The correct answer is: C) Integrated into the Indian Union.
After India’s independence, the princely states were integrated into the Indian Union. This was done through a process of negotiation and agreement between the Indian government and the rulers of the princely states. The process was completed in 1949, with the merger of the last princely state, Junagadh.
The integration of the princely states into the Indian Union was a complex and challenging process. There were a number of different factors that had to be considered, including the size and population of the princely states, the nature of their relationship with the British Raj, and the wishes of their rulers.
In the end, the Indian government was able to successfully integrate the princely states into the Indian Union. This was a major achievement, and it helped to lay the foundation for the modern Indian state.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option A: Abolished immediately. This option is incorrect because the princely states were not abolished immediately after India’s independence. Instead, they were integrated into the Indian Union through a process of negotiation and agreement.
- Option B: Given limited autonomy. This option is incorrect because the princely states were not given limited autonomy after India’s independence. Instead, they were integrated into the Indian Union and became part of the Indian state.
- Option C: Integrated into the Indian Union. This option is correct because the princely states were integrated into the Indian Union after India’s independence. This was done through a process of negotiation and agreement between the Indian government and the rulers of the princely states.
- Option D: Allowed to remain independent. This option is incorrect because the princely states were not allowed to remain independent after India’s independence. Instead, they were integrated into the Indian Union and became part of the Indian state.