Sardar Vallabhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru



Published on 04 Dec 2025


Vallabhai Patel

Jawaharlal Nehru

Philosophy

  • Pragmatism, strong central governance, and integration

  • Socialism, democratic ideals, and modernization

Role in Independence Movement

  • Key leader in the Indian National Congress, active in grassroots mobilization

  • Prominent leader in the Indian National Congress, first Prime Minister of India

Approach to British Rule

  • Negotiated with British and princely states for a unified India

  • Advocated for complete independence, involved in diplomatic negotiations

Major Contributions

  • Integration of princely states, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister

  • First Prime Minister, architect of modern India, established democratic institutions

Economic Views

  • Focused on agricultural reforms and rural development

  • Advocated for industrialization and state-led economic planning

View on Governance

  • Strong central government, consolidation of power for national unity

  • Parliamentary democracy, emphasis on civil liberties and democratic processes

Approach to Social Issues

  • Emphasized unity and national integration, worked to uplift rural areas

  • Promoted social reforms, secularism, and scientific temper

Foreign Policy

  • Pragmatic and cautious approach

  • Non-alignment movement, proactive in international diplomacy

Leadership Style

  • Firm, authoritative, and practical

  • Charismatic, visionary, and idealistic

View on Religion

  • Advocated for secularism but was personally rooted in Hindu traditions

  • Strong advocate for secularism and religious tolerance

Major Policies

  • Integration of princely states, land reforms

  • Five-Year Plans, establishment of IITs, AIIMS, and other key institutions

Legacy

  • Known as the "Iron Man of India," architect of a united India

  • Architect of modern India, established democratic and scientific institutions

Criticism

  • Criticized for authoritarian approach and strong-handed methods

  • Criticized for centralization of power and some policy failures

Impact on Post-Independent India

  • Ensured territorial integrity and administrative cohesion

  • Laid the foundations for India's political, economic, and social development

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Sardar Vallabhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru COMPARING PERSONALITIES

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Freedom Struggle

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