The Iron Man of India
The unifier of a nation.
A Legacy of Unity
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a barrister by profession, dedicated his life to the freedom of India and its unification. As the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, he masterfully integrated over 560 princely states into the new Indian Union, earning him the title of “Iron Man.”
560+
Princely States
Integrated
1947
First Home Minister
of Independent India
A Journey of Leadership: A Timeline
1918: Kheda Satyagraha
He organized a tax boycott in the Kheda district of Gujarat, a successful protest that marked his entry into the freedom movement under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi.
1928: Bardoli Satyagraha
He led a major non-violent protest against the unjust tax policies in Bardoli, which was a resounding success and earned him the title of ‘Sardar’ (leader) from the local women.
1946: Constituent Assembly
Patel played a crucial role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution and was instrumental in shaping the structure of the new Indian government.
1947: Integration of States
As India’s first Home Minister, he used a combination of diplomacy and force to integrate the hundreds of princely states, preventing the balkanization of the country and forging a unified India.