since 1 June 97
Part of this structure was reflected in the traditional coloration of maps of Britain's "Indian Empire" (and one would be useful reference item to prochure). On these maps, the "red" portions were directly ruled by the British Crown (after 1859, some 2/3 of the map area, so-called "British India"), while the remaining "yellow" areas were these Princely States. India's administration also reflected this pattern. The chief British administrative officer in India was the "Viceroy and Governor-General;" he was the Viceroy in his relations, represnting the Crown, with the princes and was the Governor-General as he administered "British India."
It should be pointed out that the habitual terminology of "Princely States" is significantly flawed. These states were not ruled by "princes," but rather by "kings," some of whom enjoyed a truly ancient heritage of political power. For the British -- and their ideology of imperialism -- there was but one significant "king" (and he lived in London); Indian rulers were (and had to be) "princes." Despite the unfortunate origins, this terminology has become common, and I retain it here.
At the risk of interjecting "political comment," it is important to bear in mind that, as we begin to celebrate the 50th anniversary of India's independence, we ought also to be commemorating the loss of independence for these 650 centuries-old states. What was, for India and Pakistan, a day of independence on 15 August 1947, was for the States the beginning of their end.
These pages will attempt to present basic background information on these states and will provide access to these data in two fashions. One, the geographical region, organized by British administrative arrangement; the other, the British ceremonial system of the number of "guns" allowed in the ceremonial salute of a given state.
At some future date, I hope to introduce a "clickable map" as an additional means of access to this material.
In addition, there are now separate fragmentary pages on the stamps and hundis of the Princely States. Excellent pages are also available on the banknotes and coins (by Nupam Mahajan) of the States.
A. Flicher, Drapeaux et Armoiries des etats princiers de l'Empire des Indes (Dreux: ca. 1984)
[India. Foreign Department.] Memorandum on Native States in India, 1912 (Calcutta: 1912)
since 1 June 97