India of the Princes

The 562 Indian states ruled by princes during the period of British control. They occupied an area of 1,854,347 sq km/715,967 sq mi (45% of the total area of pre-partition India) and had a population of over 93 million. At the partition of British India in 1947 the princes were given independence by the British government but were advised to adhere to either India or Pakistan. Between 1947 and 1950 all except Kashmir were incorporated in either country.