Indian Princely States: Size, Power, and Independence

Hyderabad was the largest princely state in terms of area, covering an area of 214,190 square kilometers.

Hyderabad was also the most populous princely state, with a population of over 16 million people.

Baroda was the richest princely state, with an annual revenue of over 100 million rupees.

Gwalior was the most powerful princely state militarily, with a well-trained and equipped army.

Travancore was the most progressive princely state, with a high literacy rate, a well-developed infrastructure, and a strong social welfare system.

Arcot was the first princely state to sign a treaty with the British East India Company, in 1751.

Punjab was the last princely state to be annexed by the British, in 1849.

Jodhpur was the first princely state to join the Indian Union after independence, on April 18, 1948.

Manipur was the last princely state to join the Indian Union after independence, on October 15, 1949.

Junagadh was the most reluctant princely state to join the Indian Union after independence, and it only did so after a military intervention by the Indian Army.

Sikkim was the only princely state to remain independent after independence, and it only joined the Indian Union in 1975.