Princely States were semi-autonomous regions in India during the British colonial period, governed by local rulers known as maharajas or nawabs. These states were not directly controlled by the British but were under their suzerainty, meaning the British had ultimate authority while allowing local rulers to maintain some degree of power. After India gained independence in 1947, the princely states were encouraged to join the newly formed nation. Most states acceded to India, leading to the integration of these regions into the Indian Union, which helped shape the modern political landscape of the country.