Native States

British  

plural noun

1. Also called: Indian States and Agencies.  the former 562 semi-independent states of India, ruled by Indians but subject to varying degrees of British authority: merged with provinces by 1948; largest states were Hyderabad, Gwalior, Baroda, Mysore, Cochin, Jammu and Kashmir, Travancore, Sikkim, and Indore

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Example Sentences

There was, of course, no voting in the Native States ruled by India's bejeweled potentates.

From Time Magazine Archive

In this respect the ruling chiefs unquestionably reflect the views which prevail amongst the better-class Indians in British India as well as in the Native States.

From Indian Unrest by Chirol, Valentine, Sir

The term Punjábi much more nearly, but still imperfectly, covers the people of the Panjáb, the North-West Frontier Province, Kashmír and the associated smaller Native States.

From The Panjab, North-West Frontier Province, and Kashmir by Douie, James McCrone, Sir

Among the Colonies there is much scope for the specialist, notably in Queensland, South Australia, India—if the Native States be excepted—Canada, including the specimens issued by the various provinces prior to 1864, and the Transvaal.

From Peeps at Postage Stamps by Johnson, Stanley Currie

Native States, 185-197; total population of, 185; proposal to establish an Imperial Advisory Council, 185; no voice in questions of tariff, &c.,

From Indian Unrest by Chirol, Valentine, Sir