Who was the first Home Minister of India?

Question

Who was the first Home Minister of India?

1. A. Dr S. Radhakrishnan
2. B. Lal Bahadur Shastri
3. C. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
4. D. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Key Points

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was India's first Home Minister and also its first Deputy Prime Minister, serving from 1947 until his death in 1950.
• He led the integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union, earning the title Iron Man of India.
• Dr Rajendra Prasad was the first President and Dr S. Radhakrishnan the first Vice-President.
• Lal Bahadur Shastri served as Home Minister later, in the 1960s, before becoming Prime Minister.

Additional Information

• Patel is remembered as the Iron Man of India and as the Bismarck of India for welding the princely states into one country.
• The Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, honours him — at 182 metres it is the tallest statue in the world, unveiled on 31 October 2018.
• His birth anniversary, 31 October, is observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day).
• He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1991, posthumously.