The integration of states began. The rulers, in response to an appeal to consolidate the country, agreed to form regional unions of states or to merge their states with the dominion. While renouncing their ruling powers, they retained their personal privileges, private properties, and privy purses. Ultimately, the government had to invade to force accession.
Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu for his part in the partition of India, on the grounds that he had not created a militant enough vision for Hindus in India.
