Sardar Patel lived an extra-ordinary life in extra-ordinary times.

For his iron will and nerves of steel, he earned the title Iron Man of India. For his astute leadership and compassion, his people lovingly called him Sardar. The geographic entity we know as India, bears the imprint of the genius and statesmanship of this one man. It is the most lasting legacy Patel left for the future. 'History' said Nehru speaking about Sardar Patel, would 'call him the builder and consolidator of the new India.'

Sardar Patel's life was shaped by major events that took place around him just as much as he gave shape to major events. This Timeline provides a brief glimpse into the extraordinary life of Sardar Patel marking important events and landmarks in his momentous journey.

1875

Early years in Karamsad

Born in Nadiad, Gujarat on 31st October, 1875, Patel spent his early years in Karamsad

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1890

Schooling

Vallabhai begins his schooling in Karamsad, a small village in Kheda district of Gujarat. He continues in Petlad, a small town in the territory of Baroda.

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1892

Marriage

Vallabhbhai was approximately 17 years of age when he married Jhaverba, a girl from the village of Gana. Unfortunately, very little is known about her.

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1897

Completes matriculation

Completes matriculation from this school in Nadiad at the age of 22

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1900

Start of a successful career in Law

Patel beings his legal practice as a pleader in Godhra. He achieved rapid success as a lawyer and soon become one of the foremost criminal lawyers.

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1910

Leaving for England to study for the Bar

At the age of 35 after several hurdles and hiccups, Patel finally leaves for England to fulfill his dream of studying for the barristership exams.

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1918

Gandhi chooses Vallabhbhai as his Deputy Commander

'Many were prepared to follow me, but I could not make up my mind as to who should be my deputy commander. Then I thought of Vallabhbhai' said Gandhi reflecting upon his choice of Patel to lead the Kheda Satyagraha. This was to prove to be a turning point in the life of Sardar Patel.

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1918

Turning point at Kheda

Leading a Peasant's protest, Patel turns the trajectory of his life toward a path of public service.

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1921

Nation takes note of Patel's organisational genius

In 1921, the Annual session of the Indian National Congress was to be held in Ahmedabad. Patel was elected to be the Chairman of the Reception Committee responsible for attending to over 5000 delegates and visitors who were expected to attend the session. Undaunted by the scale of the preparations, Patel took charge of organising everything from water for the visitors to managing the thousands of shoes at the venue!

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1924-28

Elected President of Ahmedabad Municipal Board.

Elected President of the Ahmedabad Municipal Board, Patel takes charge and revamps the drainage, sanitation, cleanliness and water distribution systems of Ahmedabad. To the astonishment of the citizens, the President of the Board, takes up a broom and dust cart himself, and begins cleaning the Harijan quarter of the city. The city of Ahmedabad has a new Hero.

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1927

Vallabhbhai becomes Sardar

Organising a mass peasants protest in Bardoli, Patel catapulted into national fame. It was here that he earned the title 'Sardar'.

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1931

Elected President of the Indian National Congress

Just out of jail, in 1931, Patel is elected President of the Karachi session of the Indian Nation Congress. At at time when the nation was angry over the execution of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdeo and Rajguru, he made a speech that reflected the sentiment of the hour.

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1947

India attains Independence

With the passing of the Indian Independence Act 1947, the long cherished dream of freedom is finally realised.

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1947

First Deputy Prime Minister of Free India

Patel becomes the first Deputy Prime Minister as also the first Home Minister of Free India. He takes charge also of the States Department and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

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1947

Building a Nation

In what was to become Sardar Patel's most lasting legacy, he took charge of the States Department and was responsible for the accession of 565 princely states into the Union of India. Paying tribute to him, Nehru called Sardar 'the builder and consolidator of new India.'

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1950

Sardar Patel's sleep eternal

Sardar Patel breathes his last on 15 December 1950

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