princely state

A princely state refers to a semi-independent political entity in India during British colonial rule, governed by a local monarch or prince. These states had varying degrees of autonomy and were not directly governed by the British but were instead under British suzerainty. The rulers could manage their internal affairs while acknowledging British authority in matters of defense and foreign relations. After India gained independence in 1947, these princely states were integrated into the newly formed Indian Union, contributing to the country’s current political structure.