Princely State Administration under British Suzerainty

The administration of Princely States under British suzerainty was a system of indirect rule characterized by the doctrine of Paramountcy. While the states retained nominal internal sovereignty, the British Crown, represented by the Viceroy, held ultimate authority over all external affairs and reserved the right to intervene in internal governance.

The Principle of Paramountcy (Suzerainty)

  • External Sovereignty: All princely states surrendered control over their Defence and External Affairs to the British. The states could not maintain independent military forces (beyond internal police) or conduct diplomatic relations with other states or foreign powers.
  • Internal Autonomy (Limited): Rulers retained authority over their internal ....
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Indian History