Princely States in British India: How 562 Kingdoms Were Divided Between India and Pakistan

The story of India’s independence in 1947 is often told through the struggle against British rule and the Partition of India into two nations—India and Pakistan. However, another equally fascinating chapter was the future of the princely states. These kingdoms, ruled by hereditary monarchs, covered nearly 40 percent of the land area of the Indian subcontinent and were home to almost one-fourth of its population.

Many people believe that the famous figure of 562 or 565 princely states refers only to independent India. In reality, this number represented all princely states in the British Indian Empire, including territories that became part of modern India and Pakistan. Understanding how these states were integrated helps explain one of the greatest political achievements of the twentieth century.

What Were Princely States?

The British Indian Empire consisted of two distinct types of territories.

The first category included provinces such as Bombay, Madras, Bengal and Punjab, which were governed directly by the British Crown.

The second category comprised princely states. These were kingdoms ruled by Indian monarchs—Maharajas, Nawabs, Nizams, Rajas and other hereditary rulers. They accepted British supremacy in matters such as foreign affairs and defense but retained considerable internal autonomy. They collected taxes, maintained palaces, administered justice and preserved their own traditions.

Although these rulers enjoyed prestige and autonomy, they were not fully sovereign nations because the British exercised paramountcy over them.

How Many Princely States Were There?

Most historians accept that there were 562 princely states at the time of Indian independence. Some historical records mention 565, depending on whether a few tiny estates and special jurisdictions are counted separately.

Both figures refer to the entire British Indian Empire in 1947, not just the territory that became India.

The size of these states varied enormously.

Some, such as Hyderabad, Jammu and Kashmir and Mysore, covered vast territories and had populations of millions.

Others, particularly in western India, consisted of only a handful of villages and covered less than ten square kilometers.

This extraordinary diversity made the integration process extremely complex after independence.

Why Did Gujarat Have So Many Princely States?

Present-day Gujarat had the highest concentration of princely states in the entire subcontinent.

Historians estimate that approximately 220 to 230 princely states were located in present-day Gujarat, particularly in the Kathiawar or Saurashtra region. This means nearly 40 percent of all princely states were concentrated in one region.

This remarkable situation developed over centuries.

The Kathiawar peninsula was ruled by numerous Rajput clans, Jadeja rulers, Jhala chiefs, Gohil dynasties and other local families. Instead of one large kingdom emerging, many independent principalities survived.

When the British established control over western India, they chose not to eliminate these rulers. Instead, they recognized each kingdom separately under British paramountcy.

As a result, Gujarat became a political mosaic consisting of hundreds of kingdoms of different sizes.

Some of the most important princely states in Gujarat included:

• Baroda
• Junagadh
• Bhavnagar
• Nawanagar
• Porbandar
• Gondal
• Morvi
• Wankaner
• Dhrangadhra

Alongside these famous kingdoms were hundreds of tiny principalities that ruled only a few villages.

Were All Princely States Part of India?

No.

This is one of the most common misconceptions.

The total of 562 princely states belonged to the British Indian Empire before Partition. After British rule ended, these states had to decide whether to join India or Pakistan.

Most chose India.

A small number joined Pakistan because of geography, political considerations or negotiations with Pakistani leaders.

Therefore, the famous total includes princely states that today lie within both India and Pakistan.

Which States Joined Pakistan?

Approximately 13 princely states eventually acceded to Pakistan.

Some of the most significant were:

• Bahawalpur
• Khairpur
• Kalat
• Las Bela
• Kharan
• Makran
• Swat
• Dir
• Chitral
• Amb

These states were geographically connected to Pakistan and therefore found accession relatively straightforward.

The Case of Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur was among the wealthiest princely states in the subcontinent.

Located in present-day southern Punjab, Pakistan, it possessed fertile agricultural land and enjoyed considerable prosperity.

Its ruler voluntarily joined Pakistan in 1947.

Initially, Bahawalpur retained substantial autonomy and continued functioning as a princely state.

However, in 1955, Pakistan merged Bahawalpur into the province of West Pakistan under the “One Unit” policy.

The ruling family retained prestige but gradually lost political authority.

The Story of Khairpur

Khairpur, situated in modern Sindh province, also acceded to Pakistan.

Like Bahawalpur, it initially retained internal autonomy.

Its rulers continued to enjoy ceremonial importance for several years before Pakistan abolished the princely system.

Today, Khairpur is an ordinary district within Sindh Province.

The Special Case of Junagadh

Junagadh remains one of the most controversial princely states of Partition.

Located in present-day Gujarat, Junagadh had a Muslim Nawab ruling over an overwhelming Hindu majority.

Despite lacking a land border with Pakistan, the Nawab decided to accede to Pakistan in 1947.

The decision created widespread unrest.

The people opposed accession, neighboring states expressed concern and the Government of India intervened.

The Nawab fled to Karachi.

India assumed administrative control and later organized a plebiscite in which an overwhelming majority voted in favor of joining India.

Today, Junagadh remains part of Gujarat, while Pakistan continues to maintain a formal claim based on the original accession document.

What Happened to the Nawab of Junagadh?

The Nawab, Muhammad Mahabat Khan III, settled in Karachi after leaving India.

Although he retained his royal title socially, he never regained political authority.

Unlike some rulers who became influential in Pakistan, the Nawab lived a relatively quiet life.

Historical accounts suggest that his financial position declined over time because much of his former state’s assets remained in India.

He died in Karachi in 1959.

What About Bangladesh?

Present-day Bangladesh formed the eastern wing of Pakistan until 1971.

Unlike western India or Pakistan, East Bengal contained very few princely states.

The region had been administered primarily through directly governed British provinces rather than numerous hereditary kingdoms.

Therefore, Bangladesh inherited almost no significant princely states after Partition.

The Role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

One of the greatest achievements of independent India was the peaceful integration of princely states.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, assisted by civil servant V. P. Menon, persuaded hundreds of rulers to join the Indian Union.

Through diplomacy, negotiation and constitutional guarantees, Patel secured the accession of almost every princely state within months.

Without this effort, India could have fragmented into hundreds of independent kingdoms.

Only a few difficult cases remained, including Hyderabad, Junagadh and Jammu & Kashmir.

Each required a different political solution.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad was the largest princely state in India.

Its ruler, the Nizam, initially wished to remain independent.

In 1948, India launched Operation Polo, after which Hyderabad became part of the Indian Union.

The Nizam later accepted the new political arrangement and remained in Hyderabad.

Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir became the most complicated accession issue.

Its Maharaja initially attempted to remain independent.

Following an invasion by tribal forces from Pakistan, he signed the Instrument of Accession to India in October 1947.

This decision triggered the first Indo-Pakistani war and created a dispute that continues even today.

Why Did Most Rulers Agree to Join India?

Several factors influenced the decisions of princely rulers.

Geography played a major role because isolated kingdoms surrounded by Indian territory had little practical choice.

Economic considerations also mattered.

Many rulers recognized that remaining independent would be financially and administratively difficult.

The Indian government further reassured rulers by allowing them to retain titles, palaces and annual privy purses for some time after accession.

These assurances helped persuade many reluctant rulers.

What Happened to the Princes After Independence?

Although rulers surrendered sovereignty, they initially retained certain privileges.

Many continued living in their palaces.

Some entered democratic politics.

Others became diplomats, governors or members of Parliament.

In 1971, India abolished privy purses and officially withdrew recognition of royal titles through the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

Pakistan followed a similar path by ending the special constitutional status of former princely rulers.

As a result, royal families lost political authority but often remained socially influential.

Some converted palaces into heritage hotels.

Others entered business or public service.

Why Is the Integration of Princely States Considered Historic?

The successful integration of more than 560 kingdoms into a single democratic republic remains one of the greatest administrative achievements in modern history.

Unlike many newly independent countries that experienced prolonged civil wars, India managed to unify an extraordinarily diverse political landscape within a remarkably short period.

This laid the foundation for political stability, national unity and economic development.

Without integration, the Indian subcontinent could have resembled a patchwork of hundreds of independent kingdoms, making governance and development far more difficult.

Legacy of the Princely States

Even though princely states disappeared decades ago, their legacy remains visible across South Asia.

Magnificent palaces, forts, museums and temples continue to attract millions of visitors.

Cities such as Jaipur, Mysuru, Udaipur, Hyderabad, Vadodara, Junagadh and Bhavnagar still reflect their royal heritage.

Many royal families remain respected in local society, while historians continue studying their contributions to architecture, culture, administration and education.

The princely states also played a decisive role during India’s transition from colonial rule to independence. Their peaceful integration ensured that the world’s largest democracy began its journey as a united nation rather than a collection of competing kingdoms.

Conclusion

The figure of 562 or 565 princely states represents the entire British Indian Empire before Partition—not merely independent India. While the overwhelming majority joined India, about thirteen acceded to Pakistan. Gujarat alone accounted for nearly forty percent of all princely states due to its unique historical development, making it the region with the highest concentration of royal kingdoms.

The successful integration of these states, led largely by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and V. P. Menon, transformed a fragmented political landscape into a unified nation. Today, although the princely states no longer exist as political entities, their cultural, architectural and historical legacy continues to shape the identity of both India and Pakistan.