List of princely states of British India (by region)

The princely states of British India, also known as native states or Indian states, were nominally sovereign entities within the British Indian Empire. Unlike the provinces of British India, which were directly governed by British officials, these states were ruled by hereditary rulers, often styled as Maharajas, Rajas, Nizams, or other traditional titles. The relationship between the British Crown and the princely states was defined by treaties and subsidiary alliances, wherein the states generally acknowledged British paramountcy in exchange for internal autonomy and protection.

This list provides a regional categorization of these states. It is important to note that boundaries and affiliations could change over time, and some states may have been geographically located in areas that overlapped with regional classifications. The British administrative divisions also evolved, which could impact categorizations. This list serves as a general overview and may not capture every single state or precisely reflect historical fluctuations.

Regional Categories:

• Bengal Agency: This agency included states primarily located in the Bengal region. Examples of states in this agency include: Cooch Behar, Tripura.

• Bihar Agency: States under the Bihar Agency were located in the Bihar region.

• Bombay Presidency: This presidency encompassed a diverse range of states. Prominent examples include: Kolhapur, Baroda (a major state, later part of the Baroda, Western India and Gujarat States Agency).

• Central India Agency: A large agency overseeing numerous states in central India. Notable examples include: Gwalior, Indore, Bhopal, Rewa.

• Madras Presidency: States located in the Madras Presidency. Key examples include: Travancore, Cochin, Pudukkottai.

• North-West Frontier Province: States bordering the North-West Frontier Province, such as Amb, Chitral, Dir, and Swat.

• Punjab States Agency: States located in the Punjab region, including: Patiala, Nabha, Jind, Kapurthala, Faridkot, and Mandi.

• Rajputana Agency: A large agency encompassing the Rajputana region. Notable examples include: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Kota, Bundi, Kishangarh, Alwar.

• United Provinces Agency: States located in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand). Example: Rampur.

• Hyderabad Residency: This residency focused on the large and important state of Hyderabad.

• Baluchistan Agency: The agency managed states in the Baluchistan region. Examples include: Kalat, Las Bela, Kharan, and Makran.

• Assam: States located in the Assam region. Examples: Manipur.

It is important to note that the degree of autonomy and the specific terms of the relationship with the British varied considerably among these states. Some enjoyed greater internal sovereignty than others. The integration of these princely states into independent India and Pakistan following the Partition of India in 1947 was a complex and significant process.