It is very complex to quantify the number of former independent princely states in India, due to their large number and the variations in their territory. The figure for sovereign families fluctuates between 560 in some listings, up to 706 in others. The antiquity and origin of the states also vary; some come from the Vijayanagara Empire, others from the Mughal invasions, some are of tribal origin, and even others were created by the British. States were of very diverse sizes, and the main ruling families were distinguished by the number of gun salutes the British army fired in their honor. Many of these smaller states were annexed by other. The number of principalities also varies in some listings depending on whether the former monarchies of present-day Pakistan or the kingdoms of the Himalayas are included.
In a complex hierarchy, only the ruler of Hyderabad held the title of "Nizam". The main rulers of Hindu religion were the "Maharajas", and those of smaller states were the "Rajas". In the predominantly Muslim kingdoms, the titles of "Nawab" and, to a lesser extent, "Sultan" were preferred. Other denominations existed according to the regions, such as "Thakur or Thakore", "Rana", "Rawal", and some states had their own unique and singular denomination for their princes. Lastly, there were territories within India frequently governed by hereditary dynasties, who were feudatories of maharajas, rajas, and nawabs, and whose lords held minor titles such as "Jagirdar", "Sardar" or "Zamindar".
The unification of India in 1947 ended the independence of the different states, and the princely titles were officially abolished in 1971, as well as the privileges that had been granted to the former ruling families.
In a complex hierarchy, only the ruler of Hyderabad held the title of "Nizam". The main rulers of Hindu religion were the "Maharajas", and those of smaller states were the "Rajas". In the predominantly Muslim kingdoms, the titles of "Nawab" and, to a lesser extent, "Sultan" were preferred. Other denominations existed according to the regions, such as "Thakur or Thakore", "Rana", "Rawal", and some states had their own unique and singular denomination for their princes. Lastly, there were territories within India frequently governed by hereditary dynasties, who were feudatories of maharajas, rajas, and nawabs, and whose lords held minor titles such as "Jagirdar", "Sardar" or "Zamindar".
The unification of India in 1947 ended the independence of the different states, and the princely titles were officially abolished in 1971, as well as the privileges that had been granted to the former ruling families.
Although in practice the titles continue to be used privately and ceremonially. The Supreme Court of India itself has mentioned the titles of members of Indian royal families in several recent lawsuits.
Fate of such a large number of royal families has necessarily been very varied, but many retain their palaces and heritage and enjoy the respect and reverence of their former subjects. The usual succession in all these kingdoms passes to the eldest son of the first wife.
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