Monarchy in India

India historically had monarchies known as princely states, ruled by kings, queens, or nawabs with varying degrees of autonomy under British suzerainty. These monarchs held cultural and political significance but did not possess sovereign power after India gained independence in 1947, when most states were integrated into a democratic republic. Today, the concept of monarchy exists mainly in ceremonial contexts, such as royal titles and traditions, but India is a sovereign democratic republic with elected leaders and no constitutional monarchs. The monarchy's influence has largely faded, replaced by institutions that uphold democratic governance.