How many princely states were in british india before independence?

There were over 500 princely states in British India before independence.

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As an expert in Indian history, I can confidently provide you with a detailed answer to the question: How many princely states were in British India before independence?

Before India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, there were over 500 princely states in British India. These princely states were semi-autonomous territories ruled by royal families, who were known as princes or maharajas. They enjoyed varying degrees of internal autonomy but were subjected to British paramountcy, which meant that they had to acknowledge British suzerainty and accept their authority in matters of defense and foreign affairs.

These princely states were scattered across the Indian subcontinent, with different sizes, populations, and levels of wealth. The largest and most influential princely states, such as Hyderabad, Mysore, and Kashmir, held substantial territories and had significant political influence. On the other hand, there were also smaller princely states, some of which covered just a few square miles.

One interesting fact about the princely states is that some of them were notorious for their opulence and extravagance. The Nizam of Hyderabad, for example, was known for his vast wealth, including the famous Jacob Diamond, one of the largest diamonds in the world. Another interesting fact is that princely states, like Travancore, were pioneers in enacting social reforms, such as the eradication of untouchability and the promotion of education. This demonstrates the diversity and unique characteristics of each princely state.

To provide a more comprehensive view of the princely states in British India, here is a table showcasing a few notable ones:

Princely State	Ruler	Area (sq km)	Population (approx.)
Hyderabad	Nizam	214,190	16,340,946
Kashmir	Maharaja	222,236	3,115,750
Mysore	Maharaja	74,122	5,945,000
Baroda	Gaekwad	21,391	3,370,180
Travancore	Maharaja	19,996	6,070,018
Jaipur	Maharaja	45,373	3,672,000
Jodhpur	Maharaja	95,553	1,374,000
Bhopal	Begum	6,902	774,548
Patiala	Maharaja	15,878	2,092,262

In summary, the number of princely states in British India before independence was over 500. These states varied in size, population, and influence, with some being larger and more powerful than others. These princely states played a significant role in the political landscape of British India, and their inclusion in the process of independence required careful negotiations. As Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, aptly stated, “The Indian states were the building bricks of our new nation.”

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See related video

This video discusses the challenges faced by the princely states of India during independence. Most of the states chose to join either India or Pakistan, but some resisted. The Indian government worked to integrate the states into India by offering them a Privy Purse. The princely state of Hyderabad faced internal conflict and pressure from India, leading to its integration through Operation Polo. The video also highlights the integration of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into India, as well as the eventual abolition of privileges and titles for former rulers with the 26th amendment of the Indian Constitution in 1971.

See what else I discovered

584 princely statesBefore the Partition of India in 1947, about 584 princely states, also called “native states”, existed in India, which were not fully and formally part of British India, Upon Independence, they were given the choice of either joining India or Pakistan or remaining independent.

At the time of the British withdrawal, apart from thousands of zamindari estates and jagirs, 565 princely states were officially recognised in the Indian subcontinent. Princely states covered 40 percent of the pre-independence region of India in 1947 and made up 23 percent of its population.

There were officially 565 princely states when India and Pakistan became independent in 1947, but the great majority had contracted with the viceroy to provide public services and tax collection.

Before independence, India was divided into 565 princely states. These indigenous princely states believed in independent governance, which was the biggest obstacle in building a strong India. At this time India had three types of states (1) ‘Territories of British India’, (2) ‘Princely states’ and the colonial territories of France and Portugal.

In addition, people are interested

How many princely states were there before independence in India?

The response is: 565 princely states
At the time of the British withdrawal, 565 princely states were officially recognized in the Indian subcontinent, apart from thousands of zamindari estates and jagirs. In 1947, princely states covered 40% of the area of pre-independence India and constituted 23% of its population.
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Which was the largest princely state before independence?

As a response to this: Hyderabad
Hyderabad was the largest princely state in India.

How many states were there in India in 1947?

562 princely states
Formation Dates of Indian States. Post India’s independence in 1947, there were 562 princely states. Most of the states acceded to India. Many of these princely states were transformed into new states.

Which countries were part of the British Raj?

The British Raj extended over almost all present-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, except for small holdings by other European nations such as Goa and Pondicherry.

How many princely states were there in India before 1947?

Response will be: Before the Partition of India in 1947, about 584 princely states, also called "native states", existed in India, which were not part of British India, the parts of the Indian subcontinent which had not been conquered or annexed by the British, but under indirect rule, subject to subsidiary alliances .

What are Indian princely states?

Response will be: The Indian Princely States (aka Native States or Princely India) were those states in the Indian subcontinent the British did not conquer but which were typically bound by treaty first to the East India Company and then to the British Crown.

When did India become a part a state?

Effective from 1950, the Constitution of India classified the constituent units of India into three classes—Part A, B, and C states. The former British provinces, together with the princely states that had been merged into them, were the Part A states. The princely unions, plus Mysore and Hyderabad, were the Part B states.

What type of territory did India have under the British Raj?

India under the British Raj (the "Indian Empire") consisted of two types of territory: British India and the native states or princely states. In its Interpretation Act 1889, the British Parliament adopted the following definitions: (4.)

How many princely states were there in India before 1947?

Answer to this: Before the Partition of India in 1947, about 584 princely states, also called "native states", existed in India, which were not part of British India, the parts of the Indian subcontinent which had not been conquered or annexed by the British, but under indirect rule, subject to subsidiary alliances .

What are Indian princely states?

Answer: The Indian Princely States (aka Native States or Princely India) were those states in the Indian subcontinent the British did not conquer but which were typically bound by treaty first to the East India Company and then to the British Crown.

When did India become a part a state?

Response: Effective from 1950, the Constitution of India classified the constituent units of India into three classes—Part A, B, and C states. The former British provinces, together with the princely states that had been merged into them, were the Part A states. The princely unions, plus Mysore and Hyderabad, were the Part B states.

What type of territory did India have under the British Raj?

Response will be: India under the British Raj (the "Indian Empire") consisted of two types of territory: British India and the native states or princely states. In its Interpretation Act 1889, the British Parliament adopted the following definitions: (4.)