Paramountcy
Also called: Suzerainty of the British Crown · Topic: Challenges of Nation Building: Partition, Princely States and Reorganisation · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 1 "Challenges of Nation Building"
Meaning
Paramountcy was the supreme authority of the British Crown over the princely states. The princes ran their own internal affairs but accepted British control. Under section 7 of the Indian Independence Act 1947, paramountcy lapsed (ended) at independence. This left about 565 princely states legally free to join India or Pakistan, or to stay independent. The choice lay with the rulers, not with their people.
Example
When paramountcy lapsed, Travancore declared independence, and Hyderabad did the same the next day. The Nawab of Bhopal did not want to join the Constituent Assembly. India risked breaking into many small countries. To prevent this, Sardar Patel's States Ministry persuaded the rulers to sign the Instrument of Accession.
Don't confuse with
- Instrument of Accession: paramountcy was Britain's power, and it ended in 1947. The Instrument of Accession was the document a ruler signed afterwards to join India, usually handing over defence, external affairs and communications.