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 passing, I may note that the term 'feudal' does not express with any approach to correctness the relation of the Native States to the Government of India.

From Rambles and Recollections of an Indian Official by Sleeman, William

The Native States cannot, however, live wholly in water-tight compartments.

From India, Old and New by Chirol, Valentine, Sir

The remarriage of widows is permitted, and in Native States is not less costly to the bridegroom than the regular ceremony.

From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)

The phrase is now generally used to mean an administrative division, namely, the group of Native States under the Central India Agency at Indore, which deals with about 148 chiefs and rulers of various rank.

From Rambles and Recollections of an Indian Official by Sleeman, William