India, Feb. 16 -- Before independence, the British governed India through a dual system. Approximately two-thirds of the country was under direct British control via Presidencies and Provinces, managed by Governors or Commissioners. The remainder consisted of Princely States, which were ruled by local monarchs under treaties with British Crown.

While Britain held suzerainty - acting as the paramount power - these States enjoyed relative administrative autonomy, though defence, communications and external affairs remained under British jurisdiction.

The lapse of suzerainty and the challenge of accession

When the British Government decided to exit the subcontinent by partitioning it into India and Pakistan, British suzerainty over the Pr...