An analysis of socio-economic reforms in princely India

Abstract

During the British Raj, over five hundred nominally independent princely states dotted the Indian landscape. Their rulers were as different in their outlooks as in their eccentricities. While many among them were deeply traditional, relying on their feudal rights to appropriate vast personal fortunes, others were far more progressive. Many princes initiated social and economic reforms in their small kingdoms. There were many driving forces behind the enactment of these reforms, and the process was far less complex when contrasted with modern legislative processes in India. Education reforms in Baroda and Travancore along with banking reforms in Baroda have been focused on in this project, with a subsequent discussion on possible lessons for modern Indian states. An interview with the present Rajmata of Baroda covering these themes and representing the views of the erstwhile ruling families on the reform process has been has been included at the end.