India is a country known for its diversity in culture, language, and religion. However, before the year 1947, India was not divided into the states as we know them today. In fact, it was ruled by the British Empire and was called the British Raj. So, how many states were there in India before 1947? Let's find out.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
India is a country known for its diversity in culture, language, and religion. However, before the year 1947, India was not divided into the states as we know them today. In fact, it was ruled by the British Empire and was called the British Raj. So, how many states were there in India before 1947? Let's find out.
The British Raj
The British Raj was the period of British rule in the Indian subcontinent from 1858 to 1947. During this time, India was divided into provinces and princely states. The provinces were directly ruled by the British, while the princely states were ruled by the Indian princes under the guidance of the British.
Provinces
There were 11 provinces in British India, which were:
- Bengal
- Bihar and Orissa
- Central Provinces and Berar
- Madras
- Bombay
- Assam
- North-West Frontier Province
- Punjab
- Sindh
- United Provinces
- East Punjab
Each province had its own governor and legislative council.
Princely States
The princely states were ruled by Indian princes who were permitted to maintain their sovereignty in exchange for their loyalty to the British Crown. There were around 565 princely states in India before 1947.
The largest princely state was Hyderabad, while the smallest was Lawa. Some of the other major princely states were:
- Mysore
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Baroda
- Travancore
- Indore
Question and Answer
Q: How many states were there in India before 1947?
A: India was divided into provinces and princely states. There were 11 provinces and around 565 princely states in India before 1947.
Q: Who ruled the princely states in India before 1947?
A: The princely states were ruled by Indian princes who were permitted to maintain their sovereignty in exchange for their loyalty to the British Crown.
Conclusion
India had a rich and diverse history before it became an independent nation in 1947. The British Raj played a significant role in shaping India's political and social structure during that time. Understanding the number of states that existed in India before 1947 is essential to understanding India's history and the impact of British rule on the country.
