White Paper on Indian States (1950)/Part 2/Historical Survey

by Ministry of States, Government of India

Historical Survey

30. Historically the main common feature that distinguished the States from the Provinces was that the States unlike the Provinces had not been annexed by the British. In their individual origin, however, the evolution and growth of States represented different processes. Firstly, there were the old established States, such as those in Rajputana, which were in existence before the main waves of foreign invasion took place. Another class consisted, mainly of the States with Muslim dynasties, which were founded by the nobles or the Viceroys of the foreign invaders. Then there were the newer States, which the British recognised during the final stages of the consolidation of their power.