Who was First Defence Minister of India?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:

Baldev Singh holds the distinction of being India's first Defence Minister. He assumed this crucial role on August 15, 1947, when India gained independence, and served until May 13, 1952, under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. His tenure was particularly significant as he oversaw the nascent Indian armed forces during the challenging period of partition and the First Kashmir War. A prominent Sikh politician, Baldev Singh played a vital part in integrating the princely states' forces into the Indian Army and laying the foundational administrative structure for India's defense. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the country's defense policy in its formative years.

The incorrect option is 1:
John Mathai served as India's first Railway Minister from 1947 to 1948 and later as the Finance Minister from 1948 to 1950. While he was a key figure in independent India's first cabinet, his portfolio was not defense.

The incorrect option is 2:
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was the first Health Minister of India, serving from 1947 to 1957. She was a prominent freedom fighter and a staunch advocate for public health reforms and women's rights, but she did not hold the defense portfolio.

The incorrect option is 3:
Jagjivan Ram was a highly influential Dalit leader and freedom fighter. He held various ministerial portfolios during his long political career, including Labour, Agriculture, Railways, and even served as Deputy Prime Minister. However, he was not the first Defence Minister; that position was held by Baldev Singh.