What is meant by ‘Privy Purse’? Evaluate the role played by Indira Gandhi in the abolition of privy purses.

The Privy Purse was a grant given to the family of ruler’s at the time of integration of the Indian Union and the princely states. This meant an assurance that the rulers’ families would be allowed to retain some of their private property and also receive grant through government allowances which would be based upon the extent of revenue earned and the capacity of the State that was merging. Indira Gandhi played an important role in the abolition of Privy purses. Indira Gandhi was in support of the demand that asked for the abolition of these grants known as Privy Purses. She took it as a major issue for competing in elections which helped her mobilise support from the public in her favour. After her victory in the 1971 elections, amendments were made in the Constitution to remove obstacles legally and also abolish the system of Privy Purses.