princely states of India

Princely states of India were semi-autonomous regions ruled by local monarchs or princes during British rule, though formally under the suzerainty of the British Crown. These states varied in size, governance, and power, with some functioning almost independently, while others followed treaties that limited their sovereignty. After India’s independence in 1947, most princely states merged into the Indian Union through negotiations or integration processes, ending their princely status. These states played a significant role in India’s political and cultural landscape before becoming part of the modern nation.