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 should be integrated with Rajasthan but in Bharatpur and Dholpur it was found that there was considerable difference of opinion as to whether they should be merged with the United Provinces or integrated with Rajasthan. In order to ascertain public opinion in these two States the following Committee was appointed:—


 * 1) Shri Shankar Rao Deo—Chairman
 * 2) Shri R. K. Sidhwa—Member
 * 3) Shri Prabhu Dyal Himatsingka—Member

138. After ascertaining the views of the people both by means of questionnaires and at public meetings the Committee came to the conclusion that majority opinion in both Bharatpur and Dholpur was for integration with Rajasthan rather than for merger in the United Provinces. The Committee was not sure if the opinion elicited by it would remain stabilised. The Committee therefore suggested that after some time, opportunity should be given to the people through a regular plebiscite, or some other appropriate procedure, to decide finally whether they would continue in Rajasthan or opt out of it. The Government of India accepted the recommendations of the Committee and took steps to integrate the entire Matsya Union with Rajasthan. The Agreement (Appendix XLI) between the United State of Rajasthan and the Rulers of Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli giving effect to this decision was concluded on 10th May, 1949, and provided for the taking over by the Rajasthan Government of the administration of the Matsya States with effect from May 15, 1949. Article V of the agreement entered into in this behalf provides that when the Government of India are satisfied that conditions favourable to the expression of a considered opinion by the general public have been established in Bharatpur and Dholpur, suitable steps will be taken to ascertain whether public opinion is in favour of continuing with Rajasthan or of merger with the United Provinces. The Rajasthan Union as at present constituted has an area of approximately 128,424 square miles and a population of about 19.1 millions.  

139. The United State of Travancore and Cochin was formed by the integration of the two southern-most States lying on the south-west coast of the Indian Peninsula, namely, Travancore and Cochin. In spite of the large revenue and the high degree of literacy among the people of the two States it was felt that in modern conditions it was not possible for the two States to remain as separate entities. The two States were similar in almost all respects, e.g., language, economic conditions, composition of the population, geographical situation etc. There was, therefore,