Background
Vallabhbhai Patel was born on 31 October 1875 in Gujarat, western India, into the traditionally agriculturalist Lewa Patidar caste.
(Selected letters of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Part 1 and 2...)
Selected letters of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Part 1 and 2 Hindi
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8172294239/?tag=2022091-20
(A book on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Hindi)
A book on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Hindi
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(Sardar Ni Jail-Diary pb)
Sardar Ni Jail-Diary pb
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Vallabhbhai Patel was born on 31 October 1875 in Gujarat, western India, into the traditionally agriculturalist Lewa Patidar caste.
Both Patel and his older brother Vithalbhai learned English, traveled to Britain, and were called to the bar.
On returning to India, Patel developed a lucrative practice in Ahmadabad and began to participate in civic and political affairs. In 1917 Patel came under the influence of Mohandas Gandhi and was an important organizer of several Satyagraha, or militant nonviolent campaigns, to secure justice for the peasants of Gujarat. These included the Kheda Satyagraha of 1917-1918 and the famous Bardoli Satyagraha of 1927-1928, during which he received the title of Sardar, or leader.
Between 1917 and 1928 he also served in the Ahmadabad municipality. From 1945 Patel was virtual co-leader of the Congress with Jawaharlal Nehru. They accepted plans for the partition of India even over the objections of Gandhi. He was also minister for states and, with the assistance of V. P. Menon. Vallabhbhai Patel helped to organize the Indian nationalist movement. He successfully completed the uphill task of unifying the princely states of India to join the Indian union. He persuaded the princes of 565 states to accede to India.
Patel was distrustful of the Indian Moslems but was pressed to a moderate position on communal affairs by Nehru.
Patel had a severe heart attack in 1948, some months after Gandhi's assassination. Although he continued his work for 2 years, he never fully recovered.
In order to honour the pivotal contribution of Vallabhbhai Patel in integrating India, after independence, by uniting 562 princely states, Government of India is planning to build a 182 metres (597 ft) tall statue of Sardar Patel. It will be the world's tallest statue and will be built directly facing the Narmada Dam, 3. 2 km away on the river island called Sadhu Bet near Vadodara in Gujarat. The total cost of the whole project will be Rs 2, 979 crore.
(Selected letters of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Part 1 and 2...)
(A book on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Hindi)
(Sardar Ni Jail-Diary pb)
By background and inclination Patel was a staunch Hindu.
Patel identified with the Indian business community and generally opposed Nehru's socialism. He tended to be a conservative in politics.
In 1891 Patel married Jhaverba and the couple had two children.
