Why this matters now
The 26th Amendment is tested as the constitutional end of the princely-state legacy and as a textbook case of the government overcoming a Supreme Court verdict through amendment — Indira Gandhi’s political move that paved the way for the 42nd Amendment.
Background: privy purses and Madhav Rao Scindia (1970)
When 565 princely states acceded to India in 1947, Sardar Patel and V.P. Menon negotiated privy purses (annual tax-free payments) and royal titles for their rulers under Articles 291 and 362 of the original Constitution. By 1970 these payments totalled ~Rs 5.91 crore annually for 278 ex-rulers.
In 1970, President V.V. Giri issued a Presidential Order de-recognising the rulers — sought as a workaround after a constitutional amendment failed in the Rajya Sabha. In Madhav Rao Scindia v. Union of India (1971), the SC quashed the order as legally untenable.
Key changes
- Repealed Articles 291 and 362 — which had constitutionally guaranteed privy purses and recognition.
- Added Article 363A — explicitly states that rulers of former Indian States cease to be recognised, and privy purses are abolished.
- The 1971 general election after the abolition is observed as the “Garibi Hatao” election that returned Indira Gandhi with 352 seats.
Aftermath
The 26th Amendment was challenged but upheld. Former rulers lost titles and stipends; most adapted by entering politics (Maharaja of Mysore, Vijayaraje Scindia, Gayatri Devi, etc.), business or hotel/heritage tourism. The Amendment marked the end of constitutional special status for the princely order — completing the unification project Patel had begun in 1947-49.
UPSC angle
Know 26th Amendment 1971 — abolished privy purses and ruler recognition; repealed Articles 291 & 362; added Article 363A; trigger = Madhav Rao Scindia case (1971) quashing the 1970 Presidential Order; Indira Gandhi’s 1971 “Garibi Hatao” election promise (returned 352 seats).
Frequently asked questions
What were privy purses?
Annual tax-free payments guaranteed to former princely rulers under the original Articles 291 and 362, totalling ~Rs 5.91 crore for 278 ex-rulers by 1970.
Why did the 26th Amendment come about?
The Supreme Court’s Madhav Rao Scindia decision (1971) had struck down President V.V. Giri’s 1970 derecognition order; an amendment was the only way to abolish the purses.
What new Article did it add?
Article 363A — explicitly stating that rulers cease to be recognised and privy purses are abolished.
What happened to the former rulers?
They lost titles and stipends; many entered politics, business or heritage-tourism ventures.