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 ...
Maharajas, nawabs, rajas, and sultans. The former sovereign states of India