The correct answer is: A) Princely states.
Parts of Madhya Pradesh were under direct British rule, while other parts remained as princely states. These princely states were ruled by hereditary rulers who owed allegiance to the British Crown. They were not part of British India, but they were under British suzerainty.
The princely states were a diverse group, ranging in size from small principalities to large kingdoms. They had their own governments, laws, and customs. The British did not interfere in the internal affairs of the princely states, but they did have the right to intervene in cases of misrule.
The princely states were abolished in 1947, when India gained independence. The rulers of the princely states were given the choice of joining either India or Pakistan. Most of the princely states in Madhya Pradesh joined India.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option A: Princely states were Indian states that were not part of British India. They were ruled by hereditary rulers who owed allegiance to the British Crown.
- Option B: Independent kingdoms were Indian states that were not ruled by any foreign power. They were ruled by hereditary rulers who were not subject to any outside authority.
- Option C: Colonies of other European powers were Indian states that were ruled by European powers other than Britain. These states were not part of British India, but they were under the control of other European powers.
- Option D: Autonomous tribal regions were Indian regions that were not under the control of any central government. They were ruled by their own tribal leaders and were not subject to any outside authority.