): The princely state of Sirohi was added (except Mount Abu and Dilwara). This is when the name "Rajputana" was officially changed to "Rajasthan."
7. Present-Day Rajasthan (November 1, 1956): The final shape was completed with the addition of Ajmer-Merwara, Abu-Dilwara, and Sunel-Tappa (from Madhya Pradesh).
An Interesting Fact
During unification, states with a population over 10 lakh and an annual income over ₹1 crore could choose whether to join Rajasthan or stay independent. Four states qualified: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Bikaner. All chose to join Rajasthan, strengthening the vision of a united state.
Why March 30?
While Rajasthan's formation was fully completed on November 1, 1956, we celebrate Foundation Day on March 30. This date marks the creation of Greater Rajasthan in 1949, which was the largest and most significant merger in the process.
A Legacy of Pride
Today, Rajasthan is India's largest state by area. It is known for its rich culture, vibrant traditions, and growth in tourism, handicrafts, agriculture, and many other sectors.
As the state celebrates its 76th year, citizens remember the vision of leaders who made this unification possible and take pride in being part of this historic land.
Pradyuman Shekhawat
30th Mar 2025•3 mins read
76 Years of Rajasthan: From Princely States to a United State
Celebrate Rajasthan Foundation Day 2025 – Discover how Rajasthan was formed through seven historic stages, uniting princely states into India’s largest state. A story of unity, heritage, and pride.
Today, March 30, 2025, Rajasthan celebrates its 76th Foundation Day, also known as Rajasthan Diwas. This special day marks when several princely states came together to form what we now know as Rajasthan.
The Journey to Unification
Rajasthan wasn't formed in a single day. It took seven stages spread over eight years, seven months, and 14 days. This process began on March 17, 1948, and ended on November 1, 1956.
Before India's independence, the region consisted of:
- 19 princely states
- 3 estates (Lawa, Kushalgarh, and Neemrana)
- 1 centrally administered area (Ajmer-Merwara)
How Rajasthan Was Formed
The Indian government carried out a careful step-by-step process to bring these regions together:
1. Matsya Union (March 17-18, 1948): Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, and the Neemrana estate joined together.
2. Eastern Rajasthan (March 25, 1948): More states joined, including Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh, Shahpura, Kishangarh, Tonk, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, and the Kushalgarh estate.
3. United Rajasthan (April 18, 1948): Udaipur joined Eastern Rajasthan.
4. Greater Rajasthan (March 30, 1949): This was the most important phase. Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and the Lawa estate came together. The ceremony took place in Jaipur, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
5. United Greater Rajasthan (May 15, 1949): The Matsya Union merged with Greater Rajasthan.
6. Rajasthan Union (January 26, 1950): The princely state of Sirohi was added (except Mount Abu and Dilwara). This is when the name "Rajputana" was officially changed to "Rajasthan."
7. Present-Day Rajasthan (November 1, 1956): The final shape was completed with the addition of Ajmer-Merwara, Abu-Dilwara, and Sunel-Tappa (from Madhya Pradesh).
An Interesting Fact
During unification, states with a population over 10 lakh and an annual income over ₹1 crore could choose whether to join Rajasthan or stay independent. Four states qualified: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Bikaner. All chose to join Rajasthan, strengthening the vision of a united state.
Why March 30?
While Rajasthan's formation was fully completed on November 1, 1956, we celebrate Foundation Day on March 30. This date marks the creation of Greater Rajasthan in 1949, which was the largest and most significant merger in the process.
A Legacy of Pride
Today, Rajasthan is India's largest state by area. It is known for its rich culture, vibrant traditions, and growth in tourism, handicrafts, agriculture, and many other sectors.
As the state celebrates its 76th year, citizens remember the vision of leaders who made this unification possible and take pride in being part of this historic land.